Atlanta: The Definitive Guide to All You Need to Know

Atlanta is one of the most popular destinations in the United States. Atlanta, Georgia has something for everyone! Atlanta offers great food, art, culture and entertainment. Atlanta is also a hub for business development with many Fortune 500 companies calling Atlanta home. With so much to do in Atlanta, it’s hard to know where you should start first! This article will cover much of what you need to know about Atlanta including information on hotels, restaurants, nightlife and more!

History of Atlanta

Construction of Atlanta began in 1837. By 1847, Atlanta had an estimated population of 500,000. The first train that arrived in Atlanta in 1850, carrying more than 400 passengers. Atlanta subsequently became a major railroad hub for the southern states.

The Civil War hit Atlanta hard, culminating with the burning of Atlanta on December 21, 1864.

Following the rebuilding of the city after the Civil War, business in Atlanta boomed and the city grew and prospered. With its focus on commerce, Atlanta became known as “the city too busy to hate.

Location of Atlanta

Atlanta is located at 33°47′N 84°23′W in east-central Georgia. It lies on the Piedmont Plateau.

Atlanta includes Stone Mountain Park which covers an area of about 800 acres. The park has over 200 species of animals, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits and turtles.

Atlanta is divided into several districts. Downtown Atlanta is the focus of commercial activities. Midtown Atlanta contains art galleries, museums, shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, cinemas, theaters, university campuses, hospitals, research centers and Atlanta’s tallest skyscraper. Virginia Highlands, Poncey-Highland and Cabbage Town are some of the residential neighborhoods of Atlanta. Buckhead is the Atlanta neighborhood famous for swanky shopping and dining, as well as offices.

What to Know about Atlanta?

Atlanta is the capital of Georgia. Metro Atlanta currently has a population of nearly 6 million people. Atlanta’s nickname is “The City in a Forest” because Atlanta was originally built under a giant forest! Atlanta is located on the Piedmont Plateau, sitting between two major rivers: the Chattahoochee River and the Flint River.

Atlanta features many notable landmarks such as Centennial Olympic Park (which used to be an old rail yard), Turner Field (former Olympic Stadium turned baseball stadium), the Fox Theatre, World of Coca-Cola Museum, CNN Center, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the College Football Hall of Fame and more!

Atlanta has no shortage when it comes to food options including all types of cuisine from around the world like Mexican at El Taco, Peruvian at El Pollo Inka, Italian at Antico Pizza Napoletana Atlanta, or even a good barbecue meal from Atlanta’s very own Sweet Auburn Market! Atlanta is also known for having great music and entertainment options.

Atlanta hosts many festivals throughout the year including Music Midtown Festival which takes place every September. Atlanta has no shortage of live music venues with places like The Buckhead Theatre, Terminal West – Georgia State University Student Union Ballroom & Amphitheater, Center Stage Theater – Centennial Park, Eddie’s Attic – Decatur (home to legendary songwriters), City Winery-Atlanta in Downtown Atlanta on Ponce De Leon Avenue, Smith’s Olde Atlanta, and the Masquerade – Heaven Atlanta in Old Fourth Ward. Atlanta has many movie theaters that offer a great movie-going experience like Landmark Midtown Art Cinema which shows classic films as well as the latest big Hollywood releases!

There is so much to do in Atlanta, you will not be bored.

Weather in Atlanta

If you are visiting Atlanta it’s important to note the average high temperatures during summer months (June through September) range from 89 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) – 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 Celsius). If traveling outside of those months plan for more moderate weather with highs averaging around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius). Be sure to pack an umbrella, rain gear, or coat if planning on visiting Atlanta between November and March.

Where to Stay in Atlanta?

Atlanta has a wide range of hotel options perfect for every type of traveler! If you are looking for luxury hotels Atlanta is home to The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Hilton Atlanta and Towers, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, and the W hotel.

If you are not into staying at extravagant places, there are affordable options that still have great amenities like Courtyard Marriott Downtown or Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton which provide an excellent night’s sleep while being in close proximity to all the things going on in Atlanta.

There is truly something for everyone in Atlanta! Whether you are visiting Atlanta with your family, friends or on a romantic getaway, Atlanta has everything to offer including golf courses, museums and galleries. Great shopping can be found at places like The Mall at Peachtree Center and Lenox Square in Buckhead that feature stores from around the world. There are also plenty of dining options located throughout the city whether it be high-end fine dining or quick bites.

When flying into Atlanta, you will likely go through Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This is one of the busiest airports in the world.

Attractions of Atlanta

Atlanta is home to the world-famous Centennial Olympic Park that was built in 1996 to host the 96th summer Olympics. The park has hosted many different concerts such as Elton John, Lionel Ritchie, Rod Stewart, Sting, Billy Joel, American Idol and several other large-scale performances.

Atlanta also has the World Of Coke, a fun and exciting museum where you can taste over 30 types of Coke from around the world and see the vault containing the original Coke formula.

Another cool Atlanta activity is “The Duck,” an amphibious vehicle that takes passengers around the city for 2-hour sightseeing tours.

The CNN headquarters is located in Atlanta and offers interesting studio tours.

Atlanta has a number of professional sports teams including Atlanta Falcons in football, Atlanta Hawks in basketball, Atlanta Thrashers in ice hockey, and Atlanta Braves in baseball.

Bottom Line

Atlanta is a city with many attractions and things to do, but Atlanta also has its share of issues. Atlanta’s rapid population growth in recent years has led to challenges like traffic congestion, poverty rates that are higher than the national average, and an affordable housing shortage.

However, Atlanta still offers plenty of reasons for visitors to come—a booming culinary scene (with everything from Southern staples like fried chicken to Korean BBQ), world-class museums, and gorgeous parks just minutes away by car or bike.

Not only does Atlanta have something for everyone; it’s easy on your wallet too! So whether you want great food at bargain prices or history lessons about civil rights alongside natural beauty–Atlanta’s got what you need.