One Day in Atlanta Itinerary

BEST THINGS TO DO IF YOU HAVE ONLY 24 HOURS IN ATLANTA

If you have limited time in our wonderful city, use this fun and quick itinerary as your guide.

GEORGIA AQUARIUM OR CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

Head to Georgia Aquarium where you can see more than 100,000 animals of 500 different species in more than 11 million gallons of marine and freshwater. Touch tanks, 4-D theater, whale sharks, beluga whales and more are perfect for kids of all ages.

Address: 225 Baker St. NW
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours  

Alternate Option: Visit Centennial Olympic Park, the world’s gathering place during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. The park features the popular Fountain of Rings, The Spectacular, an Olympic Rings sculpture, and many outdoor events during the summer months.

Address: 265 Park Ave. W NW
Estimated Time: 45 minutes 

SUN DIAL RESTAURANT, BAR & VIEW

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View (atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza, one of the tallest hotels in the Western Hemisphere) offers breathtaking views of downtown Atlanta. 

Address: 210 Peachtree St. NW

WORLD OF COCA-COLA

Head to the World of Coca-Cola, where the famous soft drink’s story is told through fascinating exhibits, classic ads and a replica of the bottling process.

Address: 121 Baker St. NW
Estimated Time: 2 hours

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK OR JIMMY CARTER MUSEUM

Did you know Atlanta boasts two Nobel Peace Prize and Medal of Freedom winners?

Option No. 1: The Sweet Auburn district is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park includes a visitors’ center depicting the story of Dr. King and the civil rights movement; the restored King birth home; Ebenezer Baptist Church, where three generations of the King family preached; and Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King’s burial sites.

Insider Tip: Located in the lobby of the Visitor Center is the Children of Courage exhibit, which is geared toward younger visitors. This exhibit tells the story about the children of the civil rights movement with a challenge to youth. The exhibit Courage To Lead follows the parallel paths of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. Be sure to stop by the Eternal Flame.

Address: 450 Auburn Ave. NE
Estimated Time: 1 hour (fast-paced) to 2 hours (leisurely) 

Option No. 2: Or visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, next to The Carter Center. The library includes a replica of the Oval Office and Jimmy Carter’s Nobel Peace Prize, as well as traveling exhibits.

Insider Tip: You also can enjoy the Freedom Park Trail, a pedestrian and bike path between the two attractions. Commemorative plaques and public art can be found along the walk.

Address: 441 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE
Estimated Time: 2 hours 

ATLANTA FOOD HALLS

There are plenty of options to taste the flavors of Atlanta. If you are only here for 24 hours, try one of our food halls. Traveling alone or with friends, you’ll find something you love that will leave you hankering to visit Atlanta again and discover more. Find out more about Our Local Atlanta Food Halls With Innovative Event Space.

Option No. 1: On the Eastside close to Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Park and Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, try Krog Street Market or Ponce City Market.

Option No. 2: On the Westside check out Chattachoochee Food Works.

Option No. 3: In Midtown, try Politan Row at Colony Square.

ATLANTA BRAVES OR ATLANTA HAWKS

Option No. 1: Between April and October, catch an Atlanta Braves baseball game. You can also take a tour of Truist Park to see the broadcast booth, press both, luxury suites, dugout and even the clubhouse (offered only when the team is out of town).

Insider Tip: The Battery Atlanta is for Braves fans before and after the game at Truist Park. Visitors can wine and dine at restaurants where Atlanta’s most acclaimed chefs and mixologists are found. Culinary options to please foodies and families alike include Terrapin, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Antico, Goldberg’s Bagel Company & Deli, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, Superica and El Super Pan.

Address: 755 Battery Ave. SE
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours 

Option No. 2: In the cooler months, you can attend an Atlanta Hawks basketball game at State Farm Arena, right in the middle of downtown Atlanta. That means you have everything you need for a great night out. 

Insider Tip: Restaurants, bars and entertainment are just steps away from the hardwood when you catch a Hawks home game.

Address: 1 State Farm Drive
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours 

Check out more of our suggested itineraries to help you plan the perfect trip to Atlanta.