Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Atlanta is hot in more ways than one. From sizzling summer temps and top-notch bars to buzzy nightlife and must-see attractions, this city has got it going on. Atlanta’s culinary scene is no exception. The best restaurants in Atlanta are the stars of what many consider one of the best food cities in the South. Here you can dive into soul food classics or Southern comfort fare, settle into a cozy neighborhood cafe or see-and-be-seen over cutting-edge, modern cuisine. There’s no shortage of steak and seafood spots for celebrating or doing business, but the city is chock full of can’t-miss barbecue joints and renowned pizza spots as well, not to mention excellent examples of farm-to-table restaurants and a slew of James Beard Award-winning chefs. Atlanta’s restaurants celebrate the region, but international flavors have made their mark as well. Check out the best restaurants in Atlanta and you’ll get a tasty introduction to what this city has to offer.

From the farthest reaches of the sprawling metropolis that is the ATL you’ll find no shortage of Southern charm and hospitality. The city attracts a mix of leisure and business travelers throughout the year, so it’s always bustling with activity. From historic landmarks and lush green parks to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife scene, the best things to do in Atlanta will please everyone (kids, too). Atlanta offers the opportunity to explore the region's deep-rooted history and the culture that the city has spawned, from its arts and industry to music and theater, not to mention the history of the Civil Rights movement. Once you’ve explored all that Atlanta has to offer, dive into the city’s culinary offerings, where you’ll find a slew of renowned bars and restaurants ranging from classic to cutting-edge.  At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Atlanta🍷 The best bars in Atlanta 🐟 The best things to do with kids in Atlanta🏛️ The best attractions in Atlanta 🌳 The best treehouse Airbnbs in Atlanta🏠 The best Airbnb cabins in Atlanta

One of the best things about Atlanta is it has a bit of everything. After a bit of that slow southern charm? You got it. But if you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of a city? You’ll find that here too. But whichever vibe you’re looking for, you’re going to want at least a bit of downtime on your trip. And don’t panic: we’ve got plenty of that going on. Whether you’re looking for a mani/pedi, a brightening facial, or a deep tissue massage to work out the kinks, you’ll find what you need at the best spas in Atlanta. Time to relax.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Atlanta🍽️ The best restaurants in Atlanta🍷 The best bars in Atlanta🌳 The best treehouse Airbnbs in Atlanta This guide was last updated by Atlanta-based writer Jennifer Bradley Franklin. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Interestingly enough, tackling the best free things to do in Atlanta happens to be the very best way to explore the city’s outdoor offerings. Start at Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 summer Olympics, and then move onto the Atlanta Beltline, a still-unfinished former railway loop turned paved path that boasts 2,000 acres of park and more. The best part? All these double as fun things to do with kids in tow as well. But nature aficionados are not the only folks that will appreciate the city’s gratis offerings. If you’re in town to taste the Atlanta's wondrous food offerings, temporarily step away from the best restaurants and brunch spots to peruse the local food market scene: Peachtree Road Farmer’s Market showcases Georgia’s agricultural diversity every Saturday while the Ponce City Market is a 2.1-million-square-foot space that's home to a variety of food stalls and eateries, including four James Beard award-winning chefs Music fiends, on the other hand, will be delighted by one of the largest free music events in the country when the Atlanta Jazz Festival takes over the city during the warmer months. Like they say, the best things in life really do come for free. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Atlanta