Location: Downtown
Top Things to do in Downtown
What to do and see in Downtown, Georgia (GA): The Best Things to do
Atlanta has been dubbed everything from the "capital of the new South" and "the next international city" to "the best place to do business." It's also a great place to visit. Fueled by the prosperity of local mega companies like Coca Cola and Holiday Inn, the prestige of hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and the energy of young upwardly mobile types who have migrated to the city in droves - Atlanta is on fire. And this time it's a good thing. From world-class restaurants and a myriad of cultural attractions to a hip nightlife and sporting events galore, the city is cosmopolitan in every sense of the word. But Atlanta has also managed to maintain its historic character. Stop by the Atlanta History Center or visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site, a moving tribute to an American icon. Browse through the former home of famous author Margaret Mitchell or pop into the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum for details on the life and times of the former president and his family. Whether you choose modern urban endeavors or old southern pleasures, Atlanta will not disappoint.
Restaurants in Atlanta
1. Candler Building
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
2. Fish Statue
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Located outside the Atlanta Fish Market Restaurant, this will soon be recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest statue of a fish in the world.
3. Ivan Allen Jr. Braves Museum & Hall of Fame
4. State Farm Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 889 reviews
Philips Arena, named for founding partner Philips Electronics and home of the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers, NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and WNBA's Atlanta Dream, has hosted many top tours and events including: U2, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Disney On Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, Sesame Street Live and so many more!
Reviewed By daviemars - Chicago, United States
The sightlines for basketball are terrific and the renevations they did here are top notch. I was really happy with the concession prices since going to sporting events back in Chicago, concessions can get a little pricy. It was east to get in and out of the arena, and parking was only 11 bucks, can't beat that for an NBA game!
5. APEX Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
The Atlanta Apex Museum is entirely devoted to African-American history in order to promote cultural awareness and the societal contributions by African-Americans in Georgia. From one of Atlanta's first Black owned business to pioneer stories to local historical information to baseball to videos at the Trolley Theater, the Apex Museum is full of artifacts, photographs, children's shows, presentations and more – all related to African-American culture, both past and present.
Reviewed By godsc97
Excellent source of truth education what they dont teach these days. I enjoyed the whole experience here thanks for great history museum
6. Inman Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Tour29547748193 - Marietta, United States
There is so much history in and around Inman Park - The Battle of Atlanta, Coca Cola Moguls, The beautiful Twin Houses (Dames) and more. Everything is well preserved and people have worked to keep up their homes. Make sure you have a good tour on line before you go, so you really learn about the history. Look for the little holding cell near the park. You'll be amazed that humans were put in there. Enjoy!
7. Georgia Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,123 reviews
Georgia Aquarium is the world's most magical aquarium. Situated near Centennial Olympic Park and World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta,Georgia, Georgia Aquarium offers its guests an experience like no other. Across six separate galleries, with more than 70 amazing habitats, 10 million gallons of water and thousands of species of marine animals, guests will marvel at, learn about and come to better understand such majestic aquatic animals as whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins and thousands of species of exotic fish and other animals. The spectacular AT&T Dolphin Tales show combines incredible natural animal behaviors with dynamic theatrics, a Broadway-inspired musical score and a compelling story, which together underscore the connection between humans and the animal world. The animated "Deepo's Undersea 3D Wondershow," for all ages, tells an entertaining but important story about conserving and protecting animals and their natural environment. Cafe Aquaria offers delicious sandwiches, salads, pizza, pasta and delectable desserts. Two gift shops give visitors the chance to take home a treasured collectible. Special animal encounter programs offer the chance to go behind the scenes and come face-to-face with dolphins, sea otters and penguins. Guests can even swim or dive with whale sharks and manta rays in the world's largest aquarium habitat (at 6.3 Million gallons), Ocean Voyager built by the Home Depot. And an onsite parking deck immediately adjacent to the aquarium means quick, easy-to-find and affordable parking.
Reviewed By joggerboy
From the moment you enter the Aquarium for 2-3 hours you will be thoroughly entertained and amazed in this venue. The two live shows (sea lions and dolphins) are truly entertaining and amazing; the 4D movie is fun for kids and adults; and the four "venues" in which you see an overwhelming variety of sea life are mind-boggling. The Ocean Voyage exhibit, in which you are walk underneath and through the tank containing hundreds of different fish you hope you never run into in real life is simply breathtaking. A GREATway to spend several hours in downtown Atlanta.
8. The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
9. Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Georgia State University 's Rialto Center for the Performing Arts is an 833-seat performing-arts venue located in the heart of the Fairlie-Poplar district in downtown Atlanta .
Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Hudson, United States
My husband and I went to “Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance” last night at the Rialto. He surprised me with excellent seats: front row, almost perfect center in front of the stage. Although we were ticketed to Row D, Rows A through C were removed (probably for a pit orchestra on another production). SO, front row seats to see the AMAZING Ailey II! Ailey II is athletic and innovative. Their choice of music is excellent as well as provocative. At the first intermission, we located the music from the production on Spotify and saved it to our playlists. It was THAT GOOD! The dancers... the dancers are better athletes than 90% (or more) of ANYONE you see in professional sports. And I mean that quite seriously as I am a huge fan of certain World Cup skiers. The choreography was innovative and mesmerizing. I have seen this troupe do many creative lifts and holds that I have never seen before. The footwork is intricate and the solos incredible. A joy to watch, especially from close up. The costumes helped to convey emotions in coordination with the music. I was particularly in love with the costumes from the first piece “Psukhe.” I wish I could post a photo of the vibrant red costumes but photography during the performance is not allowed. I did take photos of the company on their end curtain calls though. The Rialto is a good venue for modern dance. It is neither too large nor too small, and is kept quite clean. There are numerous ushers at all entrances and at the tops of stairs in the theater to seat you swiftly. The one thing that would be nice would be a cash bar at least with a red wine and a white wine for the intermissions, but that might be more trouble than it is worth since the intermissions for dance are relatively short. Also there used to be a Subscriber’s Lounge downstairs with red and white wine and appetizers. That was very nice for pre-concert discussions with the administration personnel. All in all, it is a very pleasant and friendly environment at the Rialto. There is also free parking in a nearby ramp, free with validation at a desk inside the Rialto front doors. It fills quickly and can take a long time to get out of, unless you know the tips and tricks. Strongly recommend that you buy your tickets before the Season starts!
10. The Sun Dial Observation Level
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By X7556MTjeremyw - Charlotte, United States
Didn't eat at the restaurant, but had to take in this beautiful view. It did not disappoint. I was even able to see planes landing at the airport which was pretty cool. If you're staying here you might as well take the quick ride to the top and enjoy the view.
