If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, you definitely want to bookmark this post because I’m about to drop some serious knowledge on y’all. If you follow me on instagram, you already know I visited the deep South for a fun girls trip with my mom. For awesome recommendations on what to do, see and eat on your trip, keep reading!
What to Do in Atlanta, Georgia
Visit the Georgia Aquarium
Whether you like marine life or not, the Georgia Aquarium is a must. It’s the largest aquarium in the United States, and the second largest in the world so there’s obviously a lot of ground to cover. It’s home to thousands of animals including beluga whales, manta rays, whale sharks (!!!!) and more.
The coolest part for me was definitely Ocean Voyager. It’s an acrylic tunnel where you can see everything up close from all sides. It’s one of the largest exhibits in the world because it was designed to accommodate whale sharks. If you didn’t know – because I sure as hell didn’t – they’re the largest fish species in the world so you can only imagine how much space they need. Take your sweet time enjoying this 100-foot underwater tunnel and spot stingrays, sharks and oh so much more.
Ticket prices vary depending on what time you go so make sure to check their site in advance. You get 10% off online so definitely purchase them before you go. Also, I recommend earlier rather than later because it gets realllllly crowded.
Check out World of Coca Cola
This museum may sound lame, but the experience was so worth the money. My mom and I weren’t sure about the $17 ticket price, but we were really happy we went because there was a lot to see. You learn about the rich history of coke – everything from recipe development to pop culture – and they do an awesome job presenting it in a fun and engaging manner.
They even have a 4-D movie on site which is fun for both kids and adults. It was a little cheesy, but I still enjoyed it. The highlight for me, however, was the tasting floor. I got to sample 100+ sodas from different countries all around the world, and I had a blast…and a sugar high afterwards.
The drinks were divided by continent, and I spent a good half hour up there getting my drink on. Some were tasty and some were straight nasty, but that’s to be expected. Make sure you let me know what your favorite is when you go, and don’t forget to get a picture with the Coca Cola polar bear before you leave. I recommend blocking out a day and visiting the Aquarium and Coke museum back to back because they’re right next to each other! Then you only need to pay for parking once! Also, if you want to save a few bucks, park at a nearby lot for $10 instead of their $12 price.
Explore Ponce City Market
There’s a reason why everyone and their mom told me to visit Ponce City Market. If you’re looking for a cool place to eat, drink and shop, you definitely need to stop by. They have some uber cute boutiques on site, but it’s predominantly a food hall.
The entire first floor’s basically restaurant option after restaurant option, and they have everything from Indian street food to French pastries. Whether you want something healthy or indulgent, they got you covered so hit up this trendy eatery for something delicious that will feed your feed.
In terms of shops, I really enjoyed browsing Archer Paper Goods, Boogaloos Boutique, Candlefish, Citizen Supply and Modern Mystic Shop. Although they have a couple of big name retailers on site, I liked that most were small, local businesses. I don’t know about you guys, but as a tourist, I want to see, shop, try, and [insert other verb of choice] things I can’t find at home. Let me know what you think of Ponce City Market when you go.
See the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Atlanta’s home to one of the best symphonies in the world, and I’m not just saying that because the concertmaster, David Coucheron, is one of my buddies. Like most orchestras, they mainly do classical, but they have pops performances as well so check their calendar to see what’s programmed when you’re there.
I know not everyone likes classical music as much as I do, but give it a shot. I’m pretty confident you’ll leave impressed so why not try something new? They’re a world class symphony with world class soloists so you’re seeing the best of the best perform in front of your eyes, and that’s an experience that’s definitely worth paying for.
Visit the High Museum of Art
If you’re an art buff, head to the High to view over 15,000 works of art from various genres. Located on 1280 Peachtree St NE, they have an impressive collection of nineteenth- and twentieth-century American art, African American art, and European art, but I enjoyed their modern and contemporary exhibits the most. Tickets are $14.50 per person, and children under 5 get in for free.
What to Eat in Atlanta, Georgia
Try the Detroit Style Pizza at Nina & Rafi
Words can’t even begin to explain the magic that is Nina & Rafi. Go for pizza that will leave you completely and utterly satisfied. You can’t go wrong with any combo listed on their menu, but their Detroit Red Top could stop wars.
This thick crusted masterpiece is as airy as can be, and it’s made with so much love. I highly recommend the Margherita in Detroit, and it’s topped with marinara, garlic, pecorina, EVOO, house made mozz and fresh basil. I don’t even like thick crust, but this, this was next level, my friends. If you’re set on getting something thinner, try the Proscuitto di Parm. It’s a square pie made with calabrian chili, proscuitto, and shaved parm. You’re welcome in advance.
Check out We Suki Suki
Craving global eats? Head to East Atlanta and choose from a row of delish options. I only got to try Lifting Noodles Ramen, but the place was packed so I’m assuming the other vendors are bomb as well.
They’re open Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30-9:30PM so go and get your noodle fix while you’re there. I tried their spicy tan tan and their ChicKEN ramen, and both were delicious and affordable. The -KEN is capitalized in honor of one of the owners whose name is – yes, you guessed it – Ken.
The former comes in a creamy pork broth that’s topped with ground pork, pork belly, sweet corn, black mushrooms, bamboo shoots, a marinated soft-boiled egg and more. The latter contains grilled chicken, pickled ginger, fried onions, and roasted seaweed along with some other ingredients mentioned above. I was really impressed with portions so expect serious bang for your buck when you go.
Their spicy tan tan ramen isn’t very spicy so don’t worry about heat. I actually think they could level up a notch or five, but that’s just me. As mentioned, you get a giant bowl, but if you’re hungry, get an order of their crispy fried brussel sprouts to start. They’re glazed with this addictive sweet red chili sauce, and I’m 99.9% sure you’ll love it.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Cafe Intermezzo
Give me all the cake! This adorable European style cafe was too cute. I went super late so I’m not sure what the vibe’s like during the day, but it’s great for date night, at least in the PM. They apparently do dinner as well, but I didn’t get to try their food. I can, however, vouch for their cake. They have several options available, but their creme brûlée cheesecake and tres leches are to die for.
Enjoy a World Class Meal at White Bull
Located in Decatur, Georgia, White Bull is world class. My mom and I were blown away by their food, like it’s easily Michelin star level. They source their ingredients locally and change their menu depending on what’s fresh and available so there’s almost always something new to try.
Chef Pat Pascarella challenges Italian farm-to-table classics by adding his own personal twist to traditional plates, and the result is truly magical. Some of my favorite dishes from the night were as follows: his cecamareti, his rigatoni, his chicken with polenta and broccolini, and his spoonbread. You honestly can’t go wrong with anything you get there so go and experience the goodness that is White Bull. Trust me, your loved ones will thank you for the unbelievable meal they’ll undoubtedly have.
Alright friends, that’s it for today! I hope you enjoyed reading my recommendations on what to do, see and eat in Atlanta, Georgia. Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below. For more on travel, browse this tab and keep an eye out for fresh content coming your way soon. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to hear from you guys!
Beautiful pics,.. The food pics are very tempting.
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Aren’t they? SOO tasty!