Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Atlanta attracts a mix of leisure and business travelers throughout the year, so you know 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 has done well to preserve its history and culture, 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 local favorites to ones with a coveted Michelin star. No matter what you choose to do, Atlanta guarantees a fun time.  May 2025: It's an excititing time to be in Atlanta. You can dress like your favorite anime character at MomoCon, party at Caribbean Carnival or attend wellness events at the Georgia Aquarium.  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.

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is finally receiving the recognition it deserves as a standout culinary city. With the introduction of the Michelin Guide in 2023 and the surge of food influencers drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant dishes, Atlanta’s food resume is impressively well-rounded. And with a thriving bar scene and nightlife that doesn’t quit, this city knows how to keep things exciting.  There are plenty of options to fuel your way through the city, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast after a long night out, or a creative take on sushi to tell your friends about. And in a place where Southern food is king, there’s no shortage of opportunities to indulge in fried chicken dishes, shrimp and grits and more. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, the city offers plenty of chic spots where the food is as innovative as the ambiance. From farm-to-table eateries to menus crafted by James Beard Award-winning chefs, these are the best restaurants in Atlanta right now.  April 2025: For this Atlanta restaurant guide, we’ve done our best to cover it all, from hearty cheap eats to showstopping fine dining. We’re updating this list monthly so you have plenty of options to get you outside, now that the weather is warming up (for real this time) and since the A’s culinary scene is constantly changing. 

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