Things to do with Friends in Atlanta

By Aubree Dumas

Published August 1, 2024
Last Updated November 27, 2024

Planning your next adventure with friends in Atlanta? Whether you’re a seasoned local or a curious visitor, dive into eclectic neighborhoods, savor mouthwatering bites, visit outdoor green spaces and soak up the city’s art scene. Atlanta promises endless fun and unforgettable moments with your crew. Get ready to explore and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here is your guide.

Spend Time Outdoors 

Atlanta Beltline

Discover all the city has to offer as you wander along the Atlanta Beltline. With a blend of culture, community and creativity, there is always something new to discover along this path. Dine at one of the many eateries. Craving guac and chips? Guac Y Margys is the perfect spot along the Eastside Beltline to grab a bite with a spicy marg. Throw down a nice cold beer at Best End Brewing Co., New Realm Brewing Co. or Monday Night Brewing along the Westside trail. If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, make a reservation at Kevin Gillespie’s Gunshow off the Southside Trail. Get your camera ready as you are bound snap a photo with friends in front of the many murals. Check out this Guide to the Atlanta Beltline Trails.

Piedmont Park

You can never go wrong with a visit to Piedmont Park. This urban oasis is the perfect place to picnic with friends in the heart of Atlanta. Whether you’re in town during one of the many festivals like the Atlanta Jazz Festival or the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival hosted at this popular park or taking a free fitness class with your pals, the possibilities are endless. Who knew such scenic trails and gorgeous green spaces could exist at the center of a bustling city? 

Centennial Olympic Park

Enjoy a green space that is both rich in history and a great stop for photos with your besties. Built for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, the park provides the perfect spot for a selfie in front of the iconic Olympic Rings sculpture. Embrace your inner child and run through the Olympic Rings fountains, dry off on the expansive green space before bar-hopping around the area. Check out Instagram Worthy Restaurants in downtown Atlanta to keep the photo ops going.

Patios and Rooftops

If you’re more of a foodie, enjoying the outdoors is still possible. Atlanta is known for its many showstopping patios and rooftop restaurants and bars. Whether you’re looking for unbelievable skyline views or a nice meal on an intimate patio with friends, Atlanta has a place for it all. In town for a game or concert? Enjoy a beer on the patio of Wild Leap Atlanta, just a walk away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. Explore Midtown and then reward yourself with drinks at the Virtue Rooftop Bar located above 5Church Midtown. Spaceman at the Hyatt Centric Buckhead is the perfect spot for skyline gazing with a cocktail in hand.

Try A New Cuisine

Explore Atlanta’s Food Halls

Atlanta’s food halls have become all the rage with a diverse range of culinary options and stunning spaces to hang out and vibe with friends. Whether you’re in the mood for the comfort of Southern soul food, artisanal pizzas, Asian eats or Mexican bites, Atlanta’s food halls provide a range of options. Game, eat and play on the upper westside at Chattahoochee Food Works, take in art and live music while munching at Politan Row at Colony Square or taste the rich history at Municipal Market. Check this guide to Atlanta’s food halls to discover more. 

Indulge in International Cuisine along Buford Highway

Allow your taste buds to take an international journey with a visit to Buford Highway. A great option for groups with differing food preferences, you can make it an afternoon excursion exploring the many cultural cuisines like Vietnamese soups from Nam Phoung, pupusas from Pupusa Mi Tiera or street-style Malaysian eats from Food Terminal. The many colorful storefronts and enticing aromas will surely broaden your culinary palate. Explore Buford Highway and check this guide: Where to Eat on Atlanta’s Buford Highway.

Catch a Game or Concert

Watch the Braves at Truist Park

Watching the Atlanta Braves play is essential to a sports lover’s visit to the A. Conveniently located at The Battery Atlanta, this state-of-the-art stadium offers panoramic views of the field from every seat. Enjoy game-day eats ranging from upscale bar bites to a classic hot dog (extra mustard please) washed down with beverages both alcoholic and zero-proof.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Whether you’re an Atlanta Falcons fan or an Atlanta United fanatic, experiencing the energy of game day at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the best. This stadium redefines game-day with its innovative design and modern features including the state-of-the-art retractable roof, one-of-a-kind circular video board and several fan experience zones. Whether you’re watching football, soccer or your favorite performer, the stadium enhances the excitement. Plush seating and excellent sightlines ensure every fan feels close to the action.

State Farm Arena

Home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, State Farm Arena brings an unmatched experience on game day where the energy is high and the action is nonstop. Interactive fan zones keep the excitement going and upscale dining options keep you fueled.  Whether you’re cheering for the Hawks or enjoying a concert, State Farm Arena offers a dynamic experience.

Hang Out and Play

Your 3rd Spot

This unique ‘eatertainment’ destination provides a thrilling experience with endless games, delicious drinks and flavorful food. You’re going to want to try the spicy tuna crispy rice or the chef’s pizza, both great for sharing. Add the Cocktail Tr33 to your list of drinks to share. Grab your friends and embrace your inner child while competing at a range of arcade games or test your skills at the mini-bowling alley. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just want to escape for a night, Your 3rd Spot provides an entertaining night out with friends. 

Where: 400 Chattahoochee Row NW

Joystick Gamebar

Do you consider yourself a nerd for classic arcade games? Well, this dive bar might be the perfect stop for you and your friends. Go crazy with nostalgic gaming machines in a dimly lit space where the booze is aplenty. Right in the heart of the Edgewood neighborhood, Joystick Gamebar is perfect for experiencing nightlife in Atlanta. 

Where: 427 Edgewood Ave. SE

Painted Hospitality

Give the new Painted Pickle a try if you’re into pickleball or want to give it a try. Nothing beats enjoying a “compeatery” experience complimented with extra gaming, addicting bites and drinks. Try Painted Pin if your group prefers bowling. Ever played duckpin bowling? If not, now’s your chance. Painted Duck is a distinguished drinkery and gaming parlor on the Westside

Where: 279 Ottley Drive NE

Show your Dance Moves

Rock Steady Atlanta

With a sound system unmatched, Rocksteady is the perfect location for elegant Caribbean eats followed by dancing and drinks in the upstairs lounge. Enjoy popular DJs from Atlanta on select nights as you mix and mingle with an artsy crowd.

Where: 907 Marietta St. NW

Eclipse di Luna

After munching on a menu of exceptional Latin and Spanish bites, you can groove to live music every night. Check out Salsa Night with your friends on Wednesday in the Dunwoody and Buckhead locations or catch DJ Night on Saturdays. 

Where: 765 Miami Circle, Buckhead; 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Dunwoody

PBR Atlanta: A Coors Banquet Bar

Grab your cowboy boots and your friends and buckle up for a night of line dancing. This country bar is a classic stop if you’re attending a game at Truist Park or just in the mood to dance to your favorite country tunes. 

Where: 825 Battery Ave. SE

Ready for more fun with friends? Check out more places to enjoy dinner and dancing or use this ultimate guide to nightlife in Atlanta for Every Occasion to plan your next adventure with friends in the A. 

Aubree is a content creator with a passion for all things food and travel. You can find her around Atlanta tasting some of the most iconic bites or burning it all off on the dance floor.