As one of Atlanta’s most dynamic and active neighborhoods, Midtown Atlanta is filled with fun things to eat, see, and do!
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in this bustling area – from museums, to dining experiences, shopping, outdoor adventures, and more. With plenty of activities for the family, for date night, and for corporate outings, Midtown has it all!
Read on to discover iconic landmarks and hidden gems as we share our top recommendations for things to do in Midtown!
A few of our favorite things to do in Midtown Atlanta:
Read on for more details on these activities, and more ideas!
- Catch a performance at the Alliance Theatre, Fox Theatre, or Center for Puppetry Arts
- Experience top-notch global cuisine and low-key comfort foods
- Plan an outdoor picnic or garden adventure
- Explore unique fashion and film exhibitions at SCAD FASH
In this post, you’ll find:
- The best things to do in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia in the southeast United States
- Museums and arts and culture venues in Midtown Atlanta
- The best places to eat and drink in Midtown Atlanta
- Midtown’s best outdoor activities
- Frequently asked questions about visiting Midtown
Arts, Culture, and Museum Activities in Midtown Atlanta
1. Visit The Woodruff Arts Center – Including the High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre, & More
The Woodruff Arts Center is a Midtown Atlanta mainstay for more than half a century. Here, you’ll find the renowned High Museum of Art (pictured above), the Alliance Theatre, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
With engaging programs for all ages, the Woodruff is on a mission to “showcase art that reflect the stories, history, and heartbeat of our community.”
2. Be Dazzled by the Fabulous Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is an unforgettable destination for Atlanta concerts, Broadway in Atlanta performances, comedy shows, family events, film screenings, and more.
Built in the 1920s, this historic venue seats more than 4,500 guests amidst a mesmerizing backdrop. Become enchanted by unique architectural details and a dazzling ceiling, illuminated to look like just stars in a night sky. Settle in, sit back, and enjoy the show!
Pro tip: if you plan to visit The Fox often, check out their Marquee Club. This paid add-on provides a variety of benefits including complimentary pre-show food, access to premium bars and restrooms, access to rooftop terraces, and more!
3. Experience Magic at the Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique destination dedicated to the art of puppetry. It’s an inspiring and fun place for all those who are young at heart. With performances, a museum, and educational workshops, this is a can’t-miss spot in Midtown Atlanta!
In addition to award-winning performances, the Center for Puppetry Arts’ iconic museum features puppets from around the globe. Moreover, you’ll find a lovingly cared-for collection of Jim Henson puppets, props, and costumes here! Think: The Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Labyrinth, and so much more!
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Midtown Atlanta
4. The Consulate
Craving something unexpected in Midtown’s restaurant scene? The Consulate’s “Visa” menu is for you!
Every 90 days, one lucky guest is able to “spin the globe” to select a random country. Then, The Consulate’s Executive Chef & Owner Mei Lin creates a rotating “Visa” menu based around the dishes and flavors of that nation!
Dishes are available for just 3 months, until another guest spins the globe and a new country is chosen. A 2021 James Beard Grand Recipient, this impressive restaurant is the perfect backdrop to “wow” a loved one, family, or clients!
5. Mary Mac’s Tea Room
While the name suggests high tea and finger sandwiches, Mary Mac’s Tea Room is actually a full Southern restaurant! So, why is it called a tea room? Mary Mac’s shares, “At the time [1945], a woman couldn’t just open up a restaurant, so many female proprietors used the more refined Southern name of ‘Tea Room.’ Mary Mac’s Tea Room was one of 16 tearooms in Atlanta and seated 75 guests. Today, Mary Mac’s is the only original tearoom that remains.”
For 75+ years, this spot has delighted Atlanta diners. With dishes like fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, chicken and dumplings, and peach cobbler, this is the ideal spot to get your fix of Southern comfort food! Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are labeled, making this a great spot for a group meal.
6. The Varsity
Did you know Atlanta is home to the world’s largest drive-in restaurant? Head to The Varsity, and you’ll be greeted with shouts of, ‘What’ll ya have?!” This famous spot has been serving up burgers, hot dogs, shakes, and more since 1928. Just look for the red “V” sign with the Coca-Cola logo!
While The Varsity has half a dozen locations, their original spot sits near the border of Midtown and Downtown Atlanta. Drive-through service is currently paused – but you can eat in the enormous restaurant’s dining rooms and try all the Varsity favorites! Don’t forget to order a Frosted Orange – a sweet, cold mix of Varsity Orange and vanilla shake mix!
This is the perfect spot to visit before or after a Georgia Tech game or other sporting event!
Outdoor Activities in Midtown Atlanta
7. Piedmont Park
Adjacent to the Atlanta Botanical Garden (see below), Piedmont Park offers more than 180 acres for residents and tourists to enjoy. This popular green space is the perfect place for a picnic, grill-out, exercise, or a leisurely stroll.
Here, you’ll find a dog park, basketball and bocce courts, playgrounds, picnic shelters, swimming pool, splash pad, and more. Additionally, Lake Clara Meer features scenic dock views, and an “active oval” offers an unobstructed path for running and walking.
Piedmont Park is also home to plenty of annual events and activities – like the Dogwood Festival in the spring, Music Midtown in the fall, and many other food, music, and cultural events!
8. Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a 30-acre oasis in the heart of Midtown. With family-friendly events, romantic garden strolls, and a wide variety of exciting programs, this is a perfect spot for all to visit. Noteworthy seasonal events include Orchid Daze in the spring, Scarecrows in the Garden during fall, and more!
Additionally, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has a Gainesville, GA location northeast of the city to explore.
Planning a Midtown adventure during the holiday season? Be sure to get tickets for the Garden Lights, Holiday Nights seasonal events at the garden. They tend to sell out far in advance, so jump on tickets when you see them available for sale!
9. Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is an outdoor shopping center and neighborhood hub. Here, you’ll find variety of stores, restaurants, offices, apartments, and an AMC movie theater!
The central green space is an active community area for Creator’s Markets, family events, live music, fitness classes, and other gatherings.
Additionally, Atlantic Station is home to seasonal events and festivals – such as Cirque du Soleil, the Atlanta Beer Festival, and more!
More to Do in Midtown Atlanta
There’s so much to do in Midtown Atlanta, we couldn’t possibly list it all! But, here are a few more of our favorite ideas and activities to make the most of your visit.
10. Explore the Night Life in Midtown
Check out the night life scene! Midtown Atlanta is home to some of Atlanta’s best bars, clubs, and other fun spots for those age 21+ to enjoy. Dance your cares away and make some memories!
11. Visit SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion & Film
See SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion & Film for unique, jaw-dropping exhibitions presented in this teaching museum at SCAD Atlanta. Celebrating fashion as a universal language, SCAD FASH is a hidden gem that’s worth checking out!
12. See a Show at Whole World Improv Theater
Head to Whole World Improv Theatre for your fill of laughs in Midtown! Nightly shows cater to adult audiences, with family-friendly shows happening on a monthly basis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Midtown Atlanta
Where is Midtown Atlanta?
Midtown Atlanta, Georgia is located just north of Downtown Atlanta and east of the I-85 highway. To the north of Midtown is Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, with Peachtree Street NE connecting the two areas.
Midtown is walkable neighborhood that’s centrally located and reachable by car, on MARTA public transit trains and buses, Amtrak, bicycle, and on foot.
Where is the best place to park in Midtown Atalanta?
Depending on where you’re going, there are a variety of free and paid parking areas in Midtown Atlanta. We recommend checking with the venue you’re visiting for the most up-to-date details. Many places mentioned in this post offer free, paid, or validated on-site parking. Remember, it can be handy to have cash on hand to tip valets if needed!
Where should I stay in Midtown Atlanta?
Midtown is home to a variety of amazing hotels and places to stay!
Popular Midtown Atlanta hotels include:
- Loews Hotel Atlanta, convenient to a variety of corporate offices and cultural venues.
- The Georgian Terrace, across the street from The Fox Theatre.
- Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, for a sophisticated and luxurious experience.
- The Artmore Hotel, for a unique boutique hotel stay.
What is Midtown known for?
Midtown Atlanta is known for its vibrant art scene, thriving business community, technology startups and Georgia Institute of Technology, and an affirming, inclusive culture that embraces all walks of life.
In Midtown, you’ll find a bustling community with a focus on culture, sustainability, history, and green space. To learn more, check out the Midtown Alliance.
Join us to experience the best of Atlanta! Our walking food and history tours allow locals and tourists alike to see the city in an unexpected way. With nearly 1,500 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, an Unexpected Atlanta tour is an unforgettable experience.
