Visit Atlanta

Atlanta is a uniquely American city, with a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant future. It’s a center for civil rights, sports, nightlife, Southern cuisine and commerce – and the people who call Atlanta home take great pride in welcoming visitors.

Here’s a promise: you won’t run out of things to do in Atlanta.

Flights to Atlanta

Flying to Atlanta – and finding cheap flights to Atlanta – is a snap, thanks to all the domestic and international airlines that flock to this Georgia city.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) – This may surprise you, but Atlanta’s airport is the world’s busiest (in 2008 alone, it served more than 90 million passengers). Hartsfield-Jackson is the main hub for both Delta and AirTran, and offers flights from dozens of other carriers including international airlines such as KLM and Lufthansa.

Attractions in Atlanta

The King Center – This is the “official, living memorial dedicated to the advancement of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” See the slain civil rights leader’s crypt and eternal flame, and watch him speak once again on video about the principles of justice, equality and nonviolence.

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library – An exact replica of the former president’s Oval Office is here, along with displays of state gifts including a diamond and ruby encrusted evening bag presented to Mrs. Carter by the King of Morocco. Buy a model of Air Force One in the museum’s gift shop.

World of Coca-Cola – Watch a Coke bottling assembly line (and get your own free bottle), see a 4-D movie (yes, 4-D), taste soft drinks from around the world, and ogle displays of “Coke art”. Then give a 7-foot tall polar bear a hug.

Margaret Mitchell Home – See where Mitchell wrote “Gone With the Wind” in 1936: one million copies were sold within the first six months of publication, and it has been translated into more than 40 languages. Stop in the gift shop to buy a GWTW dress pattern and make your own hoop skirt.

Shopping and Restaurants

Dining: If you like to eat, Atlanta is heaven: get your fill of Southern-style BBQ, collard greens and sweet potato pie, and look for French brasserie temptations as well as sophisticated sushi. And don’t forget to try a Mint Julep Martini or some grit fritters.

Shopping: Head to Lenox Square for names like Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Kiehl’s – and keep an eye out for unusual boutiques in charming neighborhoods where you can find wood carvings, fine leather goods, antiques and more.

Atlanta Smart Tip

Look at any map of Atlanta and you see “Peachtree” everywhere: Peachtree Street, Peachtree Road, Peachtree Lane and more. Just remember that while folks in Atlanta are gracious and helpful to visitors, they tend to begin all directions by saying, “You just go down Peachtree…” Be sure to ask which Peachtree they’re talking about!

More Information on Atlanta

These visitor sites are filled with tourist-friendly tips (and even locals will enjoy browsing here for ideas); look for advice on what to see and do, whether you’ll be visiting Atlanta for awhile or just a quick weekend getaway.

Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau: This “official” site fills you in on all the attractions, from most popular to off-the-beaten-path diversions; see a list of “50 Fun Things to Do” and information on music and nightlife, outdoor recreation, festivals and shopping. A “Where to Eat” section helps you find the best restaurants for soul food and traditional Southern cooking plus French cuisine, sushi favorites spots and more.

Atlanta.com: An “everything” guide that includes updates on local businesses including special discounts on hotels, attractions and dining. Look for good maps here, too, and local weather reports.

City of Atlanta: You’ll find listings of all area attractions here, plus information on sporting events and the numerous fine colleges and universities in the area; also check out the transportation guide with options including taxis, trains, shuttles and even horse-drawn carriages.