Atlanta from A to Z

Known as the ‘capital of the south’, tourism in Atlanta, Georgia, is booming, and with very good reason.

As well boosting the world’s largest aquarium, a popular zoo and some great museums, its vibrant food scene is rapidly growing.

Host to many exciting events and festivals, there’s really not a bad time to visit - with the summer and Christmas feeling especially atmospheric.

With so much to see, do, eat and drink, you’ll need our A to Z to Atlanta.

A Georgia Aquarium

It can be very crowded at peak times, but Atlanta’s Aquarium is not to be missed. Here you can see whale sharks and beluga whales, as well as an elaborate show which features bottlenose dolphins performing with their trainers.

B Atlanta Braves

The Major League Baseball team plays at the city’s Turner Field.

C Carter Presidential Library & Museum

With exhibits highlighting Jimmy Carter's 1977–81 presidency, it’s great for American History buffs and includes a replica of the Oval Office. There’s also a tranquil Japanese garden.

D Drinking

There are so many great drinking venues to chose from it’s hard to pick. Try the Brick Store Pub for Atlanta's best beer selection (17 on draught), Paper Plane or Holeman & Finch for cocktails and Octopus Bar for late night drinks.

E Eddie’s Attic

Just one of the city’s excellent live folk and acoustic music venues, renowned for breaking local artists.

F Fox Theatre

This 1929 movie palace is stunning to see and hosts concerts and broadway shows.

G Atlanta Hotels – The Glenn

Atlanta has lots of good accommodation, but The Glenn is more than just a hotel. Take in the Atlanta skyline from the rooftop bar of this downtown establishment.

H History

Atlanta’s railroads made it a hub for distributing military supplies during the civil war. The Battle of Atlanta saw the a four-month long siege of the city by the Union Army and its ultimate surrender, leading to the city being burned to the ground.

I Immigration

Atlanta’s population is growing fast and it’s becoming a multicultural hub, as more immigrants and migrants from elsewhere in the US make the city their home.

J Jurassic

Dinosaur fans should head to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History for a trip back in time.

K Korean-Southern fusion

While BBQ joints are a staple here, exciting new hybrids are appearing. Check out Heirloom Market BBQ for some Spicy Korean Pork.

L Little Five Points

Embrace your inner hipster and head to this district for vintage shops and sneaker stores, cool bars and live music.

M Martin Luther King Jr

Atlanta is the birthplace and final resting place of one of America’s most important historical figures, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The city’s main King-related sites are collectively known as the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site. Start at the visitor centre, before visiting locations including the house where he was born and the First Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was co-paster with his father from 1960 until his death in 1968.

N National Park

Stone Mountain is an imposing rock more than five miles in circumference at its base. Hike to the top for incredible views of the city.

O Observatory

If you don’t fancy hiking to get a great city view, the 73-story Westin Peachtree Plaza’s Sundial Restaurant is a great place to view Atlanta’s skyline.

P Piedmont Park

Created in 1895, this sprawling park is considered to be one America’s greatest green spaces. Here you’ll find a beautiful carpet of grass, pretty footpaths and a farmers’ market, right in the heart of midtown. It also connects the city impressive BeltLine, 22 miles of reclaimed neglected railways, perfect for people watching.

Q Queues (at Six Flags White Water)

If you’re not afraid of the odd queue and like getting wet, this fun-filled Atlanta water park is for you.

R Restaurants in Atlanta

Trying out the incredible Southern Fried Chicken at Busy Bee Cafe, Watershed on Peachtree or Star Provisions, is essential when it comes to eating out. And a visit to one of Atlanta’s many BBQ joints, such as informal “shackstaurant” Daddy Dz BBQ Joynt, Fat Matt’s Rib Shack or Grand Champion BBQ, is also a must. But the city also has lots of other foodie treats to offer. Try Goin' Coastal for fuss free seafood, Cakes & Ale restaurant for classy farm-to-table regional fare or Cardamon Hill, where Southern cooking meets Southern Indian cooking.

S Shopping

As well as neighbourhood boutiques, Atlanta has not one, but two luxury ‘megamalls’.

T Atlanta Tours

There are some great tours around the city to choice from - including the Atlanta Movie Tour, which includes locations for The Waking Dead.

U Underground Atlanta

A historic shopping and entertainment district in the Five Points neighbourhood of downtown Atlanta, currently set for redevelopment.

V Varsity

The world’s largest drive-in restaurant, this fast-food joint, which opened in 1928, is always packed.

W World of Coca Cola

As well as lots to entertain fans of the fizzy drink you can sample Coke products from around the world and view Andy Warhol pieces.

X Xtreme (Extreme) Weather

Despite the snow and ice storms in 2011 and 2014, Atlanta usually has good weather for visitors all year round, ranging from warm and humid in the summer to the much cooler winters.

Y Young Children

There’s a great deal for young children to do in Atlanta, including the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Children’s Museum.

Z Zoo

Zoo Atlanta is home to animals, elephants, kangaroos and tigers, but the main draw is twin panda cubs. Altogether now, “Aw!”.