Atlanta is a vibrant, thriving, and dynamic city with much to see and do. It boasts numerous activities and attractions for families, couples, and solo travelers as well. If you’ll be visiting the South soon, Atlanta is absolutely one of those can’t-miss cities. Read along for my list of the best free and cheap things to do in ATL.
1. Explore the beautiful Centennial Park
Centennial Park is undoubtedly the centerpiece of downtown Atlanta. Apart from the fact that the 1996 Summer Olympic Games were hosted there, the 21-acre park is a hub for live music, museums, and some of Atlanta’s most popular attractions. It’s located right in the center of SkyView Atlanta, CNN Center, The Center for Civil and Human Rights, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca Cola, and many more. The park hosts many free activities during the year including the Fourth of July Celebration, a free lunchtime concert series (Music at Noon), and Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days. Some festivals held there include Sweetwater420 Festival, Holiday in Lights and Ice Skating Rink, and more. Also, don’t forget to experience the mesmerizing synchronized light show at the Fountain of Rings.
COST: Free to visit park, costs of attractions vary
2. Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home
Venture into Atlanta’s neighborhoods and stop by one of the cities historic gems. Dr. King’s birth home is free to visit, but requires registration either online or at the Visitor Center on 450 Auburn Avenue. The tours are first-come first served and fill up very quickly. Helpful tip: If you end up missing a tour, you can come back after hours when the crowds are gone and take a picture in front of the famous home.
COST: Free, but tips are encouraged
3. SkyView Atlanta
One of the best attractions in Atlanta is SkyView Atlanta, located downtown and directly across from Centennial Park. If you love rides and Ferris wheels, this one is definitely for you. In my opinion, it’s one of the best ways to see the city and the views are phenomenal. It’s truly a unique experience! The gondolas are also air-conditioned, which is especially comforting on a hot summer day. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by very friendly staff, and the line moves quickly. Helpful tip: snag your tickets on Groupon and get a free box of chocolates (a sweet deal indeed). If you’re visiting with others, you can get a 2-pack or family 4-pack of tickets. SkyView is open Sunday-Thursday 12pm to 11pm, and Friday-Saturday 10am to midnight. For more information, click here.
COST: Adult ticket $13.89, or $12.50 with student discount. Groupon deal: 2 adult tickets plus free chocolates $25
4. Take a stroll through Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is the most frequented park in Atlanta and is known as Atlanta’s “Common Ground.” It’s located about 2 miles northeast of downtown, and runs along 10th street and Piedmont Avenue. The park is nearly 200 acres and consists of walking trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a lake. It also features picturesque views of the Atlanta skyline. The park has seen may changes over the years – it was once a forest, a farm, and then a fairgrounds were expositions were held. Piedmont Park hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival and Atlanta Jazz Festival. Other events at the park include Park n’ Paint, free fitness classes, and Green Market farmer’s market. Best of all, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is located within the park. Essentially, you could spend a whole day exploring both. Piedmont Park is open daily from 6am – 11pm.
COST: Free
5. See the Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalks
The Rainbow Crosswalks are located in the heart of the city’s LGBTQ community. They stretch across the intersection of Piedmont Avenue, creating a colorful and bold walkway. The crosswalks were painted in June 2017 as a way to commemorate the Orlando nightclub shooting. The colorful display symbolizes unity and acceptance, and the crosswalks can be seen year-round.
COST: Free
6. Discover Atlanta’s Markets
Enjoy the excitement of Atlanta’s most popular markets Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market. Located along the Atlanta BeltLine, Krog Street Market is a venue where you can buy fresh produce, goods, or grab some delicious bites from one of its many eateries – including Jeni’s Ice Cream, Ven Aqui, Varuni Napoli pizza, and Richard’s Southern Fried Hot Chicken. It was also deemed one of the world’s best food halls, according to Travel + Leisure magazine.
Ponce City Market is also a must-see market in Atlanta. The former Sears building has been converted into a vibrant cultural hub, with something for everyone. The historic structure includes shops, restaurants, food stalls, and office spaces. Another bonus of this market is The Roof at Ponce City Market, a premier rooftop experience complete with panoramic city views, an 18-hole mini golf course, games, and signature cocktails. You can also book this space for your next event. If you’re looking for a unique Atlanta rooftop experience at any hour of the day, this one’s a great contender.
COST: Free to visit, prices vary for food and activities
7. Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is a unique outdoor experience, with 5 open trails and 7 parks. It’s an expansive urban redevelopment project planned to connect 45 in town neighborhoods and have a 22-mile loop of trails. Patrons can walk, bike, or take the streetcar down the BeltLine and take in some great views. The BeltLine also includes affordable housing units, murals and art fixtures, The City of Atlanta is doing great work to stimulate the economy and I’m sure this project will completely revitalize the city.
8. Ride the Atlanta Streetcar
One of my best tips to save money on travel is to use public transportation. The Atlanta Streetcar is $1 for a one-way ride, and only $3 for a day pass. Take a break from walking, and board the climate-controlled cars as you enjoy the sights of the city. The line has 12 stops, including King Historic District and Centennial Olympic Park. I took the streetcar when I visited Atlanta and highly recommend it.
COST: $1 for adults (one-way), $3 for a day pass
9. Take a stroll down Peachtree Street
Anyone else love cute roads and streets? Peachtree Street is a one of Atlanta’s most iconic and historic streets. This beautiful scenic road begins at Five Points and runs through Midtown up to Buckhead. that is lined with hotels, shops, and restaurants.
COST: Free
10. CNN Center
Before leaving Atlanta, be sure to check out CNN Center, the world headquarters of CNN. While the CNN Studio tours are not free, the main lobby is free to visit. The food court includes a variety of casual food places, restaurants, and shops. Also don’t forget to grab your camera or phone and get a picture next to the CNN logo.
COST: Free to visit, cost of shops and restaurants vary
11. Georgia State Capitol
The Georgia State Capitol is one of 43 historical landmarks in Georgia. It’s one of the most architecturally impressive buildings in the state and still currently used as a government building. The Georgia Capital Museum is housed there and displays artifacts, flags, and artwork. Self-guided and guided tours are available, and free of charge. The Capitol is open to the public Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, and closed on weekends and holidays.
COST: Free
12. Take a tour of Governor’s Mansion
If you’re interested in learning about more of Georgia’s history, visit the Governor’s Mansion located on 391 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW. Public tours are offered throughout the year on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10am and 11:30am. Tours are free of charge.
COST: Free
13. Explore Little Five Points
Little Five Points is one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in Atlanta. It’s a very hipster area, to say the least, and an excellent place to stroll and admire the quirky shops and eateries. Buildings and walls are adorned with street art so be sure to have your phone or camera handy.
COST: Free to visit, cost for shops vary
14. Visit Turner Studios
Are you a fan of Cartoon Network? If so, stop by the Turner Broadcasting building off Techwood Drive in Midtown. It’s one of the world’s largest TV production companies and is also responsible for networks such as TBS, TNT, and CNN. I don’t believe they offer tours, but it’s pretty cool to drive by and get a picture of the building with all the famous logos.
COST: Free
15. Visit Georgia’s universities and colleges
Atlanta is home to some of the top universities, including Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. During the summer months, the pace is much slower so you won’t see many students on campus. However, when fall arrives and football season begins, there’s sure to be many activities happening at these colleges.
Exploring downtown Atlanta doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. I hope this list gave you an idea of some free and cheap attractions to see. Have you visited ATL? What spot was your favorite?
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Centennial Olympic Park is my favorite place to go all year. This summer we’ve enjoyed family picnics and the playground. And my 3 year old loves running through the Fountain of Rings. Your list is great for locals and visitors.
That’s awesome. It really is a great place to hang out, and also see some cool events. Thank you!