Atlanta Travel Guide

When maneuvering the different neighborhoods, note that the maze of roads in Atlanta can be very confusing. In fact, they're so confusing that cab drivers sometimes even get lost. Writers suggest using Atlanta's landmarks to find your bearings.

Downtown

Accessible via the Peachtree Center, Civic Center, Dome-GWCC Philips Arena-CNN and Five Points MARTA rail stations.

Most of Atlanta's commercial activity happens downtown. Many of the city's popular attractions are located relatively close to one another and are also conveniently close to MARTA's train stops (Atlanta's public transportation). We suggest going on a walking tour of the city and hitting the Centennial Olympic Park, location of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The park sits near the Georgia Aquarium, the CNN Center and the very popular World of Coca-Cola museum.

Sports fanatics might enjoy downtown Atlanta for its compilation of professional sports teams and stadiums. Philips Arena is home to the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers. Just south of downtown, the MLB's Atlanta Braves play at Turner Field.

Midtown

Accessible via the Midtown, North Avenue and Arts Center MARTA rail stations.

Just north of downtown, Midtown is dominated by tall skyscrapers and the regional headquarters of mega-corporations. In contrast is the lush Piedmont Park. The park's 180 acres of green gathers joggers, dog-walkers, picnickers and other city folks looking for a natural retreat. Recent visitors recommend you head inside Piedmont to see the Atlanta Botanical Garden, which features a children's garden, numerous walking trails and the Fuqua Orchid Center. Midtown also houses a number of performance venues, including the famous Fox Theatre and the Woodruff Arts Center.

Buckhead

Accessible via the Buckhead and Lenox MARTA rail stations.

The city's nightlife is centered in Buckhead, located north of downtown. Filled with luxury apartments and condominiums, Buckhead is also one of Atlanta's most affluent communities. Restaurants, bars and upscale shopping malls are scattered throughout. The best places to spend some cash are at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, two malls that sit near and compete with each other for patrons.

Virginia Highland

Accessible via bus routes #16, #2 and #45.

Virginia Highland, known simply as "the Highlands," is mainly residential and sits northeast of downtown Atlanta. Many art galleries and boutiques are centered here, and a large student population from nearby Emory University provides the neighborhood with a lively nightlife.

Little Five Points

Accessible via the Inman Park/Reynoldstown and Edgewood/Candler Park MARTA rail stations.

Little Five Points is the most eccentric area of Atlanta. This neighborhood just northeast of downtown is filled with quirky shops and bars and bungalows. We recommend you start here if you're looking to stay in a quaint bed and breakfast during your trip.

Safety

Although the main touristy areas are generally safe, you should still use common sense when maneuvering a big city like Atlanta. Do not flash valuables and use caution when walking around, especially at night.