5 Great Neighborhoods for Your Next Atlanta Vacation
From Inman Park to Old Fourth Ward, this neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide highlights the best spots in the city.
Atlanta is a massive city. Georgia’s capital has more than 200 neighborhoods, ranging from laid-back, suburban areas to exciting communities with booming businesses and well-known venues. Whether you’re a local or just in town for a quick trip, the great food, vibrant nightlife, and sheer number of things to do can be dizzying.
From the classic Old Fourth Ward to artsy areas in Midtown or Little Five Points, each locale has its own personality, all of which can provide lasting memories for you and yours whenever you decide to visit. For your next outing to explore the city, here are the best neighborhoods in Atlanta to check out.
Old Fourth Ward
Heavy on “a little bit of this and a little bit of that,” Old Fourth Ward is an Atlanta neighborhood with serious versatility. Not only is this historic neighborhood home to the childhood residence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but it’s also home to two of the city’s biggest attractions: Ponce City Market and the BeltLine.
Things to Do in Old Fourth Ward
Regardless of where you stay while in Atlanta, a visit to the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and The King Center is a must. Beyond the powerful historic sites, the Old Fourth Ward has a serious playful side so you’ll never have a boring moment. If you fancy a raucous round of skee-ball, you’ll find just that and plenty more carnival-inspired games at Skyline Park, which features games, rides, and some of the most stunning views of the city. Check out what’s going on around The BeltLine, a 22-mile stretch of redeveloped rail line that runs straight through the Old Fourth Ward. You never know what you may find.
While you could easily eat every meal in the sprawling food hall at Ponce City Market, but be sure to venture beyond that venue as well. This neighborhood is one of Atlanta’s top foodie destinations, so you’ll find a wide variety at every meal. Highland Bakery has one of the best Southern breakfasts in town, and Slutty Vegan, Two Urban Licks, and Ruby Chow’s cover the later meals of the day with cuisines from near and far. When it comes to drinks, Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium is an Atlanta staple, plus the area is home to several great cocktail bars.
Where to Stay in Old Fourth Ward
Once home to infamous mob boss Al Capone, Hotel Clermont is a chic boutique hotel that’s heavy on the vintage aesthetics. Although you’ve got to get out and explore Old Fourth Ward, Hotel Clermont does feature three of the neighborhood's most popular eateries: Tiny Lou’s, The Rooftop, and Clermont Lounge.
Downtown
Stay downtown to experience the heart of Atlanta and have the rest of the city at your fingertips. Not only is it home to Georgia’s state capitol, but you’ll also be around the corner from iconic Atlanta venues and any major events going on while you’re in town.
Things to Do Downtown
Downtown is home to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Park, and other insanely popular attractions, but there’s more to it. Explore the history of Underground Atlanta, a subterranean development coming to life with galleries and music venues; catch a concert at the Tabernacle or Masquerade; or see one of Atlanta’s sports teams in action at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena.
For after-hours fun, you can go for a scenic ride on the SkyView Ferris wheel for a wondrous view of Atlanta at night. For more X-rated views, you can also stop by the legendary Magic City strip club, and you just might see your favorite rapper there. If nothing else, just take a night stroll down Peachtree Street—you won’t regret it.
Where to Stay Downtown
High rises and hotels make up the skyline, so expect a more urban vibe when it comes to lodging options. The Candler Hotel gained notoriety as the first skyscraper in Atlanta, built by Coca-Cola magnate Asa Griggs Candler. That over-the-top energy remains in the hotel today through art deco touches and luxe interiors. The Glenn Hotel is another stylish option, and rooftop views from this hotel are some of the best in the city.
Eastside
On the east side of the city, Candler Park and Inman Park are joined together by the groovy little district called Little Five Points, forming an eclectic and historic conglomerate. For artists and creatives who are looking to experience the Atlanta that isn’t shown on TV, these neighborhoods are for you.
Things to Do on the Eastside
Little Five Points, Candler Park, and Inman Park have some of the coolest spots in the city. From the Krog Street Tunnel’s iconic street art to the bike-clad BeltLine, there are plenty of picture-worthy places to explore. Adjacent to the tunnel is Inman Park’s Krog Street Market, your source for everything from Spanish tapas to Asian steamed baos. For off-beat activities, plan to get some new ink at the area’s trendy tattoo parlors or catch some live entertainment at cool venues like Variety Playhouse and Aisle 5.
For a night out on the town, this area has some of the best bars in Atlanta right now. Most of the barrooms are playful, with local favorites like the tropical-ish Ticonderoga Club, chic listening room Stereo ATL, and Whoopsie’s, a new unpretentious cocktail spot.
Where to Stay on the Eastside
Airbnbs reign supreme in this part of town, and there are great options like this cozy Candler Park cottage or this Little Five lair. For a more traditional experience, Inman Park has Sugar Magnolia Bed & Breakfast, a sweet B&B operating out of a gorgeous 1892 Queen Anne Victorian. And a little more modern, Urban Oasis is situated right on the BeltLine, and it’s perfect for experiencing the surrounding neighborhoods to the fullest.
Midtown
If Downtown is the heart of Atlanta, then Midtown is its soul. Culture and arts run rampant, and rainbow crosswalks are a trademark of the neighborhood and a representation of the inclusive spirit that runs from North Avenue to 17th Street.
Things to Do in Midtown
Midtown has it all. The High Museum of Art and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra provide creative outlets for the artsy crowd, while Piedmont Park and the Botanical Gardens bring you closer to nature. Atlantic Station rounds it all out with an appealing outdoor shopping strip.
The area isn’t lacking in the food department either. From hip-hop-themed pizza at Slim & Husky’s to excellent Asian restaurants like Mukja Korean Fried Chicken and Japanese delights from Momonoki, there’s something for everyone. When day turns to night, turn to Vinyl, The Loft, or Center Stage, your go-to for concerts, live podcast shows, and even wrestling matches. The bars are also plentiful—check out the views at Rooftop L.O.A., visit essential LGBTQ+ bars like Blake’s on the Park and Atlanta Eagle, or clink fancy cocktails at Jojo’s Beloved and see for yourself.
Where to Stay in Midtown
There’s no shortage of luxurious hotels in Midtown, so it’s the perfect place to treat yourself. The area is dominated by major chains and the Four Seasons and Loews Hotel both have outposts in Midtown. Food lovers should look no further than Epicurean Hotel, a truly unique and stylish spot that revolves around excellent restaurants on site.
Duluth
Atlanta is one of the best cities in the country for a staycation thanks to our OTP suburbs. With a short drive of 25 to 35 minutes—which, let’s be honest, can sometimes be the ETA when driving Downtown thanks to our infamous traffic—Duluth is a charming alternative to the hustle and bustle.
Things to Do in Duluth
Aside from its tight-knit main drag and sweet calendar of local programming, Duluth regularly hosts some of Atlanta’s most highly anticipated events—from family-friendly attractions like Monster Jam and Repticon to major concerts from touring artists at Gas South Arena. So a trip to the area is almost a given.
The neighborhood is a bit more low-key than some other Atlanta hot spots, but it has an expanding food scene with options that include The Cottage On Main, Noona Meat & Seafood, Local On North, and Falling Rabbit Restaurant. Downtown Duluth is also loaded with bars and breweries, including Good Word Brewing & Public House, 6S Brewing Company, the fledgling Gwen Tajz Wine Bar, and more. For a full look at all the variety of the area, head to Truck & Tap which offers a rotating selection of food trucks and brews spread out over its outdoor space.
Where to Stay in Duluth
For the most fulfilling Duluth experience, lean into the charm and rent your own pad. You’ll find an array of options right downtown, or you can explore more of Duluth during your trip with Airbnbs like this beautiful lake house and this bright, wood-paneled private home.