10 things to know before visiting Atlanta

My Atlanta story began in 1990, when my parents moved their young family to the metro area so they could pursue new job opportunities. It was an exciting time to grow up in the unofficial capital of the South. Atlanta’s first black mayor, Maynard Jackson, was serving his third and final term; local leaders worked to make a successful bid to host the 1996 Summer Olympics; and Freaknik, the largest college party for historically black college and university (HBCU) students, had already gained a national reputation.

As an adult, I’ve left home many times, but this city always seems to lure me back. I find new ways to fall in love with Atlanta every time I return. If you’re planning a visit, here are some insider tips to help you familiarize yourself with our rules, our culture, and even our streets.

1. Plan to spend at least three days in the A

It will take a first-time visitor at least two days to see all the typical sights, starting with the tourist district of downtown Atlanta – home to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Museum and the National Center for civil and human rights, all in the same place. Centennial Olympic Park is just a short walk away. The King Historic District is about a five-minute drive away, but considering the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, it will take time to absorb it all. After that, visitors can choose their own adventure as they explore Atlanta’s neighborhoods; stroll along the Beltline, a 22-mile multi-use trail; or score a seat at one of Atlanta’s award-winning restaurants.

Add These Top Experiences to Your Atlanta Itinerary.

2. Know the pros and cons of each season

Summer is filled with incredible festivals and outdoor celebrations, but be prepared for temperatures of 90°F (32°C) and stifling humidity. Winters are mild, but there are far fewer things to do in Atlanta since southerners don’t like cold weather of any kind. Spring and fall are magical times in the city, but check with your allergist first. Atlanta is covered in pollen, especially in spring thanks to our abundant tree cover, but at least we can all admire the flowering dogwoods while we sneeze.

3. Prepare to see and be seen in Atlanta

Atlanta doesn’t think partying should be limited to the night. Day parties and restaurants with a lounge atmosphere – a term one website aptly calls clubtaurant – are plentiful. This style may seem strange to some visitors. Keith Lee, a popular food critic on TikTok, was shocked by the lack of hospitality at some of these businesses. But to enjoy them like a local, go for the ambiance, not the traditional restaurant service.

4. Sunday alcohol sales can be confusing

Southern cities have a complicated relationship with Sunday alcohol sales, and Atlanta is no different. It can be difficult to keep up with regulations, especially when ordinances change from county to county. If you’re within the Atlanta city limits, you can order a mimosa or bloody mary on Sunday morning brunch starting at 11 a.m. If you reside outside of Atlanta/Fulton County, please be aware that local laws may be different.

5. Getting around without a car is a challenge

MARTA is Atlanta’s public transportation system, and it is generally reliable and safe. Many people use the train’s Red and Yellow lines to get to and from the airport, but the rail system isn’t robust enough to take locals or visitors to all of the area’s best deals, spread across a large metropolitan area. Renting a car or using ride-sharing apps are your best options. Local politicians have failed to maintain the infrastructure needed to accommodate the city’s rapid population growth, so spontaneous traffic jams occur regularly. Be sure to plan ahead for any timed entries.

Navigate like a local with these tips for getting around.

6. Atlanta Has All Peachtree Streets

Whoever was responsible for naming the streets of Atlanta seemed to be out of ideas. You will notice that many roads are named after peach trees. On one hand, it’s cute because Georgia is known as the Peach State, but the charm tends to wear off quickly. At last count, 71 roads in Atlanta have Peachtree in their name. This can get confusing quickly, so pay attention to the details to see if you’re looking for Peachtree Street, Road, or Way.

7. Fill your soul with local cuisine

You can’t come to the South without getting your fill of soul food, and Atlanta has some iconic options for you. Look for local favorites like shrimp and grits, as well as chili-fried green tomatoes. Then try new classics like lemon pepper wings. For eclectic international offerings, try the food hall at Ponce City Market, Buford Highway Farmers Market or East Atlanta Village.

Other states may disagree, but here we embrace the Waffle House food chain. After all, it was founded in Avondale Estates, a suburb of Atlanta. Most people memorize their hash brown order, whether smothered (with sautéed onions), topped (with melted cheese), diced (with chopped tomatoes), or topped (with mushrooms).

8. Saying Hotlanta will get you a side eye

Yes, we know that Atlanta is hot in the summer, and yes, we also know that our city is full of fun things to do all year round. But none of these truths would ever justify someone calling the city Hotlanta. This nickname may have been acceptable when it was coined in the 20th century, but today it instantly labels you as a foreigner. Casual nicknames that locals prefer are “the A” and “ATL”. If you’re looking for more intellectual nicknames, The Gate City and The City in a Forest also apply, but are not typically used in casual conversation.

9. Black culture is intrinsically linked to Atlanta

Atlanta has the second largest population of Black Americans in the United States, behind New York. But that’s not the only reason the black community considers Atlanta a central city for culture. It is also home to four HBCUs and the Tyler Perry Studios, and is deeply rooted in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Atlanta has remained a major hub for hip hop, from early pioneers such as Frank Ski and Kilo Ali and from legends like OutKast, Ludacris and TI to new talents like Two Chains, Gucci, Future and 21 Savage.

10. Atlanta embraces our LGBTQ+ community

Atlanta is also a hub for the black queer community, and has been for at least two decades. Every Labor Day weekend, the community comes together to celebrate Atlanta Black Pride. But there are opportunities to celebrate throughout the year, whether it’s during Atlanta Pride in October or at one of the city’s gay bars and clubs, including established favorites Bulldogs and My Sister’s Room.