The best things to do in Atlanta right now

The largest indoor aquarium in the Western hemisphere doubles as a teaching hospital with over 100,000 water-loving residents. This attraction, adjacent to Centennial Park, boasts enough fresh and saltwater habitats to keep even the most attention-challenged visitor happy for hours. The aquarium’s big stars include the massive whale sharks, Beluga whales, dolphins and penguins. There’s a free self-guided tour app available for download that will help you navigate through the exhibits—one of which dives deeper into the vital role that sharks play in the ocean.

Time Out tip: Book your tickets online in advance. The aquarium uses dynamic pricing, so tickets are cheaper if you buy before you visit.

Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Price: Starting at $45 to $60, depending on day and time

This historical park is a must-see tourist attraction in Atlanta. Once “The King Center,” it is now a nonprofit organization championing for education and social change in the heart of the city. There’s plenty to do here—get a guided tour through Dr. King’s birth home, where you can still see actual furniture from his childhood, and check out exhibitions on offer about Dr. King, Mahatma Gandhi and Coretta Scott King. There are also guided sermons a little farther down at Ebenezer Baptist Church, the exact spot where Dr. King preached starting in 1947.

Time Out tip: Tour tickets are free but cannot be booked online. Arrive early at the visitor center to secure a slot.

Address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Price: Free

“The Benz” is an architectural icon, home to the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer. The multi-purpose stadium hosts a variety of events and is equipped with all the bells and whistles a fan (whether sports or music) could want: massive screens, a retractable roof, an art collection and great food offerings. Attend an event or take a tour for the full experience.

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the "fan-first pricing"—get a hot dog for $2 and a free-refill soda for $2 at any standard concession stand.

Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Price: Stadium tours start at $25; event ticket prices vary

Housed in the historic Sweet Auburn district, this boutique museum preserves the legacy of America's first self-made female millionaire. The building sits on the site of her original 1950s beauty shop and shares space with the historic WERD radio station, the first Black-owned radio station in the United States, which operated in the space above the salon during the Civil Rights Movement. 

Time Out tip: Ask the docent to show you the original WERD broadcast equipment; it’s a hidden layer of civil rights history many miss.

Address: 54 Hilliard St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Price: $7

This neighborhood on the east side of Atlanta is a thrifter’s paradise. Walk along Moreland Avenue with your eyes set on local gems like The Clothing Warehouse, Psycho Sisters and Junkman’s Daughter for a curated selection of vintage and thrifted pieces, plus oddities from all decades. Keep exploring this artist-driven hood by checking out tattoo shops, metaphysical stores and health food grocers.

Time Out tip: Walk through the giant skull facade of Vortex Bar & Grill (21+) to try one of their legendary burgers.

Address: Intersection of Moreland Ave & Euclid Ave.

Price: Free

This gleaming museum chronicles the history of Coca-Cola, as well as the soda industry itself. Coke is king—and ubiquitous—in the city that saw its invention in 1886. True to the name, when it comes to total soda universe domination, the World of Coca-Cola is totally overwhelming in a fun, fizzy, hyper-commercialized sort of way. Check out replica soda fountains, the pop-culture museum, 4-D theater displays and DIY beverage fountains dispensing flavors from around the world.

Time Out tip: Pace yourself in the tasting room. Skip the infamous, bitter Beverly soda from Italy until the very end so it doesn’t ruin your palate.

Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Price: $21 adults, $17 kids 3-12

The massive former Sears & Roebuck building, erected in 1926, has been repurposed into one of Atlanta’s most exciting mixed-use developments. Located right along the Beltline’s popular Eastside trail, Ponce City Market is packed with activities worth spending the whole day exploring. Browse handmade candles, clothing and home goods in artisan boutiques; grab a bite from one of many buzzy restaurants; catch a show at the RoleCall Theater or hang out at the rooftop bar. 

Time Out tip: Head to the roof via the private elevator to access Skyline Park for vintage carnival games, mini-golf and stunning panoramic skyline views.

Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Price: Free to enter; Rooftop access starts at $15

A former railway corridor around the core of Atlanta has been revitalized into a vibrant, multi-use path lined with art, native plants and attractions. While not all sections are paved yet, the Beltline loop is fully accessible. When completed sometime around 2030, it will ultimately connect 45 neighborhoods within the city. Walk between stops like Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park and enjoy open-air art installations, native landscaping and easy connection points to local restaurants.

Time Out tip: Check out the calendar for regular offerings like yoga, run clubs, skate lessons and more.

Address: Access point at 10th St NE & Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Price: Free

Atlanta’s answer to Central Park, Piedmont Park is a haven for joggers, bocce players, and picnic lovers. With flourishing greenery, rippling waters, and bustling wildlife, it is a world away from the concrete metropolis of the city. This natural oasis is also the setting for frequent art fests throughout the year, including the Dogwood Festival, a spring celebration of flowers and fine art; Memorial Day weekend’s Atlanta Jazz Festival; outdoor performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in summer; and farmers’ markets.

Time Out tip: Park in the botanical garden garage or use rideshares—the park's central lot fills up quickly and street parking nearby is heavily ticketed.

Address: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Price: Free

To understand where Atlanta is going, take a step back to learn where it’s been at the Atlanta History Center. Browse all things historical about the city through thoughtful exhibits and displays about politics, culture, sports and more. Before you go, make your way downstairs to see the Cyclorama, a massive 19th-century panoramic painting of the Battle of Atlanta.

Time Out tip: Don't miss the Goizueta Gardens on the property, which feature peaceful trails showcasing native Georgia plants and historic cabins.

Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Price: $24 adults, $10 kids 4-12

Where science meets nature, Fernbank features indoor dinosaur fossils, a massive giant-screen theater and immersive hands-on science exhibits. Outside, the experience expands into WildWoods, a 65-acre old-growth forest featuring elevated boardwalks, nature playgrounds and tranquil walking trails.

Time Out tip: Check out "Fernbank After Dark" if you are visiting on a second Friday of the month—it features live music, drinks and adults-only science stations.

Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Price: $26 adults, $24 kids 3-12

Towering nearly 20 stories over Centennial Olympic Park, the giant SkyView Ferris wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondolas. It provides a smooth, scenic ride that gives passengers an unparalleled perspective of the downtown skyline and surrounding landmarks.

Time Out tip: Go right at dusk. You get to watch the sun set over the city, and the wheel's colorful LED light show kicks on.

Address: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Price: $18 adults, $13.50 kids 3-11

Green spaces and beautifully maintained stones and statues make Oakland Cemetery one of the most popular picnic spots in the city. Strike out on a self-guided tour to view the final resting place of Atlanta notables, including Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell and Atlanta’s first African-American mayor Maynard Jackson. Guided tours explore various strands of city history through its late inhabitants, from local scandals to brewing.

Time Out tip: Download their mobile app for a self-guided audio tour, or check their calendar for special themed tours.

Address: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Price: Free to enter, guided tours are $12

The High Museum of Art houses a cross-era, international scope of work. And the building isn’t shabby either: The white, concrete glass and steel art behemoth is striking inside and out. Designed by Richard Meier and featuring an expansion by Renzo Piano, the High Museum’s collection includes everything from African art to modern and contemporary works. The museum is strong on American photography, including a retrospective of 180 years of female photographers.

Time Out tip: Visit on the first Friday of the month for "High Frequency Fridays," featuring live DJs, cocktails, and late-night museum gallery access.

Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Price: $23.50

A legendary indoor market, this 140,000-square-foot facility is an international food lover’s paradise. It features an unmatched selection of global produce, fresh seafood, specialized meats, cheeses and spices from every continent, representing the diverse communities of Atlanta.

Time Out tip: Bring a jacket—the market is kept at low temperatures to keep the massive produce and seafood sections fresh.

Address: 3000 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

Price: Free to enter—cash or debit cards only, no credit cards

Created by rapper T.I., this unique cultural institution maps the history and visual aesthetic of the Trap music subgenre. Part museum and part interactive art gallery, it features stylized replicas of recording studios, local corner stores, and classic neighborhood scenes.

Time Out tip: Book the "Escape the Trap" room escape game ahead of time—it is a fun, immersive challenge built directly into the museum experience.

Address: 630 Travis St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Price: Starting at $30

Home to Atlanta Braves stadium, The Battery is an entertainment complex with everything you need for a night out. This buzzy destination is a vibe whether there’s a game on or not. With dozens of boutiques, restaurants and bars, you can shop, dine, bowl and even challenge your friends to some bull riding. The Battery boasts a Roxy Theater for live music as well as a state-of-the-art movie theater.

Time Out tip: Check the calendar for events like jazz brunch and trivia nights.

Address: 800 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Price: Free to enter, parking prices vary

Located adjacent to Piedmont Park, this 30-acre oasis features spectacular canopy walks, serene Japanese gardens, and a stunning glass conservatory filled with rare orchids. It is universally famous for its giant, living plant sculptures that change with seasonal exhibits.

Time Out tip: Walk across the 40-foot-high Kendeda Canopy Walk for a bird's-eye view of the storied Storza Woods below.

Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Price: Starting online at $28 for adults, $25 for kids—higher in person and on weekends

The life and presidency of Georgia native Jimmy Carter are celebrated throughout the 24,000 square feet of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The grounds and modernist building are impressive, and within the museum, you’ll find interactive exhibits covering President Carter’s life before, during and after his time in the White House. His Nobel Peace Prize is on display, with exhibitions dedicated to his charitable work.

Time Out tip: Harkening back to Carter’s peanut farmer roots, a year-round farmers’ market takes place every Saturday from 8:30am to noon.

Address: 441 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Price: $12 adults, kids 16 and under free

Housed in a restored 1920s warehouse along the BeltLine, this intimate market centers around a tight-knit food hall. It is highly regarded by locals for its curated selection of award-winning food stalls, craft beer bars and indie retail booths.

Time Out tip: Grab a slice of pizza or a pastry and eat it outside along the building's edge to people-watch on the BeltLine.

Address: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Price: Free to enter

Operating continuously since 1949, this classic Atlanta landmark offers an authentic, retro drive-in movie experience. Equipped with modern digital projection, it screens current Hollywood double-features across four massive screens under the night sky.

Time Out tip: The Starlight is also a flea market on weekends.

Address: 2000 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Price: $10 adults, $1 kids 5-9