Visiting Atlanta: A Complete Travel Guide for Your Convenience

How to obtain a US Visa

If you are traveling internationally, you will need a B1 or B2 US Visa. B1 is a visa for travelers aiming to visit the US for business purposes whereas B2 is for international travelers who want to visit for tourism. Travelers must check visa requirements before booking their flights. Here are some of the countries that come under the US Visa Waiver Program which allows citizens of certain countries to enter the US without a visa only if they meet certain requirements. If you are a US national and new to Atlanta, this guide will help you navigate the city and make the best of your trip.

Currency Exchange

As an international traveler, you may be concerned about currency exchange if you don't already have dollars. We recommend you carry a limited amount of dollars with you and avoid using currency exchange at the airport. The reason we say this is because airports generally charge a higher exchange fee than currency exchange outlets in the city. If you want to travel cash-free, the best way is to carry an internationally accepted debit or a regular credit card for your purchases abroad.

Where to stay in Atlanta?

Downtown is an ideal location if you want to be close to the city center and the city's main tourist attractions. Top attractions such as the World of Coca-Cola, Mercedez-Benz Stadium, and Georgia Aquarium are within walking distance. Midtown Atlanta is another popular area in Atlanta known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and proximity to various tourist attractions such as Atlanta Symphony Hall, and High Museum of Art. Various public transport routes are also available for use in these areas that allow tourists to explore the city easily. Popular Downtown Atlanta hotels include The Ritz-Carlton, The Westin Peachtree Plaza, and Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown.

Best Foods in Atlanta Georgia

Atlanta is known for its vibrant and happening food landscape. If you are in town and are looking to explore the flavors of Atlanta, you are definitely in for a treat. The city offers diverse culinary flavors that are bound to win your heart and excite your tastebuds. Downtown and Midtown Atlanta offer many iconic and traditional restaurants and bars for a memorable culinary experience. Here is a list of traditional foods and drinks anyone traveling to Atlanta must try:

• Local Peaches
• Peanuts
• Fried Chicken
• Pecans
• Pimento Cheese
• Bread Pudding
• Crab Cakes
• Maple Pecan Pie

Public Transport in Atlanta

Atlanta is a tourist-friendly city and offers multiple transport options for tourists to explore the city conveniently. A coherent city transport system is in place to reach popular tourist attractions and entertainment spots. Atlanta's transport system offers multiple modes of transport from rapid transit railway system to tramways to buses and biking trails.

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

Atlanta's primary public transport system, MARTA, includes trains, buses, and para-transit vehicles. The MARTA rail network offers 4 service lines, Red, Gold, Blue and Green. The Red and Gold Lines run in a North-Northeast alignment whereas the Blue and Green Lines run in an East-West direction. All 4 lines connect at the Five Points Station, the only station from where travelers can transfer. Users must buy a Breeze ticket or card to access MARTA transport services. Breeze cards cost $2 and may be loaded for up to 3 years, whereas a one-way ticket costs $1.

Atlanta Streetcar

The most recent addition to Atlanta's public transport system, Atlanta StreetCar connects downtown and Sweet Auburn Neighborhoods. The route spans about 2.7 miles with 12 stops that connect Centennial Olympic Park with the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and nearby neighborhoods east of Downtown. A one-way ticket costs $1, whereas $3 for a day pass.

Taxi

If for some reason you do not want to use public transport, Atlanta also offers an efficient taxi service. Flat and meter rates vary according to the location so make sure you confirm with the driver before you hop on. Taxis to and from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and within the Atlanta Business District, including Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead neighborhoods charge flat rates. In contrast, outside these districts rates are determined by taximeters. Taxis are available 24-7 and can be easily found outside hotel lobbies or from the designated taxicab area at the airport.

Walking & Biking

If you are one for adventure and thrill, it is best you explore Atlanta on foot or a bike. Luckily, Atlanta is one of the most walkable cities and offers bike trails throughout the city. Major neighborhoods such as Downtown and Midtown are all walkable and you can hop from one attraction to the other within minutes. The Atlanta Beltline, an innovative green space is ideal for a walk or bike ride. You can also explore the lush gardens and greenery around the city by visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Centennial Olympic Park.

Shuttles & Limousine Services

The city also boasts a wide network of shuttles and limousine transport services. Shuttles and Limousines are best for large groups or when you want someone else to do the driving on a special event. If you need one, we are sure your hotel will be able to help you book one. Shuttles and Limousines generally require booking so make sure you inform your hotel earlier.

Language

Although Atlanta is a multicultural city, the official language is US English, and the majority of people communicate in English. Other languages spoken in the city include Spanish, Vietnamese, French, Hindi, etc.

Best City Attractions

Atlanta is an important city for the US historically because of the crucial role it played in the American Civil Rights Movement. The city is the birthplace and resting place of Martin Luther King, Jr., the man who spearheaded the civil rights movement in America. With a tasteful blend of history and modernism, here are the best city attractions you cannot miss when in Atlanta. Here are the Top Ten Best Tourist Attractions in Atlanta you must not miss.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• World of Coca-Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• Zoo Atlanta
• Stone Mountain Park
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Night Life in Atlanta

Atlanta offers a vibrant nightlife with a wide variety of bars, pubs, music venues, and clubs to enjoy every bit of your trip. Downtown Atlanta is known for rooftop hotel bars accompanied by exhilarating skyline views. On the other end, Midtown Atlanta offers an eclectic mix of art and entertainment venues with numerous cocktail bars, open-air concerts, and Broadway performances. Buckhead and Edgeware are also known for their upscale bars, restaurants, and clubs best for the young crowd. Virginia Highland is best for families and adults who enjoy luxurious dinners with in-house live musical performances. Thus, it is safe to say, Atlanta celebrates diversity and offers a wide array of activities to people of all ages and preferences.

Activities for Kids and Families in Atlanta

Atlanta offers various indoor and outdoor activities for children and family entertainment. Visiting such entertainment outlets allows you to spend quality time with your kids and make the most of your family vacation. From puppetry arts to theme parks, a diverse selection of activities allows parents and children to create memories and have an unforgettable experience. Here are a few activities for children and family entertainment in Atlanta that every family traveling to Atlanta can enjoy:

• Center of Puppetry Arts
• Lego Discovery Center
• Atlantic Botanical Garden
• Six Flags Over Georgia
• Georgia Aquarium
• Children's Museum of Atlanta
• Stone Mountain Park
• Atlanta Beltline

Shopping Districts in Atlanta

 

Shopping is an essential part of exploring a new city and enjoying your vacation. Atlanta offers a vibrant and diverse shopping experience to shoppers from all over the world, through its various malls and shopping districts. From local street markets to modern shopping malls, shoppers are up for an unforgettable and exciting shopping experience. If you are in Atlanta or will be visiting soon, the following markets and malls are designed to give you a leisurely shopping experience in Atlanta. From souvenir shopping to apparel, shoes, and home shopping, you get to explore the best of what the city has to offer by visiting these shopping locations:

• Lenox Square
• Ponce City Market
• Phipps Plaza
• Little Five Points
• Krog District
• Atlantic Station