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All You Need To Know Before Visiting Atlanta, Georgia
Sean William Updated on Feb 18, 2023

Take a trip to Atlanta, Georgia! Atlanta is a popular vacation spot for those looking to see the South because of its excellent dining options, prestigious museums, rich cultural scene, thrilling outdoor activities, and more. Everything you need to know about visiting Atlanta, Georgia, is included in this handy guide.

A Complete Guide to Your Trip to Atlanta

Traveling to Atlanta for the first time or the hundredth, you'll never get bored of the city. There are constantly new places to eat and see in Atlanta, thanks to the city's rapid expansion. A visit to Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, is well worth it.

As a native Atlantan, I can offer advice and suggestions for your time here. To that end, I wish you the best of luck with this manual. This comprehensive reference to Atlanta, Georgia, includes information on attractions, lodging, dining, transportation, and more.

Route To Atlanta

The trip to Atlanta is a breeze. Atlanta is located at the crossroads of three major highways and is home to the world's busiest airport. The following is essential information for your trip to Atlanta:

Flying

Hartsfield-Jackson, The world's busiest airport, is located in Atlanta. Atlanta is easily accessible worldwide because of the more than 60 nonstop foreign destinations and the 150 domestic locations served by nonstop flights each day.

Driving

In the heart of Atlanta, three major highways meet Interstates 20 (I-20), 75 (I-75), and 85 (I-85). GA-400 connects I-85 with major locations like Sandy Springs and Buckhead for those coming from the state's north. I-285 is an outer loop surrounding Atlanta that connects you to other parts of the metropolitan region.

In a Train

Atlanta is accessible through Amtrak service from New Orleans in the south and New York in the north. Peachtree Street, between Buckhead and Midtown, is where you will find Atlanta's Amtrak station.

By Bus

Megabus, well known for its $1 bus rides, has a southern base in Atlanta. Routes to Atlanta may be accessed from a wide variety of major cities, including but not limited to Charlotte, Memphis, Washington, DC, Nashville, Orlando, New Orleans, and New York. The Civic Center MARTA Station is located at 330 West Peachtree Street and is serviced by the Megabus.

Transportation In Atlanta

Driving

No one should be surprised by the heavy traffic in Atlanta, given the city is a big urban area. You should avoid driving in Atlanta at peak hours. Turn on your GPS to be aware of any accidents or traffic jams as you go.

You can save time by taking shortcuts through residential areas if you have a navigation system. To get around town, if you aren't driving yourself, you may either hire a car for your stay or utilize a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.

Why Are There So Many Peach Trees?

Several streets in Atlanta include the word "Peachtree" in their names. The name "Peachtree" is used for 71 streets in the Atlanta area. What system do you use to keep track of everything? You follow the directions given to you by the GPS.

Peachtree Street is the only one you need to know, as it goes from Five Points in Downtown Atlanta to Buckhead, where it becomes Peachtree Road. Numerous Atlanta icons, like the Bank of America Plaza, the Fox Theatre, and the High Museum of Art, may all be found on Peachtree Street.

Parking

Most parking spaces in the central business districts, midtown, and Buckhead all require payment. As a rule of thumb, a two-dollar bill goes a long way at street meters. Parking garage and lot daily rates average around $14.

Parking garages and lots will charge you $20 or more if you plan on attending an event. Sundays and Atlanta city holidays are meter-free days. Getting a parking spot for free in Atlanta is a lot easier outside of these specific regions.

Transit: MARTA

Atlanta's primary public transit system is operated by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. Transportation by train and bus is also part of it. Each ride on MARTA costs $2.50, and you may use the bus or train. You may purchase a Breeze Card and load it with the money you'll need for your vacation. Getting to and from the airport is a breeze on MARTA. There is a stop at the domestic terminal on the rail route.

Cycling, Walking, And Scootering

Walkability in Atlanta depends on where you choose to stay, but if you stick to the downtown area, you should be OK. Utilize MARTA or a vehicle if you like to travel further afield. Staying downtown doesn't mean you're stuck with only walking or taking the subway everywhere. These may be seen all across Atlanta, from streets to the BeltLine paths. However, you won't see them after dark since the city has outlawed their usage after night to reduce accidents.