Atlanta’s best neighborhoods

If you’re looking for a city that has an urban feel but is also family friendly, then a trip to Atlanta should definitely be on your travel itinerary. Not only the capital of Georgia, Atlanta is also an important part of US history. Both the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr and instrumental in the Civil War, Atlanta has a storied past.

Atlanta is now one of the most diverse cities in the world and contains multitudes. From business headquarters like Coca-Cola, Delta and CNN, to attractions featuring amazing eateries, sports teams, live hip-hop and a bustling street art scene. That’s not all – there’s also a television and film industry that rivals Hollywood and New York. We’ve carefully selected five of the best Atlanta neighborhoods to give you a deeper insight into some of our favorite areas of the city to explore. 

Downtown Atlanta

In the heart of Atlanta you’ll find one the best neighborhoods for tourists, providing easy access to the city’s main attractions. Bustling with locals and visitors alike, you can find the central business district and the vast CNN Center here.

Amongst the many attractions to visit here, you’ll find the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Georgia Aquarium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, College Football Hall of Fame. If you go deeper into the area, away from the more popular touristy locations, you can find hidden gems where locals go, like Der Biergarten, a spacious open-air restaurant that specializes in German delicatessen.

Downtown Atlanta itself is made up of a number of smaller neighborhoods. Castleberry Hill is the place to go for art lovers. Here, on the second Friday of every month, the Second Friday Art Stroll is hosted, where you can explore a diverse and eclectic collection of art. The historic warehouses have been converted into restaurants, pubs, art galleries, salons, coffee shops and even residential homes. 

Buckhead

Although it’s situated away from Downtown’s hustle and bustle, Buckhead is still a busy place, with booming businesses, retail centers and high towers populating the area. This neighborhood attracts locals and visitors for shopping, dining and nightlife. The Shops at Buckhead is one of the best shopping malls around, offering high-end stores and modern cuisine, but also boutiques featuring Atlanta-based concepts.

If you want to learn more about the city’s history, you can head to the historical attractions in the area like Atlanta Memorial Park, Atlanta History Center, Swan House and Georgia's Governor's Mansion. In north-central Buckhead you’ll find Tuxedo Park. In the early 20^th century, this place was just farm and woodland, but today you can experience a slice of luxury, gazing at the historic mansions and gardens. 

Midtown

Atlanta is often called the City of Trees, and Midtown is one of the reasons why. With an abundance of green spaces to relax and soak up the afternoon sun, you can immerse yourself in nature here. Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Gardens are the idea places for a nature stroll, to escape the city and disconnect. If you’re after some entertainment, the park hosts festivals all year-round, so it’s a good idea to check for upcoming events before your trip.

Midtown is the cultural and technological center of Atlanta, so many young people live and study here. You can walk along the Peachtree Street that runs through the neighborhood to find restaurants, pubs, comedy clubs and other attractions. Take a look at the Technology Square and the Google Millennium or enjoy a show at one the theaters. If you’re in the area, you’re also spoilt for cultural choice with the Fox Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art and the Woodruff Arts Center nearby.

When you visit Atlanta and want to stay in a central area that has easy access to the airport, Midtown is one of your best shots, as Atlanta Hartsfield Airport is only a 20-minute drive away.

Cabbagetown

If you’re creative at heart, this artsy neighborhood will be calling your name. The petite Cabbagetown has plenty of cozy restaurants and eateries for spending quality time with your loved ones. And don’t be fooled by the name, you’re not going to arrive to be greeted by a cabbage farm.

Cabbagetown has earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places because of its quaint narrow streets and colorful 1800s mill cottages and shotgun houses. Plus, the friendly locals and the community spirit add to the neighborhood’s charm.

You can visit the Historic Oakland Cemetery and pay your respects to some of history’s most famous Atlantans including Margaret Mitchell, Maynard Jackson and Bobby Jones. There are also plenty of events happening in the neighborhood throughout the year, like outdoor art celebrations, festivals and cook-offs. 

Little Five Points

Just north of East Atlanta is Little Five Points, Atlanta’s hippie hub. In this bohemian chic setting, you’ll find unique vintage stores, a natural foods market, tattoo parlors, bookstores and even an indie radio station. The main ‘strip’ of the neighborhood is on Euclid Avenue, part of Moreland, where vendors and performers keep the visitors fed and entertained. After wandering around, stop at The Vortex for a nice burger and an offbeat, rock 'n' roll vibe – the giant, 30-foot-tall skull at the entrance makes the bar & grill easy to find. Top it all off with a dose of theater or music at 7 Stages, Variety Playhouse or an impromptu performance right there on the sidewalk.  

Little Five Points is really a one-of-a-kind place in Atlanta and a perfect spot to discover something new. Grab a drink, sit on a bench, relax and watch the world go by.

Now you know some of the best areas to go to in the Big Peach, it’s time to see for yourself. Get a car rental and experience Atlanta’s vibes in style with Hertz. 

Want to learn more about Atlanta?

Take a look at our other guides to Atlanta and learn more about what to see and do during your stay in the city.

• Best restaurants in Atlanta
• Best hotels in Atlanta
• Atlanta driving guide
• Best things to do in Atlanta