Heading to Atlanta and only have a short time? Let me share with you my jam-packed itinerary to enjoy 36 hours in Atlanta. This weekend guide to Atlanta takes in the highlights and areas to focus on to get the biggest bang for your buck. While the sheer scale of the city can be intimidating, this itinerary should help focus your time.
On our first visit to Atlanta, we had planned 3 full days, but unfortunately I was unwell for half of that time. Thankfully, we have visited twice more since then. I’ll admit, having friends in Atlanta definitely helps with getting the inside knowledge of places to go and where to eat!
Disclaimer: On one of our visits, I received a complimentary media pass from Atlanta Tourism, which gave us access to the Atlanta Aquarium, World of Coca Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. As always, all my opinions are my own.
- A Bit About Atlanta
- Weekend Itinerary for Atlanta
- Where to stay in Atlanta
- 36 hours in Atlanta : Itinerary
A Bit About Atlanta
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia. It is a thriving cultural and economic hub of the southeastern U.S. Atlanta is known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and as being the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.
It’s also a centre for business and innovation, home to a thriving film industry, and major corporations like Coca-Cola and CNN. With a vibrant culinary scene, lush green spaces, and world-class museums, Atlanta offers a mix of southern charm and modern energy.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or nature lover, there’s something for everyone.
The cons? It’s HUGE, and the traffic is terrible. But with the help of some locals, we found ways to navigate the chaos without too much issue.
Weekend Itinerary for Atlanta
Lunch at The Varsity
This Atlanta fast-food institution is a must-visit while you’re in the city. The original drive-in opened in 1928, and soon became a firm favourite. It has been run by the same family, the Gordys, since it first opened. It’s unassuming fare – burgers, hotdogs and fries – is simple and delicious.
They have many locations around Atlanta, but we went to their huge central location at 61 North Avenue. You’ve got to try their chilli dogs and frosted orange milkshake!
The Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park
Out of all the historic sites we have visited, the Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park is the most moving and heart wrenching one. The complex is made up of a number of important sites which include, amongst other things, a visitor center, MLK Jr’s birthplace, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center where Martin Luther King Jr and his wife are interred.
It is free to visit the complex, which is incredible given the scale of the place. The visitor center has a very moving exhibition charting the history of the Civil Rights Movement – I was in tears many times.
MLK Jr Birthplace
A short walk from the Visitor Center and “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, is the Martin Luther King Jr Birthplace. The home has been restored and there is a docent to help you learn more about this historic home.
TIP: You can only visit the birth home as part of a ranger-led tour. So sign up as soon as you arrive (at the Visitor Center) – as there is often a waitlist. You can enjoy the other parts of the park while you wait for your tour.
The King Center
The King Center, with the cascading pool and calm environment is the perfect peaceful resting place for Martin Luther King Jr and his wife, Coretta Scott. There are MLK Jr quotes set into the water feature, and an eternal flame to contemplate. It has been sensitively designed to allow for people to pay their respects.
Don’t miss a visit to the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Reverend Martin Luther King preached, and where his son MLK Jr. was co-pastor too. It felt like a revered and special place, even to me, who is not religious at all.
Allow 3-4 hours for your visit to the National Historical Park, as there is so much to see and learn about.
StudioPlex Alley & Krog Street Tunnel
Stop for a drink and some shopping at StudioPlex Alley. This open air plaza has great boutiques, artists, and bars. It’s a hip and fun place to stop for an aperitif on your way to dinner. Next stop, Krog Street Tunnel. This heavily graffitied pedestrian tunnel is popular with Instagrammers and those wanting an edgy and interesting photoshoot spot.
Dinner at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q or Mary Mac’s
You can’t come to Atlanta and not eat some good southern barbecue! Fox Bros Bar-B-Q (1238 DeKalb Ave NE) was introduced to us by some blogging friends, and we just loved the food.
Their fried pickles and jalapeños were delicious, and their fried okra was the first okra I have actually enjoyed! They also won our accolades for their jalapeño cheddar smoked sausage with pimento cheese – YUM!
OR
Mary Mac’s (224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE) is an Atlanta institution. This ‘Tea Room’ is called just that because back when Mary McKenzie opened it in 1945, women weren’t allowed to open eateries or get bank loans for large establishments! It has now been expanded, but has kept the classic southern cooking and friendly vibe. You must try the ‘pot likker’ (the soup leftover from boiling greens), the fried green tomatoes and fried chicken. Oh, and the Georgia peach martini can’t be beat.
TIP: Mary Mac’s doesn’t take bookings for parties under 8 people, so it’s a first come-first served arrangement. Be prepared to wait in line, as it gets very busy. They have private dining areas for larger groups, which are available to book in advance.
Live Music
After dinner, catch some live music or theatre in one of the many Little Five Points venues. Variety Playhouse, 7 Stages Theatre, and Aisle 5 (all on Euclid Ave NE) have a variety of musical acts from big names to local bands (from Wedsnesday – Saturday mostly).
*** Fall into bed at an undisclosed hour ***
Breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club
Have yourself some biscuits and gravy at the Atlanta Breakfast Club before heading over to Pemberton Place, where you’ll be spending the day!
Choose an Attraction around Pemberton Place
This complex of amazing attractions is ripe for exploring. Home to the Center for Civil and Human Rights, World of Coca Cola, Georgia Aquarium, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, and SkyView Atlanta sky wheel are all in this area. Choose one or two to fill your morning!
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Following on from yesterdays civil rights theme, spend an hour or two at the Center for Civil and Human Rights. This exhibition center creates a safe space for dialogue and discourse about civil and human rights around the world.
World of Coca-Cola
Learn more about this global drinks icon. From the humble beginnings, you’ll learn where it all began and how the brand has made memorable moments with its marketing over the years. There are lots of interactive exhibitions, memorabilia and art to peruse before you reach the tasting room. You can taste Coca Cola products from around the world – there are some pretty crazy ones!
Georgia Aquarium
I’m not usually someone who visits zoos and aquariums, I am still on the fence about how I feel about them. But, I wanted to give the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta a chance due to their research and conservation efforts.
It turned out to be a magical couple of hours staring at Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. These magnificent creatures dwarf the other fish, sharks and rays; and have such a gentle way about them. It was interesting watching the symbiosis with other fish too.
We avoided the ‘animal encounters’ as we drew the line at turning captive animals into performers for entertainment.
There are many areas to this huge aquarium, so you can choose as much or as little as you are comfortable with.
If you need food while in this area
Both are near Pemberton Place, so you don’t have to go too far.
- Der Biergarten (300 Marietta St NW) – If it’s a sunny day, I recommend this casual German beer garden. They serve giant pretzels and other pub food in a friendly and buzzing atmosphere.
- Sun Dial (210 Peachtree St NW) – Want to eat a refined lunch with one of the best views across Atlanta, then Sun Dial is for you. Panoramic views from atop The Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel make for a beautiful backdrop.
SummerHill
With gentrification, comes neat areas like Summerhill. This hipster area has craft breweries, food truck beer gardens, and free parking!
The history of this area is an interesting one. Summerhill is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Atlanta, founded after the Civil War, for a long time it was mostly home to freed slaves and Jewish immigrants. Between the 1960s-1990s, there was a lot of decline in the area, but since 1996 it has been the focus of redevelopment efforts.
Cool places to hang out:
- Little Bear – a gorgeous historic brick building, now a cozy restaurant with craft beer and lovely cocktails
- HC Biergarten – a cool container-built beer garden
- Wood’s Chapel BBQ – trestle tables make this a great family style dining location
Summerhill is a great area to visit if you also want to visit Center Parc Stadium or the Atlanta Zoo.
Battery Park
The Battery Atlanta is a vibrant mixed-use development located in Cobb County, adjacent to Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. This bustling area combines dining, shopping, and entertainment, making it an easy location to spend an afternoon / evening.
If you like baseball, and are travelling in season, then catch a Braves game, before enjoying the surrounding shops, restaurants and bars. We had pizza at Antico, and it was outrageously good – probably the best I’ve had outside Europe.
There is also a Fox Bros location here too. Have a drink, take stroll, or go to a comedy show – there’s lots to do here.
Fan of the TV series ‘Stranger Things’? Why not take a tour of the filming locations in Atlanta!
OR Cocktails at Edgar’s P&P
If you wanted to stay downtown for the evening, head to Edgar’s Proof & Provision (659 Peachtree St NE) for some barrel-aged craft cocktails. They serve the full range of mules, and some delicious bourbons!
Where to stay in Atlanta
It really depends on your budget. If you’re only staying in Atlanta for a day or two I would suggest you stay Downtown or in Midtown for convenience. But this can be expensive. While I don’t recommend driving in Atlanta if you can if at all avoid it (it’s the craziest traffic I’ve driven in since Italy), it is an option if you can’t find central accommodation in your budget.
Downtown
- Hilton Atlanta (255 Courtland Street NE) – This mid-range hotel is really central and has big rooms with great views.
- For an upper range, super central option, you can’t beat the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (181 Peachtree Street NE).
Midtown
- For a budget option, you could try the Atlanta Midtown Hostel (682 Durant Pl NE). If you drive, I’d recommend you stay further out for cost.
- Crowne Plaza Midtown (590 W Peachtree St NW) – This mid-range hotel option has a rooftop bar and pool.
- At the upper end, for a chic modern hotel experience, you could try Loews Atlanta (1065 Peachtree St NE); or for an historic inn experience, Stonehurst Place Bed & Breakfast (923 Piedmont Ave NE).
Outer Atlanta
- Want luxury in the leafy suburb of Buckhead? The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead (3376 Peachtree Rd NE) has you covered!
- For the budget conscious, head north towards Marietta, where you can find the usual Days Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Extended Stay America chains.
Have even less time in Atlanta? Why not take a tour to maximise your time there?
36 hours in Atlanta : Itinerary
You really need a week in Atlanta to even crack the surface of this behemoth city. If you’re a foodie, Atlanta has every kind of cuisine and dining experience you could ever want. And history-wise, it is a city rich in ground-breaking and pivotal moments in history. This 36 hours in Atlanta itinerary will give you a good taster of the city, or it can form the beginnings of a longer stay. Enjoy your time in ‘The Big Peach’!
Love US city breaks? Why not try 2-3 days in Chicago, or a short break in Savannah Georgia!
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM.; and an iPhoneX.
I think Atlanta is one of the underrated cities in the US. A lot of people say Atlanta is boring, but you showed that it´s not! Thanks for sharing that!
Omg the Atlanta Breakfast Club is literally my FAVE place in Atlanta, the chicken wadfles are insane!! What did you guys think of it?
Amazing, right? I wish I’d had the chicken and waffles, but I had biscuits and gravy!
Wow I’d love to take this trip. It looks like both a historically and current culturally interesting trip.
I love that most of what you enjoyed in Atlanta was to eat delicious food! To be honest, Atlanta has never been on my radar as a nice place to visit, but now I wonder if a small stopover won’t be worth it. Thank you for sharing!
Coke world looks so cool! I love vintage coke stuff. Saving this guide for when I next go to the states.
Another great guide Hannah. I enjoyed Atlanta and think you covered a lot of the things you’d want to do if you only had 36 hours there. The civil rights stuff was really interesting / saddening to visit.
Thanks Jason! The Civil Rights stuff all across the South is so intense, heartbreaking, and so very scarily recent…