Many first timers will want to discover the must-see attractions in Atlanta. Fortunately, many are conveniently located in one area: downtown. The World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the College Football Hall of Fame are all centered around Centennial Olympic Park. Start at the World of Coca-Cola and then spend an entire day downtown. (The Atlanta CityPASS allows you to skip the lines at many locations and get discounts on tickets.)

To see where an acclaimed Civil Rights leader grew up, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes MLK’s church and childhood home—then head across the street to the King Center where he was buried. But MLK isn’t the only historical figure in town. The city is also home to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, named in honor of the only US president from Georgia. The museum has a model of the Oval Office and artifacts from his life.

Atlanta is a big city, but it might not feel like it when exploring one of the parks. Start at Piedmont Park, which is Atlanta’s answer to New York City’s Central Park. In fact, it was based on a design by the Olmsted Brothers, whose father designed Central Park. Come for a picnic or one of the annual festivals. The Atlanta Beltline is another favorite way to get the most out of your first visit, either on foot or by renting a bike.

Atlanta also has a thriving arts scene. The famed High Museum of Art, founded in 1905, includes a large permanent collection of works ranging from the Renaissance to regional folk artists, and hosts touring exhibitions from around the world. But you don’t need to buy a ticket to see some of the best artwork in Atlanta. A street art tour takes you to neighborhoods such as Cabbagetown and Old Fourth Ward which are covered in murals.

Atlanta is in the middle of a food hall renaissance, with nearly a dozen all over town featuring several types of cuisine. It’s the best way to try a little bit of everything. The Municipal Market in Sweet Auburn was the city’s first, but start at Ponce City Market, with its chef-driven outposts like H&F Burger and Minero. At Politan Row in Midtown, grab a bite before tracking down the disco-themed speakeasy behind it. You can't go wrong.

Atlanta is a sports lover’s town, so catch a basketball game at State Farm Arena or football and soccer at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Truist Park is home to the Atlanta Braves, located north of the city. Not only should you get tickets into these games, don’t miss the chance to go early for a great meal. Chow down on Chef Kevin Gillespie’s food at Mercedes Benz’s Gamechanger or Fox Brothers Bar-B-Q at Truist Park.

Many artists have come through the ranks of Atlanta’s music industry including Usher, The Indigo Girls, and Alan Jackson, so why not catch a show from your favorite artists or watch the rise of an up-and-comer? The Tabernacle is a former downtown church turned top venue for both fans and performers. Eddie’s Attic launched several careers and is known for its songwriter open mic nights. Terminal West and The Eastern welcome indie acts on the Westside and Reynoldstown.

The Margaret Mitchell House is a Midtown townhouse, which the Gone with the Wind author referred to as “The Dump.” Inside, you’ll find period furnishings and copies of her work. Fellow author Joel Chandler Harris called his home "The Wren’s Nest," and it's also open for tours. Alternatively, the Atlanta History Center includes access to the Swan House, the former mansion of the Inman family, which has appeared in several movies and television shows.

The city has several places to enjoy locally made drinks, including craft beer, kombucha, and spirits. If you’re looking to visit multiple places in one day, start on the West End, home to Golda Kombucha, American Spirit Works, and Monday Night Garage, all in one complex. If you don’t want to worry about a designated driver, hop aboard one of the Atlanta beer tours, which takes you to several establishments in the comfort of a van, telling you about the history of each one along the way.

If time allows, get out of the city and explore. There are many unique towns within a few hours’ drive of Atlanta. Film fans will want to check out Senoia, where several movies and television shows were filmed, most notably The Walking Dead. In Helen and Dahlonega, enjoy a North Georgia wine country tour through the underrated wine region. Or check out the science, art, automotive, and history museums in Cartersville, which earn it the nickname “Museum City.”