If you're in Atlanta to watch the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game in the Peach Bowl on New Year's Day, we've put together a guide to the best ways to experience one of the best cities in the South.
There are plenty of different attractions to focus on, depending on how much time you have to explore, eat, and find entertainment. If you visit this time of year in early January, the weather will be sunny and temperatures will not be too cold, making it even more pleasant to explore the city.
The Peach Bowl is held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and United (MLS). While the teams for the game have not been officially decided, we have the perfect itinerary to make the most of your visit to ATL.
what to do
In addition to major tourist attractions that are fun for tourists, Atlanta also has some hidden gems that locals enjoy.
First, if you're visiting Atlanta for the first time, there's an area downtown near Centennial Park where you'll find the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Center for Human and Civil Rights. All three attractions are close to each other and indoors.
For a more local experience, check out the Beltline, a boardwalk that runs through the city of Atlanta. Many locals ride their bikes there and enjoy the views of the skyline. Outside of the Beltline are Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market, both of which have food halls, shops, and other restaurants.
For the best view of the city, head to the rooftop of Ponce City Market for a drink and some fun carnival games. It costs $6 to get there, but the experience and Instagram-worthy photos make it worth it.
If you're looking for an outdoor experience, heading to the Atlanta Zoo, Atlanta Botanical Garden, or Piedmont Park are also fun activities to do in Atlanta.
Finally, Atlanta is the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., and you can also visit his birthplace and historic sites within the city.
where to eat
Atlanta is a great foodie city. There are many notable locations and options that have been around for decades and are part of Atlanta's history and culture.
One great option for family-friendly Southern soul food and fried chicken is Busy Bee Cafe. According to EaterThis James Beard America's Classic Award-winning fried chicken is marinated for 12 hours.
Atlanta also has quite a few barbecue and chicken wing joints. For BBQ, check out Fox Brothers BBQ or Heirloom BBQ. Locals enjoy playing JR cricket as a winger. You can also get this if you attend a Hawks game at State Farm Arena.
If you're looking for something fancier, there's Ford Fry's Steakhouse Marcel, Seafood and Oyster Bar The Optimist, and some solid choices.
where to stay
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located near downtown and is quite walkable if you're staying in the area. There are a variety of hotels in the metro Atlanta area, but you'll need to find transportation to the game or consider taking the MARTA train. It's convenient because there's a stop right near the stadium. Atlanta is known for its traffic jams, so be sure to arrive in plenty of time to avoid missing kickoff.
Nice areas outside of downtown Atlanta include Midtown, Virginia Highlands, Buckhead, and Sandy Springs.
