Advertiser disclosure
Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorial or review that may be published on it. For complete and up-to-date information about any product featured, please visit their website. We maintain business relationships with certain partners mentioned in our communication tools. While we may receive compensation if you sign up for a product or service through our affiliate links, our reviews and content are based on an objective assessment. Value estimates are established by Milesopedia and are not provided, endorsed, or verified by the issuing financial institutions. †*Terms and conditions apply.
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.
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:
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:
The next closest international airports to Atlanta (other than ATL) are:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Savings this way:
You can change your preferences or opt out at any time by clicking on one of the hyperlinks available at the bottom of each newsletter.
If you are already a subscriber and would like to unsubscribe, you can click on the link at the bottom of any of our e-mails.
