Are you thinking about visiting Atlanta, Georgia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Atlanta worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to four days because of the many great activities. Atlanta is the capital and largest city in the state of Georgia. It has a long running history and played a significant role in both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. In 1996 the city hosted the Olympic Games, and Centennial Olympic Park is still an impressive attraction in town.
Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, Georgia
Reasons to Visit Atlanta
Museums
The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
Shopping
There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.
Food
It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.
Nightlife
The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.
Authenticity
Atlanta has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Atlanta worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the low season for travel in Atlanta. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Atlanta is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 33°C (92°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Atlanta
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| September | 25°C (76°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Is Atlanta worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Atlanta. Even though Atlanta is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Atlanta
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 19°C (66°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| November | 14°C (57°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| December | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
Is Atlanta worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Atlanta can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The peak season for travel is winter in Atlanta, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and take advantage of the local nightlife. Also, you can check out the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Atlanta
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 7°C (45°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| February | 9°C (49°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| March | 14°C (57°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
Is Atlanta worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Atlanta. Even though Atlanta is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 18°C (65°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and enjoy an evening out.
Spring Weather in Atlanta
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| June | 27°C (80°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Atlanta
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Atlanta might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Atlanta here or see if Atlanta is expensive here.
Related
What is Atlanta most famous for?
Atlanta is most famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and shopping. Also, it's known for food and nightlife. It is often described as sprawling, suburban, cultural, and diverse.
What is the most famous sight in Atlanta?
The most popular sight in Atlanta is the Georgia Aquarium. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Atlanta on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Georgia Aquarium and other attractions here.
How touristy is Atlanta? Is it a popular city to visit?
Atlanta is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- The Launch Escape Room Experience in Georgia: $34
- Atlanta Street Art and BeltLine Tour with Happy Hour and Activity: $45
- Atlanta Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
- Discover Atlanta Tour with stop at MLK Center & Ponce City Market: $59
- Intimate Candle Making Experience in Atlanta: $90
- Guided Bike Tour in Atlanta with Snacks: $70
- Private Stranger Things "The Upside Down" Film Locations Tour in Atlanta: $175
- Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour: $40
How long should I spend in Atlanta?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Atlanta is two to four days. Since Atlanta has a variety of activities such as museums and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Atlanta? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Atlanta?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.