Audio Guide: Atlanta Downtown Walk (Self Guided), Atlanta
Atlanta began as a practical idea rather than a grand vision. In the 1830s, Georgia planners selected a forested ridge as the southern endpoint of a new railroad linking the state to the Midwest. The settlement that emerged was first called Terminus. The name Atlanta appeared in the 1840s, likely derived from Atlantica-Pacifica, a poetic nod to the railroad’s ambition to connect the Atlantic coast with territories pushing westward.
Railroads shaped Atlanta’s early identity, turning it into a transportation and commercial hub almost overnight. That importance also made it a target during the Civil War. In 1864, Union forces under General William T. Sherman captured and burned much of the city, leaving it heavily damaged. Atlanta’s rapid rebuilding afterward fueled its reputation as a city of resilience, later reinforced by its central role in the Civil Rights Movement and its emergence as the economic heart of the modern Southeast.
Downtown Atlanta is where this layered history is most visible. The area grew around Five Points, the intersection where the original rail lines and early streets converged. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, downtown became the city’s commercial and civic core, filled with banks, department stores, hotels, theaters, and newspaper offices. Early skyscrapers rose alongside courthouses and train terminals, reflecting Atlanta’s ambition to present itself as a modern Southern metropolis.
The district also witnessed key moments in American history. Downtown streets were central to Civil Rights-era protests and marches, and nearby institutions played a role in shaping national conversations on race, equality, and urban change. While suburban expansion after World War II drew residents and businesses outward, downtown never lost its symbolic weight. Instead, it evolved.
Today, downtown blends historic landmarks with large-scale convention centers, sports arenas, universities, and government buildings. Restored theaters and surviving early skyscrapers sit alongside modern glass towers, while pedestrian areas and public spaces reconnect the district to daily city life.
Walking through downtown Atlanta, visitors pass Centennial Olympic Park, a green legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, framed by major attractions. Nearby stand the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, both drawing crowds throughout the day. The College Football Hall of Fame celebrates the sport’s national culture, while the National Center for Civil and Human Rights adds historical depth. The CNN Center anchors the area with broadcasting history and a lively public concourse experience today. Together, these landmarks show downtown Atlanta as a place where entertainment, history, and public life overlap.
Railroads shaped Atlanta’s early identity, turning it into a transportation and commercial hub almost overnight. That importance also made it a target during the Civil War. In 1864, Union forces under General William T. Sherman captured and burned much of the city, leaving it heavily damaged. Atlanta’s rapid rebuilding afterward fueled its reputation as a city of resilience, later reinforced by its central role in the Civil Rights Movement and its emergence as the economic heart of the modern Southeast.
Downtown Atlanta is where this layered history is most visible. The area grew around Five Points, the intersection where the original rail lines and early streets converged. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, downtown became the city’s commercial and civic core, filled with banks, department stores, hotels, theaters, and newspaper offices. Early skyscrapers rose alongside courthouses and train terminals, reflecting Atlanta’s ambition to present itself as a modern Southern metropolis.
The district also witnessed key moments in American history. Downtown streets were central to Civil Rights-era protests and marches, and nearby institutions played a role in shaping national conversations on race, equality, and urban change. While suburban expansion after World War II drew residents and businesses outward, downtown never lost its symbolic weight. Instead, it evolved.
Today, downtown blends historic landmarks with large-scale convention centers, sports arenas, universities, and government buildings. Restored theaters and surviving early skyscrapers sit alongside modern glass towers, while pedestrian areas and public spaces reconnect the district to daily city life.
Walking through downtown Atlanta, visitors pass Centennial Olympic Park, a green legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, framed by major attractions. Nearby stand the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, both drawing crowds throughout the day. The College Football Hall of Fame celebrates the sport’s national culture, while the National Center for Civil and Human Rights adds historical depth. The CNN Center anchors the area with broadcasting history and a lively public concourse experience today. Together, these landmarks show downtown Atlanta as a place where entertainment, history, and public life overlap.
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Atlanta Downtown Walk Map
Guide Name: Atlanta Downtown Walk
Guide Location: USA » Atlanta (See other walking tours in Atlanta)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 11
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Author: brian
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Atlanta (See other walking tours in Atlanta)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 11
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Author: brian
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Georgia State Capitol
- Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
- Flatiron Building
- Healey Building and Fairlie–Poplar Historic District
- The Center
- College Football Hall of Fame
- Centennial Olympic Park
- SkyView Atlanta
- World of Coca-Cola
- Georgia Aquarium
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
1) Georgia State Capitol
One of Atlanta’s most important civic landmarks, the Georgia State Capitol represents both the political heart of Georgia and one of its most recognizable architectural symbols. Completed in 1889, the building is instantly identified by its gold-plated dome, crowned by the statue known as Miss Freedom, which watches over the city from the very top.
As you step inside, the Capitol’s interior reinforces its sense of authority and permanence. Marble floors lead through broad corridors, while grand staircases and rows of classical columns define the main spaces. The building is organized vertically, making it easy to explore level by level. Begin by heading up to the fourth floor, which is dedicated to visitors. Here you’ll find public galleries overlooking the House and Senate chambers, along with a free museum that introduces Georgia’s history, government, natural environment, and the story of the Capitol itself.
From the fourth floor, work your way down to the third floor, where the chambers of the Georgia General Assembly are located. This is where the House of Representatives and the Senate meet to debate and pass state laws. Continue to the second floor, which houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary of state, offering a glimpse into the executive side of state government.
Between January and April, during the legislative session, the Capitol becomes especially animated. Lawmakers, staff members, and lobbyists move through the corridors, particularly near the rope lines outside the House and Senate chambers. When the legislature is not in session, visitors can access the galleries to view the chambers. Remember to bring a photo ID or a copy of your passport, as identification is required for entry.
As you step inside, the Capitol’s interior reinforces its sense of authority and permanence. Marble floors lead through broad corridors, while grand staircases and rows of classical columns define the main spaces. The building is organized vertically, making it easy to explore level by level. Begin by heading up to the fourth floor, which is dedicated to visitors. Here you’ll find public galleries overlooking the House and Senate chambers, along with a free museum that introduces Georgia’s history, government, natural environment, and the story of the Capitol itself.
From the fourth floor, work your way down to the third floor, where the chambers of the Georgia General Assembly are located. This is where the House of Representatives and the Senate meet to debate and pass state laws. Continue to the second floor, which houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary of state, offering a glimpse into the executive side of state government.
Between January and April, during the legislative session, the Capitol becomes especially animated. Lawmakers, staff members, and lobbyists move through the corridors, particularly near the rope lines outside the House and Senate chambers. When the legislature is not in session, visitors can access the galleries to view the chambers. Remember to bring a photo ID or a copy of your passport, as identification is required for entry.
2) Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest surviving Catholic churches in Georgia, completed and dedicated in 1873, and a rare architectural witness to Atlanta’s 19th-century religious life. Its modest scale and restrained exterior reflect the circumstances of its early congregation, yet the building carries a dignified presence that has anchored the city’s Catholic community for more than a century.
The shrine takes its name from the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, while its interior is closely associated with The Immaculate Conception, a celebrated painting by Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, which became a central devotional and symbolic reference for the church. Its history is closely tied to Atlanta’s formative years. The building endured the disruptions of the Civil War era—referred to on a nearby plaque as “The War Between the States”—and remained standing as the city rebuilt around it.
Inside, the church unfolds as a single, spacious nave filled with light and color. Stained-glass windows line the walls, filtering sunlight into the sanctuary and illuminating scenes from the Passion of Christ. The ceiling draws the eye upward with eight large, vivid portraits of Catholic saints. As you move forward, attention naturally settles on the ornate main altar, richly detailed and carefully maintained, which serves as the visual and spiritual focal point of the space.
Beyond its historical and architectural value, the shrine is known for its welcoming atmosphere. Visitors of all backgrounds are encouraged to step inside and absorb the calm that contrasts with the bustle of downtown.
The shrine takes its name from the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, while its interior is closely associated with The Immaculate Conception, a celebrated painting by Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, which became a central devotional and symbolic reference for the church. Its history is closely tied to Atlanta’s formative years. The building endured the disruptions of the Civil War era—referred to on a nearby plaque as “The War Between the States”—and remained standing as the city rebuilt around it.
Inside, the church unfolds as a single, spacious nave filled with light and color. Stained-glass windows line the walls, filtering sunlight into the sanctuary and illuminating scenes from the Passion of Christ. The ceiling draws the eye upward with eight large, vivid portraits of Catholic saints. As you move forward, attention naturally settles on the ornate main altar, richly detailed and carefully maintained, which serves as the visual and spiritual focal point of the space.
Beyond its historical and architectural value, the shrine is known for its welcoming atmosphere. Visitors of all backgrounds are encouraged to step inside and absorb the calm that contrasts with the bustle of downtown.
3) Flatiron Building
Built in 1897, Atlanta’s Flatiron Building is one of the city’s oldest surviving commercial buildings and is instantly recognizable for its distinctive triangular shape. Often compared to New York City’s Flatiron Building, its design reflects the influence of the Chicago School of Architecture, incorporating a steel-frame structure clad in terra cotta.
Originally known as the English-American Building, the Flatiron has served a variety of purposes over the years, including offices and short-term lodging, before transitioning into mixed-use functions. In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Its survival through waves of redevelopment has made it an important reminder of Atlanta’s late-19th-century urban growth.
The exterior has been carefully restored, highlighting original terra cotta detailing, arched windows, and ornamental features best appreciated at street level. Standing at the building’s narrow prow, visitors can clearly see how the structure tapers to fit its wedge-shaped lot, with facades extending sharply along intersecting streets. This dramatic profile is especially eye-catching when approached from Five Points, where the Flatiron rises prominently at the edge of the historic street grid.
While the Flatiron Building is primarily used for offices today, visitors can still engage with it from the sidewalk, where its scale, materials, and proportions are most evident. When ground-floor retail or dining spaces are open, interior access may be available, and historic elements such as marble staircases and period finishes can sometimes be glimpsed from shared areas.
Originally known as the English-American Building, the Flatiron has served a variety of purposes over the years, including offices and short-term lodging, before transitioning into mixed-use functions. In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Its survival through waves of redevelopment has made it an important reminder of Atlanta’s late-19th-century urban growth.
The exterior has been carefully restored, highlighting original terra cotta detailing, arched windows, and ornamental features best appreciated at street level. Standing at the building’s narrow prow, visitors can clearly see how the structure tapers to fit its wedge-shaped lot, with facades extending sharply along intersecting streets. This dramatic profile is especially eye-catching when approached from Five Points, where the Flatiron rises prominently at the edge of the historic street grid.
While the Flatiron Building is primarily used for offices today, visitors can still engage with it from the sidewalk, where its scale, materials, and proportions are most evident. When ground-floor retail or dining spaces are open, interior access may be available, and historic elements such as marble staircases and period finishes can sometimes be glimpsed from shared areas.
4) Healey Building and Fairlie–Poplar Historic District
Often dubbed “The Queen of Atlanta”, the Healey Building was completed in 1914 and it was the last major high-rise erected in the city before World War I, marking the peak of Atlanta’s early skyscraper era. Its architectural and historical significance was formally recognized when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, followed by local landmark status in 1987.
Designed in the Chicago School tradition, the Healey Building reflects the ambition and confidence of early-20th-century Atlanta, when steel-frame construction was reshaping the city’s skyline. In 2001, its upper floors were converted into residential condominiums, while the lower levels continued to house galleries, shops, and restaurants, allowing the building to remain an active part of downtown life while preserving its historic character.
The Healey Building also serves as a visual anchor for the Fairlie–Poplar Historic District, a compact and architecturally rich area within Atlanta’s central business district. Named after Fairlie Street, which runs northeast, and Poplar Street, which runs southeast, the district is distinguished by its small blocks and streets laid out at roughly a 40-degree diagonal, setting it apart from the surrounding grid.
Buildings throughout Fairlie–Poplar date mainly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and showcase a wide range of architectural styles, including Chicago, Renaissance Revival, Neoclassical, Commercial, Art Deco, Georgian Revival, and Victorian. Together, they illustrate the shift from load-bearing masonry construction to steel and concrete framing, making the district—and the Healey Building at its center—a rewarding area to explore for anyone interested in Atlanta’s architectural evolution.
Designed in the Chicago School tradition, the Healey Building reflects the ambition and confidence of early-20th-century Atlanta, when steel-frame construction was reshaping the city’s skyline. In 2001, its upper floors were converted into residential condominiums, while the lower levels continued to house galleries, shops, and restaurants, allowing the building to remain an active part of downtown life while preserving its historic character.
The Healey Building also serves as a visual anchor for the Fairlie–Poplar Historic District, a compact and architecturally rich area within Atlanta’s central business district. Named after Fairlie Street, which runs northeast, and Poplar Street, which runs southeast, the district is distinguished by its small blocks and streets laid out at roughly a 40-degree diagonal, setting it apart from the surrounding grid.
Buildings throughout Fairlie–Poplar date mainly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and showcase a wide range of architectural styles, including Chicago, Renaissance Revival, Neoclassical, Commercial, Art Deco, Georgian Revival, and Victorian. Together, they illustrate the shift from load-bearing masonry construction to steel and concrete framing, making the district—and the Healey Building at its center—a rewarding area to explore for anyone interested in Atlanta’s architectural evolution.
5) The Center (must see)
The building now known simply as The Center remains a prominent part of Atlanta’s skyline, though its long-standing association with CNN reached its final chapter in early 2024. After nearly four decades as the global headquarters for the 24-hour news network, CNN completed its relocation, marking the end of an era that closely tied the site to broadcast journalism and international media. Today, the building is no longer a functioning news hub but is undergoing a major transformation into a premier mixed-use destination under the ownership of CP Group.
Originally developed in the early 1970s as the Omni Complex, the structure was conceived as a large-scale urban centerpiece combining hotel, arena, and public gathering space. Its vast enclosed atrium—once among the largest in the world—set the tone for the building’s identity as a place designed to impress, circulate crowds, and host large public events. That spatial ambition carried through its CNN years, when live broadcasts, studio windows, and constant foot traffic turned the interior into a rare blend of newsroom and tourist attraction.
Today, the downtown site is being reimagined as a hub for world-class dining, retail, and entertainment, positioned as a gateway between Centennial Olympic Park and State Farm Arena. The redevelopment focuses on activating the ground level and opening the building more directly to the surrounding streetscape, with the goal of reconnecting it to Atlanta’s pedestrian flow and major event venues.
While the building’s purpose has shifted, its most famous architectural feature remains a point of distinction. The 196-foot freestanding escalator—once the starting point of the CNN Studio Tour—is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest of its kind in the world. Although the guided tours that made it famous were permanently discontinued, both the escalator and the soaring atrium remain central to the renovation plans, now envisioned as part of a more open and welcoming public zone known as Hawks Plaza.
New dining concepts, event-ready gathering spaces, and interactive digital art installations—developed in collaboration with the Savannah College of Art and Design—are being introduced to give the interior a contemporary cultural edge. Even without its namesake news organization, The Center continues to function as a visual anchor for downtown Atlanta, bridging its media legacy with a new role in the city’s entertainment and urban life.
Originally developed in the early 1970s as the Omni Complex, the structure was conceived as a large-scale urban centerpiece combining hotel, arena, and public gathering space. Its vast enclosed atrium—once among the largest in the world—set the tone for the building’s identity as a place designed to impress, circulate crowds, and host large public events. That spatial ambition carried through its CNN years, when live broadcasts, studio windows, and constant foot traffic turned the interior into a rare blend of newsroom and tourist attraction.
Today, the downtown site is being reimagined as a hub for world-class dining, retail, and entertainment, positioned as a gateway between Centennial Olympic Park and State Farm Arena. The redevelopment focuses on activating the ground level and opening the building more directly to the surrounding streetscape, with the goal of reconnecting it to Atlanta’s pedestrian flow and major event venues.
While the building’s purpose has shifted, its most famous architectural feature remains a point of distinction. The 196-foot freestanding escalator—once the starting point of the CNN Studio Tour—is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest of its kind in the world. Although the guided tours that made it famous were permanently discontinued, both the escalator and the soaring atrium remain central to the renovation plans, now envisioned as part of a more open and welcoming public zone known as Hawks Plaza.
New dining concepts, event-ready gathering spaces, and interactive digital art installations—developed in collaboration with the Savannah College of Art and Design—are being introduced to give the interior a contemporary cultural edge. Even without its namesake news organization, The Center continues to function as a visual anchor for downtown Atlanta, bridging its media legacy with a new role in the city’s entertainment and urban life.
6) College Football Hall of Fame (must see)
If you’re interested in college football—or simply want a clearer sense of why the sport matters so much in the United States—the College Football Hall of Fame is an engaging place to spend an hour or two. Founded in 1951 by the National Football Foundation to honor outstanding college players and coaches, the Hall of Fame was relocated to Atlanta after the city was selected as its new home in 2009 and officially opened to the public in 2014.
As you enter the College Football Hall of Fame, you begin on the ground floor in The Quad, the official entry point. This is where you’ll meet the museum’s signature “wow” moment right away: a three-story Helmet Wall displaying helmets from more than 775 teams.
From The Quad, continue deeper into the first-floor exhibits to reach the Peach Bowl Field—the Hall’s 45-yard indoor playing field, set up for skills challenges like throwing and kicking. Above the turf, a large video board plays live games and highlights, so even a quick stop here feels like stepping into a game-day environment rather than a quiet museum.
Next, head up to the second floor for the more “hands-on” galleries: interactive displays, multimedia features, and sections that trace how college football’s gear, traditions, and big moments evolved over time. This level is designed to keep you moving—try a few stations, then follow the flow onward, because the building is planned as a climb toward the Hall’s “pinnacle” experience.
Finish by going up to the third floor, where the Hall of Fame itself is located. It is arranged as a circular room defined by tall glass columns, each etched with the names of inducted players and coaches. After you’ve finished on the upper floors, head back down to the first-floor lobby. The Hall of Fame Store is on the first floor, set off the main public area so you’ll naturally pass it as you funnel back toward the exit.
As you enter the College Football Hall of Fame, you begin on the ground floor in The Quad, the official entry point. This is where you’ll meet the museum’s signature “wow” moment right away: a three-story Helmet Wall displaying helmets from more than 775 teams.
From The Quad, continue deeper into the first-floor exhibits to reach the Peach Bowl Field—the Hall’s 45-yard indoor playing field, set up for skills challenges like throwing and kicking. Above the turf, a large video board plays live games and highlights, so even a quick stop here feels like stepping into a game-day environment rather than a quiet museum.
Next, head up to the second floor for the more “hands-on” galleries: interactive displays, multimedia features, and sections that trace how college football’s gear, traditions, and big moments evolved over time. This level is designed to keep you moving—try a few stations, then follow the flow onward, because the building is planned as a climb toward the Hall’s “pinnacle” experience.
Finish by going up to the third floor, where the Hall of Fame itself is located. It is arranged as a circular room defined by tall glass columns, each etched with the names of inducted players and coaches. After you’ve finished on the upper floors, head back down to the first-floor lobby. The Hall of Fame Store is on the first floor, set off the main public area so you’ll naturally pass it as you funnel back toward the exit.
7) Centennial Olympic Park (must see)
Built by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games as part of the infrastructure for the 1996 Summer Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park welcomes millions of visitors each year and regularly hosts large events, including a popular summer concert series and an annual Independence Day concert and fireworks display. The park is organized into several distinct areas, including The Great Lawn, Centennial Plaza, and the Visitor Information Center.
As you enter through the northwestern entrance, begin walking eastward to reach the Centennial Plaza. Keep the broad lawn on your right side and follow the paved path, guiding you diagonally across the park. As you continue, look ahead and slightly to the east. From far away, you can observe the tall structure of SkyView Atlanta, serving as an orientation point.
There, you'll find the Fountain of Rings, the park’s most recognizable feature. Set flush into the ground, the fountain is easy to walk around and through. Its 251 computer-controlled water jets, arranged in the shape of the Olympic rings, rise and fall in choreographed patterns synchronized with music and lighting. Pause here for a few minutes—this is where scheduled shows take place several times a day, and on warm days visitors are welcome to wade through the jets.
Standing near the fountain, look up and around the plaza to notice the tall light towers, inspired by classical Greek marker columns, which reinforce the Olympic theme. As you slowly circle the fountain clockwise, you’ll see flags lining the plaza, representing the host nations of every Summer Olympic Games prior to 1996. Nearby, set slightly off the main walking paths, are several sculptures, including a statue of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement.
From the fountain, continue westward across the open lawn toward The Great Lawn, a broad green space often used for concerts and large public events, including summer music programs and Independence Day celebrations. This area offers a quieter contrast to the activity of the plaza and is a good place to pause, sit, or take in wider views of the park.
Tip:
On hot days, plan your route so you pass the Fountain of Rings twice—once to watch a show, and again to cool off in the water. For orientation and event updates, starting and ending your visit at the Visitor Information Center makes navigating the park much easier.
As you enter through the northwestern entrance, begin walking eastward to reach the Centennial Plaza. Keep the broad lawn on your right side and follow the paved path, guiding you diagonally across the park. As you continue, look ahead and slightly to the east. From far away, you can observe the tall structure of SkyView Atlanta, serving as an orientation point.
There, you'll find the Fountain of Rings, the park’s most recognizable feature. Set flush into the ground, the fountain is easy to walk around and through. Its 251 computer-controlled water jets, arranged in the shape of the Olympic rings, rise and fall in choreographed patterns synchronized with music and lighting. Pause here for a few minutes—this is where scheduled shows take place several times a day, and on warm days visitors are welcome to wade through the jets.
Standing near the fountain, look up and around the plaza to notice the tall light towers, inspired by classical Greek marker columns, which reinforce the Olympic theme. As you slowly circle the fountain clockwise, you’ll see flags lining the plaza, representing the host nations of every Summer Olympic Games prior to 1996. Nearby, set slightly off the main walking paths, are several sculptures, including a statue of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement.
From the fountain, continue westward across the open lawn toward The Great Lawn, a broad green space often used for concerts and large public events, including summer music programs and Independence Day celebrations. This area offers a quieter contrast to the activity of the plaza and is a good place to pause, sit, or take in wider views of the park.
Tip:
On hot days, plan your route so you pass the Fountain of Rings twice—once to watch a show, and again to cool off in the water. For orientation and event updates, starting and ending your visit at the Visitor Information Center makes navigating the park much easier.
8) SkyView Atlanta
If you want a sweeping overview of Atlanta in a single experience, SkyView Atlanta offers a clear and memorable perspective. Rising 200 feet above the city, this observation wheel provides panoramic views across downtown and the surrounding metropolitan area—an especially appealing option if you don’t have access to Atlanta’s taller buildings or observation decks.
Located beside Centennial Olympic Park and within easy reach of major attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the Tabernacle, SkyView Atlanta features 42 enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, each accommodating up to six passengers. The ride is smooth and unhurried, giving you time to take in the skyline, parklands, and nearby venues. For visitors looking for something more exclusive, a VIP gondola can be reserved, offering upgraded seating, tinted windows, a glass floor, and an extended ride duration.
SkyView Atlanta is well suited to families, couples, and first-time visitors, with reasonable wait times and a relaxed pace that makes the experience approachable even for those only mildly cautious about heights. At night, the wheel itself becomes part of the spectacle, illuminated by changing light displays that add color and movement to the downtown skyline.
Located beside Centennial Olympic Park and within easy reach of major attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the Tabernacle, SkyView Atlanta features 42 enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, each accommodating up to six passengers. The ride is smooth and unhurried, giving you time to take in the skyline, parklands, and nearby venues. For visitors looking for something more exclusive, a VIP gondola can be reserved, offering upgraded seating, tinted windows, a glass floor, and an extended ride duration.
SkyView Atlanta is well suited to families, couples, and first-time visitors, with reasonable wait times and a relaxed pace that makes the experience approachable even for those only mildly cautious about heights. At night, the wheel itself becomes part of the spectacle, illuminated by changing light displays that add color and movement to the downtown skyline.
9) World of Coca-Cola (must see)
As you step into the World of Coca-Cola, you’re entering a museum-style attraction devoted to the history, advertising, and global reach of the Coca-Cola brand—and the visit usually starts immediately with a complimentary drink in the lobby. Staff then direct visitors into The Loft, where, in small groups, an ambassador highlights stories connected to a wide range of historical and international artifacts. After this, visitors are typically queued together and guided into the Coca-Cola Theater for a short, six-minute introductory film.
Once the theater doors open, the visit becomes primarily individual. The route funnels you into the first-floor galleries, but you can move at your own pace through Coca-Cola Stories, an immersive history experience built around artifacts and photo-style moments. Continue forward to the Vault of the Secret Formula, a theatrical stop that plays up the lore and mystery around the closely guarded recipe.
After the Vault, follow the posted exit path into Icons, where the brand’s cultural footprint takes center stage—and this is also where you can usually meet and take photos with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear. Before you head upstairs, watch for Beverage Lab: it’s designed around the “science and creativity” of drinks and includes tastings that feel more experimental than the main tasting hall.
Next, take the stairs or elevator up to the second floor for the more “hands-on” stretch of the visit. Look for The Studios, an interactive area focused on Coca-Cola’s influence on art, music, fashion, sports, and entertainment. Nearby, you can step into Scent Discovery, which explores how smell shapes taste. When you’re ready for the big finale, follow the crowd flow toward the 3D motion-effects theater, then continue onward to Taste It!, the large tasting hall where you can sample 100+ Coca-Cola beverages organized by world regions. Once you finish in Taste It!, follow the exit signage into the Coke Store, which is usually positioned as the last stop and is stocked with branded souvenirs and collectibles.
Tip:
Buying tickets online in advance or using CityPASS can help reduce wait times, especially during busy weekends and peak travel seasons
Once the theater doors open, the visit becomes primarily individual. The route funnels you into the first-floor galleries, but you can move at your own pace through Coca-Cola Stories, an immersive history experience built around artifacts and photo-style moments. Continue forward to the Vault of the Secret Formula, a theatrical stop that plays up the lore and mystery around the closely guarded recipe.
After the Vault, follow the posted exit path into Icons, where the brand’s cultural footprint takes center stage—and this is also where you can usually meet and take photos with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear. Before you head upstairs, watch for Beverage Lab: it’s designed around the “science and creativity” of drinks and includes tastings that feel more experimental than the main tasting hall.
Next, take the stairs or elevator up to the second floor for the more “hands-on” stretch of the visit. Look for The Studios, an interactive area focused on Coca-Cola’s influence on art, music, fashion, sports, and entertainment. Nearby, you can step into Scent Discovery, which explores how smell shapes taste. When you’re ready for the big finale, follow the crowd flow toward the 3D motion-effects theater, then continue onward to Taste It!, the large tasting hall where you can sample 100+ Coca-Cola beverages organized by world regions. Once you finish in Taste It!, follow the exit signage into the Coke Store, which is usually positioned as the last stop and is stocked with branded souvenirs and collectibles.
Tip:
Buying tickets online in advance or using CityPASS can help reduce wait times, especially during busy weekends and peak travel seasons
10) Georgia Aquarium (must see)
Long regarded as one of Atlanta’s signature attractions, the Georgia Aquarium remains one of the largest aquariums in the United States and a centerpiece of the city’s downtown visitor area. The aquarium is organized by habitat-based galleries, making it easy to move from one ecosystem to another. Its most famous feature is the Ocean Voyager gallery, home to whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of other marine animals swimming within a single massive tank.
Beyond Ocean Voyager, the aquarium branches into a series of distinct environments. Cold-water habitats introduce beluga whales and sea lions, while the penguin gallery recreates icy coastal conditions, complete with underwater viewing where you can watch the birds “fly” through the water. Other sections focus on river systems and tropical reefs, displaying colorful reef fish, freshwater species, and detailed coral ecosystems. The jellyfish galleries, softly illuminated and quieter than the larger halls, are a common place for visitors to slow down and linger, watching the gentle, pulsing movement of multiple species.
The aquarium is designed to keep visitors visually immersed. Thick acrylic viewing panels allow close-up observation of animals large and small, while tunnel-like walkways and overhead windows place schools of fish directly above you in several areas. Near the entrance, a large wall of schooling fish—lit in shifting shades of blue—acts as an atmospheric introduction, immediately establishing the scale and tone of the experience.
Live animal presentations, including dolphin and sea lion programs, are offered daily and are included with general admission, though seating is limited and showtimes vary. These presentations focus on animal behavior and care rather than tricks, and many visitors plan their route through the aquarium around scheduled show times.
Tip:
Buying tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, as some discounts are not available on site and entry times can sell out during busy periods. Behind-the-scenes or specialty experiences are occasionally offered for an additional fee; availability varies, so it’s best to check current options when planning your visit.
Beyond Ocean Voyager, the aquarium branches into a series of distinct environments. Cold-water habitats introduce beluga whales and sea lions, while the penguin gallery recreates icy coastal conditions, complete with underwater viewing where you can watch the birds “fly” through the water. Other sections focus on river systems and tropical reefs, displaying colorful reef fish, freshwater species, and detailed coral ecosystems. The jellyfish galleries, softly illuminated and quieter than the larger halls, are a common place for visitors to slow down and linger, watching the gentle, pulsing movement of multiple species.
The aquarium is designed to keep visitors visually immersed. Thick acrylic viewing panels allow close-up observation of animals large and small, while tunnel-like walkways and overhead windows place schools of fish directly above you in several areas. Near the entrance, a large wall of schooling fish—lit in shifting shades of blue—acts as an atmospheric introduction, immediately establishing the scale and tone of the experience.
Live animal presentations, including dolphin and sea lion programs, are offered daily and are included with general admission, though seating is limited and showtimes vary. These presentations focus on animal behavior and care rather than tricks, and many visitors plan their route through the aquarium around scheduled show times.
Tip:
Buying tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, as some discounts are not available on site and entry times can sell out during busy periods. Behind-the-scenes or specialty experiences are occasionally offered for an additional fee; availability varies, so it’s best to check current options when planning your visit.
11) National Center for Civil and Human Rights (must see)
Opened to the public in 2014, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights presents the history of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement alongside contemporary human rights struggles around the world. Designed by architect Philip Freelon, the building’s flowing, curvilinear form—often described as “hands joined in unity”—reflects Atlanta’s central role in the Civil Rights Movement while framing those struggles within a broader global context. Following an expansion, the Center reopened in 2025 with two new wings, increasing gallery and event space.
Inside, the Center combines permanent galleries, rotating exhibitions, and immersive installations that link past movements to present-day human rights issues. Core exhibits trace the Civil Rights Movement through original artifacts, multimedia storytelling, and participatory environments, while newer galleries broaden the lens. “Broken Promises: The Legacy of Reconstruction” examines the post–Civil War era and its lasting consequences, while “Everyone. Everywhere.” explores global human rights through an immersive “A Mile in My Shoes” experience. A new Action Lab invites visitors to design personalized civic engagement plans, turning reflection into potential action.
One of the Center’s most powerful experiences remains the interactive lunch counter simulation, expanded during the renovation to accommodate more visitors. Sitting at a recreated 1960s counter, guests listen through headphones as voices and sounds recreate the experience of nonviolent protest. The Martin Luther King Jr. Collection, drawn from Morehouse College, has been relocated to a prominent main-floor space and reimagined with rotating guest curators, beginning with Bernice A. King. A dedicated Special Exhibitions Gallery now hosts major temporary shows.
Since reopening, the Center has reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s cultural landscape, hosting public programs, lectures, and exhibitions that respond directly to current events. Thought-provoking and immersive, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights offers visitors a deeper understanding of Atlanta’s identity—one shaped not only by entertainment and spectacle, but by ongoing struggles for justice and human dignity.
Inside, the Center combines permanent galleries, rotating exhibitions, and immersive installations that link past movements to present-day human rights issues. Core exhibits trace the Civil Rights Movement through original artifacts, multimedia storytelling, and participatory environments, while newer galleries broaden the lens. “Broken Promises: The Legacy of Reconstruction” examines the post–Civil War era and its lasting consequences, while “Everyone. Everywhere.” explores global human rights through an immersive “A Mile in My Shoes” experience. A new Action Lab invites visitors to design personalized civic engagement plans, turning reflection into potential action.
One of the Center’s most powerful experiences remains the interactive lunch counter simulation, expanded during the renovation to accommodate more visitors. Sitting at a recreated 1960s counter, guests listen through headphones as voices and sounds recreate the experience of nonviolent protest. The Martin Luther King Jr. Collection, drawn from Morehouse College, has been relocated to a prominent main-floor space and reimagined with rotating guest curators, beginning with Bernice A. King. A dedicated Special Exhibitions Gallery now hosts major temporary shows.
Since reopening, the Center has reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s cultural landscape, hosting public programs, lectures, and exhibitions that respond directly to current events. Thought-provoking and immersive, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights offers visitors a deeper understanding of Atlanta’s identity—one shaped not only by entertainment and spectacle, but by ongoing struggles for justice and human dignity.
Walking Tours in Atlanta, Georgia
Create Your Own Walk in Atlanta
Creating your own self-guided walk in Atlanta is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
"Gone with the Wind" Walking Tour
Atlanta does “give a damn” about Gone With The Wind. There is a number of museums and sites in the city that commemorate one of America's all-time classic stories. Although released as far back as the 1930s, both Margaret Mitchell's award-winning novel and the film that followed shortly still inspire curiosity about and are equally celebrated in Atlanta.
The first port of call for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
The first port of call for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Atlanta Midtown Walking Tour
Atlanta began not as a grand colonial settlement but as a practical railroad town. Its origins lie in the 1830s, when Georgia planned a rail line to connect the interior of the state with the Midwest. The settlement that formed at the rail terminus was first known simply as Terminus, then Marthasville, before being renamed Atlanta in 1847. The name is generally understood to derive from the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Centennial Olympic Park
The Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta is a sprawling urban oasis, covering approximately 21 acres. It was created as a central gathering place for the Centennial Summer Olympic Games held in Georgia in 1996. In the years following the Games, the area witnessed commercial development resulting in a variety of attractions and amenities suitable for visitors of all ages.
One of the notable sites... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One of the notable sites... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Martin Luther King Walking Tour
Martin Luther King Jr. once said “I was born here. I grew up here. And this city helped shape the man I became.”
Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta in 1929 into a family deeply rooted in the city’s Black Baptist tradition. Raised on Auburn Avenue, then one of African American corridors in the United States, King grew up surrounded by faith, education, and civic responsibility.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta in 1929 into a family deeply rooted in the city’s Black Baptist tradition. Raised on Auburn Avenue, then one of African American corridors in the United States, King grew up surrounded by faith, education, and civic responsibility.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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