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Atlanta Travel Guide

About Atlanta

Visiting Atlanta is like visiting an oversized small town; glittering skyscrapers, super highways and sprawling suburbs belie a magnetic Southern charm that's hard to resist.

The Georgian state capital is an American success story, a mesh of cultures among an enticing mix of tree-lined neighbourhoods. It's home to world-class attractions, booming businesses, leading sports teams (with glitzy modern stadiums), cute panda cubs and herds of zombies (on screen at least). Atlanta was also pivotal to America's modern history and gave birth to the Civil Rights Movement.

You can splurge on designer gear, fine dining and swanky hotels in upmarket Buckhead. Or you can hang with the skinny-jeaned crowd in Little Five Points. While Five Points refers to downtown Atlanta, its mini-branded spin-off is a hub for the city's alternative scene, packing in indie bookstores, vintage clothing boutiques, offbeat theatre and bold murals.

Back in Downtown, hop aboard the Atlanta streetcar to see the big sights. In the running for the hottest attraction in town, the fabulous Georgia Aquarium claims to house more creatures than any other aquarium, but if you start counting, you may be there for some time.

Right next door, a close contender for the sightseeing crown is the World of Coca-Cola, a perennial favourite with sugar junkies, where you can subject your tooth enamel to over 100 different drinks. And be sure to make a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site along Auburn Avenue.

Looking for a little action? The Eastside Trail in the revitalised Atlanta Beltline railway corridor is a hit with cyclists, rollerbladers and walkers. It passes by art installations, green spaces and Ponce City Market, a renovated landmark building that's now chicster-hipster heaven with its trendy food hall, local designers and must-have apartments. Hot on its heels is Krog Street Market, with jewellery, craft ale and funky eateries in a 1920s warehouse.

Meanwhile, if you want to snap a selfie with those cuddly panda cubs, head on down to Zoo Atlanta. As for the zombies, hitch a ride on a tour of The Walking Dead locations – just don't get lost in the herd.

Key facts

Population:
443775
Latitude:
33.748243
Longitude:
-84.390803
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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Westin Peachtree Plaza

This 73-storey, glass cylinder skyscraper hotel defines Atlanta's skyline. A five-storey lobby atrium and a thin glass elevator that inches up the building's exterior are just as sleek. Pie-shaped rooms are outfitted in natural hues and dark woods. On the 73rd floor is the multi-levelled, revolving Sun Dial Restaurant and Bar.

The Ellis

In a landmark building on Peachtree Street, this chic boutique hotel has elegant rooms and is a short walk from top attractions such as the CNN Studio Tours. Unique features include a private-access women's only floor, whose rooms come with luxury Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Enjoy organic farm-to-table dining at the Terrace Bistro.

Glenn Hotel

The Glenn's selling points are its proximity to downtown Atlanta's main attractions and Luckie Marietta District and the panoramic view from its SkyLounge rooftop bar. This stylish boutique hotel downtown has sleek, modern rooms and suites. The Glenn Kitchen restaurant serves local Southern favourites.

Georgian Terrace Hotel

A part of Atlanta's history, the hotel's Grand Ballroom hostedGone With The Wind's movie premiere gala in 1939. Now, a tall glass atrium rises above the lobby where author Margaret Mitchell, in 1935, hesitantly handed over her original manuscript to her future editor. The hotel's terrace is a good spot for a cocktail overlooking the historic Fox Theatre.

Four Seasons Atlanta

A grand staircase in the soaring lobby underscores the opulence of this luxurious property that occupies part of a 50-storey skyscraper. This hotel has all the trappings of luxury: formal but elegantly appointed rooms, a spa with 10 treatment rooms, an indoor saline lap pool, a top-of-the-range fitness centre and a lounge and terrace overlooking the lobby's dramatic atrium.

Hampton Inn Atlanta Northlake

Located in the northern business district near the I-285, known as 'The Perimeter' to Atlantans, the hotel is easily accessible via the city's main highways. Friendly staff, the large open lobby and breakfast bar area, plus oversized rooms and a sizeable outdoor pool make it a popular low-budget stop.