Explore 15+ amazing ideas for sightseeing in Atlanta, Georgia! Here, you’ll find a vibrant city that blends Southern charm with urban energy. Known as the “Capital of the South,” Atlanta offers a diverse and thriving cultural scene with plenty of sightseeing opportunities!
This list will share top Atlanta sightseeing locations – from the city’s skyline, dotted with gleaming skyscrapers, to historic neighborhoods and landmarks. Explore Atlanta’s rich history, arts and culinary scene, nature and the outdoors, and more.
Whether you are a local Atlantan or visiting for the first time, get the inside scoop on the best popular spots and the ones off the beaten path!
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE ATLANTA SIGHTSEEING IDEAS:
Read on for more information on these ideas – and other Atlanta sightseeing attractions!
- Take a walking Atlanta tour to explore food, history, and more
- Visit top Atlanta museums and historic homes
- Snap pictures at art murals across the city
- Plan an outdoor adventure in curated gardens or natural spaces
- Explore Atlanta’s culinary scene
IN THIS GUIDE, YOU’LL FIND:
- Top sightseeing tours of Atlanta
- Popular and off the beaten path Atlanta spots
- Atlanta cultural and historic sites
- Tours of Atlanta for all ages and interests
- Easy, affordable sightseeing ideas
Sightseeing in Atlanta
Take a Walking Tour – One of Our Favorite Ideas for Sightseeing in Atlanta
Walking tours are enriching and immersive experiences that allow you to connect with your surroundings and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a place. Explore popular spots and hidden gems throughout Atlanta via walking tours. Along the way, engage with knowledgeable local guides who can share fascinating stories, historical facts, and insider tips!
1. King Historic District Atlanta Tour
See some of Atlanta’s most significant sites on this thought-provoking tour, pictured above. You’ll get an unforgettable look at iconic locations associated with Martin Luther King, Jr’s life and work. For instance, see Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Freedom Hall at the King Center, Dr. and Mrs. King’s resting place, and more. This engaging experience was named by “Conde Nast” as one of the 17 best things to do in Atlanta!
2. Tour Atlanta’s Historic Homes
Check out one of the many Atlanta historic homes and sites still standing today. Locations like The Wren’s Nest, home of the famous author and journalist Joel Chandler Harris, located in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood. Or, visit the Margaret Mitchell House, where the author wrote Gone With The Wind. Each of these locations offers guided tours for visitors to walk through the homes and learn more about its previous famous inhabitants.
3. Walk through Historic Cemeteries
On a nice day, take a sightseeing stroll through one of Atlanta’s historic cemeteries! Visit Westview Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the Southeast today. Here, you’ll find Atlanta pioneers laid to rest such as Asa G. Candler, founder of Coca-Cola.
Or, explore Historic Oakland Cemetery in Grant Park. As Atlanta’s oldest public park, this location is also home to noted Atlantans such as Margaret Mitchell and over 25 Atlanta Mayors. Pro tip: sign up for Unexpected Atlanta’s Grant Park Food Walk, which includes a jaunt through Historic Oakland Cemetery!
Grab a Bite & See the Sights
Enjoy the delightful culinary scene of Atlanta while sightseeing! Indulge in a world of delectable flavors, part of the vibrant tapestry of the city. From charming cafes tucked away on side-streets to bustling food markets brimming with aromatic delights, Atlanta is a world of culinary wonders intertwined with the cultural treasures. Look no further for top spots serving culinary delights to enjoy alongside your Atlanta sightseeing!
4. Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk
This tour combines food and history in one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Explore Grant Park with your tour group and taste 8 modern and Southern fusion tastings from 3 local food stops. The tour includes 1.2 miles of easy walking, including a stroll through Historic Oakland Cemetery and more. This Atlanta food and cocktail tour will introduce you to epic local tastes and flavors! Dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
5. Atlanta’s Food Halls
Eat your way through Atlanta’s most bustling locations at the city’s newest food halls. Check out these food hall spots for great cuisine, atmosphere, and Atlanta sights!
- Ponce City Market, located in Old Fourth Ward
- Chattahoochee Food Works, located in Underwood Hills
- The Collective Food Hall, located in Midtown
- Politan Row, located at Colony Square in Midtown
- The Municipal Market, located in Edgewood
Visit Atlanta’s Top Murals & Photo Spots
Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, check out these popular Atlanta mural spots! Tap into Atlanta’s captivating street art scene all while experiencing stunning views of the city. As a result, you’ll make lasting memories – and be sure to snap a few pictures!
6. Jackson Street Bridge
Jackson Street Bridge is where to go for the perfect picture of Downtown Atlanta. The iconic spot overlooks the city’s skyline and downtown business hub. At sunset, capture your own stunning shot of this location showcasing the beauty of the city!
7. Eastern Sub-Continental Divide Mural
Located along Dekalb Avenue in the Lake Claire neighborhood is a 350-foot mural of Atlanta’s rivers and wildlife. This mural runs east to west through Atlanta, marking the Eastern Sub-Continental Divide. Not only is this a great place to snap a photo, but it’s a one-of-a-kind geographic marker!
8. Street Art of Cabbagetown & Inman Park
The Atlanta neighborhoods of Cabbagetown and Inman Park are full of walkable murals. Cabbagetown’s Wylie Street corridor is a nationally-used canvas for artists and also host to mural events through the year. Start your stroll at the corner of Pearl and Wylie streets for endless street art photo opportunities all the way to Inman Park and the famous Krog Street Tunnel, a well-known canvas for graffiti artists (shown in the video above)!
9. Folk Art Park
Located near Downtown Atlanta, Folk Art Park is a unique outdoor street art space. With regularly changing themes, this location hosts colorful, folk-inspired pieces throughout the year showcasing several artists. Overlooking Atlanta’s ever-busy Interstate 85, this colorful addition is a must-see for street art lovers.
Visit a Museum – One of Our Favorite Ideas for Sightseeing in Atlanta
Atlanta has a museum for every interest! Explore Atlanta’s vast museum culture, from civil and human rights to inventions, art, and defining moments in history. This year-round, sightseeing idea is perfect for every season and weather forecast. In addition, find museums suitable for all ages. Here are a few of our favorite spots!
10. Atlanta History Center
Founded in 1926, this museum and research center displays the rich history of the city of Atlanta! Here, exhibitions showcase the city’s history and sights, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement and beyond. This ultimate Atlanta experience shares the heart and soul of our bustling Southern city.
11. The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
Located in Midtown Atlanta, The Breman is a cultural center dedicated to exploring Southern Jewish history. With exhibitions focusing on Jewish life in Georgia and the Holocaust, the center explores Jewish history, culture, and arts. Open select days of the week, The Breman is a great spot to take a self-guided tour and experience the galleries at your own pace.
12. The Madame C.J. Walker Museum
Celebrate Atlanta’s legacy of Black entrepreneurs! Here, you can learn about America’s first female self-made millionaire, C.J. Walker. Engage in unique exhibits showcasing Madame Walker’s work and her life as a leading African-American philanthropist. Also at this location, explore the WERDStudio, the first black-owned radio station in America!
13. The Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
Explore the rich history of papermaking at this research institution and museum! Showcasing the history of paper and paper technology, this museum allows you to engage in exhibits and experience hands-on classes. Located on the Georgia Tech campus, this museum will take you deep into the exciting history of paper!
Explore the Georgia Outdoors
Known as the “city in a forest,” Atlanta offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from lush forests to scenic trails. Outdoor lovers can explore the extensive network of hiking and biking trails or kayak or canoe along the Chattahoochee River. In addition, enjoy a picnic in one of Atlanta’s picturesque parks. Read on for a few particularly scenic spots for sightseeing in Atlanta!
14. Beautiful and Curated Gardens
No matter the season, you can enjoy nature in full bloom at these top gardens across the city. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Atlanta Botanical Garden, located in Midtown
- Cator Woolford Gardens, located in Druid Hills
- The Carter Center Gardens, located near Inman Park
- Atlanta History Center Gardens, located in Buckhead
15. Paved Paths of the Atlanta BeltLine
Enjoy 22 miles of paved trails looping around the city of Atlanta. Great for walking and biking, the Beltline offers views of Atlanta’s skyline and top Atlanta sights as you pass through several intown neighborhoods on the path. Plus, makes stops along the way including grabbing a bite to eat at Ponce City Market on the Eastside Trail, or enjoy a local brewery on the Westside Trail.
16. Public and State Parks
Atlanta is home to over 300 public parks! Nestled in neighborhoods and spanning over 3,500 acres, Atlanta’s public green spaces offer plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and people-watching. Make a stop at the biggest parks like Piedmont Park and Westside Park. Or, explore 49 state parks across Georgia and enjoy waterways like the Chattahoochee River!
Additional Atlanta Ideas for Sightseeing
Looking for more Atlanta sightseeing ideas? Other popular spots to check out include:
- Georgia Aquarium
- Zoo Atlanta (the giant pandas are a must-see!)
- High Museum of Art
- Centennial Olympic Park
- World of Coca-Cola
- Fox Theatre
- College Football Hall of Fame
Browse our blog for more fun Atlanta ideas for locals and tourists, families, couples, friends, coworkers, and more. Plus, sign up for one of our top-rated Atlanta walking tours with an experienced and friendly tour guide, immersive experiences, and unforgettable sights!
