The Complete Guide of 33 Amazing Things to Do in Atlanta in 2021
Atlanta is known as Hollywood of the South. It’s the cultural home of Southern culture and hospitality. We’ve got everything you want in a city. A great arts scene, live music galore, national sports teams and so much good food. We’ve got it all, and we hope you’ll enjoy our city as much as we do!
1. Grab a Pint at the Porter Beer Bar in Funky Little Five Points
When The Porter opened its doors in 2008, craft beer in Atlanta was just emerging. The fanciest beer in Little Five Points was a Heiniken. But its founders, Molly Gunn and Nick Rutherford were committed to local breweries and importing hard-to-find International favorites. Now it’s an Atlanta institution and a must thing to do in Atlanta for beer lovers. Try a flight of beers, or if you’re adventurous, order from their rare beer section. Check out their menu and the list of current beer selections here.
2. See a show at Chastain Park Amphitheater
Just north of the city in Buckhead is Chastain Park Amphitheater. An outside concert venue beloved by locals who bring picnic baskets and wine to shows that allow it (check your tickets before hand). The venue is set up inside a residential area so traffic in and out can be a bit congested, but it’s worth the drive. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. Even the lawn, where you can sprawl out on a blanket, has good views. The space has held concerts and been host to bands like Counting Crows, Cindy Lauper, Duran Duran, Billie Eilish, Alecia Keys and many, many more. Visit during the day, and you can walk around the 260 acre park that even includes horse stables. Learn more and check out upcoming concert schedules here.
3. Take a Food Tour
There’s no better way to see a city than to taste your way through it! These daily Atlanta food tours feature 6 of the best restaurants in the city with curated tastings and fun stories about Atlanta history, art, and architecture. A local foodie guide will introduce you to Atlanta’s growing food scene, and you get to visit historic landmarks along the way. You’ll leave full and with a better understanding of how Atlanta live and eat in the City that’s too busy to hate. Learn more and book a tour here.
4. Ride the Streetcar
This streetcar runs through the heart of downtown and is one of few public transportation options to do in Atlanta. Hop on the streetcar at any of the 12 stops that connect Centennial Olympic Park with the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Edgewood Ave with all it’s bars and restaurants and connection to MARTA’s Peachtree Center station. Learn more about the streetcar and where to hop on here.
5. Shop and Eat on Atlanta’s Westside
Atlanta’s Westside Provisions District features a number of boutiques and great restaurants. Many of the buildings have been repurposed from their more industrial uses. Pop into Taqueria del Sol for a fried chicken taco and some of their addictive cheese dip. Shop Sid Mashburn, an authentic, modern haberdashery for discerning shoppers or visit the FreeMarket Gallery which serves as an art gallery for everyone. Grab some fried chicken at JCT and take in the view from their rooftop bar. Redbird, Marcel, The Optimist, Miller Union and Food Terminal are all nearby. On the Westside you won’t go hungry. Learn more about Westside Provisions District here.
6. See a Falcons Game
Head over to the swanky Mercedes Benz Stadium to take in a game. Our Atlanta Falcons may have tanked their 2016 Super Bowl chances, but the team is great. There are lots of good eats inside Mercedes Benz including the award-winning H&F Burger, Fox Bros. BBQ, King of Pops and more. Seeing a game is a fun and exciting way to spend a day in Atlanta. Learn about their 2021 schedule here.
7. Hop on the Beer Bus 
Let your Beer Bus driver take the wheel as you hop-on/hop-off at several local Atlanta craft beer breweries. Visit some of the top craft breweries in Atlanta and make new friends along the way. Brewery tastings are included. So what are you waiting for? Learn more and book a bus here.
8. Visit Orpheus Brewery
Orpheus Brewery is tucked away off a quiet street near Atlanta’s Piedmont Park in Midtown. They’ve come a long way since opening their doors in 2014. They put an early emphasis on sour beers and wild barrels, neither of which were being brewed in the state at the time. Brewmaster, Jason Pellett, continues to make everything from sours, to IPA’s to barrel-aged stouts. Check them out here.
9. See a Braves Game
The team rattled a few feathers from intown Atlanta baseball fans when they moved the ball field from Downtown Atlanta to Cobb County, with some preferring to call them the Cobb County Braves. Even so, Truist Park is now surrounded by a development that includes an Omni Hotel where you can watch the game poolside. There are also several restaurants including local favorites El Superpan, Savannah Sweets, and Superica. Check out the 2021 schedule here.
10. See an Atlanta United Game
Few sports have ignited a fire in Atlanta sports fans like soccer and our beloved Atlanta United. The team played their first game in 2017 and Atlanta has never been the same. There are a variety of fan groups like the Footie Mob that boast huge numbers and legendary tailgating events. Soccer matches last 90 minutes and are played at the Mercedes Benz Stadium. Seeing an Atlanta United game is must thing to do in Atlanta. Tickets can be bought at various price points from standing only sections to posh boxes. Buy early. Tickets are known to sell out. Learn more about games and see their 2021 schedule here.
11. Tour under the Golden Dome at Georgia’s State Capitol
As the Capital of Georgia, Atlanta is the center of state legislation. The State Capitol building is most famous for the glistening gold dome that sits atop the building. The building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. While there you can visit the Georgia Capitol Museum. Learn more about this unique and free thing to do in Atlanta at the State Capitol here.
12. Atlanta Monetary Museum
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is the sixth district of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks of the United States. Learn the rich history of the Federal Reserve and monetary policy at the Atlanta Fed’s Monetary Museum. Explore the history of money, interactive, multimedia exhibits explaining the Federal Reserve’s role in the economy. You can also view the bank’s automated vault and cash processing areas. This is a unique and free thing to do in Atlanta. Tours of less than 10 people are self-guided and don’t require a reservation. Tours for 10-30 people can be requested through the Atlanta Fed and may be scheduled by appointment only. The Monetary Museum is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more and see the Atlanta Fed here.
13. Play Cornhole at Empire State South
Located across the way from the Atlanta Fed in Midtown Empire State South is owned by Southern Chef Hugh Acheson and is known for their southern fare and unpretentious flair. Tucked away in a hotel development, the courtyard facing restaurant offers cornhole in a cozy outside space. Grab a happy hour drink and snack from 3-6p and play a game or two. Mosey on after or stay for dinner where they offer 4 or 6 course prefix with an optional wine flight. Learn more about Empire State South here.
14. See a Hawks Game
Basketball fans should head over to the State Farm Arena to catch an Atlanta Hawks game while they’re in town. You may get a glimpse into Atlanta’s celebrity culture while you’re cheering on the team. Hip Hop artists Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow and Two Chainz have been spotted courtside. Learn more and check out their schedule here.
15. Visit the Center for Puppetry Arts
Visit Kermit the Frog. Miss Piggy and the gang at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Since 1978 the Center has introduced millions of visitors to magic that is puppetry arts. They house the Worlds of Puppetry Museum where you can see many of Jim Henson’s creations and learn more about the history of puppetry arts. They also offer activities for children in Atlanta with puppetry workshops and live performances. Ignite the kid in all of us with a visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts. See their calendar of events here.
16. See a Standup Comedy Show
Atlanta is a great city to see comics, The Punchline Comedy Club is a premier comedy club featuring stand-up comics from all over the world. This underground club is beloved in the comedy world and has hosted comics like Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Tucker, Richard Pryor and Jay Leno. Check out their calendar for nightly shows and reserve tickets online here.
17. Sip a Cocktail at an Underground Speakeasy
Located behind an unassuming phone booth is one of downtown Atlanta’s only speakeasy. Red Phone Booth is a prohibition experience located in the iconic Dailey building. And drinks aren’t all you get. Also located in the building are Neapolitan pizzas, craft cocktails and a cigar program in a safe 1920’s speakeasy vibe. Learn more about the speakeasy and its location here.
18. Tour Truist Park
Truist Park is home to the Atlanta Braves, the longest continually operating franchise in Major League Baseball. The Braves have plenty of history even if their new ballfield was built in 2017 moving the hometown team away from downtown Atlanta to suburban Cobb County. Surrounded by an entertainment district called The Battery, there are restaurants and bars. Tours cost $20 and offer a behind-the-scenes look into the Atlanta Braves complete with the opportunity to go down onto the field. Virtual tours are also being offered. Check out the tour schedule and reserve a ticket here.
19. Have a drink at a rotating rooftop restaurant
Located in the center of downtown Atlanta, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta features architect John Portman’s revolutionary 22-story atrium design. Built in 1967 the hotel is an icon in downtown Atlanta. The building is identifiable by the spaceship-like top floor which features Polaris, a rooftop restaurant with a revolving floor giving guests a 365 degree view of the city. Check out the restaurant here.
20. Catch an Improv Comedy Show
If you like comedy and want to go off script, check out an improv show at the Voodoo Comedy Lounge in Denver’s ballpark neighborhood. This little theater offers nightly shows and improv classes for those wanting to learn the art of “yes and.” Grab a beer or cocktail from their bar and head into the theater for some laughs! See upcoming shows and buy tickets here.
21. Tour the Fox Theatre 
Denver is the mile high city, and at 5,280 feet above sea level, you’ll see elevation markers all over town. If you visit the State Capitol building, be sure to pause on the 13th step and look for the small brass medallion, which will tell you that you’re standing at exactly one mile above sea level. Don’t be fooled by the gold marker on the 15th step or the bronze on the 18th step. These were elevation markers put in in the past when measurements were not as precise.
22. Grab Lunch at Chattahoochee Food Works
If your visit to Denver falls between May and October, head over to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver for a midday treat. Civic Center EATS runs weekly through the summer and offers Denver locals and visitors a chance to enjoy our city’s robust gourmet food truck scene all accompanied by shaded seating and live music. Check out their Facebook page to see what trucks and treats will be offered.
23. Grab Coffee at Hodgepodge Coffee House
Hodgepodge Coffee has 3 locations around the city so good coffee is easy to find. The locally owned coffee shop is often lauded for their inclusive culture and progressive business practices. If that doesn’t make you want a coffee maybe some of their signature coffee flavors like Bless Your Heart or Slap Yo Pappy will satisfy your caffeine craving. Grab a snack while you’re there. People rave about the meat patties. Check out their website here for locations and hours.
24. See a Drag Show
Honey you’re in for a dragalicious treat at Lips. Located near Buckhead on Buford Highway, Lips has the divas to entertain you while you eat. Lips offers large parties to accommodate bachelorette parties or birthday celebrations. Put on your tierra and head over for a night of flawless live performance. See the upcoming show schedule here.
25. Boutique Shop in Buckhead Village
This stretch of shopping in the Buckhead neighborhood is a great spot to check out high end boutiques and upscale dining. Featuring Hermes, Christian Louboutin and southern based, Billy Reid the outdoor shopping district isn’t for the budget conscious shopper. Take a break while you’re there to eat at upscale French eatery Le Bilboquet or upscale Vietnamese at Le Colonial. Learn about local boutiques and eateries in the neighborhood here.
26. Enjoy a Wine Flight Vino Teca
Located in Historic and trendy Inman Park, Vino Teca is a wine shop that offers wine flight tastings. Sit outside and people watch while sipping a set of 3 wines curated by their wine experts, Katie and Jeannie. Or lounge inside at their large tasting table or intimate seating areas. At $15 per wine flight it’s a deal. They’re located right off the Atlanta Beltline. Check out their website here.
27. Try the Soup Dumplings at China Kitchen at Atlanta Chinatown Mall
Foodies across Atlanta will ask if you’ve tried the soup dumplings from China Kitchen at the Atlanta Chinatown food court. They’re that good! This authentic Asian spot in the food court offers a wide selection of bites and full plates. The soup dumplings are listed as Shanghai juicy buns on the menu. Try the pork and cabbage dumplings or the spicy master dumplings. Courtyard seating is available outside. See hours and the full menu here.
28. Visit SweetWater Brewery
Beer drinkers will have this as a top thing to do in Atlanta as it’s the largest brewery in the state. Located in an industrial area of Atlanta that is rapidly becoming a food destination SweetWater is one of the first breweries in the state. Visit the Taproom which offers 24 tasty brews as well as bites from their kitchen. Enjoy their large outdoor pet-friendly patio. They also offer tours and VIP experiences. Tours at $8 and you’ll get 15 oz samples along the way. Take a Learn more about the tour schedule here.
29. Slurp Oysters at Kimball House
Kimball House is one of the best restaurants in Decatur, a small city that seems more like another Atlanta neighborhood than it’s own city. They are one of the best places in Atlanta to get your foodie oyster fix. In addition to fresh and succulent oysters they have a James Beard nominated cocktail program. Sip and snack on their outdoor patio or sit inside in their elegant and cozy dining room. The light during sunset streams through the windows giving it a dreamy feel. See their full menu, hours and location here.
30. Take a Cooking Class
Food Tours Atlanta now offers cooking classes that are fun and interactive. They cover chocolate truffles to charcuterie boards and are the perfect date-night activity. Learn about upcoming classes and book your own cooking class here.
31. Tour a Whiskey Distillery
AWS Distillery opened in 2016 with unaged whiskey and a dream. They’ve come a long way and their tasting room is a testament to their hard work. They developed their own recipe for distinctly smooth American single malt whiskey and brought it to the market. Today you can learn about their distillery and process on one of their tours. Learn more and see the tour calendar here.
32. Line Up for the City’s Best Ice Cream
Morelli’s is a locally owned ice cream store that started in 2008 and they’re been churning out some of the best ice cream in Atlanta ever since. With two locations in the city it’s not hard to find some of the most unique ice cream in Atlanta. The shop sells its delicious ice cream to a number of local shops and restaurants. We love the strawberry and blueberry cornmeal flavors, but they’re all delicious! Check out more about the favorite local creamery here.
33. Enjoy Rooftop Dining at 9 Mile Station
Located in Atlanta’s hip Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, this rooftop eatery also includes an amusement park. The spot features carnival game stalls, a slide built into the side of the Ponce City Market sign and one of the best Atlanta skyline views in the city. Located atop Ponce City Market Food Hall, reservations are encouraged. They will charge a $25 fee per reservation which will be applied to your check when you dine. It also allows you to ride the elevator to the rooftop without paying the usual $20 fee for non-diners. Check out the current culinary options and upcoming events here.
