Despite sometimes being overlooked by larger U.S. cities, Atlanta is one of the great U.S. destinations offering visitors plenty to see and do. Given that the Atlanta International Airport is the busiest in the world, chances are you’ll pass through this city at some point during your travels. If you do find yourself there and have some extra time, treat yourself to some sightseeing! My Russian and I took a quick trip to Atlanta just last week to attend the Blake Shelton concert. We flew in the night before, which gave us some time to get out and explore the city. From BBQ to rooftop bars to Ferris wheels, below are a few fun ways to spend a night out in downtown Atlanta!

EAT

You may not think of Atlanta as a foodie destination, but I was pleasantly surprised by the variety. From southern soul food to eclectic eateries to classic American fare, there is a little bit of everything in this city. Below are a few dining options in the heart of downtown Atlanta that you should check out if you’re there!

Sports Bars: If you’re looking for a good place to grab a bite and catch a game, Stats Brewpub and Hudson Grille are two solid sports bar options in town.

BBQ: In my opinion, you can’t make a trip to the south without indulging in some good ol’ BBQ. Now, some may not associate Atlanta with great BBQ, but if you pay a visit to the Smoke Ring or Twin Smokers BBQ you might just change your mind. We grabbed a bite and a cocktail at Twin Smokers before the show. I ordered the Texas style pulled pork and a jalapeno & honey moonshine cocktail. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Trendy: 9 Mile Station is located a bit outside of downtown, but is well worth a visit if you have the time. This hip beer garden offers creative cuisine and rooftop views of the city.

Pizza: If you’re craving a pizza pie, check out Slice or Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria. Both serve up New York style pies.

Diners: If you’re in need of a late night snack, Landmark Diner has got you covered. We swung by here after the show and scarfed down some much needed comfort food! And if you find yourself out when the sun comes up Atlanta Breakfast Club and Just Around the Corner are two other downtown diners with extensive breakfast menus and lots of other goodies.

DRINK

After stuffing ourselves with BBQ, we set out to grab a cocktail, or two, before the show! Luckily, there are plenty of options in downtown Atlanta; from trendy rooftops to casual dive bars and everything in between. Below are a few good spots around the city to grab a drink.

Club Vibes: Suite Food Lounge is a restaurant and bar featuring multiple levels including a Miami-themed penthouse. It is a great option for dinner, happy hour or late night cocktails

Beer Garden: Enjoy the casual vibe of Der Biergarten which serves up traditional German fare and more than a dozen draft beers.  Grab a bratwurst and a cold one and spend your evening on the 2^nd floor outdoor deck.

Rooftop: Head to the Sky Lounge if your idea of a good time is sipping on a craft cocktail while enjoying city views at sunset. Located on the top floor of the boutique Glenn Hotel, this rooftop bar offers some of the best views of Atlanta. Unfortunately, they were holding a private event when we were in town, but on any other night it’s a must-see when visiting the city.

Dive Bar: If a dive bar is more your speed, Park Bar is a good option. Located across from the Glenn Hotel and Centennial Park, this two story bar offers generous drink specials and yummy pub fare. We popped in here for a quick cocktail before walking over to the concert.

Cute Coffee Shops: For the non-drinkers, there are a couple cute cafes that are worth checking out as well.

Condsea Coffee is a chic coffee shop that, in addition to serving great coffee and locally sourced pastries, happens to be an historic landmark. The building was once home to the Atlanta Daily World, the oldest continuing black owned newspaper in America. Pretty neat!

The Ebrik Coffee Room is a modern yet cozy cafe offering a variety of beverages and baked goods as well as an inviting work space.

DO

You could spend your entire evening eating and drinking your way through downtown Atlanta, but are plenty of other things to do in this city!

Outdoor Fun: Stroll through Centennial Olympic Park, a beautiful green space located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Marvel at the interactive Fountain of Rings built to recognize fellow hosts of the summer Olympic. If you visit during the summer, you can also enjoy the outdoor concerts that take place there.

Up In The Air: Take a ride on the Sky View Ferris Wheel. Towering 20 stories above Centennial Park, this popular downtown attraction offers bird’s eye views of the city. The ride is open until 11pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends and tickets are $13.89

CNN Headquarters: Tour the CNN studio headquarters and get a behind the scenes look at one of the leading cable networks. Tours are offered daily and tickets are $12.

Coca Cola: Experience the World of Coca-Cola right in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Learn the history behind the famous brand, go behind the scenes of the bottling process and of course taste the different flavors at the sampling bar!  Tours are offered daily and tickets are $17.

See A Show: The Philips Arena hosts world class concerts and events each week. So, there’s a good chance that something will be going on when you’re in town. We saw Blake Shelton’s concert here and had such a great time! Check out the upcoming lineup of events and shows here.

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Have you visited Atlanta? What would you add to the list? Share your comments below!

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