24 Hours In Atlanta: Where to Eat, Drink, and Play
You don't need to spend a week in Atlanta to see the best of what the city has to offer. Here's your guide to one perfect day in the city, with recommendations for where to eat, drink, and play.
9:30 AM: Embark on The Living Walls
Delve into the rest of your morning journey by exploring the vibrant offerings of The Living Walls, a mesmerizing collection of urban art displayed across Atlanta. These works of art are the inspirations of renowned muralists nationwide, that aim to reshape attitudes towards communal spaces. Each piece is increasingly impressive, providing an ever changing canvas that the city is proud to host. To effortlessly guide you through this artistic journey, a handy map is readily available for your use.
The Living Walls initiative not only brighten the cityscape but also sparks conversations about accessible art and revitalises neighbourhoods, further promoting Atlanta's cultural wealth. So, if you're a lover of fine arts and keen on understanding the local artistic currents, The Living Walls is indeed a captivating place to spend your morning and immerse yourself in the robust and dynamic visual life of Atlanta.
2:00 PM: Treat Yourself at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Upon your exploration of Westside Provisions, do pay a visit to Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Though the birthplace of this top-notch ice-cream brand is in Ohio, Atlanta is fortunate to house one of its few exclusive stores. Indulge your taste buds with the richly-handcrafted scoops made from pure ingredients, presented in teasingly-creative flavors such as Sweet Cream Biscuits and Peach Jam, or embrace the bold combination of Goat Cheese and Red Cherries. Truly an ice cream lover's paradise. (Located at 1198 Howell Mill Rd.; Reach us at 404-355-6050)
8:30 AM: A Morning Delight at Julianna’s Coffee & Crepes
Delve into the heart of Atlanta by enjoying breakfast at Julianna’s Coffee & Crepes, a covert delight nestled within a peaceful neighborhood. Experience handcrafted crepes that are among the finest and most generously portioned in the entire city, witnessed over the counter. Initiate your day with a sugar rush by opting for the Ace, a delightful blend of marshmallows, peanut butter, chocolate chips and graham crackers. Alternatively, succumb to the Almighty, a luscious ensemble of Nutella melted over your preferred choice of strawberries or bananas. (775 Lake Ave., 404-436-1825)
5:30 PM: Unwind at The Optimist
Upon completing your exciting city exploration, you'll find yourself ready to kick back with an enticing meal at The Optimist. Positioned comfortably at the heart of the establishment's elegant bar, observe the culinary mastery of devoted chefs while indulging in a pre-meal libation. Strikingly, despite being surrounded by land, this dining charmer is renowned for showcasing aquatic delights. You get to spoil your palate with luxurious she-crab soup, classic fish and chips, and freshly served oysters which look pleasing to the eye. (914 Howell Mill Rd.; 404-477-6260)
12:00 PM: Dine at Bartaco
At noon, find a serene lunch spot away from the buzzing city at Bartaco, a place reputed for its aesthetically pleasing ambience. Lose yourself in the simple pleasure of crunching on their house chips paired with guacamole, or branch out and taste their unique take on tacos from their diverse menu. Not to mention, the Southern charm of the staff adds to the overall pleasurable experience. (969 Marietta St.; 404-607-8226)
7:00 PM: Caffé Gio
As the evening unfolds, if a hankering for another sweet indulgence takes over (remember, this is a once-off culinary journey), navigate your way to the nearby Caffé Gio. It's here you can relish a scoop of authentic Italian gelato that's best enjoyed on the inviting front terrace. (1099 Hemphill Ave.; contact: 404-347-3874)
Gelato, in its traditional Italian form, has a denser, silkier texture than regular ice cream. Also, did you know that Caffé Gio maintains the practice of making their gelato fresh in-house daily, ensuring an unmatched explosion of flavour with every bite?
1:00 PM: A Visit to Westside Provisions District
Prepare for an engaging afternoon at the Westside Provisions District, located just a short distance from Bar Taco. This bustling retail complex brims with a multitude of unique stores, chic boutiques, and delectable food spots that are truly captivating. However, do keep an eye on your watch, as time has a funny way of flying by when you are immersed in this enchanting open-air hub. (1100 Howell Mill Rd.; Contact: 404-872-7538)
10:30 PM: Visit the Prestigious St. Regis Atlanta
Unveil the opulence of the authentic Atlanta with an unforgettable night at the illustrious St. Regis hotel. This celebrated icon of Atlanta hospitality not only provides a lavish refuge fitted with sublime views of the city, but also sets the gold standard in guest relations. Be prepared for an extraordinary pampering that would undoubtedly make your 24-hour stay in Atlanta feel like an extravagant gala. For this cherry-topping experience, they also offer a quick and easy mode of transportation, the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), to get you to the airport promptly the following morning. (Location: 88 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW; Contact: 404-563-7900)
10:30 AM: A Visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Begin your morning with a touch of history at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, located conveniently within proximity of the awe-inspiring Living Wall murals. The site offers a fascinating journey through Dr. King's life with a guided tour of his birthplace. Discover the world from whence he preached at the celebrated Ebenezer Baptist Church. Experience the profundity of visiting the final resting place of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his beloved spouse, Coretta Scott King. Located at 450 Auburn Ave. NE, you can reach out for details at 404-331-5190.
3:00 PM: Georgia Aquarium
With more than 500 species on view—including a few whales—the experience at this aquatic center is remarkable. High glass walls allow you feel like you are actually walking through the ocean. Events, shows, and tours are available every day. (225 Baker St. NW; 404-581-4000)
7:30 PM: Experience the Charm of The Fox Theatre or Indulge in the Excitement at Turner Field
Your memorable day in Atlanta doesn't end with sundown. Depending on the day of the week, you can immerse yourself in the splendor of performing arts at The Fox Theatre. Built in the 1920s, this historic venue offers a grand and intimate feel with its ornate architecture, perfect for witnessing enchanting performances like the The Phantom of the Opera.
Alternatively, if the idea of sitting under the stars while enjoying America's beloved sport piques your interest, Turner Field is where you need to be. Home to the spirited Atlanta Braves, it's here that you'll get to experience the magic of baseball. Whether you decide to spend your evening absorbed in cultural refinement or cheering amidst passionate sports fans, either choice promises an exhilarating end to your day. Both locations are in the heart of the city with easy accessibility; The Fox Theatre: 660 Peachtree St. NE, 404-881-2100 and Turner Field: 755 Hank Aaron Dr. SE, 404-522-7630. Remember, these are more than just destinations, they are gateways to unforgettable experiences.
Additional Recommendations
If the options provided are not to your liking, don't worry. Atlanta's diversity ensures that there's something for everyone. Explore these other exciting hotspots:
Cafe Intermezzo, a spot known for its rich assortment of coffee and late-night desserts.
West Egg, renowned for Southern comfort brunch and cocktails.
St. Cecilia’s, a haven for well-prepared, simple coastal European food.
JCT Kitchen, a hot spot for innovative Southern cuisine in an upscale, chic environment.
Artmore Hotel, building a bridge between a bygone era and the modern zeitgeist, offering a personalized alternative to larger hotel chains.
World of Coca Cola, a museum that illustrates the enchanting history of the iconic beverage brand.
Centennial Olympic Park (as pictured above), the enduring legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, frequently hosts public activities and offers enchanting water features.
