Your Complete Guide to Atlanta

The city of Atlanta, dating back to 1837, is located in the middle of the state of Georgia, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, providing a charming and historical destination for travellers looking to enjoy an urban environment that’s right next door to some spectacular nature.

Regardless of whether you’re visiting Atlanta to enjoy some Southern food and charm, to catch some sports like the Braves, Dream, Falcons, or the 2026 FIFA World Cup, or to dive into the city’s rich history, our guide will help you plan a fantastic visit.

How to Get There

Atlanta’s one major airport, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), serves the over 6 million residents of the local metropolitan area and the regions millions of annual visitors.

Located a mere 10 miles from the Downtown Atlanta district, you can choose from the following transportation options between the airport and your accommodations:

Taxi (flat rates from the ATL range from $37.50 to $49.50 USD depending on your destination; otherwise fees are $3.50 USD for the first 1/8 mile, $0.30 USD for each additional 1/8 mile, plus a $1.50 USD vehicle trip fee)
Shared-ride shuttles (must be booked in advance, with prices ranging from $16.50–30 USD)
Rideshare such as Uber and Lyft
Public transit (Using the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority aka MARTA, you can take the Red or Gold line to/from the airport station inside the domestic terminal for around $2.50 USD)
Car rental

There are also two other regional airports (listed below) located fairly near Atlanta, giving travellers a couple other ways to access the city if they’re arriving from within the US:

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) – Located in Tennessee, approximately 115 miles from Atlanta
Athens-Ben Epps Airport (AHN) – Located approximately 65 miles from Atlanta

The next closest international airports to Atlanta (other than ATL) are:

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) around 140 miles away in Birmingham, Alabama
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) around 240 miles away in Charlotte, North Carolina
Nashville International Airport (BNA) around 240 miles away in Nashville, Tennessee

For travellers coming from Montreal, the fastest and easiest way to get to Atlanta is by direct flight with either Air Canada or Delta, with both airlines offering daily non-stop flights between YUL and ATL that take a little over 3 hours.

Atlanta city guide MARTA transit train map

Where to Stay

Atlanta is made up of a number of lovely neighbourhoods, all worthy of a visit, but there are a few that make for ideal headquarters when you visit this Southern city.

Downtown

For families or travellers looking to take in a lot of the main sightseeing attractions, the downtown neighbourhood might be the best bet. Not only is this an incredibly central location that can connect you easily to the rest of the city, but it’s also home to the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (home to the 2026 FIFA World Cup), and so much more.

Midtown

If you’re looking to combine time outdoors with some of the city’s spectacular museums, theatres, and art galleries, the Midtown neighbourhood, located just north of the downtown is a great choice. Home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Piedmont Park, the Alliance Theatre, the High Museum of Art, and much more, this area is a wonderful place to call home for your visit.

Old Fourth Ward / Poncey-Highland

Another wonderful neighbourhood to stay in when visiting Atlanta is the Old Fourth Ward / Poncey-Highland area on the Eastside. Known for its historic architecture, great nightlife, popular food and drink options, this neighbourhood is a good choice for travellers looking to get out and about at all hours of the day and night.

Buckhead

Our final recommendation for where to stay in Atlanta is the neighbourhood of Buckhead located a few miles from downtown (though easily accessible by transit). This posh area shows off luxury hotels, Michelin-starred dining, and upscale shopping, making it the perfect choice for travellers looking for a more high-end experience.

Save with points

Regardless of which part of Atlanta you decide to stay in, you’ll be able to use hotel points to save on your accommodations thanks to the many Marriott and Hilton locations across the city.

For Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors member, Atlanta has a range of properties available in just about all of the city’s neighbourhoods, making this a good opportunity redeem your points for free or discounted nights.

What to Do

Atlanta is the largest city in Georgia, boasting a history that goes back almost 200 years, so it’s not unexpected that visitors will find themselves spoiled for choice when it comes to things to see and do on their visit.

In the following sections, you’ll find some helpful suggestions to help you structure your travel plans and make the most of your visit to this lively city.

Fill your belly

As is the case with nearly every city worth visiting, Atlanta provides visitors with a chance to sample an impressive and expansive range of food and drink options.

From classic choices like the city’s famous for « wet » lemon-pepper wings, chicken and waffles, and multiple varieties of Southern BBQ and soul-food to Michelin-starred restaurants (Atlanta has 8!), you will easily find whatever it is that you crave.

Given the massive amount of options, you may want to consider a food tour with GetYourGuide or Civitatis to make sure you can check off a handful of the city’s famous dishes.

Plus, don’t forget to stop by one or two of the city’s iconic restaurants like The Varsity (where you can pair your chili dog with a frosted orange milkshake).

Get to know the past

At nearly 200 years old, Atlanta has a rich history that’s worth exploring while you’re in town.

First, head to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, a free and family-friendly space where you can learn about the civil rights struggles and the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., (including a visit to his childhood home).

Visitors to Atlanta can also explore additional civil rights sites, museums, and memorials, like the Sweet Auburn District (Atlanta’s first African-American business district), the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and International Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

Atlanta is also where Coca-Cola was invented back in 1886, so be sure to set aside time to visit the World of Coca-Cola, where you can sample sodas from around the globe.

Revel in the arts and culture

While in Atlanta, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to museums, art galleries, music venues, and more. The High Museum of Art is one of the leading galleries in the Southeastern US, housing around 20,000 works that reflect the diversity of the city and the global art world.

You can also visit the only design museum in the Southeast at the Museum of Design Atlanta. Here you can explore how design influences our lives and how ideas become reality—from graphic design to architecture and beyond.

Don’t forget to also check out the Ponce City Market. Located in the old Sears catalogue factory, this community-led market and multi-use space showcases local merchants, activities for all ages, fun events, and delicious spots where you can grab a bite.

Explore the great outdoors

Atlanta is known as the « City in the Forest » thanks to its impressive tree canopy covering 48% of the city, and it’s home to many beautiful parks and green spaces.

Visitors who want some extended time outside will definitely want to explore the BeltLine, a 22-mile trail connecting 45 neighourhoods around the city. You could also stop in at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and River to rent a boat and enjoy a refreshing paddle. The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown is also a great respite from the heat and hustle of the city, letting you stroll through 30 acres of outdoor gardens, plant collections, and beautiful displays.

Finally, if you want to step beyond the city limits, we recommend a visit to Stone Mountain Park, Georgia’s most-visited attraction, where you can hike, paddle, picnic, and more.

Cheer for the local team

Sports fans visiting Atlanta can also enjoy spending an afternoon or evening watching one of the many professional teams that call this city home. Depending on the season, you can catch the Braves, Falcons, Dream, Hawks, United FC, and more, giving you ample ways to enjoy a sporting spectacle.

Plus, multiple matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are also being hosted in Atlanta, so if you time your visit right, you can enjoy this incredible international event.

2026 FIFA World Cup

The metropolitan area surrounding and including Atlanta is home to over 6 million people, making it one of the top ten most populous metropolitan areas in the US. Given this, it’s no surprise that the city is home to many professional sports teams and attracts massive concerts and international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This summer, the city will host 8 matches during the World Cup tournament, including 5 during the Group Stage, 1 in the Round of 32, 1 in the Round of 16, and 1 coveted semi-final match on July 15.

Fans can enjoy the matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is home of NFL team the Atlanta Falcons and MLS team the Atlanta United FC. The stadium is conveniently located in the heart of the city’s downtown, making it very easy to get to and from the venue.

If you’re coming from outside of the downtown neighbourhood, you can get to the stadium using the city’s excellent transit system call MARTA, by taxi/Uber, or by driving (though parking may be hard to find near the event). You should also consider exploring around the stadium and downtown as there’s sure to be lots of World Cup-related festivities to take in.

Looking for ways to level-up your enjoyment of the tournament while keeping your travel budget in check? Check out our best tips for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and our guides on how to use your points to find affordable flights, how to secure World Cup tickets, and how to save on accommodations.

Tips for Your Visit

Consider your transport options

The neighbourhoods of Atlanta are all individually quite walkable, but if you’re planning to move between the many popular areas, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with MARTA (the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority).

This network of trains, buses, and streetcars connects you with just about every corner of the city, with one-way fares available for $1.00–2.50 USD depending on your age and which service you use. You can also purchase a MARTA Pass for your stay, giving you unlimited transit access for a set number of days.

If you’re coming to Atlanta for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you’ll almost certainly use the MARTA network since the Mercedes-Benz stadium is located on both the Blue and Green train line.

Make your reservations early

As you start thinking about your trip to Atlanta, keep in mind that it can be very helpful to plan ahead and make your arrangements early. Whether you’re making reservations for a hotel, Airbnb, popular restaurant, museum, or other activities and special events, getting your bookings confirmed can help you snag lower costs and give you peace of mind.

Although booking early isn’t something that you always have to do (last-minute trips are a lot of fun!), planning ahead can be fairly critical if you’re travelling around the holidays or around large events (like music festivals and the 2026 World Cup).

When destinations experience these busier seasons, you’re more likely to find sold-out hotels, fully booked restaurants, and zero spots left for popular tours with companies like GetYourGuide, so make sure to nail down the important parts of your trip accordingly.

Consider the weather

Thanks to its location in the southern part of the US, the temperature in Atlanta tends to stay above zero year-round, making it an attractive destination at any time.

However, the ideal seasons to visit are in the spring from March to May and in the fall from September to November, when the weather is agreeable for long strolls to explore the city’s neighbourhoods and activities.

June through August is the summer season in Atlanta, and it’s notoriously hot and humid, with temperatures capable of reaching about 30 degrees Celsius. This is also the most popular tourist season, so if you’re planning to visit during these months, make sure to book ahead.

You can also explore our ultimate checklist for travellers to ensure you’ve checked off all the important steps for your next trip.

Bring the right credit card

If you’re planning a trip to the US from Canada, it’s a good idea think about which credit card will be most helpful on your adventure. We recommend a card like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card since it doesn’t charge FX fees when you use it in the US.

The card also earns valuable Scene+ points on every purchase you make. Your accumulated Scene+ points are very flexible and can be redeemed for eligible travel expenses made on card while you were in Atlanta (or elsewhere), as well as to save you money on groceries, dining, and more.

Plus the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also gives you an impressive array of travel benefits like travel insurance, delayed and lost luggage coverage, car rental collision and loss damage insurance, and complimentary airport lounge access.

Compare

Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $350
Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months: Up to 35,000 points; Ends Nov 1, 2026

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card ^+* Card^MC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Legal

* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:

$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;

$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;

$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);

$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;

$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.

Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)

The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.

In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.

Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.

Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.

Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.

Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.

Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Bottom Line

Atlanta is a city with something for everyone. Whether you’re most looking forward to the Southern food, the stunning nature, or the incredible history and culture, this city delivers on it all.

From its role in the civil rights movement, to its present-day position as a hub of arts and culture in the Southeastern US, to its jam-packed sports calendar, Atlanta is a dynamic city that suits any traveller.

We hope our guide has inspired you for your next trip to Atlanta, and that you’re now armed with a few more ways to use rewards programs and points to keep your travel budget in check.