Located in the urban heart of Atlanta, fabulous places to see, eat, and play in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta abound. From catching a show, to traversing the BeltLine, Atlanta’s distinct destinations deliver new delights around every corner.
In order to share the activities Atlantans love most, we consulted with our team of locals to bring you the best things to do in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta.
Related: Cost of Living in Atlanta
Best Nightlife in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta
It’s not called Hotlanta for nothing — when the sun goes down here, the lights go on, and the party keeps rolling. Here’s where you can find the best nightlife in Midtown and Downtown.
Whole World Theatre
At this local comedy improv, they describe the experience as a “funky, cool, and casual, hilarious, theatrical adventure.” This venue also serves beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks as an accompaniment to abundant laughter.
Fox Theatre
No guide to the best of Atlanta would be complete without mentioning the Fox Theatre. It opened in 1929 and has been entertaining Atlantans ever since as a movie theater, performance hall, and musical venue. You can catch all sorts of shows here, from Broadway to the Atlanta Ballet, pop music concerts, or even vintage films.
Petite Violette
Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem at Petite Violette features “unique, original, hilarious murder mysteries with live actors and audience participation.” They change the story every few months so that you can come back again and again for a fresh homicidal encounter. Aside from comedic murders, you’ll dine on a four-course French meal with a glass of wine included in the ticket price. Just watch your back when you come here, there’s usually a silly murderer on the loose, the most dangerous kind.
Underground Atlanta
Contrary to popular belief, Underground Atlanta provides more than just nighttime entertainment. During the day, you can shop, eat, and try the Scavenger Hunt or Guided Walking Tour. But, it’s best known for its nighttime entertainment, restaurants, and parties, such as the largest New Year’s celebration in the Southeast. This historic arts district spans six city blocks, so you can come back night after night to take in all of its artsy glory.
Best Outdoor Activities in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta
Why stay inside when it’s 60 degrees in December here? Midtown and Downtown contain some of the best urban outdoor spaces in the country.
In Midtown Atlanta, you can get your greenery fix at Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. You can also cool off in Downtown’s famous Fountain of Rings in Centennial Olympic Park. And, of course, the Beltline, a former railway corridor turned multi-use trail, weaves in and out of Atlanta’s Intown neighborhoods.
Moving off the beaten path, here are our picks for unique outdoor activities in Downtown Atlanta:
Free Events at Woodruff Park
Between the free outdoor concerts, meditation classes, a game cart with lawn activities, yoga, and many other events, you can easily spend entire days outside at Woodruff Park. Check the weather before you head out in case rain decides to spoil the event. Also, the most up-to-date information about their scheduled events appears on their social media accounts, so don’t rely solely on the website.
Bicycle Tours of Atlanta
BTA offers guided tours of Atlanta’s local attractions, hidden gems, street art, and history. It’s a get-up-and-go idea for family celebrations, team building, corporate events, or just a fun afternoon. You can also choose an electric bike for a less strenuous experience.
Best Food in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta
After all that outdoor exercise, you’re probably getting hungry. To keep you happy and fed, we collected our top choices for iconic Atlanta eats. Try these places in between exploring the best spots in this amazing city.
The Varsity
You don’t want to miss the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, open since 1928. The Varsity is large enough for 600 cars and more than 800 people, which easily fills up during a Georgia Tech home football game. Order a naked dog, fried pie or onion rings to get the full Varsity experience.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Open for more than 70 years, Mary Mac’s attracts a crowd as varied as Atlanta itself. This place serves up real, finger-lickin’ Southern cooking like fried chicken, sweet tea, fried green tomatoes, deep-fried mud bugs, and chicken livers. Tell them it’s your first visit, and you’ll get a complimentary cup of potlikker.
Nikolai’s Roof
Come to Nikolai’s for sophisticated European dining. You can get a taste of the Old World when you bite into their piroshki, borscht, foie gras, and other delicacies. Wine connoisseurs will want to stay all night to taste Nikolai’s 900+ wines.
Polaris
Eat a meal in a rotating restaurant for an unparalleled dining experience that includes a spectacular rooftop view. From the handcrafted cocktails, to the rooftop garden, to its own bee garden, the buzz around Polaris never stops.
Best Attractions in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta
We covered nightlife, outdoor fun, and food, but we’re not done yet. Visit the city’s best attractions in order to get the full Atlanta experience. These Downtown classics will keep your adventurous self entertained.
Georgia Aquarium
With more than 100,000 animals in 10 million gallons of water, you’ll see species you won’t find in any other aquarium, so don’t miss this local favorite. If your social feed feels a bit empty lately, the Georgia Aquarium also doubles as a trendy Instagram-worthy location.
World of Coca Cola
Unfortunately, the World of Coca Cola won’t reveal the secret formula, but they’ll tell you all about the history of Coke. The experience includes displays of memorabilia and reruns of classic commercials. The best part is the free tasting room at the end of the tour.
Skyview Atlanta
At Skyview, a unique 20-story Ferris wheel in Downtown Atlanta, you’ll see scenic views of the city and green spaces as well as hear a recorded tour in your climate-controlled gondola. This iconic landmark costs $19.50 for adults and includes four rotations of the wheel, so you have enough time to take in all of Atlanta.
There you have it, our best of the best things to do in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta. Get out there and start exploring our beautiful city!
Related: Tour Atlanta Like a Local and The Inside Scoop on Living in Atlanta
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*The original version of this article was first published on September 23, 2019.
