The Civic Engine of History, World-Class Tourism & Stadium Spectacle
Downtown Atlanta is the historic cradle, corporate capital, and premier tourism destination of Georgia. Here, soaring skyscraper architecture by John Portman meets world-renowned family attractions, championship sports arenas, and profound civil rights history.
Centered on the lush 22-acre Centennial Olympic Park—built for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games—Downtown draws millions of visitors annually to the Georgia Aquarium (one of the world's largest aquariums), the World of Coca-Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Beyond tourism, Downtown is home to the Georgia State Capitol, the bustling urban campus of Georgia State University, and the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where 70,000 passionate fans pack the stands for NFL Atlanta Falcons and MLS Atlanta United matches under a retractable pinwheel roof.
Key Highlights
- Centennial Olympic Park, featuring the Fountain of Rings and lush concert lawns
- The Georgia Aquarium, housing whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales in 11 million gallons of water
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena for championship sports and mega concerts
- Center of Georgia state government, courts, and Georgia State University campus
From Terminus Rail Stake to 1996 Olympic Stage
Founded in 1837 as 'Terminus'—the zero-mile post for the Western and Atlantic Railroad—Downtown Atlanta grew rapidly into the railroad hub of the Confederacy before being largely burned in the 1864 Civil War.
Rising from the ashes like the mythical phoenix on its city seal, Atlanta rebuilt into the capital of the New South, leading the Civil Rights Movement under Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and hosting the world for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
Milestone Timeline
Zero-mile post driven at Terminus, establishing modern-day Downtown Atlanta.
The Georgia State Capitol opens, crowned with a shimmering 23-karat Georgia gold dome.
Architect John Portman completes the 73-story Westin Peachtree Plaza, then the world's tallest hotel.
Atlanta hosts the Centennial Olympic Games, transforming industrial rail yards into Centennial Olympic Park.
The $1.6-billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium opens with its revolutionary camera-lens roof.
Famous Places in Bishop Arts District
Georgia Aquarium
One of the Largest Aquariums in the World11-million-gallon marine wonderland home to whale sharks, manta rays, sea otters, and interactive dolphin shows.
Centennial Olympic Park
22-Acre 1996 Olympic Legacy Gathering SpaceIconic public park featuring the interactive Fountain of Rings, Olympic monuments, and summer concert lawns.
World of Coca-Cola
Interactive Heritage Museum & Taste of WorldDynamic museum showcasing the secret formula vault, 4-D cinema, and tasting rooms featuring over 100 global beverages.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
World-Class Retractable-Roof ArenaState-of-the-art home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United featuring a 360-degree halo video board.
Top Things to Do in Bishop Arts
Walk Through the Ocean Voyager Tunnel
Gaze upward as majestic whale sharks and giant manta rays glide gracefully overhead through a 100-foot acrylic tunnel.
Sample Global Sodas at World of Coca-Cola
Taste fizzy beverages from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America at the famous unlimited tasting lounge.
Cheer at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Experience the roof-shaking roar of 70,000 fans during Falcons football games and Atlanta United soccer matches.
Splash in the Fountain of Rings
Watch synchronized water jets dance to music four times daily in the Olympic rings fountain plaza.
From Historic Steakhouses to Skyline Revolving Bistros
Downtown Atlanta provides an extensive mix of convention culinary staples, historic diners, and rooftop lounges:
Historic Institutions & Soul Food
The Busy Bee Cafe (legendary soul food operating since 1947, short ride west), and Pittypat's Porch.
Revolving Skyline Dining
Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View (723 feet up atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza with 360-degree revolving vistas).
Steakhouses & Convention Dining
Ray's in the City (fresh oysters and prime aged beef), Morton's The Steakhouse, and Alma Cocina (contemporary Mexican).
Fast Casual & Student Cafes
Sweet Auburn Curb Market (historic municipal food hall), and local cafes surrounding Georgia State University.
Living in Downtown Atlanta: Historic Lofts & Urban University Energy
Living in Downtown Atlanta puts you in the center of the action. Housing options include character-rich historic brick loft conversions in the Fairlie-Poplar historic district—such as The Healey Building and Kessler Lofts—alongside modern student-friendly high-rises.
Residents walk directly to government offices, university classrooms, and sports arenas, enjoying unmatched transit connectivity through the Five Points MARTA super-station.
Adaptive-reuse historic commercial lofts, high-rise condominiums, and student residences.
Walk Score 92; highly pedestrian-friendly with streetcar and subway transit on every block.
Five Points Station links both East-West and North-South MARTA rail lines.
High-energy, cosmopolitan, civic-minded, and tourist-packed.
When to Visit Downtown Atlanta
Autumn is ideal, bringing pleasant temperatures, college football kickoff games, and bustling convention activity.
Dragon Con
World-famous pop culture and sci-fi convention bringing 80,000 costumed fans to downtown streets.
SEC Football Championship
Massive college football spectacle taking over Mercedes-Benz Stadium and downtown hotels.
Getting Around Downtown Atlanta
Ride the Free Dallas Streetcar
100% Free Public Transit • Every 20 MinutesThe Atlanta Streetcar connects Centennial Olympic Park to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park along a 2.7-mile loop.
Georgia Aquarium Parking Garage
Multi-level attached covered garage on Luckie Street with pre-booked online rates.
Centennial Olympic Park Decks
Multiple surface and deck parking options around Baker and Marietta streets.
Stadium Garages
Official parking lots (Red, Silver, Blue) surrounding Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Top 6 Local Businesses in Downtown Atlanta
Featured
Apex Master Plumbing & Heating
24/7 Emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, and boiler installation experts.
Featured
Atlanta Artisan Bistro & Grill
Farm-to-table artisanal dining and local craft cocktails in the heart of town.
Featured
Joe's Craft Smokehouse & BBQ (Atlanta)
Award-winning hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, and handcrafted Southern sides in Atlanta.
Featured
Metropolitan Real Estate Group
Premier boutique brokerage specializing in luxury homes and commercial leases.
Coffee Shops
Sunset Specialty Coffee & Roasters
Single-origin pour-overs, cold brew, and fresh organic pastries.
Featured
Atlanta Prestige Residential Architecture
Custom luxury home design, modern architectural renovations, and interior blueprints.
Explore Downtown Atlanta Businesses by Category
Frequently Asked Questions about Downtown Atlanta
Explore Nearby Atlanta Neighborhoods
Midtown Atlanta
High Museum, Fox Theatre, and Piedmont Park.
Old Fourth Ward
Ponce City Market, BeltLine Eastside Trail, and parks.
Inman Park
Victorian mansions, Krog Street Market, and dining.
Grant Park
Zoo Atlanta and historic Victorian neighborhood.
Get Featured in Our Downtown Atlanta Guide.
Create your free Atlanta Business profile and put your business in front of residents, tourists, and shoppers exploring Downtown Atlanta.
Basic listings are FREE forever • Upgrade Anytime!