Atlanta spreads across rolling hills in north Georgia, and its tree canopy is dense enough that whole neighbourhoods feel half-wooded. The city grew up around railroads and later around highways, so it is a collection of distinct districts rather than one dense core. Three separate skylines — Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead — anchor the centre, and the surrounding urban neighbourhoods each have their own character.
For a visitor, the practical question is which of those districts to base yourself in. The city is not especially walkable end to end, but the MARTA rail network links the main central districts, and staying near a station makes a car-free trip far easier. This guide covers the areas worth considering, what each one suits, and how the accommodation options differ by budget.
Best areas to stay in Atlanta
1. Downtown (the Hotel District)
Downtown is Atlanta's economic and political centre, and most of the city's major hotels sit here between Five Points and Midtown in an area known as the Hotel District. It is the most convenient base for sightseeing on foot: Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium and the CNN Center are all within walking distance.
This suits first-time visitors who want the headline attractions close by, and anyone travelling without a car, since the big hotels here are close to train stations and bus routes. Expect large, full-service places rather than small independent options.
2. Midtown
Midtown is the rapidly growing centre of Atlanta's business district, with many high-rise residential buildings alongside its offices. It is close to a concentration of museums and theatres, and it has a thriving urban setting with plenty of bars and restaurants.
It suits visitors who want a central location with more of a neighbourhood feel than Downtown, and it is a good choice if you are looking for boutique accommodation. Like Downtown, it offers easy access to MARTA, so you can reach most of the interesting parts of town quickly. If you are renting an apartment, the blocks a few streets back from Peachtree Street between the Arts Center and North Avenue stations are a practical base.
3. Buckhead
Buckhead was once the heart of Atlanta's nightlife and remains home to several upscale hotels, close to the area's shopping and dining districts. It has good access to transit.
It suits visitors who prioritise shopping, dining and upscale accommodation over proximity to the main tourist sights, and it works for those who want a quieter base at the end of the day. Note that there are not as many tourist attractions in the area itself, so you will be travelling to see the sights rather than walking to them.
4. Decatur
Decatur is a separate option with good access to transit, but it has fewer tourist attractions in the area and not many hotels to choose from.
It suits travellers who want to be outside the centre and are comfortable relying on the train to get in, and it can work well if you have a specific reason to be on that side of the city.
5. Little Five Points and North Highland Avenue
The area around North Highland Avenue south of Virginia Avenue, including Little Five Points, is named as a good place to look if you plan on renting an apartment rather than booking a hotel.
It suits longer stays and travellers who prefer a residential base with their own space. You will be relying on buses and trains rather than walking to the major attractions.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Atlanta's accommodation is concentrated in the central districts, so the cheapest options are limited. Renting an apartment in Midtown or around North Highland Avenue is the route the sources point to for a lower-cost, longer stay.
- Mid-range: The large full-service hotels in the Hotel District and the central options in Midtown cover this bracket, and both put you within easy reach of MARTA and the main sights.
- Splurge: Buckhead holds several upscale hotels near its shopping and dining districts, and Midtown has high-rise luxury condos and boutique properties in a thriving urban setting.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown, specifically the Hotel District, is the best base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium and the CNN Center, and it has the largest concentration of major hotels. If you are not renting a car, it also gives you the easiest access to MARTA.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to get around Atlanta?
Not if you base yourself well. Staying around Midtown or Downtown gives you central, easy access to MARTA, and the big hotels in those areas are close to train stations and bus routes, making most interesting parts of town quick to reach. Buckhead and Decatur also have good transit access.
Which area is best if I want to walk to the main attractions?
Downtown. The Hotel District sits in the heart of the city's economic and political centre and is within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium and the CNN Center.
Where should I look if I want to rent an apartment instead of a hotel?
Midtown, a few blocks from Peachtree Street between the Arts Center and North Avenue MARTA stations, and around North Highland Avenue south of Virginia Avenue, including Little Five Points.
Which area is best for shopping and dining?
Buckhead, which is home to several upscale hotels close to the area's shopping and dining districts. It has fewer tourist attractions of its own, so expect to travel to the sights.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.