Atlanta: Top Hotels, Restaurants, and Activities

Atlanta is a dynamic and vibrant city, that effortlessly combines Georgia's Southern charm with modern sophistication and innovation, making it a great place to visit no matter what kind of trip you're looking for. 

From exploring the vibrant multicultural food scene at the many great restaurants, and enjoying a romantic city break with a loved one to spending quality time with the family at some of the city's best attractions, Atlanta is a great place to visit for anyone.

Top Hotels in Atlanta

The hotel scene in Atlanta is diverse, yet attractive, with a great range of options to suit every traveler's needs. While many of these choices are geared towards business travelers (thanks to Georgia being an excellent state for the business sector), many of them are equally as attractive to couples, families, and groups of friends looking for a fun-filled weekend getaway!

So if you're looking for the perfect place to stay during your trip to Atlanta, Georgia, let's take a look at some of the best hotels in the city.

Thompson Atlanta Buckhead by Hyatt, Atlanta

Located less than a 20-minute walk from the Atlanta History Center and close to Atlanta's stunning Botanical Garden, there's plenty to see and do in the surrounding area of the Thompson Atlanta Buckhead.

With a range of great on-site facilities, including a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, terrace, and restaurant, this luxurious 5-star hotel is an excellent choice for couples looking for a relaxing weekend city break. Guests can also enjoy a 24-hour front desk, room service, concierge service, complimentary American buffet breakfast, luggage storage, and free WiFi.

The great features of this hotel don't stop at the facilities though, as each room is decorated with a modern yet elegant decor that truly puts the cherry on top of any luxury getaway. All rooms feature a safety deposit box, a fridge, a flat-screen cable TV, an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and a comfortable sitting area.

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, Atlanta

Situated on the outskirts of Atlanta, the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a luxurious stay, without the added costs and fuss of being in the downtown area. This is thanks to the hotel having a complimentary shuttle to the nearby Perimeter Mall MARTA station, where you can catch the tram to the city center, getting you into the heart of the action in around 35 minutes.

If you don't fancy traveling so far every day of your stay here, then you'll find excellent upscale shopping and dining options in the surrounding area. There are also plenty of on-site amenities to enjoy, without the need to even leave the hotel! These include an on-site health club, indoor pool, Lightwell coffee and cocktail bar, and all-day dining at Parkwoods, a gorgeous restaurant overlooking the Ravinia Gardens.

Signia by Hilton Atlanta Georgia, Atlanta

Located in downtown Atlanta, right on the doorstep of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, College Football Hall of Fame, State Farm Arena, and the amazing Georgia Aquarium, Signia By Hilton Atlanta Georgia World Congress Center is one of the best locations in the heart of the city. 

Signia boasts an on-site fitness center, a gorgeous open-air terrace, a 24-hour front desk, room service, private parking, and clean, minimal, modern rooms.

They also have a great range of dining options to choose from, including Italian and American cuisine, served in an upscale setting at Capolinea; Nest on Four, their modern sports bar; a sophisticated, contemporary lobby bar; Homespun, their minimal breakfast restaurant serving up classic dishes from the Peach State; Friendship Market, an all-day café; and Highball, a unique pool bar experience unlike anywhere else in the city.

Nobu Hotel Atlanta, Atlanta

Situated just two miles away from Atlanta's city center, and easily accessible via the MARTA metro system, Nobu boasts an elegant upscale interior that's sure to impress those lucky enough to book a room here. With stunning guest rooms and bespoke decor throughout, it's the perfect place to spend a romantic weekend away or honeymoon.

This gorgeous hotel also features a great range of on-site amenities and facilities, including concierge services, a signature Nobu restaurant, a stunning bar, a sun terrace, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.

Some of the closest attractions to this hotel include the Botanical Garden, which sits 4.9 miles from Nobu Hotel Atlanta, and the High Museum of Art is located only 5.4 miles away.

Hilton Atlanta, Atlanta

Located in Downtown Atlanta, this stunning hotel sits just a 15-minute walk from Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, and the colorful and vibrant Atlanta BeltLine art installations and trails. 

Not only does this hotel boast stunning, contemporary design throughout, but it also has a range of exceptional on-site amenities, including a fitness center, and four outstanding restaurants. So, whether you want to indulge in delectable European cuisine at Nikolai's Roof, sip on tropical cocktails over small plates at the island-inspired Trader Vic's, enjoy all-day dining at Southern Elements, or simply grab a quick pick-me-up at the on-site Market Place café, the choice is yours!

Every room at the Hilton Atlanta boasts a 32-inch flat-screen TV, coffee machine, granite-top desk, and ergonomic chair. Suites include a separate dining area and living room.

Top Restaurants in Atlanta

If you're looking for a rich array of dining styles and flavors, you're in for a treat in Atlanta (quite literally!). With a huge range of worldly cuisines and flavours to indulge in across the city, there are some truly great options when it comes to dining.

No matter if you're looking to grab a quick, casual bite alone; sip on some cocktails with friends; enjoy a healthy, hearty brunch; or simply relax over a romantic meal with a loved one, Atlanta's options seem never-ending!

Without further ado, here are some of Atlanta's best restaurants.

Varuni Napoli, Downtown & Monroe Drive, Atlanta

If you're a lover of delicious, melt-in-the-mouth Italian pizzas, then head on over to Varuni Napoli. This outstanding, casual pizza company has two locations in Atlanta, one on Monroe Drive, just north of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and a smaller grab-and-go counter location inside Krog Street Market in Downtown Atlanta.

Both locations serve up equally great pizza, with a soft chewy dough, blistered crust, and San Marzano tomato sauce. Be sure to try one of their fan favorites, such as the Amore Mio (roast artichoke, salami, and olive), or Margherita Bastardo (Pepperoni and spicy nduja sausage).

If you're not in the mood for pizza though, they have a great selection of salads on the menu if you plan on splitting a pie, or you can even grab a delicious Italian sandwich at their second location at Krog Street Market.

Talat Market, East Atlanta

Serving up a taste of Thailand, Talat Market brings to the table authentic dishes, inspired by the cuisine found in Chiang Mai.

Talat Market's extraordinary chef, Parnass Lim Savang leads the team in crafting a great range of authentic yet innovative dishes to sample from. It's recommended to visit during happy hour so that you can wash down a fragrant Thai curry with one of their unique cocktails.

An exciting, colorful, and modern interior perfectly translates the lively excitement of Northern Thailand to this adorable Atlanta eatery, located in the South East area. Pop along for an impromptu date night, or head here with your friends for an evening of fresh food and creative drinks.

Banshee, East Atlanta

Banshee is a truly unique gem, where you'll come back time and time again and always discover something new. With a range of seasonal ever-changing dishes on the menu and a great range of creative cocktails, it's the perfect spot to indulge in some truly out-of-this-world cuisine while drinking the night away. If you're looking for an upscale sophisticated spot for a night out with friends, then Banshee is the place to be.

From summery salads to Parisian pasta, this funky establishment promises an array of mouthwatering dishes, but unlike many of their dishes, their outstanding standards, unmatched creativity, and fun-loving environment are all here to stay!

Daily Chew, North East Atlanta

Located between Midtown Atlanta and Pine Hills, Daily Chew is one of the most unmissable brunch spots in North Eastern Atlanta. Often referred to by the owner as a 'holistic cafe', Daily Chew prides itself on its nurturing and healthy dishes, making it the perfect morning pick-me-up for small groups or solo travelers.

This calming oasis allows visitors to step away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and unwind in a bright, relaxing space while enjoying a hearty rotisserie chicken or signature "brekkie bowl".

One unique selling point to this cafe (other than the delicious selection of healthy foods, of course), is the way its interior is split into two zones. One-half of the cafe boasts a communal, cafe-style interior, with a counter for grab-and-go items, while the other boasts a more relaxing zone, with couches, comfy rugs, and a selection of books to read while you unwind.

Food Terminal, Atlanta

Situated by the Georgia Institute of Technology, Food Terminal is, at first glance, a rather unassuming spot. Once you step inside though, you're greeted by an onslaught of fragrant scents reminiscent of this establishment's punchy Asian fusion cuisine.

The vast menu combines the traditional tastes of Malaysia with some of Asia's best-loved influences, so whether you're looking to sample curry laksa chicken soup, Hainanese chicken rice, garlic noodles, curried spare ribs, or Sichuan pig ears, there's a tantalizing array of innovative and unique dishes to sample here.

With a dark modern ambiance and cafeteria-style setup, this large restaurant is one of the city's best options for casual dining with friends.

Boccalupo, Atlanta

Just a short walk from Krog Street Market is the outstanding Italian restaurant, Boccalupo. Translating roughly to a similar phrase in English as 'break a leg!" the name of the establishment promises diners an outstanding performance from the get-go!

Tucked away on a street corner, Boccalupo is easy to miss unless you purposefully seek it out - something that I highly recommend doing if you're into delicious Italian cuisine. At this adorable contemporary restaurant, you can enjoy a great range of innovative dishes, inspired antipasti, curated cocktails, and a relaxed laid-back atmosphere.

Top Attractions in Atlanta

When it comes to finding something fun to do, Atlanta offers a great range of attractions to suit every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for an excitement-filled day out with the family, or if you're looking to indulge in some of the finer things that life has to offer with a loved one, you'll be sure to find the perfect day out here.

From the exciting World of Coca-Cola, to the culturally rich and historical Sweet Auburn Avenue, here are some of the best things to see and do during your stay in Atlanta.

World of Coca-Cola, Downtown, Atlanta

If you're looking to discover a super cool museum, step inside the World of Coca-Cola, where you can learn about the history of the most famous beverage brand on earth!

Meet the brand's iconic Polar Bear mascot, sample over 100 different beverages owned and distributed by the Coca-Cola company across the world, uncover the 125-year-old secret formula, and take a look behind the scenes at the bottling process!

At this outstanding space, you can also see some of the most iconic pieces of Coca-Cola merchandise throughout history, and even get your hands on some of your own at their on-site gift shop!

Zoo Atlanta, South East, Atlanta

Located in the southeast area of the city, Zoo Atlanta is the perfect way to spend a day out if you're looking for a way to keep the family entertained, or if you're looking for a relaxing experience in the middle of the city.

With a strong emphasis on wildlife and habitat conservation, research, and education, guests can be sure they're supporting wild animal care while they enjoy discovering over 1,000 animals from over 200 different species a this zoo, many of which are endangered or critically endangered. 

Porsche Experience Center, Westside, Atlanta

Are you an adventure seeker looking for an immersive adrenaline-pumping experience? Lover of luxury cars? Or simply someone who enjoys living life in the fast lane? Well you've come to the right place! 

Whether you're visiting solo or making an occasion of it with your friends, the Porsche Center in Westside Atlanta, located by the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport allows you a bespoke, 90-minute experience, driving one of a fleet of 75 new model vehicles through a 1.6-mile handling circuit.

The center also features a state-of-the-art Simulator Lab where you can enjoy racing various Porsche models around some of the most famous tracks in the world.

Sweet Auburn Avenue

If you're looking for a touch of history and culture during your trip to Atlanta, then why not visit Sweet Auburn? Situated just east of Downtown Atlanta, this historical district is famous for being the birthplace of renowned civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr. 

At Saint Auburn Avenue, you can learn about Dr. King's legacy at an interactive center at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, tour his childhood home, and even the church in which he, his father, and his grandfather preached. There is also an interactive memorial made up of the footprints of many famous influential civil rights activists which you can visit.

An outstanding glimpse into history for all the family, Saint Auburn is a truly unmissable spot near the center of Atlanta for anyone interested in culture and heritage.

Buckhead Village, Atlanta

One of the more luxurious areas of Atlanta is Buckhead Village. Located a short way north of downtown (and considerably close to the Nobu hotel we touched upon earlier), this gorgeous, landscaped hub is the perfect spot for anyone who loves designer shopping, fine dining, and sipping on champagne!

Home to over 50 different designer stores, including Christian Louboutin, Dior, Tom Ford, and Hermes, and a great array of signature restaurants and cafes from across the globe, Buckhead Village is the ultimate luxury day out. This small area of Atlanta is perfect for solo travelers looking to splash the cash, or couples visiting for a special occasion.