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Things to see in Atlanta

Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta's massive aquarium is home to an enormous line-up of freshwater and saltwater fish and mammals. You can watch California sea lions in action or stroll through the vast Ocean Voyager gallery, whose viewing tunnel lets you get up close to whale sharks and manta rays. Look out too for African penguins, sharp-toothed piranhas and colourful coral reefs.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 581 4000.
Opening times:

Mon-Fri 1000-2100, Sat-Sun 0900-2100 (hours vary, see website).

Website: http://www.georgiaaquarium.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Atlanta History Center

Surrounded by sprawling gardens, this complex is home to the Atlanta History Museum, with its city-related artefacts and exhibits on the Civil War. Also on the site are Swan House, an elegant 1928 classical-style mansion, and the Smith Family Farm, an entire farm complex built in the 1840s and moved intact from rural Georgia.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 814 4000.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 1000-1730, Sun 1200-1730.

Website: http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Site

The cluster of historic buildings and monuments in Sweet Auburn is a potent reminder of Atlanta's tumultuous past and the sacrifices of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. You can visit King's birthplace, listen to his speeches in the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and explore Fire Station No 6, one of the first desegregated fire stations in the South.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 331 5190.
Opening times:

Daily 0900-1700.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/malu
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

World of Coca-Cola

The museum features decade after decade of Coke memorabilia plus soda ads from around the world and through the ages. You can work your way through more than 100 Coca-Cola-made drinks in the tasting room. There's also a bottling factory and a pop culture gallery with temporary exhibitions related to the enduring popularity of the world's most famous brand.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 676 5151.
Opening times:

Sun-Thurs 1000-1700, Fri-Sat 0900-1700, with extended hours in summer.

Website: http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

High Museum of Art

Housed in buildings designed by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, the High Museum contains more than 15,000 artworks spanning 19th- and 20th-century American and decorative art, European paintings, and contemporary art and photography. It also hosts innovative temporary exhibitions, plus monthly Friday jazz nights.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 733 4400.
Opening times:

Tues-Thurs and Sat 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2100, Sun 1200-1700.

Website: http://www.high.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Overlooking Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden blooms in the spring and is a must-see on a December night when the spectacular Christmas lights are shining during the annual 'Garden Lights, Holiday Nights' display. Several gardens feature sculptures, and sights include a Japanese garden, a treetop canopy walk and trails through a mature hardwood forest.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 876 5859.
Opening times:

Tues-Sun 0900-1900 (Apr-Oct), Tues-Sun 0900-1700 (Nov-Mar).

Website: http://atlantabotanicalgarden.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympics, this popular gathering place features year-round entertainment including concerts, winter ice-skating, holiday lights and the city's main 4th of July celebration. Paths meander through the park, which is home to an interactive Olympic ring fountain and the SkyView Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 223 4412.
Opening times:

Daily 0700-2300.

Website: https://www.gwcca.org/park
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

CNN Studio Tours

News junkies can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at CNN and HLN at the broadcaster's world headquarters. Various tour options are available. These might include the chance to tour the control room, discover how a live show is produced, create your own news broadcast or meet a news anchor.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 827 2300.
Opening times:

Daily 0900-1630 (tour every 20 minutes).

Website: http://www.cnn.com/tour
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Gigantic dinosaurs, dioramas depicting Georgia's historical natural habitats, and cultural artefacts such as clothing and jewellery are on display at Atlanta's natural history museum. Outdoors, WildWoods is a forested area where visitors of all ages can go wild exploring elevated wooden walkways, tree pods and interactive exhibits.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 929 6300.
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1700.

Website: http://www.fernbankmuseum.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Zoo Atlanta

Now home to around 1,300 animals, this zoo began in 1889 when a travelling circus came to the city and left behind several exotic animals. Today you can gaze at twin giant pandas, look out for black rhinos, lions and giraffes in an African plains habitat, or spot gorillas in a simulated African rainforest.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 624 5600.
Opening times:

Daily 0930-1730.

Website: http://www.zooatlanta.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 404 577 2148.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1200-1800.

Website: http://www.atlanta.net

Atlanta's downtown visitor centre in the Underground Atlanta district provides maps, brochures and tourist information. There's a second tourist office at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, North Terminal, open seven days a week.

Tourist passes

The Atlanta CityPASS (www.citypass.com), valid for nine days, offers a 43% discount on the city's top attractions: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Studio Tours, Zoo Atlanta or the Center for Civil and Human Rights and Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the College Football Hall of Fame. You can buy the pass online or directly from one of the participating attractions.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

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.