Depending on the time of year a person is visiting, the wardrobe might not be much of a concern for a visit to Atlanta. Nonetheless, travelers coming into the city for the first time or even return visits are wise to plan ahead.
Atlanta offers a multitude of things to do, but it’s important to keep in mind not only the best times for engaging in certain activities, but also how you plan on getting there. Whether you’re renting a vehicle or taking public transportation, it is always recommended to take certain steps in advance to make sure your trip is an enjoyable one.
Rapid Transit Rail System Offers 4 Lines
Image via Flickr by Nrbelex
MARTA is the city’s rapid transit rail system, with four lines that run most of the day. The red line and the gold line both extend north from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, while the green and blue lines cross east-west sections of the city. Parking is not available at most downtown stations, but other stations, such as College Park, have thousands of spaces.
If you want something faster than public transit and cheaper than a taxi, Uber and Lyft are also popular options.
Atlanta Has Hundreds of Neighborhoods
Atlanta is composed of literally hundreds of neighborhoods. Castleberry Hill, Little Five Points, and East Atlanta are three particularly distinctive neighborhoods in Atlanta. Some neighborhoods tend to overlap, and it’s not uncommon for neighborhoods such as Brookwood, Wyngate, and Lenox to be referred to simply as Buckhead for the uptown district of the city they occupy.
Sports Are Big in Atlanta
Make no mistake: Atlanta loves its sports. The city recently opened two new stadiums. The Braves began playing at SunTrust Park in 2017, and the Falcons began playing games at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium that same year.
The city has a number of other popular attractions for tourists. Pemberton Place is home to Atlanta’s three most popular attractions: CNN Center, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola.
You Might Want to Make Reservations
The culinary scene in Atlanta has exploded in recent years, with many local chefs and restaurants receiving major awards. As a result, you should probably make sure you can get a table before strolling into some of the more popular dining spots. Reservations at the James Beard award-winning Bacchanalia, for example, may need to be placed up to three months in advance.
Rest easy, though. If nothing else, know that some of the best food in Atlanta is actually served at shacks. Don’t let appearances deceive you, as there may very well be some delectable grub inside.
You Can Save on a Great Hotel Near Atlanta
Keep in mind that several surrounding towns are within 20 minutes of Atlanta, which can make hotel reservations outside the city very attractive for anybody who is cost-conscious or seeking a quieter atmosphere. College Park, on the southern border of Atlanta, offers a quick natural getaway that still allows for easy access to the city.
With a little preparation, it’s easy to find fast and affordable ways to get around Atlanta and explore the city. Most visitors find the city immediately inviting.