How to plan a trip to Atlanta?

In recent years Atlanta has positioned itself as one of the most interesting cities to visit in the United States. This vibrant metropolis, known for its rich history in the civil rights movement, has a wide cultural offer that includes numerous museums, theaters and art spaces, and a unique blend of modernity and tradition. It is definitely a city worth visiting, so we have prepared this post to help you plan a trip to Atlanta.

Later you can read about the best time to travel, the best way to get to and around the city, or the necessary documentation to enter the country. We have also prepared a section where we talk about the local cuisine and the most typical dishes, and another one with the best travel tips so you can get around the city like a real American.

1. Prepare the necessary documentation to travel to Atlanta

To enter the United States, in addition to an valid passport, it is necessary to obtain a visa or ESTA authorization for short stays for tourism or business, for up to 90 days. It is important to apply for it through the official website recommended by the embassy to avoid fraud, as there are sites that offer the service at a higher cost than the official $14.

You should also know that the United States restricts entry to people from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen, or with dual citizenship. It is sometimes possible to travel, but you will be required to have an interview at the embassy first.

This is the documentation you will be asked for at the customs checkpoints:

• A biometric passport with a minimum validity of six months post-entry and machine-readable technology.
• The ESTA, which is a travel authorization for stays of less than 90 days that is applied for online through the official website of the U.S. Embassy, recommended to be processed at least 72 hours prior to travel. This authorization is valid for two years and has a cost of 14 euros.
• Visa, in case of stays longer than 90 days or if the purpose of the trip is not tourism or business. For Spanish citizens, the procedure is done at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid.
• Return airline ticket, to prove that you intend to leave the country. Some agencies offer flexible options that allow cancellations and refunds.
• If you plan to drive, it is necessary to obtain an international driving permit, valid for one year and processable online for approximately €11.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Atlanta

The best times to travel to Atlanta are spring and fall, specifically between March and May, and September through November. During the spring, Atlanta dresses in color with the blooming of cherry blossoms and other flowers, creating a spectacular landscape for visitors. In addition, the mild spring weather invites you to enjoy outdoor festivals and cultural events.

Fall, on the other hand, offers a show of autumn colors, with cool temperatures that are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking near the city or visiting its parks and botanical gardens. In addition, both periods avoid the sweltering heat and humidity of summer, as well as the denser crowds. Accommodation and flight rates can also be cheaper during these months, compared to the peak summer season. However, it is important to check the local events calendar, as Atlanta hosts numerous festivals and events during these seasons that may enrich the travel experience, or affect your budget.

3. Find out how to get to and around Atlanta

The main airport in Atlanta is Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, located about 10 miles south of downtown. This airport is one of the busiest in the world, offering direct flights to and from numerous destinations within the United States and around the world.

From Europe there are airlines such as Virgin Atlantic that offer direct flights, and many others with a stopover. Prices vary depending on the season, but range from €300 to €900. In the Passporter App you can check through Skyscanner the prices for the time of the year and buy your ticket to save it in an organized way in the App.

Once at the airport you will be able to get to the center in the following ways:

• Taxi: is the most comfortable and fastest way to get downtown. The price is around $30 to $40 depending on where you go.
• Fast trains: also known as MARTA, this service runs daily from 4:45 to 1:20 on weekdays, and from 6:00 to 1:00 on weekends. The journey time is 15 minutes and the ticket costs 2,5€.
• Bus: This is the most economical option. There are several lines that operate between 5:00 and 4:00 and will drop you off at different points in the city. You can buy the ticket at the bus stop for 2,5€.

Once in Atlanta, the public transportation system offers a convenient way to get around the city, with train and bus lines connecting the airport, downtown, and various neighborhoods and tourist attractions.

4. Compare and find accommodation with Passporter

Atlanta has many perfect areas to stay if you want to discover the charms of the city and according to your interests. Do you prefer to be close to the party? A quieter area? Or close to the main points of interest?. Whatever your preferences, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation in one of these neighborhoods:

• Midtown: Atlanta’s cultural center, full of art, entertainment and green areas such as Piedmont Park. Ideal for culture and nightlife lovers. It is also known as the LGBTQ+ area of the city.
• Buckhead: upscale area with shopping malls like Lenox Square, sophisticated nightlife and fine dining. Perfect for those looking for an exclusive experience.
• Downtown: is the heart of the city with attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park. Suitable for tourists who want to be close to the main attractions.
• Virginia-Highland: this is a neighborhood with a strong sense of community, unique stores and quiet entertainment options. Ideal for visitors who prefer a more local atmosphere.
• Decatur: family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with an excellent bar and restaurant scene. Good choice for those looking for a quieter, more authentic experience.
• Atlantic Station: is a mixed development area with a large shopping center, housing and offices. Convenient for shoppers and those looking for easily accessible entertainment.

With Passporter you can read where other travelers have stayed and make your reservations directly in the App through Booking.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Atlanta

Atlanta is a city you can see relatively quickly. We had plenty of time in two days to see the main tourist attractions. When you start planning your trip to Atlanta we recommend including these points of interest in your itinerary. And if you want to know more about the city, we invite you to read this other post: What to see and do in Atlanta.

Things to see and do in Atlanta:

1. Georgia Aquarium: this is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It offers the opportunity to see thousands of aquatic species up close, including whale sharks and beluga whales. It is an educational and fascinating experience for all ages. Tickets can be purchased for $35 online or $40 at the box office.
2. World of Coca-Cola: is an interactive museum dedicated to the world’s most famous beverage brand. Visitors can learn about the history of Coca-Cola, see how it is bottled and taste different versions of the drink from around the world. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 or 18:00. Admission costs 21€.
3. Centennial Olympic Park: built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, this urban park is a green space in the heart of the city where visitors can relax, attend concerts and enjoy the interactive fountains.
4. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site: this historic site includes Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace, the church where he preached and his final resting place. It is a moving place that offers a deep insight into the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. Admission is free.
5. High Museum of Art: The Southeast’s leading art museum, the High Museum offers an impressive collection of classic and contemporary art, including works by famous American, European and African artists. Its temporary exhibitions are always outstanding and attract visitors from around the world. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

To save on admission fees, we bought the CityPass, a card that for $86 includes many of the city’s tourist attractions and discounts for many other places. Specifically, it includes the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and Zoo Atlanta. In addition, you can choose two attractions from Fernbank Museum of Natural History, College Football Hall of Fame or National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

6. Where and what to eat in Atlanta

Atlanta’s cuisine reflects the diversity and rich cultural heritage of the southern United States, fusing traditional flavors and techniques with modern, global influences. This mix has given rise to an ever-evolving culinary scene featuring great restaurants.

Here, traditional dishes are renewed while maintaining their essence, creating a unique dining experience. Here we leave you our top 5 typical dishes in Atlanta:

• Southern fried chicken: crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, a southern classic. Some of the most famous restaurants where to try it are Mary Mac’s Tea Room  or The Colonnade.
• Brunswick Stew: this is a rich stew with meat (usually chicken or pork), corn, tomatoes and beans.
• Barbecued ribs: slowly smoked until tender and covered with a thick sauce. In general, barbecued meat is very famous in the region.
• Biscuits with gravy: soft biscuits served with gravy, a traditional Southern breakfast.
• Burgers: In Atlanta you can eat delicious burgers at Hobnob’s or  Grindhouse Killer.

7. Organize a trip with friends to Atlanta

Traveling as a group, while it can be a great experience, it can also be challenging in terms of coordination and budget. That’s why we encourage you to organize your trip with the Passporter App, which will help you to plan from start to finish the travel itinerary taking into account everyone’s opinion. Add your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travelers and create the route together. Later you can share your experience through the pictures you take during the trip. We have also prepared this post where we leave you some useful tips for traveling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Atlanta

• The currency of the United States is the dollar.
• We recommend that you take out cash or pay with an international card during your stay. Avoid exchanging money at the airport or exchange houses where the cost may be higher.
• Investigate safe areas and neighborhoods to stay in
• There is a 6 to 9 hour time difference between the United States and Spain.
• Remember that in the United States measurements are in miles, gallons and pounds.
• The water in Atlanta is drinkable.
• Get the CityPass to save on your tickets.
• Pack appropriate clothing for the weather, especially if you’re traveling in winter.
• Book flights and accommodations in advance for better prices.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as for example the one provided by Mondo.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Atlanta travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Atlanta

Download the Passporter App and discover all of its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information of the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you can share your experience on how to plan your trip to Atlanta.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Atlanta