Top hotels in Atlanta

A weekend in Atlanta

Atlanta, the capital of the state Georgia is a sprawling cosmopolitan city, which is filled to the brim with delicious restaurants, bohemian districts, trendy bars and excellent cultural attractions. Here you can eat, drink, and enjoy you evening like a local (and of course sleep like a tourist in a fancy hotel) during a weekend in Atlanta.

Weekend preparation

Originally built as the end point of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, Atlanta continues to be a hub for transport (with the busiest airport in the world), industry (the headquarters of Coca-Cola are located there), art (The High Museum of Art to mention but one), and natural wonders (the world's largest aquarium).

Around half a million people live in the city and it enjoys a mix of old southern charm, chic luxury shops, excellent restaurants and major sights. Atlanta has an excellent public transport system and the main bus and train lines lead to almost all of the interesting sights in this Olympic city.

Important Highlights

Start right in the heart of this thriving metropolis, Centennial Olympic Park, the home of two of the most entertaining attractions of downtown Atlanta: The Georgia Aquarium (the world's largest) and the World of Coca-Cola, where you can taste 60 soft drinks from around the world.

Continue your tour towards the East over St. Peters Bridge to Castleberry Hill. This restored historic district of Atlanta is home to numerous art galleries and puts Atlanta on the map as the latest location for creative upcoming talent.

GlennIn this area, you could easily spend your whole night in Glenn, one of a select few fashionable boutique hotels in Atlanta. The Glenn Hotel from the Marriott Autograph Collection has an attractive Rooftop Sky Lounge, and offers a spectacular view over the skyline of the city and, of course, a great variety of fancy cocktails. Modern American cuisine is served daily in Glenn's Kitchen. (110 Marietta Street NW, 30303 Atlanta, United States)

Midtown Atlanta

After lunch, head North towards Midtown. This urban area is the epicenter for the city’s urban renewal project. Stop by the Center for Puppetry Arts to reminisce about childhood favourites, such as Jim Henson. Alternatively, wander around the High Museum of Art, famous for late-19th-century furniture, as well as many European and American artists.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset with a nice cold beer on the terrace of the Park Tavern, a very popular brewery which borders Atlanta’s slice of inner city greenery, Piedmont Park, Midtown's tribute to the Central Park. It is worth noting that, due to the fact the park is a great place to relax and unwind, it becomes particularly busy at the weekends. (500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Manuel’s Tavern - Back on the east side of the city you will find the Virginia-Highland, a historic district situated on the more bohemian side of Atlanta. Arrive early enough to walk by all kitschy boutiques between N Highland Ave, Ponce de Leon and Morningside Dr, and then amble along the street with the best concentration of bars in the city. N Highland is lined with old-school taverns, patios and live music options including Manuel's Tavern. This gem is a stop on your tour that should definitely not be missed. (602 N Highland Ave, Atlanta, United States)

City of Decatur

Broaden your area of exploration on the second day, and head a little further east to check out Decatur. Once only a small suburb, until the bohemian and gay communities joined forces, this area has turned into a small town which oozes a quaint hipster vibe. Boutiques, simple restaurants and coffee shops can be found at the Ponce de Leon Ave.

Martin Luther King & Atlanta

Even though a lot of Atlanta feels shiny and new, we recommend that you also allow time during your trip to understand more about the city’s crucial role in history. Atlanta played a pivotal part in the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King, Jr., was born and buried in this city. Go in the direction of Sweet Auburn to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitors Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center.