Yulia Saf 
Atlanta is the capital and largest city of the US state of Georgia. The city will surprise you with its fun attractions, art galleries, historic museums, epic food scene, and lively nightlife! I know this sounds exciting, and you’re probably wondering where to stay in Atlanta – well, you’re in the right place!
To help you plan the perfect Atlanta trip, I’ve compared all the Atlanta areas and hotels and picked the very best ones. In this post, I will talk about 7 great areas for your stay, but I can tell you that downtown Atlanta is the ultimate spot for your visit – it has plenty of noteworthy attractions and great dining options!
As soon as you choose an area and a hotel for your stay, make a reservation! Atlanta is an expensive city, so I highly recommend you book in advance to get better deals on hotels and not miss out on all the amazing things you can do in Atlanta!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
These are the best places to stay in downtown Atlanta:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Downtown – where to stay in Atlanta for the first time
- 2. Midtown – where to stay in Atlanta on a budget
- 3. Eastside – where to stay in Atlanta on a family trip
- 4. Westside – where to stay in Atlanta for nightlife
- 5. North Atlanta (Buckhead) – for a luxury stay
- 6. Cumberland / Cobb Galleria – for business travelers
- 7. College Park – where to stay in Atlanta near the airport
- FAQs about where to stay in Atlanta
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map of Atlanta with the 7 best areas I’ll be talking about in this travel guide:
- Downtown: for first-timers
- Midtown: on a budget
- EASTSIDE : for families
- WESTSIDE : for nightlife
- BUCKHEAD / NORTH ATLANTA: for luxury
- CUMBERLAND / COBB GALLERIA : for business travelers
- COLLEGE PARK : near the airport
1. Downtown – where to stay in Atlanta for the first time
Downtown Atlanta is the heart of the city and the center of all the action. If it’s your first time visiting Atlanta, I definitely recommend staying downtown to be close to all the main landmarks. Here, you will discover the impressive Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Museum and the famous CNN Studio (map).
Did you know that Atlanta is the birthplace of Coca-Cola?
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do as well; there’s the football lovers’ favorite: the College Football Hall of Fame, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which hosts all home games of the Atlanta Falcons and the State Farm Arena (map), home of the Atlanta Hawks.
But there’s much more to discover here! Start your day by having a coffee at the beautiful Centennial Olympic Park, home to the 1996 Olympic Games. While you’re exploring Centennial Park, I also suggest you go for a ride on the SkyView Atlanta, a Ferris wheel that provides the best views of the city.
Downtown Atlanta is also the city’s main business district and home to the Georgia World Congress Center, the largest LEED-certified convention center in the world (environmentally friendly).
I highly suggest you visit some of the museums situated downtown: the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, the Apex Museum, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights cultural center.
Once you’re done with your cultural immersion, you can move on to entertainment – The Masquerade is a live music venue where you can attend a variety of events.
While you’re here, you have to spend some time exploring the Peachtree Center, a separate district that’s also part of downtown Atlanta. The same goes for Underground Atlanta, the city’s main shopping and entertainment district, SoNo, and the Fairlie-Poplar district – all of these sub districts are worth a visit!
Another thing you should know is that the downtown is very walkable, so it’s the perfect place to base yourself if you’re visiting Atlanta without a car. Here, you’ll also find the best Atlanta hotels, but if you’re booking last minute and find these great options are already gone, check out this post on the best Airbnbs in Atlanta.
One of the best luxury hotels located in the center of the city and within walking distance of the NEW World of Coca-Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and many other attractions. The Candler Hotel offers spacious rooms with unique décor, a fully-equipped fitness center, an upscale bar, and a great breakfast.
Other accommodation options in Downtown
This 4-star hotel has a very central location, spacious and modern rooms, a bar, and serves a great breakfast
A 1-bedroom house with a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV with streaming services, and balcony overlooking the city
This Airbnb has a central location and offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi and easy access to shops and bars
Things to do in Downtown
- Embark on a trolley sightseeing tour of Atlanta
- Visit the Georgia Capitol Museum and learn some history
- Get skip-the-line tickets for the Georgia Aquarium
- Grab dinner at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina
2. Midtown – where to stay in Atlanta on a budget
Midtown Atlanta is the city’s main commercial district, located North of Downtown (about 7 min by car or 17 by public transportation). Besides being a commercial area, the midtown is also a lively arts hub that provides plenty of leisure activities. And since the prices can be high in the downtown area, Midtown is the best area to stay on a budget, while keeping close to the center!
TIP: if you need to get from midtown to downtown Atlanta, all you need to do is hop on the MARTA, i.e., the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, which is a combined Atlanta streetcar, bus, and rail system.
Midtown offers numerous impressive art galleries, such as the High Museum of Art, The Center For Puppetry Arts and the Woodruff Arts Center. I’m sure you won’t even realize how much time has passed when visiting the many interesting exhibitions in the area!
Another spot that will interest you is the Fox Theatre, situated in a 1920s building and hosting various events. However, even if you don’t have the time to attend any of the events, you can attend one of the tours organized by the theater. And while you’re in the area, I suggest you stop by the nearby Tech Square – it’s a great place to explore in Midtown Atlanta.
Check out the Margaret Mitchell House (map) where the author wrote most of her famous novel Gone with the Wind!
Definitely stop by to admire the architecture or visit the museum and gift shop if they’re open during your visit.
While in Midtown Atlanta, you have to take the time to visit the gorgeous Piedmont Park; this is a large park with many walking and jogging trails, a lake, and even a farmers’ market. It’s the perfect place for a romantic picnic or a relaxing swim in the lake. Here, you’ll also come across the Atlanta Botanical Garden – a lovely garden with a large collection of many unique plants.
In Midtown, you will find many cool cafes, bars, and shops, as well as nice accommodation options where you can book your stay. And since you are in the booking mindset, I recommend you add another beautiful city, Savannah, to your itinerary for an absolutely epic trip!
One of the best boutique hotels in Atlanta, the Renaissance has spacious rooms with modern amenities such as coffee machines and iPod docking stations. Guests can have signature cocktails at the seasonal rooftop bar while watching the beautiful city views or enjoy American cuisine at the Rowdy Tiger Whiskey Bar & Kitchen, the on-site restaurant.
Other accommodation options in Midtown
Located near the FOX Theatre, the hotel has private parking, an on-site restaurant, a terrace, and a fitness center
Even though it’s slightly lower rated, this motel is pet-friendly, non-smoking, and has a 24-hour front desk
A conveniently located studio with contemporary design, a fully furnished kitchen, free parking, and high-speed Wi-Fi
Things to do in Midtown
- Watch a show at Alliance Theatre
- Check out the exhibition at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
- Spend the day shopping in the Atlantic Station area
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3. Eastside – where to stay in Atlanta on a family trip
Atlanta’s Eastside is a larger area that stretches to the east of downtown and midtown and consists of several smaller neighborhoods – ideal for a family stay! During your time here, you’ll get a chance to explore cool areas like Old Fourth Ward, Little Five Points, the Inman Park – Candler Park intersection, Summerhill, Cabbagetown, and many more cool neighborhoods.
Since there are so many neighborhoods in the Eastside area, you’re probably wondering where to start. Well, no need to worry – I’ll provide detailed instructions so you don’t miss any of the important attractions!
Your first stop should be Old Fourth Ward and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (map), where you’ll find the birth home of Martin Luther King, Jr., a museum, as well as his final resting place. These monuments are part of a smaller area within Old Fourth Ward known as Sweet Auburn, which is a historically African-American neighborhood.
Yet another smaller neighborhood in the larger Old Fourth Ward area is the Poncey-Highland, situated around Freedom Park and a great spot to do shopping! The Ponce City Market is situated in an old Sears building in Old Fourth Ward that’s been converted into a shopping mall.
Then, continue on to explore the Poncey-Highland area and its main attraction – Freedom Park. Within the park, you can visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum and see a replica of the Oval Office. You should also take the time to see one of the Illuminarium Atlanta exhibits – I personally recommend the ‘Space’ experience!
As you move through the Virginia Highland and towards Druid Hills, stop at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center before moving on to explore the Fernbank Museum, which also hosts a 3D Theater and a forest. From here, you can continue to explore the Decatur neighborhood or go back to some of the more centrally located eastern neighborhoods.
Yet another Atlanta neighborhood you shouldn’t overlook is Cabbagetown; the top attraction here is the Krog Street Tunnel (map), a street tunnel lined with amazing murals and street art. And lastly, if you’re traveling with family, there’s one stop you can’t miss – Zoo Atlanta! To see more than 1,500 zoo animals, head to Grant Park and have a fun family outing.
An upscale hotel with a very good fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, and a great breakfast for a small additional charge. Guests can enjoy drinks at the hotel bar or have room service delivered to their room, where they can also relax in the seating area in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment.
Other accommodation options in Eastside
Guests at this apartment can use a balcony, a garden, and an indoor play area for the kids
This 1-bedroom apartment has a full kitchen and 1 bathroom, a balcony, and guests get access to a private pool
A cozy guesthouse with fast Wi-Fi, air conditioning, an outdoor deck, and free parking on the premises
Things to do in Eastside
- Walk along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail (map)
- Catch a movie at the Plaza Theatre
- Visit the Historic Fourth Ward Park
- Spend the day in the Skyline Park amusement center on the roof of Ponce City Market
- Go shopping at the Krog Street Market in Inman Park
4. Westside – where to stay in Atlanta for nightlife
The Westside is another Atlanta neighborhood that encompasses several smaller areas, including the West Midtown part of the city, as well as the Riverside, West End, Oakland City, and more. One of the common traits these areas all share is the vibrant nightlife, so if you’re planning a party holiday, this is the place for you. You can also expect some artsy vibes in Westside.
If you’re planning an unforgettable night out, you’ll be on the lookout for cool bars and clubs, so I’ve decided to provide some suggestions. First up, Ormsby’s – a speakeasy bar tavern serving delicious craft beers. Next up is the Northside Tavern, a dive bar situated in an old gas station where you can listen to live blues music every night of the week!
Although I can keep up my ‘night-out’ recommendations (there’s plenty to choose from!), you’ll probably want to explore more than just the nightlife scene during your Westside stay. If so, I suggest taking at least half a day to explore the Westside Provisions District, the main shopping hub in this part of the city.
People who like to spend time outdoors will appreciate Westside Reservoir Park (map) with its many scenic walking trails. After spending the day at the park, you can continue on to The Goat Farm Arts Center, a contemporary arts center situated in an old factory, and then stop by The Painted Duck for a bowling session.
NOTE: during your stay here, venture out to Castleberry Hill, a trendy district bordering downtown Atlanta and the setting of many famous movies and TV shows like Driving Miss Daisy, Taken 3, Teen Wolf and more.
From Westside, you can easily access Atlantic Station – a great idea if you’re in the mood for shopping – and explore the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail, a 3-mile (4.8 km) stretch of the larger Beltline trail, perfect for cycling and admiring street art!
A 4-star hotel with an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, a garden, and private parking. Each of the rooms is air-conditioned and has a seating area, a dedicated workspace, a minibar, a safety deposit box, and a lot of other useful amenities. Breakfast and kids’ meals are available at a surcharge.
Other accommodation options in Westside
This 3-bedroom holiday home is air-conditioned, with a sun terrace, an outdoor fireplace, and free private parking
The hostel provides accommodation in shared dormitories, access to a shared lounge, and a luggage storage space
Beautiful Historic West End Home
This 3-bedroom Victorian home has a large backyard, a front porch with a large swing backyard, a private parking spot
Things to do in Westside
- Visit the Trap Music Museum
- Attend an event at Terminal West
- See the exhibition at the Atlanta Contemporary
- Explore the Herndon Home Museum
5. North Atlanta (Buckhead) – for a luxury stay
Buckhead is located in North Atlanta and is 7mi (12km) away from the city center (you will need a car). It is definitely more upscale and so if you want to stay in a less touristy area and treat yourself to a luxurious vacation, then Buckhead is the place to be! I think somehow it can be compared to Beverly Hills, but the one of the East!
During your stay in Buckhead, you’ll discover that the area is full of upscale restaurants, shopping malls, and boutiques. So, if you want to treat yourself to a nice dinner, make a reservation at the South City Kitchen and enjoy a sophisticated take on Southern cuisine.
But if you’re more in the mood for shopping, Phipps Plaza is the ultimate choice – you’ll find plenty of luxury stores and upscale restaurants in this shopping mall. But the shopping doesn’t have to stop there; Lenox Square is another great mall with plenty of shopping options.
And in case you’re interested in something else besides shopping and dining, you’re in luck because Buckhead has a lot more to offer. To learn more about the city’s history, pay a visit to the Atlanta History Center campus and make sure to find the Swan House at Atlanta History Center.
FUN FACT: the Swan House was used as a filming location for The Hunger Games movies Catching Fire and Mockingjay: Part 1 and depicted both the interior and exterior of President Snow’s mansion.
The Georgia Governor’s Mansion (map) should also be on your list of Buckhead attractions, as well as the Sloomoo Institute if you’re traveling with kids. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is another cool spot that will be a lot of fun for both kids and adults.
Another spot worth a visit in Buckhead is Chastain Park (map), where you’ll find the Chastain Park Amphitheater, a playground, a golf course and a restaurant. And if you’d like to spend some more time in nature, then be sure to check out the Blue Heron Nature Preserve.
Understandably, if you’re paying extra to stay in this upscale neighborhood, you want to know whether you’ll be safe. Well, no need to fret, as Buckhead is one of the safest neighborhoods in Atlanta! Since it’s a well-to-do residential area, you don’t have to worry too much about street crime or take any specific precautions.
NOTE: All of the neighborhoods I recommend in this article are generally safe, but you should be cautious, just like you’d be in any big city – be aware of your surroundings, keep your valuables hidden, don’t walk alone at night, and stick to well-lit streets.
The InterContinental Buckhead Hotel offers modern rooms with a nice city view, a swimming pool, a spa with a hot tub, a wellness center, and a great breakfast. These amenities make it popular among couples who are on a romantic getaway to Atlanta! Guests can also enjoy drinks at the live music bar and delicious meals at the onsite restaurant.
Other options in North Atlanta (Buckhead)
This 3-star hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, and clean and spacious rooms
The Hampton Inn is conveniently located near public transport stations and provides a complimentary hot breakfast each morning
Condo in the heart of Buckhead
A 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo with a newly-updated kitchen and a cozy living area
Things to do in Buckhead / North Atlanta
- Spend the day at Atlanta Memorial Park
- Marvel artworks at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia
- Spend a night playing games at Your 3rd Spot
6. Cumberland / Cobb Galleria – for business travelers
Cumberland is an edge city on the outskirts of Atlanta, 10 miles (16 km) from the Downtown area (which is ~20 min by car vs 50 min by transport). The Cumberland area is one of the largest business districts in the wider Atlanta area, so it’s the perfect choice if you’re visiting Atlanta on business, especially because Cobb Galleria Centre, a large convention center (map), is super close to Cumberland.
Whether it is a business trip or not, there are still some attractions to explore. Check out Truist Park baseball stadium (map), which is home to the Atlanta Braves MLB team, is located in the Cumberland area.
If you’re interested in shopping, you’ll have a great time at Cumberland Mall, where you’ll find large stores, shops, and restaurants. The Akers Mill Square is another amazing option for shopping, and it’s right next to the Cumberland Mall! Yet another great shopping mall is The Battery Atlanta, and this one is right next to Truist Park.
For those interested in some cultural events, the Cobb Energy Center has a large and varied event schedule, so you can see a ballet, a symphony orchestra, or a concert. And if you want to see a live concert, your best bet is the Coca-Cola Roxy concert hall (map) at the Battery.
In case you still have some doubts about staying in the Cumberland area when you visit Atlanta, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that many of the very best Atlanta hotels are right around this area, so you’ll certainly have a comfortable stay.
However, seeing as Cumberland is further away from the downtown and the main attractions like the Coca-Cola Museum, it’s a great idea to go with a car, or alternatively, rent a car and explore the rest of Atlanta.
This 4-star hotel offers various upscale amenities – an outdoor pool open year-round, 3 restaurants on-site, and rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee makers, and private bathrooms stocked with free toiletries, bathrobes, and hair dryers.
Other options in Cobb Galleria
A 3-star hotel with an indoor pool, a business center, an ATM, and a buffet or continental breakfast
A hotel with spacious rooms, free parking, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and a very good breakfast included in the price
This 1-bedroom studio has a small but functional kitchen, a spotless bathroom, and a cozy living space
Things to do in Cumberland / Cobb Galleria
- Test your skills in an escape room at The Escape Game Atlanta
- Try the delicious seafood at the Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
- Hike the East Palisades Trail and Bamboo Forest (map)
7. College Park – where to stay in Atlanta near the airport
College Park is another edge city that borders Atlanta to the South, but unlike my other recommendations, this area doesn’t have a lot of attractions to keep you occupied. However, College Park is super close to the Atlanta Airport, so it’s the best place for an overnight stay in Atlanta.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta is the busiest airport in the world!
True that, I myself transferred in Atlanta airport numerous times!
Luckily, even though College Park is ‘outside the perimeter’ (OTP) of Atlanta and a bit far from downtown (10 miles / 16 km), you can hop on the MARTA subway and get to the city center in less than half an hour – it’s even faster if you drive!
However, if you decide to stay in the area, there are a few spots that are definitely worth a visit. One of these spots is the Delta Flight Museum, which honors the history of Delta Airlines and showcases vintage planes. If you venture a bit outside of College Park, you’ll find the Wolf Creek Amphitheater (map), a great spot for a picnic on a sunny day.
If you need to get some shopping done, you’ll find plenty of affordable goods at the Old National Discount Mall (map), and while you’re there, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants.
Seeing as there’s not too much else to see and do in and around College Park, you can go straight to choosing a hotel for your stay – the best options are presented below.
Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway
This 4-star hotel offers a free airport shuttle and access to an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, and a restaurant that serves American cuisine and 14 different beer varieties. Wi-Fi is available in all areas, and guests can order room service or turn to the 24-hour front desk for additional assistance.
Other options in College Park
The suites at this hotel are air-conditioned, have a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries
This 1-bedroom apartment is 5 minutes away from the airport, offers private parking, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site coffee shop
A 1-bedroom apartment with a queen-sized bed with a memory foam mattress, a large desk, and an office chair
Things to do in College Park
- Hit the links at the College Park Golf Course
- Try the soul food at The Original Big Daddy’s Dish
- Go on a relaxing walk at Charles E. Phillips Esquire Park (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$350 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | US$230 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$130 |
| 📍 Best area: | Downtown |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Candler Hotel |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Hyatt Regency Atlanta |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hampton Inn |
FAQs about where to stay in Atlanta
🗺️ What is the best area of Atlanta to stay in?
Downtown is the best area to stay in Atlanta if you are visiting for the first time. Some of the best hotels to stay here are The Candler Hotel and Hyatt Regency Atlanta.
🤔 Is downtown Atlanta safe to stay?
Downtown Atlanta is a generally safe area, but due to the large number of homeless people and drug issues, you should avoid quiet streets at night and stick to the main roads.
🕺🏻 Where do the celebrities stay in Atlanta?
The St Regis Hotel in Buckhead is famous for its celebrity guests.
👨👩👦👦 Where to stay in Atlanta with my family?
The Eastside neighborhood is a great place to stay in Atlanta on a family trip, and one of the best family-friendly hotels is the Wylie Hotel in Old Fourth Ward, which also offers many family-friendly attractions.
🛎️ Where to stay in ATL for one night?
If you have only one night in Atlanta, I would suggest you stay downtown to be close to the main attractions. However, if you need to be close to the airport, it’s a better idea to stay in College Park.
🚖 What is the best way to get around Atlanta?
I highly recommend you use public transportation in Atlanta – the traffic can be crazy. Plus, the public transportation system is very good and covers most of the areas.
🚘 What is the best time of day to drive through Atlanta Georgia?
The traffic in Atlanta can be frustrating, and that’s why I recommend you avoid driving during rush hours – 7 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 8 pm. In short, the best time to drive through Atlanta is super-early morning or late evening.
🗓️ Where to stay in Atlanta for the weekend?
For a weekend stay in Atlanta, consider Buckhead. It offers a blend of upscale hotels, shopping, and dining, making it a convenient and luxurious choice for your visit. Some great hotels in this area are the InterContinental Buckhead and Element Atlanta Buckhead.
❌ What parts of Atlanta to avoid when looking for a safe place to stay?
During your visit to Atlanta, it’s advisable to steer clear of areas like South Atlanta, Dunwoody, Duluth, and Perimeter Center.
Conclusion
Atlanta is a big city and deciding where to stay can be a difficult decision. In this blog post, I talked about the top 7 areas and the best hotels in Atlanta and provided some information about the things you can do there so you can choose where to stay in Atlanta.
For those who are having difficulty picking among the many hotel options, here are my 2 favorite hotels:
- The Candler Hotel – it’s located in the heart of the city and offers many luxury amenities
- Hyatt Regency Atlanta – the hotel has spacious rooms and a good on-site restaurant
Since Atlanta is an expensive city, I highly recommend you make reservations in advance to get better deals on hotels and stay wherever is most convenient for you.
If you have any other suggestions or questions about Atlanta, Georgia, please leave a comment below!
Enjoy your trip,
Yulia
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