Explore Atlanta Like a Local: Insider Tips for Adventurous Travelers

Welcome to Atlanta, a metropolitan city with history, culture, and Southern charm! As someone who called this impressive municipality “home” for 12 years and completed an art degree at the Atlanta College of Art (now SCAD), it’s been great to witness this city’s remarkable evolution. 

While it’s true Atlanta has changed in recent years, I often return to visit friends and family thrilled to see that many of my favorite spots remain. I’m excited to share some insider tips to make your visit an authentic and enjoyable experience. Are you ready to explore Atlanta like a local? Let’s go!

Explore Atlanta Like a Local: Insider Tips for Adventurous Travelers

From where to stay to the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore, this information will help you uncover some of the local favorites that define The ATL’s unique character.

Weather in Atlanta

Centrally located in the fine state of Georgia, Atlanta experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. In other words, it gets sweaty, y’all. Summers are typically hot and humid with temperatures often reaching into the 90s (°F), while winters are mild, with temperatures averaging in the 40s and 50s.

Atlanta is a city of four seasons, with spring and fall offering the most pleasant, characterized by moderate temperatures and lower humidity. 

The Best Time to Visit

As with many Southern cities, the best times to visit are spring and fall, when the weather is nice and the seasons change. I’m particularly fond of visiting Atlanta in October or November when the city flourishes in crisp, cool weather and vibrant fall foliage. 

Autumn in Atlanta: Pack Light! 

Traveling in the recommended fall? Pack several layers such as sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a light jacket, as temperatures can vary from the 50s in the morning to the 70s by the afternoon. As with any trip, try keeping shoes to a minimum, but bring your most comfortable walking pair. Despite its massive size, Atlanta still has plenty of places to walk! 

If you’re up for it, try packing in a carry-on only to save time at the baggage carousel and fees for checked luggage. Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Pack travel-sized toiletries and use packing cubes to maximize space. Think light!

For my last trip to Atlanta, I elected a “capsule wardrobe,” focused on a selective color palette – yes, leopard print is a color – plus three pairs of shoes: flats, athletics, and short boots. I also included a medium-sized backpack for the daytime, a small bag for eveningtime, and a few pocket-sized, expandable, reusable bags for shopping and errands.

Where to Stay

The Hilton Atlanta

Centrally located in the heart of downtown, the Hilton Atlanta, 255 Courtland Street NE, offers modern accommodations, low daily rates for underground guest parking, and a convenient fitness center, in case your all-day city treks aren’t enough of a workout.

Two great reasons to stay at the Hilton Atlanta are the original Trader Vic’s restaurant on the lower level and the huge lobby that welcomes guests: both are spectacular in design, size, and decor.

📍Visiting The ATL? Book Now for the best selection at the Hilton Atlanta!

A landmark Tiki Bar serving fruity drinks in gorgeous glasses since 1976, Trader Vic’s is legendary among the locals. I visited here in the 1990s with my mom and still have the plastic Meneheun swizzle stick that came with my Mai Tai. You can’t go wrong here ordering small plates and delectibles to share on a date.

As for the impressive open-air lobby of the Hilton Atlanta, it is pure architectural eye candy. Gaze upward at the fancy lights or duck into one of several, massive glass elevators offering panoramic views of the city, which are especially beautiful at night.

Atlanta Marriott Marquis

A longtime fixture downtown, the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue NE, offers luxurious accommodations with modern amenities.

Famous for its stunning, almost dizzying, atrium, the iconic, 52-story hotel offers 4-star service and a rooftop pool. The central location of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis provides easy access to many popular attractions in the city.

📍Marriott Marquis awaits your stay in Atlanta. Book Now for the best selection!

Hotel Clermont Atlanta

Years ago, if you’d told me the Hotel Clermont Atlanta, 789 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE, would make it on a list of Where to Stay in Atlanta, I’d have questioned if this were real!

This historic boutique hotel, which had a complete makeover and revision several years ago, is now well-known and appreciated for its retro vibe and unique character.

Featuring a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, chicly decorated rooms, and proximity to the vibrant Poncey-Highland neighborhood, the Clermont also has a legendary strip club, the Clermont Lounge, on the lower level for visitors 21 and up. Yes, I did go there during my college days!

Where to Eat/Drink

The Varsity

Known as the World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant, The Varsity, at 61 North Avenue NW, was founded by Frank Gordy in 1928, possibly making it one of the oldest still in operation.

In my early Atlanta years, before becoming the V word (not Vegan, the other one, with a slightness for fish and eggs so whatever), I was obsessed with hot dogs and Frosted O’s from The Varsity and dined here often. If the food isn’t enough for you to go, try nostalgia: this Atlanta landmark is where my friend Mandy’s parents met as young students. They were married for well over 40 years. Awww!

Don’t miss The Varsity’s delicious slaw dogs, onion rings, pimento cheese sandwiches, and frosted orange shakes. A kitschy, unique, fast-food experience, The Varsity is probably the most fun you’ll have being asked, “What’ll ya have!?”

🥳 Want more Foodie fun? Book this amazing 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art, and History Tour

La Fonda Latina

A popular spot for Latin American cuisine, blending Cuban, Mexican, and Caribbean flavors, La Fonda Latina, 1639 McLendon Avenue, NE, is a two-story eatery co-owned by Clay Harper, an Atlanta musician known for his work as a songwriter and frontman for the band the Coolies.

Recommended dishes at La Fonda Latina include the maduros – sweet fried plantains – and the seafood paella – served piping hot to the table in a cast-iron skillet. On my last visit here, I was delighted to see Spain’s infamous Osborne Bull painted near the stairwell to the second floor. ¡Buen Provecho!

🫒 Prefer small bites to big meals? Book this Midtown Atlanta Food & Cocktail Tour

The Majestic Diner

A legendary must-see Atlanta eatery, the Majestic Diner at 1031 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE, is a classic, 24-hour diner that’s been serving comfort-laden, “food that pleases” since 1929.

During my college years, this was a great place for late-night fries and high-test coffee, especially during final critiques!

In 2023, Majestic Diner owner Tasso Costarides signed a long-term lease, ensuring the legend of delicious grits, eggs, biscuits, and fried chicken – among many of the dishes served at the Majestic – will live on.

Don’t miss the iconic neon sign, wrap-around windows, and shiny aluminum facade – and try the patty melt with french fries and a peach milkshake!

Flying Biscuit Cafe

Situated in the heart of Inman Park, the Flying Biscuit Cafe, 1655 McLendon Avenue NE, is a beloved spot for hearty Southern breakfasts and all-day brunch, with signature dishes like pudge – twice baked and mashed potatoes – and love cakes, black bean cakes served with sour cream and tomatillo salsa.

Originally co-founded by Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls, Flying Biscuit Cafe has art in its soul, supporting some of the most amazing creatives in Atlanta who worked here while building their successful careers.

Be sure to try a treat from the adjacent bakery – like the melt-in-your-mouth gingersnap cookies – or indulge in a fluffy biscuit served with homemade apple butter.

🍞 Want to learn more about Southern biscuits? Book this 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class

Kafenio

A charming café in Decatur, Kafenio, 335 W Ponce de Leon Avenue, serves up traditional Greek coffee, pastries, and light meals in a warm, inviting setting. The staff is friendly and seating is abundant.

While it features a cozy outdoor patio perfect for relaxing with a cup of herbal tea or sampler plate of hummus, baba ganoush, and feta cheese, don’t miss the murals on the interior of Kafenio, which depict Greek mythology of the past amid the present, neighborhood vibe.

Sapori di Napoli Pizzeria

Run by brothers Daniele and Ambrogio Florio, this family-owned pizzeria at 314 Church Street in Decatur offers an authentic taste of Naples with its wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes.

Famous for its “indoor patio,” Sapori de Napoli serves traditional Neapolitan pizzas in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Their menu includes appetizers like arancini and tagliere, boozy drinks like Aperol Spritz, classic Italian dinners, and delicious, creamy gelato.

🇮🇹 Want more Italian? Book now and learn to make fresh fettuccine in Atlanta!

Northern China Eatery

This small but fortuitous restaurant, hidden behind retail stores at 5141 Buford Highway NE in Doraville, offers authentic Northern Chinese cuisine in a small dining room often packed with happy regulars.

Known for its delicious dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and savory pancakes, Northern China Eatery, with its fast service and casual atmosphere, is a favorite among Atlanta locals seeking genuine Chinese flavors.

Las Delicias de la Abuela

After living like a Costeña for four years, if a Colombian restaurant is within ten miles of my travel spot, I’m there. This was no exception with Las Delicias de la Abuela, and now that I’ve been, I will return!

Located at 4166 Buford Highway NE, this sizable restaurant is a bit of a drive from downtown but worth the journey. Its vibrant atmosphere features large, picnic-style tables and live music to get you and your taste buds dancing!

Appropriately named Las Delicias de la Abuela – the Delights of the Grandmother – the restaurant serves authentic, homestyle dishes that transport you straight to Colombia.

Don’t miss favorites like bandeja paisa, sancocho, and arepas filled with salty cheese. They also offer plantains cooked in several ways, golden-brown empanadas, fluffy arroz de coco, and tasty, traditional Colombian drinks. ¡Wepaje!

Marie’s Italian Deli

While not located within the Atlanta city limits, Marie’s Italian Deli, located at 580 Atlanta Road in Cumming, is a lovely place that is worth the drive if you have time and want to get out for a bit.

Offering a true taste of Italy with its homemade pasta, hearty sandwiches, and delectable desserts, Marie’s has been pleasing locals and regulars for decades, including my 90-plus-year-old dad, whom the waitstaff adores!

Known for its friendly service and family-owned charm, Marie’s Italian Deli is the perfect spot for a comforting Italian-style lunch.

Don’t miss the adorable bakery next door, serving decadent canolli, neopolitans, and huge, frothy affogatos – hot espresso with creamy gelato. Mangia! Mangia!

🥃 Love libations? Book this 2-Hour Atlanta Beltline Cocktails and Bites Experience!

Where to Shop

Decatur Square

Conveniently accessible via MARTA, Decatur Square is a vibrant community hub where you’ll find longtime, local favorites like SQ/FT, Brick Store Pub, and Squash Blossom Boutique. Its walkable, small footprint makes it a great spot for socializing, people-watching, or purchasing gifts and unique souvenirs.

Visit the Square during the holiday season to see the amazing light display, figurines, and fountains, and enjoy the festive atmosphere that welcomes shoppers to a wonderful world of small businesses.

Odd Bird Gifts

Located at 149 Sycamore Street, Odd Bird Gifts – formerly known as SQ/FT – is a trendy boutique offering stylish clothing, accessories, and home decor. If that sounds utterly generic, then, hey, this is, hands down, my favorite place to shop whenever I’m in The ATL. Truth!

I love this place so much that I’ve been known to bust a gut and blow every dime in my wallet to bring home some unique and hilarious items from this store.

Add to my adoration that this place is woman-owned, vibrant with equality, and supports off-color jokes, many of which I don’t get, and I’m done. Odd Bird! Y’all Means All! Rainbows and Crazy Socks! Just go here!

Brick Store Pub

A renowned pub at 125 E Court Square with an extensive beer selection and a cozy, inviting atmosphere, a guy once broke up with me at Brick Store Pub while I was eating their friseé and golden raisin salad. While the salad was tasty, it held bad memories for me and has since been removed from the menu.

Now, for good memories, I recall when Dave Blanchard opened this place back in 1997 and I strive to visit each time I return to Decatur because the food menu is delicious.

Try the plump, fried perogis or hearty, quinoa mushroom burger. Plus, don’t miss the extensive drinks, including casks and Belgians, all offered by a friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Squash Blossom Boutique

Also located on the Decatur Square at 113 E Court Square, Squash Blossom Boutique offers a curated selection of stylish clothing, unique accessories, and handmade jewelry from local and international designers.

Known as the place for the “artsy woman,” one wall of the store boasts an impressive mural created as part of the Adult Swim project, adding a creative touch to your shopping experience.

Wuxtry Records

Tucked inside a shopping center at 2096 N Decatur Road, Wuxtry Records has been a haven for music lovers for over 30 years, offering a vast selection of vinyl records, rare CDs, music memorabilia, and collectible swag.

On any given day, you might hear jazz go to hip hop and, moments later, opera, as the staff spins rotations like proverbial daytime DJs with the occasional Instagram celebrity Corgi sighting always possible.

Known for its personable owners, knowledgeable staff, and eclectic inventory, Wuxtry Records is a must-visit establishment for anyone looking to discover new music or rare finds.

Ponce City Market

A buzzing hive of activity, it seems something is always happening at Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE, with a variety of dining options, boutique shopping, and entertainment to behold.

Old school Atlanta dwellers like me remember when this was the old Sears, Roebuck & Co. building that proudly flew a large American flag high over Ponce.

Eventually, in 2014, the building was converted into a multi-use market, which now includes the Central Food Hall and Skyline Park on the rooftop.

Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market

If you only have time to visit one market in Atlanta, make it Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market, an enormous, international market at 3000 E Ponce de Leon Avenue, offering fresh produce, specialty foods, and unique culinary ingredients.

Known for its diverse selection and affordable prices, YDFM is a favorite among locals. It gets busy, especially before the holidays, but don’t let that deter you from visiting, as the sights alone are worth it.

Walk around in awe of the giant produce section, with massive flags from nearly every country hanging from the high ceilings, peer down aisle after aisle of candies, condiments, and baking goods, or peruse the beer and wine section, offering hundreds of libations from around the world.

Buford Highway Farmers Market

Located next to Las Delicias de la Abuela, this expansive international market at 5600 Buford Highway NE offers a vast selection of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and International, specialty items.

On weekends, pop-up tents and food stalls offer samples where you can taste authentic dishes from various cuisines.

Don’t miss the wide array of exotic fruits and vegetables, hard-to-find ingredients for global recipes, plus candies, sodas, teas, and coffees sure to please nearly any palate.

Thrift Stores and Antiques

The Junkman’s Daughter

An Atlanta landmark for decades offering the best in trendy clothes, wild accouterments, body ornaments, and spectacular shoes, The Junkman’s Daughter, 464 Moreland Avenue NE, was founded in 1982 by Pam Majors, the daughter of an actual junkman.

The store started with just a 1,000-square-foot space and a small display window where Majors would post handwritten signs for sales.

Today, Junkman’s Daughter occupies 10,000 square feet in its current location and features hundreds of vendors selling antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.

Kudzu Antiques + Modern

A popular antique store at 2928 E Ponce de Leon Avenue, Kudzu Antiques + Modern offers vintage furniture, home decor, and unique finds in a stall-friendly layout perfect for browsing.

An Atlanta foundation since 1979, the 26,000-square-foot building is located near Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market, making this an excellent stop for treasure hunting.

Value Village

Anyone who lived in The ATL during the 80s and 90s, probably frequented a Value Village, a chain of thrift stores known for their low prices and color-coded tags. One location, at 1435 Moreland Avenue SE, remains strong, offering a wide range of second-hand items from clothing to furniture at affordable prices.

Arts and Culture

Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center

From its innovative space at 535 Means Street NW, Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center showcases modern and current art from both emerging and established artists, offering a dynamic range of exhibitions and installations.

Originally founded in 1973 as Nexus, a grassroots artists’ cooperative, Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center has been known to host artist talks, workshops, and community events, continually fostering a deeper engagement with the local art scene.

High Museum of Art

Located adjacent to my alma mater, the Atlanta College of Art (now the Savannah College of Art and Design, SCAD), the High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, is a premier, multi-level art museum featuring a vast display of classic and contemporary works.

Comprised of four buildings – the first, designed in 1983 by Richard Meier and three later designed by Renzo Piano in 2005, the High Museum of Art features an extensive collection of American and European art with special exhibitions that attract artists, collectors, enthusiasts, and students from far and wide.

Atlanta Printmakers Studio

This collaborative studio at 675 Metropolitan Parkway SW #6078, offers a supportive environment for printmaking and related techniques, providing artists with access to equipment, classes, and exhibitions.

Notable Board of Directors member Stephanie Smith is a graduate of the Atlanta College of Art (ACA) and Norman Wagner, a longtime influential professor of the same institution, remains a major influence on the Atlanta Printmakers Studio’s development.

The King Center | The Center for Nonviolent Social Change

Located at 449 Auburn Avenue NE, The King Center offers free admission and provides an inspiring experience with exhibits highlighting Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

Founded in 1968 by Coretta Scott King, the center honors her late husband, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s extraordinary vision and tireless work for social justice.

Highlights of the King Center include Freedom Hall, an exhibition facility, and the King Center Archive, preserving thousands of documents related to Dr. King’s life and the Civil Rights Movement.

👍🏾 Book a Tour now and Learn More about Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights!

How to Get There

Flying

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta. Delta offers extensive domestic and international flight options, making it a popular choice for travelers.

Other major airlines operating at ATL include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines, providing numerous choices for flights to and from Atlanta. The airport’s efficient layout and amenities make traveling through ATL a relatively smooth experience.

Driving

From the North: If you’re driving to Atlanta from, say, Charlotte, NC, hop on I-85 South and enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive through lush, rolling landscapes.

From the South: Heading over from Charleston, SC? Take I-26 West to I-20 West, where the pleasant, 5-hour journey provides views of the Southern countryside.

Both routes are smooth, with well-maintained highways and minimal traffic. En route, consider stopping in Greenville, SC for a hip, downtown experience, or Augusta, GA for a taste of golf history. As you approach Atlanta the skyline will welcome you with its impressive modernity and old-town glow.

By Bus

Traveling to Atlanta by bus is convenient and budget-friendly. Major lines like Greyhound and Megabus offer frequent routes, with trips from Charlotte taking around 4.5 hours and costing $25-$50 USD, while from Charleston it’s about 6 hours for $30-$60 USD.

🚌 Traveling by Bus? Check out BusBud for great fares and FlixBus for flexible departures!

Most buses are reliable, equipped with Wi-Fi, and comfortable seats, making the trip pleasant and effortless.

Bus stations are centrally located, allowing easy connections to MARTA, Atlanta’s public transit system once you arrive. Enjoy the convenience of letting someone else do the driving!

How to Get Around

MARTA

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, MARTA, was formed in 1971 as a bus system to provide convenient access to major attractions and neighborhoods.

Today, MARTA’s 48 miles of rail track connects a network of bus routes to a system with 38 subway stations, making it, by ridership, the eighth-largest rapid transit system in the United States.

An affordable, effective way to get around the city without sitting in traffic, major stops along the rail map include key locations like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Decatur Square.

Uber/Lyft

In most major cities, ridesharing services are widely available and a convenient way to get around quickly. Atlanta is no exception, where services like Uber and Lyft are ideal for short trips and navigating areas not easily accessible by public transit.

Renting a Car

For those wanting more flexibility, renting a car in Atlanta is a great option. A vehicle allows easy access to areas outside the city center, such as restaurants, remote shopping centers, and natural parks. While the city is notorious for its heavy traffic and multiple major freeways, it is manageable with some skill.

Wrap Up

So now you know how to explore Atlanta like a local, with insider tips for adventurous travelers! I hope you’ve found inspiration in these recommendations and will agree that Atlanta is a city that continues to evolve, yet holds onto its history and culture, offering a perfect blend of the old and the new.

Whether exploring The ATL for the first time or returning to relive memories, I encourage you to duck into the local corners and discover what makes Atlanta unique. Here’s to your next adventure in the heart of the South. Happy travels!