Atlanta, Georgia — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Atlanta
Home and birthplace of the iconic Martin Luther King Jr, Atlanta is far from short on history and culture, and the city's attractions bear testament to this. Visitors need look no further for stories of the south and for some of the United States' finest exports, such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
History buffs will love the countless museums this city has to offer, from the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and the Atlanta History Center, to the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum and the Carter Center. A trip to the World of Coca-Cola is a must for lovers of the world's best known brand, while kids of all ages will love the Georgia Aquarium, and Zoo Atlanta, which features a panda exhibition. Wander through the Botanical Gardens or ponder at the magnificent artwork in the High Museum of Art, the choices are endless!
An Atlanta CityPass can be bought for $69 for adults or $49 for children and is valid for nine days. The pass allows the bearer free admission to six of the city's top attractions. The CityPass booklet provides attraction information, transport directions and best times to visit as well as coupons and other special features.
Shopping in Atlanta
Shopping in Atlanta is more of an activity than a pastime and with so much on offer, Atlanta's shopping malls, boutiques and markets are more than enough to meet every shopaholic's needs.
Head to Buckhead for some first class shopping opportunities or discover the trendiest boutiques, which can be found in Decatur, Virginia-Highland and Little Five Points. Some of Atlanta's best buys can be found at Lenox Square which is anchored by Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and Macy's and features almost 250 specialty stores and 5 restaurants for weary shoppers to rest their legs.
For budget buys head to the North Georgia Outlets where just about anything under the sun can be found for a bargain. Most people won't leave without buying something. In addition to countless shopping malls, Atlanta also has some wonderful flea markets where antiques are a popular buy. Don't be afraid to haggle with the sellers as you are guaranteed to find some steals!
Most shops in Atlanta are open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm and on Sundays from 12pm to 6pm. The sales tax varies by city and state in the US and ranges from 4% to 15%. This is added to the price of goods at the point of purchase.
There is no system for refunding non-US visitors in Atlanta but large and expensive purchases are often tax-exempt if they are shipped from outside the state they are bought in.
Atlanta Nightlife
The heat makes for a lethargic day, but the night air opens the bright doors of Atlanta's night owl hotspots. This flashy city can get downright gritty but in both cosmopolitan bars and street side clubs it is best to come dressed to impress.
Buckhead is a good place to start. The area has a festive night scene with a line of hopping nightclubs and rowdy bars. Here are dance clubs, pubs and a bit of something for everyone, although venues close at 3am. Downtown has some chic lounges and cocktail bars, especially in the large hotels. For a bit of trendy Atlanta nightlife, the Virginia Highlands regularly packs a young professional crowd into stylish clubs.
Smaller venues scattered around the city are perfect to revel in a bit of southern baritone blues. Others prefer one of four huge concert venues, part of any major band's American tour. Of course, Atlanta hip-hop features many clubs with line-ups of rising and returning stars.
Attractions for Kids
One of the most exciting cities in the United States, Atlanta is a great place for children on vacation to explore and enjoy. Steeped in a rich and diverse cultural and political history, kids can learn and discover while having a great time sightseeing - what more could a parent ask for?
Pack a picnic basket and blanket and head off to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for a day of sunshine and fresh air, or for a slightly more active day, take the kids to the Six Flags Over Georgia Theme Park where plenty of fun and screams can be had enjoying the rides on offer. The Fernbank Science Center is a must for all inquiring minds and the wonderful outdoor trails to be enjoyed are great for kids of all ages, while the neighboring Fernbank Museum of Natural History will simply amaze all who visit. Stone Mountain Park is must, where mountain trails abound, and after a day in the great outdoors, children will love the laser light show in the evening.
On quieter, days or when the weather is bad and outdoor activities with the kids is not an option, take the kids to one of the fantastic museums such as the Imagine It! Children's Museum of Atlanta where kids can crawl, paint, play and enjoy all the fascinating exhibits on display. Most of the shopping malls in Atlanta feature indoor playgrounds, but one of the favorite has to be HippoHop Indoor Playground, where kids will have fun jumping, climbing and playing on inflatable equipment.
