A Local Expert’s Top 5 Spots in Atlanta
Atlanta is diverse and sprawling, which means narrowing down where your group wants to go and what you want to do while you’re here can be a challenge. If you need some help narrowing down your itinerary, we’ve put together an Atlanta group travel guide with the help of Dan Tanner, an Atlanta local for over 30 years and the owner of tour company DTour.
Here are the top five best places to visit in Atlanta, according to Dan:
1. Cabbagetown
A mix of historic charm and artistic flair, Cabbagetown is a great place to start if you’re traveling with foodies. Here, you’ll find tons of innovative kitchens housed in historic buildings.
“Carroll Street Cafe is a neighborhood standard,” Dan says. “Great people-watching and curbside seating. And Agave is a real find with delicious Southwestern fare and the largest tequila bar in Atlanta. Built in 1881, the old Fulton Bag & Cotton Mill dominates the neighborhood. It was converted to lofts in the turn of the 21st century.”
Visiting with art enthusiasts? You won’t leave disappointed if you pay Krog Street Tunnel a visit.
“The neighborhood also contains the largest collection of street art and muralists,” Dan says. “Fun fact: the work is updated every year.”
2. Downtown
As the city’s busiest district, it should come as no surprise that Downtown hosts many of Atlanta’s most popular destinations. After you’ve relaxed by the fountains in Centennial Olympic Park, caught a game or concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or toured the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Dan recommends supporting smaller local vendors.
“Another good stop is the Sweet Auburn Curb Market on Edgewood Avenue,” he says. “Aside from some small eateries that are worth trying, there is also a traditional farmer's market where you can purchase local meat, seafood, and produce. Be sure to try the popcorn vendor, Miss D's.”
Another unmissable Downtown stop is the free-to-enter Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site, which offers visitors a new perspective into the life of the iconic Civil Rights Movement leader. National Park Service rangers are stationed at the site and are happy to answer any questions your group may have, but Dan offers this advice for those seeking a more in-depth tour:
“Having a private guide adds a deeper experience and a more nuanced breadth of information. Consider investing for a much more comprehensive look at Atlanta’s Civil Rights history.”
3. Inman Park
If your group is planning to stroll along the BeltLine—the former railroad corridor recently turned into a trail and string of greenspaces—this neighborhood should be on your Atlanta bucket list.
“Now containing one of the largest collections of Victorian homes in Atlanta, Inman Park was previously the site of the Battle of Atlanta in 1864,” Dan says. “The neighborhood also contains the home of the founder of the Coca-Cola Company. North Highland Avenue contains an array of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, including Inman Perk, Barcelona Wine Bar, and Parish, located in an old train depot.”
4. Buckhead
Some folks call this neighborhood the Beverly Hills of the South for many reasons. Not only is it affluent and beautiful, but it also offers some of the city’s best nightlife. Get a taste of luxury without straying too far from the city’s center—and don’t forget to stop by the renowned Lenox Mall. If you’re lucky, your group may bump into a star from your favorite shows and movies!
“Buckhead is a great addition to your trip if you are interested in high-end residential architecture, shopping, dining, and nightlife,” Dan says. “Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza offer endless shopping opportunities as well as the exclusive Shops of Buckhead (Jimmy Choo, Dior, etcetera). There are a wide array of dining options, from Canoe on the Chattahoochee River to Fado Irish Pub to the Shake Shack in the Shops of Buckhead.”
5. Midtown
Midtown is a great spot for all kinds of visiting groups—in fact, many locals say a visit to Atlanta isn’t complete without a stop in Midtown. Often considered one of the most beautiful districts in the city, it’s home to a few of the South’s top cultural institutions, including the High Museum of Art, The Center for Puppetry Arts, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
With so much to see and do in Midtown, we wouldn’t recommend driving here. Parking is not only expensive, but the traffic can be unbearable for out-of-towners. Instead, consider booking a bus rental to ease your transportation around the area’s top sights. Molding your itinerary to the public transportation schedule is not a great way to streamline your trip, so your group may be better served by booking a charter bus rental that can run on your group's preferred schedule.
Dan recommends stopping by the famous Varsity drive-in near Georgia Tech. He also adds:
“Crescent Avenue is home to the best collection of restaurant and bar stops, including Ri Ra Irish Pub, where the entire interior decor is imported from Ireland.”
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