Hotels in Atlanta

Atlanta: Georgia's Rail Hub and Civil Rights Landmark

Atlanta, founded in 1837 as a railroad terminus, anchors the southeastern United States at the convergence of I-75, I-85, and I-20. The city hosts the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in the Sweet Auburn district, where the civil rights leader was born in 1929. Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Summer Games, sits steps from the Georgia Aquarium — the largest in the Western Hemisphere at 10 million gallons — and the World of Coca-Cola museum on Baker Street.

Where to Stay in Atlanta

Midtown draws visitors seeking walkable access to the High Museum of Art and Piedmont Park. Buckhead offers upscale hotels along Peachtree Road, roughly 8 miles north of downtown. Downtown properties cluster near the State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, making them practical for sports and convention travelers. Virginia-Highland suits those who prefer a quieter neighborhood grid with independent restaurants.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: The Marta rail system runs two lines through downtown, connecting Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Five Points Station in about 25 minutes.
• Weather: Summers average 89°F (32°C); pack light layers for heavily air-conditioned venues.
• Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International is the world's busiest by passenger count and sits 9 miles south of downtown.