Where To Stay In Atlanta: 5 Best Areas & Places

Atlanta is a city of neighborhoods, and choosing where to stay can make a big difference. Downtown has the big-name attractions, Midtown brings museums, parks and nightlife, while Buckhead feels more polished and upscale. Then there are places like Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park, where the streets feel more local and the Atlanta BeltLine pulls everything together.

Atlanta is also much more spread out than many visitors expect. Traffic can be a headache, so staying in the right area can save you plenty of time. Midtown is one of the easiest bases if you want to walk and use MARTA. Old Fourth Ward is great for restaurants, bars and the BeltLine. And Buckhead is the place to look if shopping and fancy hotels are high on your list.

There’s plenty of history here too. Old Fourth Ward is the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., while the former industrial areas around the BeltLine have changed dramatically in recent years. Atlanta has a habit of putting old and new right next to each other. That makes choosing the right neighborhood half the fun.

Here are five fantastic areas to stay in while visiting Atlanta!

 

In this travel guide:

 

Downtown

Best area for: shopping, central stay, food

Downtown is where we really get a sense of Atlanta’s history and its big-city side. It’s busy, touristy and full of landmarks, but it isn’t the most residential part of town. After work hours, some streets can feel surprisingly quiet.

The area changed dramatically ahead of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Centennial Olympic Park was built on what had been a pretty run-down part of downtown. Today, the park is the green heart of the district, with the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and several other major attractions just a short walk away.

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the big reasons people stay here. It’s huge, with whale sharks and manta rays among its stars. The World of Coca-Cola is another Atlanta classic. Coca-Cola was invented here, and inside you can learn about the brand before tasting more than 100 drinks from around the world.

We’d also make time for a coffee at Spiller Park Coffee “SP4” on Mitchell Street. It’s a handy little stop when we need caffeine between attractions.

Downtown works especially well for first-time visitors. Most of the big sights are close together, so we can pack quite a lot into a day without constantly jumping in a car.

Best place to stay in Downtown Atlanta

The Ellis Hotel. Address: 176 Peachtree Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.

 

Old Fourth Ward

Best area for: food, hipster, history

This neighborhood carries huge history. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born right here, and you can still visit his childhood home on Auburn Avenue.

Decades ago, it was mostly quiet residential streets and old industrial buildings. Now, it has exploded into one of the liveliest hubs in the city. It seamlessly blends young professionals living in sleek apartments with crowds of tourists exploring.

We spend so much time along the Eastside BeltLine trail here. People are constantly walking dogs, riding scooters, and grabbing drinks outdoors.

Ponce City Market is the big anchor. It is a massive former Sears warehouse packed with food stalls, boutique shops, and a roof mini-golf course. Right next to it, Historic Fourth Ward Park offers a great spot to kick back by the water.

If you need a coffee fix, swing by Chrome Yellow Trading Co on Edgewood. They roast fantastic beans and serve up incredible pour-overs in a bright, minimalist space. It is easily our favorite pitstop before hitting the trails.

Best place to stay in Old Fourth Ward

Hotel Clermont. Address: 789 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306, United States of America.

 

Inman Park

Best area for: life like a local

Inman Park is one of those Atlanta neighborhoods where the city suddenly feels a little less hectic. It was founded in the 1890s as Atlanta’s first planned suburb, and the old Victorian houses are still a big part of its character. We found tree-lined streets, big porches and some seriously impressive homes tucked away just minutes from the action.

It’s mainly residential, but there’s plenty here for visitors. The Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail runs right alongside the neighborhood, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike. Krog Street Market is another major draw. The former industrial site is now packed with food stalls, restaurants and places to grab a drink.

We also made time for the Krog Street Tunnel. It’s covered in ever-changing street art and connects Inman Park with Cabbagetown. It’s a good little detour when you’re exploring the area.

Inman Park works particularly well if you want to stay somewhere with local character but still be close to Atlanta’s main attractions.

Best place to stay in Inman Park

B&B The Peach House. Address: 88 Spruce Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States of America.

 

Midtown

Best area for: food, business, family

Midtown grew up in the late 1800s as a quiet trolley suburb connecting downtown to the northern woods. Today, it stands as the official heart of the arts for the city.

You will find a heavy mix of both worlds here. Towering glass high-rises house corporate offices and buzzing residents, while world-class museums pull in crowds from all over. Peachtree Street anchors the main stretch, packed with theaters, historic mansions, and green escapes like Piedmont Park. It functions as a dense residential neighborhood and a major tourist hub at the same time.

When we spent the afternoon exploring the area, we headed straight to Spiller Park Coffee for a quick caffeine fix. They pull fantastic espresso shots in a totally relaxed space.

Later, we grabbed dinner at The Varsity just down the road for classic chili dogs and onion rings. The energy on the sidewalks is fast, creative, and loud in the best way possible.

Best place to stay in Midtown

Hotel Indigo Midtown. Address: 683 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA.

 

Grant Park

Best area for: luxury, life like a local

Last, but certainly not least, is Grant Park. This is known as the affluent sector of Atlanta where a lot of the richest citizens stay.

Grant Park feels more like a neighborhood where people actually live than a place built for tourists. We noticed that pretty quickly. There are leafy streets and Victorian homes, with the huge 131-acre park right in the middle. The neighborhood is one of Atlanta’s oldest residential areas, and much of it dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The park itself is the main draw. Zoo Atlanta has been here since 1889, and its rather odd origin story is worth knowing. A bankrupt traveling show left its animals behind, and a local businessman bought them and donated them to the city. That collection became Atlanta’s first zoo.

We’d also make time for Oakland Cemetery. It opened in 1850 and is filled with elaborate monuments, gardens and some big names from Atlanta’s past, including Margaret Mitchell and golfer Bobby Jones.

Grant Park works particularly well if you want Atlanta with a more local feel. Downtown is close, but things move at a slower pace here. Think morning joggers, dog walkers, porch-front houses and a few good places to eat tucked between the historic streets.

Best place to stay in Grant Park

The Social Goat. Address: 548 Robinson Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States of America.

 

Where travel critics stay in Atlanta

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Atlanta? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Atlanta.

 

Budget

Glenn Hotel.

“The Glenn Hotel is in a renovated 1920s building downtown that has gossamer curtains. The rooftop bar and restaurant have a gimmick, apparently attractive to the rich and famous, where you can eat on a bed, but beware the snobby doormen and minimum spending requirements.” — New York Times.

Address: 110 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.

 

Mid-range

Twelve Atlantic Station Marriott Hotel.

“A hot hotel, with full amenities including a check-in kiosk (you don’t have to talk to a person!) is Twelve Atlantic Station, in a bustling new development in Midtown.” — New York Times.

Address: 361 17th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363, USA.

 

Luxury

Hotel The St. Regis.

“Atlanta only has a handful of true five-star experiences, and the St. Regis is one of them. For a city hotel, guest rooms are massive, starting at 440 sq. ft., with suites ranging from 680 sq. ft. to the Empire Suite’s spacious 2,800 sq. ft.” — Frommer’s.

Address: Eight, Eighty, West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA.

 

FAQ: Atlanta hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Atlanta-or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Atlanta.

 

 

Best time to visit Atlanta

The best time to visit Atlanta is during the months of April and October.

During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s. This makes it the perfect time for outdoor activities, such as visiting the Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the World of Coca-Cola.

During the summer months, the city can be quite hot and humid, so if you plan to visit during this time, make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and water. In the fall, the city’s foliage is beautiful and the temperatures are ideal for experiencing the city.

The autumn weather is also ideal for exploring the city’s many parks, such as Piedmont Park and Centennial Olympic Park. During this time, you can also enjoy a variety of cultural festivals like the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.

At the end of the year, winter in Atlanta can be quite pleasant, with temperatures usually staying in the high 50s to the low 70s.

This is the perfect time to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations, as well as take in some of the city’s holiday attractions, such as the Atlanta Ice Skating Rink and the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights exhibit.

 

Best things to do in Atlanta

There are numerous things to do in Atlanta and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Atlanta:

 

Atlanta City Tour by Electric Car

Whether you’re an Atlanta native or totally new to these southern city streets, this city tour by electric car is the perfect way to see the sights. Sit back and relax as a professional guide and driver transport you through some of Atlanta’s hottest neighborhoods. Price: $37. More info.

 

Georgia Aquarium: Skip-the-Purchase-Line Tickets

Enjoy skip-the-purchase-line tickets to the Georgia Aquarium, which has an interactive 4D theater and 7 different areas containing more than 10 million gallons of water and thousands of sea creatures. Price: 36. More info.

 

The Touring Dead Walking Tour

Fans of ‘The Walking Dead’ will love this small-group walking tour of some of the hit television series’ filming locations from seasons three through six in Georgia. Price: $26. More info.

 

More things to do in Atlanta

 

Deciding where to stay in Atlanta

To summarize, this travel guide has covered the best areas of Atlanta, as well as some hotel tips and things you can do. It’s now up to you to decide which area you prefer.

 

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Atlanta

• Grant Park
• Midtown
• Inman Park
• Downtown
• Old Fourth Ward

 

As you have seen in this article, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Atlanta is important. Whether you stay in Grant Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Downtown or Old Fourth Ward, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Atlanta.

 

Atlanta overview

🏨 Hotel prices:	High
🛏 Budget hotel:	$135
💑 Boutique hotel:	$190
⭐ 5-star hotel:	$380
🌎 Best area for first visit:	Old Fourth Ward
👪 Best area for families:	Midtown
💎 Best luxury hotel:	Hotel St. Regis
👫 Best boutique hotel:	Hotel Clermont
💰 Best cheap hotel:	Hotel Indigo Midtown

 

More Atlanta tips

Check out our other guides about the best places to stay in Atlanta:

Hotels in Atlanta

Boutique hotels in Atlanta

Luxury hotels in Atlanta

Cheap hotels in Atlanta

Best things to do in Atlanta