Things To Do Near Emory University
Published August 31, 2022
Last Updated November 27, 2024
As a student at an in-town university, you have the best of both worlds. Your first world, of course, is the campus of Emory University where you, quite naturally, spend most of your time. And what a pretty campus you have. Lucky for you, many of Atlanta’s best attractions are in close proximity to Emory; a couple, in fact, are right outside your door. Take a look at our picks of things to do near Emory University – because sometimes you just need a break.
Freebies
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Wow. The Michael C. Carlos Museum is located right on the Emory campus, and because you are an Emory student you have access to several events and things to do. The Carlos hosts monthly drop-in art-making sessions called Student Studio, in the Tate Room on the Plaza Level of the museum. Drop by, take a break, and view and make art.
The museum offers paid summer internships for Emory University undergraduate and graduate students. Students are paid a stipend of $5,000 for 300 hours during the summer or throughout the academic year. The start and end dates for each internship are mutually decided upon by the intern and supervisor.
The Daniel Schulz Internship provides support for student work at the museum. The internship is open to students at any college or university, with a preference given to students who have traditionally been underrepresented in museums. The museum also offers unpaid internships, often for credit, and other opportunities for Emory students interested in working and learning in a museum environment.
Where: 571 South Kilgo Circle NE
David J. Sencer CDC Museum
Double wow. This one is a med student’s dream come true. Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and, of course, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC Museum is free for everyone. And that means that, since it’s just down the street, you can wander in frequently. After you’ve seen the permanent exhibits, keep a watch for temporary exhibits on display each year. The museum is designed to educate about the value of prevention-based public health and also present the CDC’s heritage and accomplishments.
Where: 1600 Clifton Road NE
Georgia Aquarium
Emory is reasonably close to Georgia Aquarium. If you are a Georgia resident, bring your ID and get free admission on your birthday. (Unfortunately, this does not apply to students who are out-of-state residents going to school in Georgia.) The aquarium houses thousands of species of animals.
Where: 225 Baker St. NW
Decatur Square
Well, of course, you can spend money at the shops and restaurants on Decatur Square, but you don’t have to. It doesn’t cost a thing to walk around and breathe the air off campus.
Where: 509 North McDonough St., Decatur
Lullwater Park
If you don’t already know about this treasure right in your midst, then get moving to change that. It’s a wonderful place to refresh amid the wonders of nature. Take a walk. Take a run. Sit by the lake. See if you are quick enough to snap a photo of a resident owl.
Where: 1463 Clifton Road NE
Affordable
Fernbank Science Center
General admission to Fernbank Science Center is free. This includes the exhibit hall and associated grounds. Planetarium programs are $5 for students.
The exhibit hall at Fernbank Science Center spans 9,000 square feet and circles the planetarium theater. Split over two levels the exhibit hall has an upper area with 10-foot ceilings and a lower level with 15-foot ceilings. Within these areas are numerous displays, which deal with a large array of scientific concepts. The theme for the entire exhibit area reflects the slogan of the Science Center: “Where Science Becomes an Adventure.”
The upper level of the exhibit hall features a live animal exhibit and a live honey bee hive. The lower exhibit hall features space exhibits including the real Apollo 6 space capsule and a meteorite collection. The lower level also houses most of the center’s extensive taxidermy collection.
Where: 156 Heaton Park Drive
Alliance Theatre
Located in Midtown, the Alliance Theatre is not too far away from Emory University. College students can attend performances of most Alliance Theatre productions for $15. Use promo code COLLEGE15 to access the college student ticket price during check-out. A maximum of two tickets per order may be purchased with this discount, and tickets must be picked up from will-call at the box office with a valid student ID. At Pay-What-You-Can performances, you can pick any available seat in the house and decide what you would like to pay. Pay-What-You-Can tickets are available within one month prior to the performance date.
Where: 1280 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra invites college students to enjoy up to 20 classical concerts for only $35 with the ASO College Pass. All you need to sign up is a valid .edu email address. Once enrolled, you may redeem your tickets 48 hours in advance of a performance. Look for monthly reminders featuring all the eligible concerts.
Where: 1280 Peachtree St. NE
High Museum of Art
Head to Midtown to enjoy the High Museum of Art. Experience monthly events such as High Frequency Friday and Friday jazz. The High Museum of Art’s internship program is offered for eight weeks each summer to rising college juniors and seniors and graduating seniors.
Where: 1280 Peachtree Road NE
William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum is known around Atlanta as The Breman. Student admission is only $6. Tour the Holocaust exhibit and check to see about new exhibits that appear regularly. Sometimes there are free lectures.
Where: 1440 Spring St. NW
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
Admission to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum is $10 with your valid student ID. Not only that, it’s wise to check the website from time to time because events are often free. To cite just one example, The Carter Center sometimes hosts meet-and-greet author appearances, and many are free. Of course, if you want a book, you’ll have to pay (but you’ll get an autographed copy).
Where: 441 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE
Fox Theatre
If you love Broadway shows, then keep your eye on the Fox Theatre because the theater often offers discount tickets to college students when Broadway comes to Atlanta.
Where: 660 Peachtree St. NE
Volunteer
When you volunteer at Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, you get to see that night’s show for free. You’ll also get free snacks and affordable drinks. You will be invited to quarterly volunteer appreciation events. And, you’ll earn credit for every shift you work that can be applied toward improv classes, gift certificates and Dad’s Garage merchandise
Where: 569 Ezzard St. NE
Sip, Eat, and Enjoy
The Reading Room
The Reading Room coffee shop & bar offers a stylish and relaxed environment that appeals to college students looking for a sophisticated yet casual spot to unwind. This business features a comfortable, book-themed ambiance with a mix of classic and modern décor. The bar/cafe serves a diverse selection of cocktails, craft beers, wines, coffees, teas and even light bites/pastries. This makes for a great place to socialize or take a break from studies. Its laid-back atmosphere and a welcoming vibe make it an ideal venue for students to enjoy a night out or a casual get-together with friends.
Where: 429 Church St.
The General Muir
The General Muir, a modern American restaurant at Emory Point, combines classic New York Jewish deli traditions with contemporary flavors. It features house-cured pastrami, hand-rolled bagels and fresh, simple dishes. Named after the refugee ship that brought co-owner Jennifer Johnson’s family to New York, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. In addition, it offers locally roasted Dancing Goats coffee, a full bar, and adjacent TGM Bread and TGM Soup Co. for fresh bread and soups.
Where: 1540 Ave.
The Depot by Kaldi’s Coffee
The Depot by Kaldi’s Coffee at Emory University is a popular spot for students, faculty and visitors. Located on the Emory campus, it offers a cozy and modern environment where people can enjoy high-quality coffee, espresso drinks, and a selection of pastries and light snacks. Kaldi’s Coffee is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, so you can expect expertly crafted beverages made from ethically sourced beans. The Depot provides a comfortable place for studying, meeting with friends or taking a break between classes, making it a go-to destination for the Emory community.
Where: 1 Eagle Row
Want to know the best student discounts in Atlanta? Check out this guide. For more things to do in Atlanta, take a look at our calendar of events.
Journalist Carol Carter writes and edits for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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