An Art Lover’s Weekend Guide to Atlanta

If you’re looking for an out-of-town getaway with great food, a lively entertainment scene and some of the best year-round weather in the country, Atlanta easily makes its way to the top of the list.

Whether you’re into football and tailgating, prefer a five-star dinner or are drawn to the allure of the upbeat nightlife, Atlanta has a little something for everyone. But one of the most underappreciated aspects of Atlanta is its burgeoning art and culture scene — including its vibrant street art.

Follow along with this weekend itinerary. As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Day One — Midtown

Start your morning with breakfast at 5Church, famously known for its brunch. Stop in for the chicken and waffles and mimosas by the pitcher.

After fueling up, head over to the BeltLine, a former railway corridor that’s been developed into a multiuse trail. It’s the perfect spot to people watch, shop vintage items or check out the numerous murals by local artists on the trails. Most of the street art murals in this area are on or near the Atlanta BeltLine. But don’t overlook the large-scale street art on the west edge of Midtown.

There are strategically placed ice-cream vendors and even working pianos that double as art installations. Finish off your BeltLine experience by grabbing some ice cream at one of the vendors along the trail or tickets to the Botanical Gardens.

You can also check out Ponce City Market. Inside the old Sears distribution center are local shops, restaurants and even a small amusement park, Skyline Park. With a handful of carnival games and rides, food and even a bar, it’s a surprising attraction nestled in the heart of the city, perfect for a outing with the family or even a date!

Day Two — Buckhead

Plan to explore the Buckhead neighborhood, where there are tons of great things to do. If you’re a foodie, swing into South City Kitchen and order what will arguably be the best chicken and mashed potatoes of your life.

Get your street art fix along the diverse Buford Highway Corridor.

For great views, head up to the rooftop at Whiskey Blue for a cocktail and the sky-high downtown views of the city. And what’s a trip to Buckhead without stopping in for some shopping at Lenox Square mall? There are tons of great stores to shop, and you might even spot a celebrity or two.

Day Three — Downtown

You can’t leave Atlanta without also checking out the downtown scenery. There’s the “Hey Brown Girl” mural on Peters Street and even a Georgia Tech–themed Waffle House. After you’ve done some sightseeing, relax with a nice massage at the spa inside the W Atlanta – Downtown. You won’t regret it.

Explore the neighborhood’s many large-scale works of street art, including ones near Centennial Olympic Park; then take a short wander to the nearby Castleberry Hill neighborhood, where you’ll find other inspiring murals.

Even with all these great experiences — the BeltLine, Skyline Park, the view at Whiskey Blue, Ponce City Market — there’s still so much of Atlanta’s art scene to discover. There are countless murals throughout the city done by some of Atlanta’s most talented artists and new cultural experiences popping up all the time. So if you’re looking for a city destination that will help you tap into your inner budding artist, look no further than Atlanta.

Blake Gifford is a Chicago-based attorney and content creator behind the lifestyle website Signed, Blake. In addition to her love of the arts, Blake strives to use her influence to champion the causes most near to her heart, namely inclusion and diversity, advocacy for foster youth, and Women’s Rights.