Atlanta Travel Guide
Atlanta, Georgia is where the Old South meets the New South. Antebellum mansions may be few and far between but there are plenty of historical buildings standing just streets away from post-modern skyscrapers. With more than 5 and a half million people calling the Atlanta metro area home and millions of travelers booking flights to Atlanta every year,the city maintains its“homey”, small-town Southern hospitality and charm with all the glamour and sophistication of an international city that you’d expect.
One of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S., Atlanta has several claims to fame. It is home to the world’s busiest airport in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL); one of the world’s largest aquariums in the Georgia Aquarium; the world’s largest open air, roadside fruit and vegetable stand; the oldest professional dance company in the United States in the Atlanta Ballet); and it is also the birthplace of the late Martin Luther King Jr.
Bring a tour guide with you on your Atlanta flight and read up on the city’s top tourist destinations before you arrive. Popular attractions include the World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park (originally built for the Summer Olympics in 1996), and the CNN Center. Atlanta also has a rich history that is lost on many first-time visitors. The Road to Tara Museum, where Margaret Mitchell handed over the manuscript ofGone with the Windto her publisher, draws many visitors each year as does the Sweet Auburn Historic District which reflects the history and achievements of Atlanta’s African Americans. You’ll also want to be sure to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site which consists of several buildings including the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a pastor, and his gravesite.
Also, don’t forget to bring your appetite. Many establishments serve a traditional Southern breakfast of biscuits with gravy, eggs, grits, and meat while there are plenty of restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. The nightlife scene is also bustling in downtown Atlanta if you feel like dancing the night away to today’s hottest tunes. If sports happen to be more your thing, you can take in a Braves game at the ballpark or a game of pigskin featuring the hometown Falcons. Heck, even hockey has made its way to Atlanta, so you’d be remiss not to catch a Thrashers contest.
Book a cheap flight to Atlanta, the economic and cultural capital of the American South, and experience this great city for yourself. There is so much to see and do that you may end up sticking around longer than you planned for. No matter how long you are planning to stay in Atlanta, here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip.
Getting to and around the city of Atlanta
After your flight to Atlanta lands you might not want the hassle of trying to find a way to the city. The best option is to check with your hotel before you leave and see if they offer airport transfers in with the price of the room. Many do, so it’s definitely worth asking the question. You can also hop on the subway, which is operated by the Metropolitan Area Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA for short), from directly inside the airport and ride it all the way to the city; it’s cheaper than a taxi and you won’t need to worry about traffic. Taxis are also available from outside the Terminal, but they aren’t cheap. However, if you’re in a rush and need to get to your accommodation without waiting for public transport then a taxi could be your way of doing it.
Once you are ready to explore the city, hop on Atlanta’s subway and you’ll be able to get around town quite easily. The Transit Authority also runs the buses. Atlanta has notoriously bad traffic, some of the worst in the world, so you’ll want to avoid driving if you can. A nice way to avoid traffic is biking the 15-mile loop in Piedmont Park, or head a few miles northeast of Atlanta’s downtown to hike through Fernbank Forest.
Tips for your stay in Atlanta
- Atlanta makes the list for thetop underground cities in the world, so when you’re on your trip make sure to discover the underground city of Atlanta.
- Golf fans should take to the course and practice their swing. There are a slew of unmissable golf courses in and around Atlanta.
- Discover Atlanta’s rich cultural history at the High Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia.
- Fun can be had by all the family on a visit to the famous residents of the panda exhibit at Grant Park’s Zoo Atlanta.
- Once you’ve visited the zoo, stroll around the rest of the grounds of Grant Park, Atlanta’s oldest city park.
- Stick to main attraction areas when visiting Atlanta. Certain areas of the city are known for being unsafe, including the southern parts of the city and Kirkwood in the northeast section of the metro.
- Traffic is often an issue in Atlanta. The city is always busy, so give yourself extra time if you drive anywhere.
- Check the weather before you go. With fluctuations throughout the year, you want to pack the right kind of clothes. Layering your clothes is a safe bet.
Finding Flights from Atlanta
Heading away from Atlanta? Find the best deals on outbound flights at Cheapflights. The majority of U.S. air carriers that fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also fly out of it, including Delta, American, United, Southwest and JetBlue.
Here are some of the most popular routes from Atlanta, where you will find some great flight deals:
Cheap flights from Atlanta to Los Angeles
Cheap flights from Atlanta to Madrid
Cheap flights from Atlanta to Dallas
With about 260,000 passengers traveling through Atlanta on an average day, it’s always a good idea to show up early to the airport, so you clear security in time. Avoid traffic by taking the MARTA Gold or Red line to the airport.
For more detailed airport information, ourAtlanta airport guidesinclude all the information you need to know before you go.
Atlanta, GA airport overview
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), better known as Atlanta Airport, is situated 7 miles (11km) south of the city center of Atlanta, Georgia. Since 1999, it has been the world’s busiest airport, serving 88 million passengers annually. The busiest international flights to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport come in from Cancun, Paris, Amsterdam, Toronto and Jamaica.
A massive facility, Atlanta Airport has two terminals that are separated by an atrium comprising a spacious seating area, numerous restaurants and shops, a bank, business center, the MARTA train station and the Ground Transportation Center. Six concourse buildings provide boarding access for passengers.
Overall, Atlanta Airport is organized and efficient. However, it’s fairly easy to get lost if you’re a first-time visitor. Luckily there’s an abundance of information desks and helpful staff. An Automated People Mover ensures that passengers travel between terminals and concourses with ease and efficiency.
