Atlanta trips and vacations

Be ready to hear some music on your vacation to Atlanta. The birthplace of legendary recording artists such as Gladys Knight, Outkast and Big Boi, Atlanta moves to the tempo of blues, jazz, hip-hop and its homegrown trap music. Learn about the city’s musical subculture at the Trap Music Museum. Or catch live gigs at iconic venues like the Fox Theatre and Eddie’s Attic.

Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement is brought to life at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. The Delta Flight Museum chronicles the Atlanta airline’s long history. For a deeper look into the city’s rich past, plan a visit to the Oakland Cemetery, the resting place of mayors, civic leaders and famous authors.

Atlantans love their sports teams — you’ll find them cheering on the Falcons, Braves and Hawks at stadiums and sports bars across the city. Time your flights and hotels to Atlanta to catch a football game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or a casual tailgater, you’ll have a ball at the interactive College Football Hall of Fame.

Packed with sights, Midtown is where to stay in Atlanta to soak up the culture. Head to the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Piedmont Park. And you don’t need to spend a dime to see the Atlanta Monetary Museum. Keep an eye out for 10th Street & Piedmont Avenue’s rainbow crosswalks — a celebration of the city’s LGBTQ community.

Good for: Museums, LGBTQ venues, live music

Buckhead’s leafy streets are lined with historic mansions and beautiful homes, including the 1928 Swan House. The luxury shopping boutiques and hotel bars with rooftop lounges here add to the neighborhood’s upscale atmosphere. And the Chastain Arts Center and Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia are great places to fill up on culture.

Good for: Art museums, historic mansions, rooftop bars

Cool brunch spots, wine bars and artisan bakeries make Inman Park one of the best areas to stay in Atlanta. Joggers and cyclists love the green Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and its public art installations. You can see even more art at the Whitespace Gallery. Craving street food? Visit the historic Krog Street Market for its independent food stalls.

Good for: Street food, walking trails, art galleries

You can expect a lively scene in downtown’s rooftop hotel bars and underground speakeasies. And Peachtree Street is a prime spot for sports bars and live music venues. Ready to dance? Piedmont Road’s clubs offer everything from EDM to salsa music. Or join the college crowd and barhop along the Buckhead Strip.

You could spend a whole day exploring Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s interactive exhibits, IMAX theater and outdoor adventure area. And the Children’s Garden in the Atlanta Botanical Garden has plenty of hands-on fun, like a splash pad and treehouse play area. Looking to ramp up the action? Spend a day at the Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park.

You’ll find plenty of retailers, including big brand names, in Atlantic Station. And Bennett Street has some of the region’s best decorative arts markets. Lenox Square is the place to be if you’re after luxury shops. If quirky boutiques are more your thing, Little Five Points is full of vintage stores, natural foods markets and record shops.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is free to visit. And there’s no charge to tour the Governor’s Mansion from 10 to 11.30am on Tuesdays through Thursdays. If you’re looking for a scenic stroll, try Centennial Olympic Park or join the free Castleberry Hill Art Stroll, which takes place every second Friday of the month.

Atlanta boasts a wide range of museums, from the more traditional High Museum of Art to the World of Coca-Cola, which traces the soft drink’s roots. The Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Atlanta History Center are ideal for history lovers. If you’re a ‘Muppets’ fan, the Center for Puppetry Arts houses the world’s largest collection of Jim Henson artifacts.

Atlanta prides itself on the diversity of its cuisine, with each of its neighborhoods offering exciting restaurant options. Buford Highway is home to international eateries, while Buckhead is the place to go for fine dining and steakhouses. Looking for a taste of the South? Don’t miss Southwest Atlanta’s soul food hot spots.