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Atlanta, Georgia, is not only the capital city but also one of the largest cities in the southeast US. As the hub for Delta Airlines, this city sees millions of visitors each year. Since many people pass through on a layover, they can miss all the fun things Atlanta has to offer. In our 48-hour itinerary, we offer a jam-packed weekend in Atlanta that allows you to extend that layover and see all the highlights. If you’re thinking about staying longer, read all the reasons why we think Atlanta is worth visiting.
48 Hours In Atlanta: Itinerary
We are operating under the assumption that you landed the day before and will, therefore, get two full days in Atlanta.
Day 1: Downtown Atlanta
Breakfast
On your first day, you will be in the heart of the city! Prepare for a jam-packed day with museum hopping, sightseeing, and, of course, some southern cooking!
For breakfast, we must go to the Atlanta Breakfast Club. If you’re driving you can park at the Georgia Aquarium and walk across the street. This is your first Southern breakfast! They have peach cobbler French Toast, Fried Chicken and waffles, and Crispy Chicken Biscuits.
Georgia Aquarium
After breakfast, head over to the Georgia Aquarium. It is one of the world’s largest aquariums. This aquarium is committed to the preservation of the ocean and animals worldwide. It is also the only aquarium in the Western Hemisphere that has a whale shark! They actually have two whale sharks. Plus, they have a cool Harbor Seal Encounter!
Not only do they have great shows, but they also have so many incredible animals. My favorites are always the otters. But I also loved the beluga whales, whale sharks, and penguins. This aquarium reminded me of the one in Boston. All the exhibits are incredibly informative as well, so it’ll be a fun and educational weekend!
PRO TIP: For all the attractions today you can save money by buying the Atlanta CityPASS. Purchase it here!
World of Coca Cola
Next on our 48 hours in Atlanta Itinerary is the World of Coca-Cola, arguably the most famous attraction in Atlanta. You’ll get a complete history of Coca-Cola as well as the opportunity to try all Coke products from around the world. As a souvenir, you’ll get a glass Coke bottle. After trying all the Coke products, we unanimously agreed that Beverly from Italy was the worst; definitely try it out.
College Football Hall of Fame
This is a must-visit for all college football fans! This museum was established in 1951 with over 50 exhibits and even a 45-yard indoor football field. There are tons of historical memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Here, you’ll learn about 1,000 players and 200 coaches who have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Olympic Park
The Olympics are my favorite sporting event, so of course, we have to stop at the Centennial Olympic Park. This is the home of the historic 1996 Olympic Games. You can take a photo by the Fountain of Rings and walk along the paths Olympians walked on. However, you don’t need to spend a lot of time here, it’s an incredible place to see.
SkyView Atlanta
This awesome Ferris Wheel gives you the coolest views of the city. I personally recommend going after the sun goes down because then you get an even cooler nighttime view of the city. Additionally, you could go on the SkyView Atlanta for sunset to see the city in that beautiful golden light.
Get your tickets for SkyView Atlanta here!
Food in Downtown Atlanta
Gus’s Fried Chicken – Try some Southern fried chicken! This is such a great place, either for breakfast or lunch. It is also open for dinner and within walking distance from all the activities for this first day of the 48 hours in Atlanta.
Fox Bros BBQ – Can’t go to the South without getting some BBQ. Each state has its own take on BBQ, and it is so important to try all of them so you can find your favorite.
Park Bar – This two-story bar is close to the Centennial Olympic Park. It is a great place to catch a game or prepare for a local Atlanta game.
Day 2: Midtown Atlanta
Cafes for Breakfast
East Pole Coffee Co. or Dancing Goats Coffee Bar are both great options for breakfast. They have lots of seating and many different options of coffee. We liked the frozen coffee at Dancing Goats.
Atlanta Beltline Trail
The Atlanta Beltline Trail is a path that goes around the entire city. It is divided into several segments to make it easier to explore. Today we will specifically be doing the Eastside Trail.
This three-mile trail runs from Piedmont Park to Reynoldstown. It passes by Krog Street Market. It is a multi-use trail. You can bike or walk to many popular places in Atlanta. Additionally, it connects you to great parks like Piedmont Park and Historic Fourth Ward Park. A fun way to experience the beltline trail would be to rent a bike. Both Atlanta Bicycle Barn or Relay Bike Share are great options.
Krog Street Market
If you start the Eastside Trail from the south one of the first places you’ll reach is Krog Street Market. You could conversely start from the north and go from Piedmont Park to the Botanical Garden before going to Ponce City Market.
But I think it’s more fun to go to Krog Street Market for lunch since it is a large food hall located in a historic building. There are so many popular places to eat here! We got some BBQ. Then, you get to keep walking or biking along the trail to the next stops.
Piedmont Park
The end of the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline is Piedmont Park. A great place to enjoy some more outdoor time during your 48 hours in Atlanta. To get here, you’ll pass through the botanical garden as well if you want to stop there instead. This large park has a bocce court, soccer fields, an aquatic center, and lots of walking trails.
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is a trendy shopping mall. It used to be a Sears department store, but now it is a growing entertainment district. It is home to dozens of popular and local shops. They have a two-story indoor food hall with tons of restaurants. They have indoor and outdoor seating for these restaurants. It is such a great place to grab lunch or dinner during your 48 hours in Atlanta.
Additionally, Ponce City Market has a lively rooftop venue called THE ROOF. It has many dining options, cocktail bars, lawn games, and much more. You do have to buy tickets to enter, so plan ahead.
Extra Time? Check Out These Gems
Tiny Doors ATL
One of the things to be on the lookout for during your 48 hours in Atlanta is Tiny Doors! Tiny Doors ATL is a local art project by Karen Anderson Singer. They are free to visit, and many are located at popular attractions like the Botanical Garden, Georgia Aquarium, and the Atlanta History Center. They are 7-inch doors that are decorated to represent the neighborhoods or attractions.
You can use this map to go on a self-guided tour to spot the Tiny Doors ATL, or you can join this Tiny Doors bike tour to see street art, historic neighborhoods, and of course, tiny doors during your weekend in Atlanta!
Marietta Square Market
While Marietta is not Atlanta, this market is a great place to visit! It is a food hall with 18 restaurants, a central bar, and plenty of seating. On Thursdays, they offer a trivia night at 7 pm. It is very laid back. Compared to Ponce City Market & Krog Street Market, it is quieter and much less busy.
Go Mural Searching
One of the fun things about Atlanta is how decorated the city is with so much art. There are the tiny doors, many sculptures, and also a bunch of murals. Just like the one below you can find them on most streets and when you least expect it. Even the MARTA stations are sometimes decorated with large murals. The street art in Atlanta is unparalleled.
LEGO Discovery Center
A fun place to go for all with children! Especially the Lego lovers. There are rides and attractions as well as many opportunities to build with Legos. Kids can meet with Lego Masters to build new creations. There is even a Pirate Adventure Playland! It is the perfect place to go with kids especially if you have extra time in Atlanta.
Atlanta History Center
For a trip that includes some more history, check out the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead. It encompasses historical landmarks and museums that tell the story of the city’s rich history. One of the most popular attractions at the Atlanta History Center is the Swan House. You can tour the house.
Along with touring the Swan House, you can also enjoy brunch and cocktails at the Swan Coach House. Additionally, you can tour the Smith Farm and Lloyd and Mary Ann Whitaker Cyclorama Building.
Visit The Federal Reserve
One of the coolest things you can do in Atlanta is visit the Federal Reserve. This is where money is managed, shredded, and printed. There are not that many places in the US that have a Federal Reserve. At the museum, there are free self-guided tours. You can even get a packet of shredded money. Plus, you’ll learn about the history of US money and all the different kinds of bills we used to have.
How to Get to Atlanta?
Atlanta’s airport is a major hub for Delta Airlines. This means that there are lots of flights for Delta every day. Additionally, it is one of the largest and busiest airports in the US.
Atlanta is also a main junction for Amtrak and several major bus lines. Greyhound and several other buses have multiple buses to Atlanta a day.
How to Get Around Atlanta?
Where to Stay in Atlanta?
Our recommendation would not be to stay in downtown Atlanta, even though It is close to many of the city’s iconic attractions. It is not a great place for walking around in the evenings and at night. It’s not exactly the best area. Our recommendation would be to stay in Midtown instead. Midtown is centrally located for restaurants and activities. There are several MARTA stations nearby as well. Buckhead will have the nicest hotels, but it is farther north and not as convenient.
Wrap Up: 48 Hours in Atlanta
Atlanta is a great place to visit in the Southeastern part of the United States of America. Not only is it a great stopover for many destinations, but the city has plenty to offer all travelers. While 48 hours in Atlanta is a great way to start exploring the city, it is not always enough. We hope this itinerary gives you the best way to initially enjoy your stay in Atlanta.
