Atlanta itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: Downtown & Sweet Auburn
Centennial Olympic Park and its museums in the morning, then the birthplace, church and tomb of Martin Luther King Jr. on Auburn Avenue.
- 1
Morning
Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown
Downtown's green heart was created for the 1996 Summer Olympics, and the city's big attractions stand around it: the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Finish on Peachtree Street, the city's most famous street.
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Fountain of Rings
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- Peachtree Street
The museums around the park are next door to each other, but each one easily fills a few hours; pick one or two rather than trying them all in a day.
Rideshare east to Auburn Avenue, about 10 min, or walk about 30 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Sweet Auburn & the King historic site
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on Auburn Avenue, preached at Ebenezer Baptist Church a few doors away, and is buried here beside Coretta Scott King. The national historical park brings these places together, in what was once the centre of Black business and culture in Atlanta.
- Visitor center
- King tomb & reflecting pool
- Eternal flame
- Ebenezer Baptist Church
- Fire Station No. 6
- Birth home
Entry to the park is free. Start at the visitor centre for a map and the latest on what is open inside.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park Walking Tour
Video by EXPLORING ATLANTA on YouTube
Jump to
Day 2: The BeltLine: Inman Park to Ponce City Market
Street art in the Krog Street Tunnel, the Victorian houses of Inman Park, then a walk north along the BeltLine Eastside Trail to Ponce City Market.
- 1
Morning
Krog Street Tunnel, Inman Park & the BeltLine
Start in the graffiti-covered Krog Street Tunnel and the murals of Cabbagetown, then climb up to the BeltLine Eastside Trail, an old railway line turned into a walking path and outdoor art gallery. Step off into Inman Park, Atlanta's first planned suburb, for its Victorian houses.
- Krog Street Tunnel
- Cabbagetown murals
- BeltLine Eastside Trail
- Krog Street Market
- Elizabeth Street Victorian homes
The Inman Park/Reynoldstown MARTA station, where the video ends, is the easiest way to arrive by train.
Inman Park, Krog Street Tunnel & the BeltLine Eastside Trail
Video by Unfiltered Walks on YouTube
Jump toWalk north along the BeltLine Eastside Trail, about 30 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Ponce City Market
A huge brick Sears building from the 1920s, reborn as a food hall, shops and homes right on the BeltLine. Graze your way through the food hall, then head up to the roof for games and one of the best views of the skyline.
- Central Food Hall
- BeltLine entrance
- Rooftop amusement park
- Skyline views
The roof needs its own ticket, bought at the kiosk or online; the lift is near the BeltLine entrance.
Ponce City Market Walking Tour: Food Hall, BeltLine & Rooftop
Video by SoundscapeATL on YouTube
Jump to
Day 3: Piedmont Park & Midtown
A slow morning in Piedmont Park, then an evening walk along Peachtree Street through Midtown.
- 1
Morning
Piedmont Park
Atlanta's great park in Midtown, with wide lawns, shady paths and Lake Clara Meer, where the towers of Midtown rise above the trees. It was once the home ground of the city's first professional baseball team and today hosts many of its festivals.
- Lake Clara Meer
- Skyline views
- The meadow
- Atlanta Botanical Garden (next door)
Come early in the day, especially in summer, when the paths are shady and the park is at its calmest.
Morning Stroll in Piedmont Park
Video by Where Is Hammer on YouTube
Walk west from the park to Peachtree Street, about 15 min.
- 2
Evening
Midtown & Peachtree Street at night
Midtown is one of Atlanta's liveliest neighbourhoods after dark. Walk Peachtree Street between 12th Street and North Avenue, past towers, restaurants and bars, with the Fox Theatre at the corner of Ponce de Leon Avenue.
- Peachtree Street
- Fox Theatre
- 12th Street
- North Avenue
Midtown Atlanta at Night: Peachtree Street Walk
Video by 4kWitness on YouTube
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Atlanta plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Atlanta
How many days?
Three days is a good first visit: downtown and the King historic site, then the BeltLine from Inman Park to Ponce City Market, then Piedmont Park and Midtown. One day covers downtown and Sweet Auburn.
Where to stay
Midtown is the easiest base, with MARTA stations, Piedmont Park and the BeltLine close by. Downtown is handy for the museums; Inman Park and the Old Fourth Ward put you right on the BeltLine.
Getting around
MARTA trains link the airport, downtown, Midtown and Buckhead, and the BeltLine Eastside Trail is a pleasant walk between neighbourhoods. For everything else, rideshares are the simplest option.
Atlanta is a big, spread-out city under a thick canopy of trees, and first-timers often wonder where to begin. The answer is three compact areas: downtown around Centennial Olympic Park, the Sweet Auburn streets where Martin Luther King Jr. was born, and the old railway corridor of the BeltLine, which links Inman Park, Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park on foot.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets, so you can see each neighbourhood before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to a landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Atlanta itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Atlanta?
Three days is a good first visit: one for downtown and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, one for the BeltLine, Inman Park and Ponce City Market, and one for Piedmont Park and Midtown. With one day, focus on downtown and Sweet Auburn.
Is Atlanta walkable?
Atlanta as a whole is spread out and built around the car, but its best areas for visitors are walkable on their own: downtown, Sweet Auburn, Midtown and the neighbourhoods along the BeltLine Eastside Trail. Use MARTA trains or rideshares to get between them.
What is the Atlanta BeltLine?
A project to turn a loop of old railway lines around the city centre into trails and parks. The Eastside Trail is the most popular stretch, linking Inman Park, Krog Street, the Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park, with murals and sculptures along the way.
How do you get from the airport to the city?
MARTA trains run from the airport to downtown in about 20 minutes and continue to Midtown and Buckhead. A rideshare or taxi is quicker outside rush hour, but traffic can be heavy.
When is the best time to visit Atlanta?
Spring, when the dogwoods and azaleas bloom, and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for walking. Summers are hot and humid, so plan outdoor walks for the morning or evening.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Keep exploring Atlanta
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Atlanta city guide →