7 Things To Do in Downtown Atlanta With Your Best Friends

Downtown Atlanta is always buzzing with activity. It’s hard to get bored in such a lively and vibrant city that is home to dozens of great restaurants, bars, museums, and other attractions. There’s always something for you and your friends to do. 

Whether you are visiting from out-of-town or you just want to go somewhere new with your friends, you will easily find something that everyone will like. Check out our list of the top 7 things to do in Atlanta now!

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1. APEX Museum

Museum that connects visitors to the rich pieces of African American history 

135 Auburn Ave NE | Downtown | apexmuseum.org

APEX Museum offers a thorough and riveting look at Black history. From ancient African artifacts to photographs of modern day Black America, APEX offers an educational and rewarding experience for its visitors. Many visitors who have walked through its historic halls in the past have felt enlightened and inspired after looking through all of the exhibits.

Speaking of exhibits, you’ll find galleries spanning from “Africa the Untold Story” to “Sweet Auburn Street Pride.” “Africa the Untold Story” contains facts and information dating back all the way to 5500 BC, allowing visitors to learn fascinating historical facts about the continent while “Sweet Auburn Street Pride” offers a more modern, localized view. In addition to its in-person exhibits, APEX also offers online exhibits. 

“It's a quaint museum packed with a lot of knowledge that focuses on the African- American experience from Africa to America. While the museum focuses a lot on slavery because it had such a big impact on the African- American experience, I loved learning about Africa and the different inventors, leaders, inventions, etc.” - Yelp Review

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2. Ponce City Market

Popular hub filled with retail stores, restaurants, boutiques, and more

675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE | Old Fourth Ward | poncecitymarket.com

Planning a fun day trip with your friends? Head to Ponce City Market! This massive market offers plenty of stores, restaurants, and other fun destinations to explore. Paid parking is available, but there is always the option of coming by foot, bike, or public transportation. Carpooling can also be a great idea! 

Once you get to the market, you’ll probably be pretty hungry. Ponce City Market’s famous Central Food Hall is one of the most popular of its kind in the south. Everything from fresh seafood to homemade pasta can be found in this historic gathering space. The rooftop also offers its fair share of attractions, including various carnival games and rides.

“This market is one of my favorites in the US! It has so many options to choose from. We took our family of 10 and everyone was able to get what they wanted and sat together at a table. The best thing to eat here is the Chinese restaurant (order the chicken or beef  ace Juan dish with fried rice). We've gone multiple times and it NEVER disappoints.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Ponce City Market.

3. Georgia Aquarium

Learn more about life under the sea at this popular attraction

225 Baker St | Downtown | georgiaaquarium.org

Did you know that the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States? Dozens of marine life call this expansive place home. What better way to explore some of the most fascinating creatures of the ocean than by spending the day at this popular aquarium? 

Want to see the animals up close? Georgia Aquarium has an all-new, immersive shark and ray interaction experience. Guests can suit up and swim in the water with some of the aquarium’s sharks and rays. You can also get up and close with the dolphins! Of course, if you prefer to keep your distance, you can walk along the aquarium’s expansive tank. 

“Georgia aquarium is a must see when you're in Atlanta. All the exhibits are open except for the ones that you can touch which really, they got to protect the animals. So many fish, sharks, see otters, jellyfish of all kinds. My favorite was the walking sidewalk where you went through 100 feet tunnel of fish surrounding you.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for the Georgia Aquarium.

4. Polaris

Take a break to enjoy some delicious food

265 Peachtree St NE | Downtown | polarisatlanta.com

Located in Downtown Atlanta, Polaris offers a fun and contemporary dining experience for visitors. Handcraft cocktails, chef-inspired plates, and a panoramic view of the Atlanta skyline await you at this popular restaurant. 

After you step inside, you’ll climb 22 stories up the hotel through its glass elevators. Once there, you’ll have a wide selection of drinks and dishes to choose from. From the Seared Chilean Sea Bass to the Pan Seared Diver Scallops, Polaris will not disappoint you. 

“I have to say I am always impressed with this restaurant. Of course, it is a rotating restaurant, so there are some lovely views. It's got such an amazing ambiance. It's great for that relaxed, get dressed up, type of night. Great for cocktails or meals.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Polaris.

5. Agatha’s Mystery Dinner Theater

Test your detective skills at this popular murder mystery theater

161 Peachtree Center Ave NE | Downtown | agathas.com

For 32 years, locals and tourists have traveled to Agatha’s Mystery Dinner Theater for a night of fun and entertainment. Popular celebrities like Evangeline Lily and Hugh Jackman have visited this popular murder mystery dinner theater! 

So how does it work? Two professional actors greet each guest as they enter the theater. They will explain how the evening is to play out and also assign a specific role for each guest. You never know what character you’ll find yourself sitting across, whether it be the killer or detective. 

“What we found was, the way the actors portrayed the story was really professional and very funny. What we did not expect was the twist. I won't ruin it for anyone but the twist was incredible. The actors and story went to a place very relevant with current pop culture, portraying something my wife and I share a love for.” - Yelp Review

6. Centennial Olympic Park

Get some fresh air at this historic park

265 Park Ave NW | Downtown | centennialpark.com

Spring has finally arrived. Take advantage of the great weather by spending the day at Centennial Olympic Park. Acres of greenspace, a massive amphitheater, and the famous Fountain of Rings all make this park a special place to visit. There’s plenty you can do here, such as picnicking, playing frisbee, or even going on a quick job with friends. 

“There are vast, open green spaces that can accommodate tons of folks...whether they're lounging around on a nice day or here for a public event, perhaps at the amphitheatre on site. Lots of fountains and water features, including one in the shape of the Olympic rings that shoots out alternating jets of water, also make the park a fun, interactive place for kids and families.” - Yelp Review

7. Skyview Atlanta

Take a ride on this historic ferris wheel

168 Luckie St NW | Downtown | skyviewatlanta.com

After your fun day at Centennial Olympic Park, don’t forget to take a ride on the famous Skyview Atlanta ferris wheel! This ferris wheel offers stunning views of the city. You’ll be able to see historical landmarks such as the CNN Building and the nearby park. A total of 42 climate-controlled gondolas are built into the ferris wheel. For a more enhanced experience, you can purchase tickets for the VIP gondola with Ferrari style seats and a longer flight time.

“Typical ferris wheel, going round & round. This attraction is a definite "must do" for those visiting town or looking for something touristy to do. If you want to see the City & surrounding areas go during the day. Night time ride is a little more romantic, in my mind.” - Yelp Review

Whether you want to join a riveting murder mystery or enjoy the views of Downtown Atlanta, you will find plenty of great activities in this beautiful Southern city. What places do you want to visit next? Let us know!