Atlanta

Atlanta Travel Guide

Rich in culture, cuisine and hospitality, Georgia's vibrant capital is widely regarded as one of America's most iconic cities, and is a must for anyone venturing to the South. Those who want a real sense of how the modern US came to be should visit the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site and other quality museums, which showcase why Atlanta is known as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement. Often called the Hollywood of the South, the destination has plenty of stardust as well, along with a nightlife that offers everything from laid-back lounges to chic and trendy scenes in Midtown. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the acclaimed High Museum of Art; Stone Mountain is only 20 minutes away for lovers of the outdoors.

Best time to visit Atlanta

Spring (March and April) is the ideal time to visit Atlanta, with its pleasant temperatures and cool breezes. Atlanta can be stifling in the summer but, if visitors can beat the heat and humidity, late May through August is a wonderful time to enjoy the best of Atlanta's concerts and outdoor activities. Winters are also good as the weather is mild.

What to see in Atlanta

-Appreciate the views across Atlanta at the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield.

-See talented performers at the Fox Theatre.

-Explore the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and gain insight into the history of the world.

-Admire the Ebenezer Baptist Church; the epicentre of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

What to do in Atlanta

-Go back in time at the Atlanta History Center.

-Take a trip to the Georgia Aquarium and find over 100,000 animals from 500 species.

-Have some fun with the kids at the Imagine It! Children's Museum.

-Visit the World Of Coca-Cola and explore their interactive exhibits.

Beyond Atlanta

Only 50 minutes outside of Atlanta by car, travellers find Madison, a town once voted the best small town in America. Madison has a great Southern atmosphere and is definitely worth the visit. For something a little different, visitors should take a trip southwest (only two hours by car) and explore the Providence Canyon State Park, also known as 'The Little Grand Canyon'. It has over 1,000 acres of deep, rocky canyons and beautiful native vegetation and wildflowers, making for a unique excursion. Of course the Georgia Mountains only a short distance away also offer hundreds of wooded hiking trails, streams, scenic lakes, and camp sites.

Getting there

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is considered the main point of commute in Atlanta. Located 10 miles (16km) south of downtown Atlanta, the airport is easily accessible. There are direct flights available from London, as well as other destinations such as Paris, Toronto, Cancun, Dakar, London, Johannesburg, Seoul, and San Francisco.

Did you know?

-Atlanta is home to varied dialects, accents, and languages due to the diversity of the population.

-The city got its name from railroad engineer J. Edgar Thompson. It's thought to be a shortened version of Atlantica-Pacifica.

-There are over 55 streets in Atlanta with the name 'Peachtree'.

-Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport is truly the busiest airport in the world.

Things to do in Atlanta

Home and birthplace of the iconic Martin Luther King Jr, Atlanta is fill of history and culture. Visitors need look no further for exciting stories of the American South and for some of the United States' finest cultural exports, such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

History buffs will love the countless museums this city has to offer. From the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site and the Atlanta History Center, to the Atlanta Cyclorama, Civil War Museum, and the Carter Center.

A trip to the World of Coca-Cola is a must for lovers of the world's best known brand, while kids of all ages will love the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta. It's worth wandering through the Botanical Gardens or marveling at the magnificent artwork in the High Museum of Art.

Travellers who purchase an Atlanta CityPASS, which is valid for nine days, will have free admission to a handful of the city's top attractions. The CityPASS booklet provides attraction information, transport directions, and best times to visit as well as coupons and other special features.

Atlanta History Center

Travellers are sure to enjoy the Atlanta History Center's 13 hectares (33 acres) of beautiful gardens, award-winning exhibitions, and interactive activities. The main attractions are two historic homes, which are open to the public and offer informative guided tours. The Tullie Smith House originally stood outside the city limits but has been relocated to the History Center. The house was built in the 1840s and survived the near-total destruction of Atlanta in 1864 when General William Sherman burned almost two thirds of the city during his infamous 'March to the Sea'. The farmhouse is typical of most in Georgia at the time, despite popular belief that not all Georgians owned large plantations and mansions. The Swan House, built in 1928, is a grand Italianate mansion that is an Atlanta landmark. It was once the home of Edward and Emily Inman, who were heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune.

Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site

Venture through the Victorian house where Martin Luther King Jr was born in 1929. Here visitors can see where America's Nobel prize-winning Civil Rights leader grew up and where the movement was birthed. A half-mile stretch of Auburn Avenue, including King's birth home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, and the memorial tomb at the King Center, has been made designated a historic site, drawing hundreds of visitors every day. The exhibits contained within provide insight into the life and times of this much-revered man. Tours are conducted every 30 minutes on a first-come first-serve basis.

World Of Coca-Cola

In 1886 Jacob's Pharmacy, a small drugstore in Atlanta, began selling a new headache and hangover tonic called Coca-Cola. In 1891, entrepreneur Asa Candler paid $2,300 to acquire the rights of what is now the world's most valuable brand. The following year he founded the Coca-Cola Company. The new, environmentally friendly construction houses more than just a museum dedicated to Coca-Cola; it is an entire soft-drink experience. Thousands of Coke objects, trivia, and memorabilia are contained among the interactive exhibits, backed up by commercials, radio jingles, a 4D theatre, tasting, and a Pop Culture Gallery.

Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield

Kennesaw Mountain was the scene of a bloody Civil War battle where, in 1864, General Sherman led his Union forces against the entrenched Confederate forces at the site. This resulted in the death of more than 67,000 soldiers. The park now consists of several thousand acres of protected land, covered with more than 17 miles (27km) of interpretive walking trails. The trails contain historic earthworks and cannon placements, where markers and memorials have been placed to commemorate the event. A small museum at the site displays Civil War artefacts, and a visitor's centre provides information about the battle on the site. This popular park is visited by more than a million people each year, many of whom come to picnic and enjoy the views that the mountain has over Atlanta.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Travellers should be sure to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden while in the city. The Fuqua Conservatory in particular is worth seeing, as the giant greenhouse contains different climate-controlled eco-systems. A walk through the conservatory takes visitors from a desert into a steamy tropical jungle. The gardens are criss-crossed with dedicated nature walks, passing many quiet spots designed for peaceful contemplation. The garden permanently features numerous sculptures and art pieces, as well as hosting art exhibitions on a regular basis.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

As one of the South's pre-eminent museums, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a gateway for discovery and exploration. It explores the story of the earth's history, the physical universe, the environment and human culture through exhibitions, programs and films in the IMAX Theatre. Opened in 1992, Fernbank is 'Atlanta's Home to Dinosaurs,' a reputation highlighted by Giants of the Mesozoic, a distinctive permanent exhibition that features the world's largest dinosaurs.

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain is situated about 20 minutes from Atlanta and features manmade and natural attractions. The best of these is the huge relief carving of the three Southern heroes of the Civil War, which has been etched into the mountainside. The images of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Generals Robert E. Lee, and Thomas J. 'Stonewall' Jackson cover an area larger than a football field and are part of the largest relief sculpture in the world.

Three sculptors worked in succession on the carving, beginning with Gutzon Borglum in 1915. He later became famed for his carvings at Mount Rushmore. Subsequently two other artists pursued the work that was completed finally in 1972.

Visitors can either walk up the mountain or take the Skylift to the top to see the breathtaking view over Atlanta and the Appalachian Mountains. Stone Mountain also features a restored Antebellum Plantation featuring a colonial mansion, slave cabins, coach houses, and barns. The park contains several lakes and hiking trails, a wildlife reserve, and petting zoo.

Jonesboro

About 15 miles (24km) south of Atlanta in Clayton County is the town of Jonesboro, a not-to-be-missed destination for movie fans and those hankering for a taste of the real Deep South. Jonesboro was the setting for Margaret Mitchell's acclaimed novel and later film, Gone with the Wind. Devotees come to see the local historic plantation houses and learn about the real people whose lives inspired the fictional characters of the novel. In Main Street, the Road to Tara Museum is housed in the Jonesboro Depot Welcome Centre, containing original props, costume reproductions, doll collections, and an extensive photo gallery associated with the making of the movie. The Welcome Depot is also the departure point for daily tours, starting at 1pm (except on Sundays). The tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the true life stories on which the book was based. In Carriage Drive, a beautiful Greek Revival plantation home dating from 1839 is open to the public along with its authentic outbuildings.

Georgia Mountains

Northern Georgia is predominantly mountainous, and is dotted with numerous small towns, fascinating historic sites, and national parks and forests. Among the highlights of this region are the New Echota State Historic Site (the last capital of the Cherokee nation), Chickamauga at Fort Oglethorpe, and Jasper, where the marble quarries produced the marble used in Washington, DC. Also worth seeing is the spectacular Tallulah Gorge near the town of Clayton and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, at the end of the Appalachian Highway. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer plenty of wooded hiking trails, sparkling trout streams, scenic lakes, camp sites and rental cabins. Most of the towns and attractions are within an hour's drive of Atlanta, making them perfect day trips or weekend breaks from the city.

The Fox Theatre

Atlanta's Fox Theatre, otherwise known as the Fabulous Fox, is a movie palace built in the United States during the 1920s. The theatre's unique beginnings and Moorish design set it apart from other theatres of that period. Today it hosts an array of artistic and cultural events, including a summer film series, the Atlanta Ballet, and performances by national touring companies of Broadway shows.

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta features around 1,000 animals representing 250 species from around the world and sees over 1 million tourists every year. Founded in 1889, the zoo has become one of Atlanta's top family attractions. It houses exhibitions on the African rainforest, a free-flying parakeet enclosure, and a reptile house. Children will absolutely love discovering all the animals, including the rare giant pandas, Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards, and komodo dragons. The zoo also has the country's largest collection of gorillas and orangutans. For smaller children there is a petting zoo where they can interact with goats, pigs, and sheep.

Ebenezer Baptist Church

Though small, Ebenezer Baptist Church has played a large role in America's history. Founded in 1886, the church functioned as the epicentre of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Martin Luther King Jr acted as co-pastor from 1960 to 1968, and worked toward equal rights for African-Americans during this time. The church has a new premises across the street, but visitors can still tour the old sanctuary where King preached, before walking around the Martin Luther King Jr Park just outside. Annual events surrounding Martin Luther King Jr Day in January typically draw large crowds. Past speakers have included US Presidents, national and local politicians, and civil rights leaders. Remembrances are also held during Black History Month (February), and the anniversary of King's assassination on April 4, 1968.

Things to do with kids in Atlanta

World Of Coca-Cola

In 1886 Jacob's Pharmacy, a small drugstore in Atlanta, began selling a new headache and hangover tonic called Coca-Cola. In 1891, entrepreneur Asa Candler paid $2,300 to acquire the rights of what is now the world's most valuable brand. The following year he founded the Coca-Cola Company. The new, environmentally friendly construction houses more than just a museum dedicated to Coca-Cola; it is an entire soft-drink experience. Thousands of Coke objects, trivia, and memorabilia are contained among the interactive exhibits, backed up by commercials, radio jingles, a 4D theatre, tasting, and a Pop Culture Gallery.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Travellers should be sure to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden while in the city. The Fuqua Conservatory in particular is worth seeing, as the giant greenhouse contains different climate-controlled eco-systems. A walk through the conservatory takes visitors from a desert into a steamy tropical jungle. The gardens are criss-crossed with dedicated nature walks, passing many quiet spots designed for peaceful contemplation. The garden permanently features numerous sculptures and art pieces, as well as hosting art exhibitions on a regular basis.

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta features around 1,000 animals representing 250 species from around the world and sees over 1 million tourists every year. Founded in 1889, the zoo has become one of Atlanta's top family attractions. It houses exhibitions on the African rainforest, a free-flying parakeet enclosure, and a reptile house. Children will absolutely love discovering all the animals, including the rare giant pandas, Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards, and komodo dragons. The zoo also has the country's largest collection of gorillas and orangutans. For smaller children there is a petting zoo where they can interact with goats, pigs, and sheep.

Eating Out

Eating out in Atlanta is a sensory explosion, and visitors with a taste for excitement and variety won't be disappointed. One of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States and the third largest city in the country, Atlanta caters to the tastes of its sophisticated patrons.

From traditional Southern cooking such as fried chicken, shrimp, fish, and okra to the legendary peaches, pecans, peanuts, and Vidalia onions that Georgia is known for, the food in Atlanta is second to none. Visitors should be sure to sample some peach cobbler and a slice of pecan-nut pie for good measure.

Buckhead offers trendy eateries and good home-cooked food, while Decatur, Midtown, and Virginia-Highland can't be beaten when it comes to international cuisine. Most of Atlanta's finest restaurants require reservations and it is customary to tip waiters about 15 percent though, in expensive restaurants, tipping anything up to 20 percent is the norm.

Shopping

Atlanta has excellent shopping malls, boutiques, and markets that are diverse enough to meet every shopaholic's needs. Travellers should visit Buckhead to discover the trendiest boutiques, which can be found in Decatur, Virginia-Highland, and Little Five Points.

Some of Atlanta's best buys can be found at Lenox Square, which is anchored by Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, and Macy's, featuring almost 250 specialty stores and a number of restaurants for weary shoppers to rest their legs.

For budget buys, shoppers should head to the North Georgia Outlets, where just about anything under the sun can be found for a bargain. Most people won't leave without buying something. In addition to countless shopping malls, Atlanta also has some wonderful flea markets, where haggling is the order of the day.

Most shops in Atlanta are open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm, and on Sundays from 12pm to 6pm. The sales tax varies by city and state in the US and ranges from 4 to 15 percent. This is added to the price of goods at the point of purchase. There is no system for refunding non-US visitors in Atlanta but large and expensive purchases are often tax-exempt if they are shipped from outside the state they are bought in.

Nightlife

Atlanta has some of the best nightlife in Georgia, with Buckhead being a good place to start discovering what's on offer. The area has a festive night scene with a line of nightclubs, dance clubs, and pubs, though most venues close at 3am. Downtown has some chic lounges and cocktail bars, especially in the large hotels. The Virginia Highlands in particular hosts young professionals in stylish clubs. Small venues scattered around the city are perfect for some southern baritone blues, and Atlanta's hip-hop scene comprises many clubs where rising and returning stars perform.

Getting Around

Atlanta's trains and buses reach most parts of the city, but they are not always the most convenient way to get around. Services are also limited outside of the immediate city limits. The MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) network is inexpensive, safe, and well-integrated, but travel can be slow. There are weekly, weekend, and visitor's passes available for various rates.

Atlanta is a car-dominated city, so there is plenty of parking, especially at tourist sights. However, traffic on the freeways and in the city centre can be very busy, particularly during rush hours. During conventions and big sporting and entertainment events, it is easier to use public transport to get around.

Taxis are available, but it is easier to order one by phone than to find one on the street; they can also be found in taxi stands around the city. Visitors should be cautious of unlicensed taxis, and women travelling alone at night should order taxis by phone. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft are available in the city.

Atlanta Climate and Weather

Atlanta has four distinct seasons, and a humid subtropical climate. Winters (December to February) are cold with temperatures below freezing for much of the time, but the daytime weather is mild enough to sit outdoors, with only an occasional snowfall. Summers (June to August) can be hot and humid with heat wave spells lasting days at a time. In mid-summer the average high temperature is 88F (31C), and in mid-winter the average low temperature is 32F (0C). Atlanta receives abundant rainfall, which is evenly distributed throughout the year.

United States of America travel info

Electricity

The electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Language

English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.

Money

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted; Apple Pay and Google Pay are very popular. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Tipping

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It's normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.

Safety

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There's a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Local customs

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.

Doing business

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, though rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it's considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.

Duty free

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Communications

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. WiFi is widely available.

Passport & Visa

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens require passports.

UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.

Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Useful contacts

United States Tourist Office: www.usatourist.com

911 (General)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7499 9000.

United States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 688 5335.

United States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6214 5600.

United States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 431 4000.

United States Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 668 8777.

United States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 462 6000.

Embassies / consulates in United States of America

British Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 588 6500.

Canadian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 682 1740.

Australian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 797 3000.

South African Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 232 4400.

Irish Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 462 3939.

New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 328 4800.