Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling city brimming with Southern warmth and charm and welcomes visitors to get up-close-and-personal with its myriad sights. Thanks to its heady mix of culture, rich African-American history, food scene and steamy nightlife, “Hotlanta” quite literally brings the heat to the heart of the South.

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QUICK GUIDE

WHEN TO GO

March – May: Temperature and humidity are at comfortable levels in spring, ideal for outdoor exploration.
June – Aug.: Summers are hot and steamy in Atlanta, though a number of summer festivals and events make it a popular time to visit.
Sept. – Nov.: Temperatures and humidity ease, though you’ll find fewer events taking place.
Dec. – Feb.: Prices drop considerably in winter, and a number of holiday-centric events make it a good time to visit for travelers who don’t mind cooler weather.

NEED TO KNOW

Visas: Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa. 
Money: Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.
Travel Health: Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should check for vaccinationproof of negative COVID-19 test and face mask requirements, as well as any travel restrictions before planning their trip. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away. For the latest health safety guidelines, as well as info on what’s currently open, check out Georgia.gov.

GETTING AROUND

Getting Here: Atlanta is served by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located 10 miles from downtown.
Getting Around: Depending on your itinerary, a car rental could be convenient, but Atlanta’s traffic is notorious. Other options to traverse the area include the MARTA bus and rail system as well as a downtown tram. The city is also developing the Atlanta BeltLine, a 22-mile former rail corridor, into a multiuse trail perfect to explore on bike or foot. (Rent your wheels via one of the city’s bike-share programs.) Ride shares are also easy to secure.

LOCAL INTEL

Local Lingo: Atlanta has more than 20 nicknames. You may not remember them all, but a few of the more popular ones include: The A, The ATL, A-Town, Hotlanta, Hollywood of the South, Silicon Peach.  
Must-Have Apps: Georgia AquariumMARTA on the GoUber 
Insider Tips: Peaches, peaches everywhere! It may seem like all things are located on Peachtree Street, which typically refers to the city’s main drag, Peachtree St. NE. But to be sure, check to see if your destination is somewhere else — there are more than 55 streets with Peachtree in their name — before heading out.