Things to see in Atlanta
Attractions
Georgia Aquarium
Atlanta's massive aquarium is home to an enormous line-up of freshwater and saltwater fish and mammals. You can watch California sea lions in action or stroll through the vast Ocean Voyager gallery, whose viewing tunnel lets you get up close to whale sharks and manta rays. Look out too for African penguins, sharp-toothed piranhas and colourful coral reefs.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 581 4000.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-2100, Sat-Sun 0900-2100 (hours vary, see website).
Website: http://www.georgiaaquarium.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Atlanta History Center
Surrounded by sprawling gardens, this complex is home to the Atlanta History Museum, with its city-related artefacts and exhibits on the Civil War. Also on the site are Swan House, an elegant 1928 classical-style mansion, and the Smith Family Farm, an entire farm complex built in the 1840s and moved intact from rural Georgia.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 814 4000.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1730, Sun 1200-1730.
Website: http://www.atlantahistorycenter.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Site
The cluster of historic buildings and monuments in Sweet Auburn is a potent reminder of Atlanta's tumultuous past and the sacrifices of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. You can visit King's birthplace, listen to his speeches in the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and explore Fire Station No 6, one of the first desegregated fire stations in the South.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 331 5190.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/maluAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
World of Coca-Cola
The museum features decade after decade of Coke memorabilia plus soda ads from around the world and through the ages. You can work your way through more than 100 Coca-Cola-made drinks in the tasting room. There's also a bottling factory and a pop culture gallery with temporary exhibitions related to the enduring popularity of the world's most famous brand.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 676 5151.
Opening times:
Sun-Thurs 1000-1700, Fri-Sat 0900-1700, with extended hours in summer.
Website: http://www.worldofcoca-cola.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
High Museum of Art
Housed in buildings designed by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, the High Museum contains more than 15,000 artworks spanning 19th- and 20th-century American and decorative art, European paintings, and contemporary art and photography. It also hosts innovative temporary exhibitions, plus monthly Friday jazz nights.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 733 4400.
Opening times:
Tues-Thurs and Sat 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2100, Sun 1200-1700.
Website: http://www.high.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Overlooking Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden blooms in the spring and is a must-see on a December night when the spectacular Christmas lights are shining during the annual 'Garden Lights, Holiday Nights' display. Several gardens feature sculptures, and sights include a Japanese garden, a treetop canopy walk and trails through a mature hardwood forest.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 876 5859.
Opening times:
Tues-Sun 0900-1900 (Apr-Oct), Tues-Sun 0900-1700 (Nov-Mar).
Website: http://atlantabotanicalgarden.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Olympics, this popular gathering place features year-round entertainment including concerts, winter ice-skating, holiday lights and the city's main 4th of July celebration. Paths meander through the park, which is home to an interactive Olympic ring fountain and the SkyView Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 223 4412.
Opening times:
Daily 0700-2300.
Website: https://www.gwcca.org/parkAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
CNN Studio Tours
News junkies can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at CNN and HLN at the broadcaster's world headquarters. Various tour options are available. These might include the chance to tour the control room, discover how a live show is produced, create your own news broadcast or meet a news anchor.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 827 2300.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1630 (tour every 20 minutes).
Website: http://www.cnn.com/tourAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Gigantic dinosaurs, dioramas depicting Georgia's historical natural habitats, and cultural artefacts such as clothing and jewellery are on display at Atlanta's natural history museum. Outdoors, WildWoods is a forested area where visitors of all ages can go wild exploring elevated wooden walkways, tree pods and interactive exhibits.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 929 6300.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700.
Website: http://www.fernbankmuseum.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Zoo Atlanta
Now home to around 1,300 animals, this zoo began in 1889 when a travelling circus came to the city and left behind several exotic animals. Today you can gaze at twin giant pandas, look out for black rhinos, lions and giraffes in an African plains habitat, or spot gorillas in a simulated African rainforest.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 624 5600.
Opening times:
Daily 0930-1730.
Website: http://www.zooatlanta.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 404 577 2148.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1200-1800.
Website: http://www.atlanta.netAtlanta's downtown visitor centre in the Underground Atlanta district provides maps, brochures and tourist information. There's a second tourist office at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, North Terminal, open seven days a week.
Tourist passes
The Atlanta CityPASS (www.citypass.com), valid for nine days, offers a 43% discount on the city's top attractions: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Studio Tours, Zoo Atlanta or the Center for Civil and Human Rights and Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the College Football Hall of Fame. You can buy the pass online or directly from one of the participating attractions.
