Where To Stay In Atlanta

The state capital of Georgia, and often affectionately referred to as the “Capital of the South”, Atlanta is a bustling metropolis that offers the perfect combination of historic charm and modern attractions. Since its humble beginnings as a simple railway terminus in 1836, Atlanta has grown into the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. The city is bursting with diverse cultural experiences for visitors to explore. The birthplace of both Martin Luther King Jr and Coca-Cola, Atlanta’s varied attractions ensure you’ll find lots of attractions nearby, no matter where you stay in Atlanta. 

Spend your days browsing the city’s many museums and art galleries. Visit the many historic sites around Atlanta, like the Ebeneezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr preached. Atlanta is known for its rich music scene, particularly as a hotspot for RnB and HipHop. It’s also great for theatre enthusiasts, with venues like the historic Fox Theatre turning out impressive productions of Broadway shows alongside various other events, from concerts to dance performances.

Sports fans can visit the home grounds of Atlanta’s various professional teams or wander through Centennial Olympic Park, which hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics. And when you need a break from the urban hustle and bustle, you can escape to one of Atlanta’s beautiful green spaces. From the historic trails of Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills Park to the treelined street-art gallery of the Beltline Access, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get out in the fresh air.

From its bustling city centre to its fashionable suburban neighbourhoods, you’ll have plenty of options when deciding where to stay in Atlanta. I’ve whittled it down to my suggestions of the top five areas to consider based on what attractions, atmospheres, and conveniences they offer. 

Where To Stay In Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta makes the best choice for first-time visitors to the city.

Packed with attractions, the central location makes it easy to get to the attractions of the surrounding neighbourhoods too.

Many attractions are within comfortable walking distance of one another, but those who can’t, or prefer not to, walk more than necessary can rely on the MARTA bus and train system and the local streetcar network to get around.

The thriving heart of Atlanta, Downtown is home to many of the city’s top attractions.

The Georgia State Capitol and museum will please fans of political history and architecture alike.

The National Centre for Civil and Human Rights dives into Atlanta’s prominent history with the Civil Rights movement.

Pair that with a visit to Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Park, where you can visit his birthplace and childhood home, the church where he preached, and his final resting place.

There are plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as the World of Coca-Cola, which takes you through the history of the iconic beverage, and you can sample special flavours and recipes from around the world.

The Georgia Aquarium is next door, boasting the shark tunnels, touch tanks, and water shows you’d expect from a big city aquarium.

And if that’s not enough, then you also have the Children’s Museum of Atlanta just across the street.

Sports fans can visit the home grounds of the Atlanta Braves baseball team, the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream basketball teams.

Alternatively, take a walk around Centennial Park, where the 1996 Summer Olympics were held, or visit the College Football Hall of Fame.

If you want a great view of the whole city, head to the SkyView Ferris Wheel.

The 60-metre (200 feet) tall wheel provides riders with stunning panoramic views across downtown and out to the suburbs of Atlanta.

Open until 10 pm, it’s also an ideal option to take in the city lights in the evening.

Speaking of the evenings, the Downtown area is the top spot in the city for nightlife.

From trendy cocktail lounges, sleek rooftop bars, and thrumming clubs and music venues to laid-back brew pubs, you’ll have tons to do after dark.

As far as accommodation, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Downtown Atlanta but expect to pay a premium for a room in this in-demand area.

While there are certainly some budget-friendly options, you’ll likely get less for your money than you would in less central neighbourhoods.

Where To Stay In Downtown Atlanta

• The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
• The Darwin Hotel
• The American Hotel Atlanta Downtown-a Doubletree by Hilton

Midtown Atlanta

Midtown is a large district immediately north of Downtown that offers a more laid-back, slightly more affordable option without straying too far from the city centre.

A lively and trendy neighbourhood, Midtown Atlanta boasts plenty of its own attractions and appeals, along with the convenience of being so close to the city centre.

Like Downtown, Midtown benefits from the MARTA transport system, which helps even those with mobility issues get around.

It’s a little less busy than the very centre of the city, so it’s a good choice for those who struggle with crowds.

Midtown is best known for its vibrant arts and culture scene.

It’s home to renowned art galleries like the High Museum of Art, which hosts an impressively diverse collection of artworks with something to appeal to all tastes.

The SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film displays stunning high fashion pieces alongside various film costumes. 

Literary enthusiasts might like to visit the Margaret Mitchell House, once the home of the author of Gone With The Wind.

Meanwhile, the Trap Music Museum explores Atlanta’s musical legacy with an eclectic array of exhibits on hip-hop culture.

Theatre enthusiasts should check what’s on at the Fox Theatre during their stay.

The stunning 1920s theatre hosts various productions, from Broadway shows and concerts to ballet and opera recitals.

If you’re looking for something a little less polished, visit the Whole World Improv Theatre Co.

The compact venue provides intimate shows with something different every time and they run workshops for those who want to tap into their own creativity.

If you’re after something completely different, you might want to check out the Centre For Puppetry Arts.

Along with performances and workshops, the centre hosts a museum exhibiting puppets from famous productions from the Muppets and Sesame Street to The Dark Crystal and Tim Burton’s stop-motion films.

Despite being at the centre of a bustling city, Midtown also provides plenty of opportunities to appreciate nature.

You can take a break from the urban hustle by escaping to Piedmont Park’s meadows, lakes, and leafy trails.

The park leads to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where you can view thousands of local and global plant species.

Spread over 30 acres, visitors can explore elaborate gardens displaying sculptures and fountains among the beautiful flowers and head into greenhouses bursting with exotic flora.

Midtown is another great choice for nightlife.

You’ll have both its own selection of clubs and bars to choose from as well as those of Downtown within reasonable walking distance.

If you like to stay out to the wee hours without worrying about a long journey home, Midtown is ideal.

Where To Stay In Midtown Atlanta

• Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
• Epicurean Atlanta, Autograph Collection
• Sonesta Select Atlanta Midtown Georgia Tech

Inman Park

Inman Park is a quirky community with offbeat attractions just west of Downtown Atlanta.

Less than a mile from the city centre, the leafy neighbourhood full of historic Victorian buildings is ideal for those who want to stay relatively close to the main attractions without being trapped in the concrete jungle.

Inman Park has more of a community vibe than the inner-city districts.

The streets are lined with small businesses, from charming boutiques to eclectic specialty stores.

Independent bookshops and comfy cafes add to the laid-back atmosphere.

The accommodation options are mostly smaller hotels and bed and breakfasts, many within stunning Victorian houses.

You’ll also have plenty of trendy hospitality options to enjoy.

The Eastside Beltline Trail, an old railway line now a popular walking route, is lined with fashionable restaurants and bars.

The Krog Street Market, in particular, is worth visiting.

Converted from a 1920s factory building, the market is now a trendy food hall with vendors serving diverse cuisines.

The area has a vibrant arts scene, with plenty of little art galleries and studios around the neighbourhood.

You’ll want to walk through Krog Street Tunnel if you enjoy street art.

The tunnel is a hotspot for the local hip-hop scene, so you’ll often see street dancers and musicians performing or filming videos against colourful murals.

If you can visit during the last weekend in April, you’ll be able to enjoy the annual Inman Park Festival that celebrates Atlanta’s history, culture and arts heritage.

Featuring parades, various stages and venues hosting live music and dance performances, street-food vendors galore, and walking tours of the district’s most historic and beautiful buildings, there’s plenty for visitors to get involved with.

Where To Stay In Inman Park

• The Merry Lou
• Private Apartment – on Atlanta’s beautiful beltline trail (with free parking).
• Eight Ball

East Atlanta

East Atlanta is another neighbourhood known for its artsy, bohemian vibe.

Throughout the area, you’ll find many independent shops and studios showcasing the community’s creative culture.

The area has a distinct feel of authenticity that can be lacking in the more polished central districts.

The wealth of street-food vendors, street art, and dive bars sitting among the yoga studios and small art galleries may put some people off, but that same gritty edge is what lends the East Atlanta community such distinctive character.

In such a creative community, it’s no surprise that there’s a very active music scene in East Atlanta.

The neighbourhood is full of live music venues and bars showcasing a huge range of local talent across all genres, from indie to hip-hop.

East Atlanta packs even more celebration of local artistry into the area by hosting various festivals throughout the year.

The annual East Atlanta Strut features a parade that winds through the neighbourhood, artist markets, and various contests and activities.

Where To Stay In East Atlanta

• East Atlanta Townhome
• The Charles—A Tiny Luxury Experience
• Modern Townhome – 10 mins to Downtown Atlanta

Buckhead

The affluent suburb of Buckhead is a fashionable district a couple of miles north of the city centre.

Buckhead may be the right choice if you’re looking for a more laid-back city break with a taste of luxury.

The leafy neighbourhood is packed full of upscale dining and hospitality.

You’ll have your pick of Atlanta’s best restaurants, cafes and plenty of chic bars to keep you entertained after dark.

Buckhead is best known for its high-end shopping scene and streets lined with designer boutiques and galleries.

Some of its main attractions include luxury shopping malls like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, both packed with big-name labels like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Coach.

More residential than the city centre districts, Buckhead has few tourist attractions.

However, convenient transport links can have you in and out of the city centre in minutes, so sightseeing downtown shouldn’t be an issue.

On days when you don’t want to shlep into town, there are a few things to see in the local area.

You can visit the Atlanta History Centre to learn about the local area’s history and development.

The centre includes several restored sites from the time of Atlanta’s founding, including a farmstead and a mansion now serving as museums. 

If you need something to keep the kids busy, head to the LEGO Discovery Centre Atlanta.

If that’s not enough, the Sloomoo Institute Children’s Museum is just across the street.

Since Buckhead is an affluent area, there are a lot of high-end and luxury hotels here.

However, there are also a decent number of more affordable options, so it’s great if you want to stay in a nice area on a tighter budget.

Where To Stay In Buckhead For An Affordable Price

• Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Atlanta – Buckhead