24 Hours In Atlanta: Where to Eat, Drink, and Play

You don't need to spend a week in Atlanta to see the best of what the city has to offer. Here's your guide to one perfect day in the city, with recommendations for where to eat, drink, and play.
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    © Chelsey Heidorn Photography

    9:30 AM: The Living Walls

    Continue your morning with a tour of The Living Walls, an ongoing series of street-art pieces posted throughout Atlanta. The paintings are created by mural artists from across the country to promote and challenge perspectives on public space. Each one is more captivating than the next, and there's a map to help you navigate the installation.

  • © Chelsey Heidorn Photography

    2:00 PM: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

    While you're at Westside Provisions, you might as well take advantage of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Although Atlanta can’t claim the original Jeni’s Ice Creams location (that one is in Ohio), the city has one of the brand's few stand-alone shops. Stop by for hand-dipped cones, wholesome ingredients, and clever, delicious flavorss (e.g. Sweet Cream Biscuits and Peach Jam, or Goat Cheese and Red Cherries). (1198 Howell Mill Rd.; 404-355-6050)

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    8:30 AM: Julianna’s Coffee & Crepes

    Start the morning off with breakfast at Julianna’s Coffee & Crepes, a hidden gem that's tucked away on a quiet street. You can watch over the counter as they hand-make some of the best—and most sizable—crepes in Atlanta. For an extra-sweet start, try the Ace (marshmallows, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and graham crackers) or the Almighty (melted Nutella with strawberries or bananas). (775 Lake Ave., 404-436-1825)

  • © Chelsey Heidorn Photography

    5:30 PM: The Optimist

    After all that walking around, you'll definitely be ready for some dinner and drinks at The Optimist. From your perch at the center bar, you can watch chefs show off their skills in the kitchen as you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. Despite Atlanta's landlocked nature, the restaurant serves fine seafood dishes, including she-crab soup, fish and chips, and beautiful raw oysters. (914 Howell Mill Rd.; 404-477-6260)

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    12:00 PM: Bartaco

    Stop for lunch at Bartaco, an impeccably designed space that's a perfect midday escape from the busy city. Snack on chips and guacamole, or try one of the options from its menu of creative tacos. The employees also happen to give a lot of credibility to the friendly reputation of the South. (969 Marietta St.; 404-607-8226)

  • © Chelsey Heidorn Photography

    7:00 PM: Caffé Gio

    If you're craving a second round of ice cream (you are only here for one day, after all), drive around the corner to Caffé Gio. Get a scoop of traditional Italian-style gelato that you can savor on the charming front patio. (1099 Hemphill Ave.; 404-347-3874)

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    1:00 PM: Westside Provisions District

    Less than a mile away from Bar Taco is Westside Provisions District, a retail area loaded with intriguing shops, boutiques, and eateries. Just be mindful of the time—hours can disappear into thin air as you wander this charming outdoor space. (1100 Howell Mill Rd.; 404-872-7538)

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    10:30 PM: St. Regis Atlanta

    If you really want the grand Atlanta experience, spend the night at the St. Regis hotel. This well known and loved space has just about everything you need for a fine stay, including a room with a view of the city. They will give you the royal treatment to make sure your 24 hours in Atlanta ends with a bang. You can also get a convenient ride to the airport in the morning via MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). (88 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW; 404-563-7900)

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    10:30 AM: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site

    The Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site is right around the corner from some of The Living Wall murals. Here you can take a guided tour of his birth home (pictured), as well as the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached. The site is also home to Dr. King's tomb, where he is interred along with his wife, Coretta Scott King. (450 Auburn Ave. NE; 404-331-5190)

  • © National Geographic Image Collection / Alamy

    3:00 PM: Georgia Aquarium

    With more than 500 species on view—including a few whales—the experience at this aquatic center is remarkable. High glass walls allow you feel like you are actually walking through the ocean. Events, shows, and tours are available every day. (225 Baker St. NW; 404-581-4000)

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    7:30 PM: The Fox OR Turner Field

    Depending on what night of the week it is, you can finish the night with a show at The Fox, Atlanta’s historical theatre. (The Phantom of the Opera is particularly lovely in this venue.) If you prefer open night air and good old American pastime, catch a Braves game at Turner Field. Either option is bound to leave you with a grin on your face and a happy close to the day. (The Fox: 660 Peachtree St. NE, 404-881-2100; Turner Field: 755 Hank Aaron Dr. SE, 404-522-7630)

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    Noteworthy Alternatives

    Not a fan of something on this list? Fear not. Atlanta has a wide range of interests and cultural fun to choose from. Here are some alternate choices for your day of fun:

    Cafe Intermezzo
    West Egg
    St. Cecilia’s
    JCT Kitchen
    Artmore Hotel
    World of Coca Cola
    Centennial Olympic Park (pictured)