Atlanta is one of the most diverse and exciting cities in the Southeast, making it the perfect destination for a 3-day weekend. The city truly has something for everybody: from delicious food to a thriving arts scene, history on every corner, and beautiful outdoor escapes. Use this 3-day Atlanta itinerary to plan the perfect one weekend in Atlanta!
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Atlanta Weekend Trip Quick Overview & Map
Here’s a quick overview of this Atlanta weekend itinerary! If it looks like it fits your needs, be sure to keep reading for all the details! Plus, you can save the map to use for your own planning purposes!
- Day 1: Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market, & Plaza Theatre
- Day 2: Atlanta Beltline, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, & Atlanta Botanical Gardens
- Day 3: High Museum of Art, Little Five Points, & Fox Theatre
How do I get to Atlanta?
By far the easiest way to travel to Atlanta is by air, as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is located just outside the city center. Note that Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is known for being the busiest airport in the world, so it can be a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, the airport was designed well so it is fairly easy to navigate.
I would recommend getting a rental car as the city can be a bit spread out, however, there are alternatives if you’d rather use public transportation. MARTA and the Atlanta Streetcar are some of the most popular options, and they’re pretty easy to figure out. Ubers and Lyfts are also plentiful virtually every hour of the day.
Tip! Use the Discover Cars Search Engine to find the best rental car deal in Atlanta!
What is the best time to visit Atlanta?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit Atlanta if you want to escape the suffocating humidity and plentiful population of bugs that overtake the city during summertime. I would also avoid winter as the colder months tend to be rainy and dreary, making outdoor activities quite unpleasant.
If you’re a food or music lover, late summer to early fall is a great time to visit and attend one of Atlanta’s iconic music festivals, such as Music Midtown or Shaky Knees, or the indulgent Taste of Atlanta food festival. Film lovers, meanwhile, should visit in the spring when the Atlanta Film Festival takes place.
Where should I stay in Atlanta?
Booking.comThere are many unique neighborhoods within the city of Atlanta that may appeal to people for a variety of reasons. Downtown Atlanta is a great option if you want to be near big-ticket destinations such as the CNN Center, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola. I would recommend the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, a 4-star hotel with an iconic atrium you may recognize from movies such as “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”.
Virginia Highlands is a fabulously quirky neighborhood that artists and nature lovers will appreciate for its slower pace and artistic offerings. There are countless cafes, shops, and parks in the Virginia Highlands area, making it a peaceful oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. To best enjoy this area, I would recommend finding an apartment or guesthouse on Airbnb.
For those who prefer a taste of luxury, Buckhead is another great option. Buckhead is known for its spas and high-end boutiques, making it the perfect destination for those looking to shop until you drop. The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is an elegant hotel located near excellent shopping, museums, and dining.
Sample 3-Day Atlanta Itinerary
From peaceful mornings in the city’s parks to exploring amazing museums, this 3-day Atlanta itinerary has something for everyone! Here’s exactly how I would spend one weekend exploring Atlanta.
Day 1 in Atlanta:
Morning:
Begin your day with a stroll through the sprawling Piedmont Park. The park, located in the heart of Atlanta, is open from 6am – 11pm. Piedmont Park offers gorgeous views of the Atlanta skyline and is the perfect spot to walk, run, bike, or sit and admire the beauty of Lake Clara Meer.
Afternoon:
Ponce City Market is one of the most unique and exciting shopping and dining experiences in the city. A former warehouse and office building, Ponce City Market was converted into a hub of shops and restaurants back in 2010. You could spend hours wandering around Ponce City Market, and don’t forget about the rooftop!
Evening:
After a long day of walking, it will feel great to kick back and rest your feet by enjoying a movie at the Plaza Theatre. The Plaza Theatre is truly an institution and boasts the title of the longest-operating theater in the city of Atlanta. The Plaza shows new and classic movies, and they’re also well-known for their midnight showings of Rocky Horror Picture Show, which greatly encourage audience interaction!
Day 2 in Atlanta:
Morning:
The Atlanta BeltLine is a series of walking paths that will take you through some of Atlanta’s most iconic neighborhoods. You can begin your walk on the BeltLine practically anywhere in the city and stay on it for as long or as short as you like. You’ll pass many hip restaurants and coffee shops along the way, so make sure you stop for some brunch.
Afternoon:
The Georgia Aquarium is the biggest in the country and third biggest in the world, making it a must-see for visitors of all ages. You’ll see countless specimens such as penguins, sea lions, beluga whales, manta rays, and whale sharks. The Georgia Aquarium also places a large emphasis on conservation and education which makes the experience that much more enjoyable.
If you’re not a big fan of fish, you can also check out the World of Coca-Cola which is virtually next door. What better place to learn about Coca-Cola than the city it was first created in? The World of Coca-Cola is a museum that also offers interactive experiences. One of the most well-known aspects of this attraction is the tasting room, where you can sample flavors of Coca-Cola from all over the world.
Tip! Skip the lines and buy your tickets beforehand! Click here to book your Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola tickets!
Evening:
Though the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a gorgeous sight by day, it truly shines after dark. The Atlanta Botanical Garden contains 30 acres of stunning plants and art exhibits, offering an amazing escape in the heart of the city. The garden is constantly hosting new artists and events which makes it a unique experience with every single visit.
Day 3 in Atlanta:
Morning:
Start your day with a relaxing stroll through the High Museum of Art. This museum was founded over 100 years ago and is a classic Atlanta spot. The museum offers a number of collections encompassing African, European and folk art as well as photography and special revolving exhibitions.
Afternoon:
A trip to Atlanta wouldn’t be complete without visiting Little Five Points. Little Five Points is known for being a super artsy and hip neighborhood. There are excellent music stores for browsing vinyl records and thrift shops where you’re sure to find some awesome pieces. Little Five Points also offers plenty of restaurant options ranging from dive bars to all-vegan cafes.
Evening:
Catch a show at the legendary Fox Theatre! Fox Theatre is Atlanta’s premier destination for ballet, Broadway, concerts, and everything in between. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful and conveniently located near plenty of restaurants for enjoying a meal before the show or perhaps a sweet treat afterward.
Another fun option is the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, a more intimate setting that also boasts a hearty traditional menu. Though Shakespeare’s works are obviously the focus, the Playhouse also puts on performances of other classic plays.
Want to save some money?! Buy the Atlanta City Pass and save up to 40% at 5 different attractions!
Other things to do in Atlanta:
In case you want to extend this 3-day Atlanta Itinerary… here are some more awesome things to do to add to your trip!
- Grab lunch at the legendary CNN Center
- Visit Zoo Atlanta
- Catch a concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Take a tour through the historic Oakland Cemetery
- Stroll through Centennial Olympic Park
- Hop on the SkyView to see the city from above
- Dip your toes in the gorgeous Sweetwater Creek State Park
Want to spend more time in Georgia? Check out this ULTIMATE list of Weekend Trips from Atlanta!
Tips to know before visiting Atlanta:
Make sure to check if there are any big events or festivals planned during your visit, as this can greatly increase traffic and wait times at various destinations. Atlanta is known for having frequent and heavy traffic, so give yourself extra time between activities in case you get delayed.
What else would you add to this 3-day Atlanta Itinerary?! Come tell me on Instagram!
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