Planning a trip to Atlanta? Discover an exciting mix of culture, history and modern metropolis in Georgia's capital. Atlanta is the hometown of Martin Luther King and the headquarters of Coca Cola and CNN. You can also expect an amazing amount of greenery in Centennial Park and along the BeltLine. We present the most important highlights and sights in Atlanta in this travel report.
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US state Georgia
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01 - Martin Luther King Historic Park
Historical sight in Atlanta: In the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr.
Let's start our city trip in Georgia's capital with the biggest historical sight in Atlanta: the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. This neighbourhood around Auburn Avenue was once home only to African Americans at a time when racial segregation was still part of everyday life in the United States. One of them was the pastor and later civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. who was instrumental in promoting the rights of African Americans.
To explore the grounds of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, it is best to park your car near the Visitor Centre (456-450 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE). This visitor centre vividly depicts the history of the civil rights movement and gives you a good overview of King's life. The surrounding sights are within easy walking distance of each other. These include Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King and his father were pastors for a long time, and King's very well-preserved birthplace (501 Auburn Avenue). At the heart of the park you will find the tomb of Martin Luther King and his wife Coretta Scott King in the reflection pool, with an eternal flame burning directly opposite.
Martin Luther King Birthplace in Atlanta
Eternal Flame at the tomb of Martin Luther King
02 - World of Coca Cola
Up close and personal with a global company - the next highlight in Atlanta: World of Coca Cola
Although we don't like Pepsi or Coca Cola (Fritz Cola is our thing), a visit to Coca Cola World is part of every trip to Atlanta. As is so often the case, it is simply exciting to look over the shoulders of global companies. Especially on a rainy day (as in our case), this is a great programme item.
The tour of Coca Cola World starts with an emotional short film. It tells the exciting story of the world-famous drink, which was invented in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton. Originally, Coca Cola was supposed to be a syrup that relieved headaches. It was only by chance that Coca Cola became the soft drink we know today. Everything else is history.
Afterwards, you can go on your own tour of the huge, two-storey museum building. Discover the vault, which once again gives you a deep insight into the development of Coca Cola and at the same time perpetuates the myth of the well-protected formula - an ingenious marketing stunt. In the museum, more than 1,000 exhibits from the world of Coca Cola await you. And in the "Pop Culture Gallery", jewellery and memorabilia made from used Coca Cola cans and bottles are on display.
At the end of the tour, you can sample over 100 different Coca Cola flavours from over 100 countries at the "Taste It!" exhibition. Well then: cheers!
A visit to the World of Coca Cola is especially suitable on rainy days.
03 - Centennial Olympic Park
The green lung in the centre of Atlanta: Centennial Olympic Park
Right next to the World of Coca Cola and the Georgia Aquarium is Centennial Olympic Park in the heart of Atlanta. This park was built for the 1996 Summer Olympics and partly financed by the sale of 800,000 engraved paving stones to private individuals, which were then used extensively as pavement material. Among the highlights of the park is the Fountain of Rings, an interactive fountain in the shape of the five Olympic rings that uses computer-controlled lights and 251 water jets to shoot water up to 10m in the air to the rhythm of music. In addition to numerous sculptures, there is also a small amphitheatre where concerts are regularly held in the summer.
When it comes to Atlanta accommodation near Olympic Park, the Wylie Hotel Atlanta on wylie-hotel.hotelsatlantageorgia.net is a top choice for travelers seeking a stylish and convenient stay. Located in the heart of the city, just a stone's throw away from Olympic Park, this boutique hotel offers a blend of modern luxury and historic charm. The Wylie Hotel features elegantly designed rooms with upscale amenities, providing guests with a comfortable and memorable experience.
04 - CNN Center
Visit to the largest news channel in the USA: CNN Center
North of Centennial Olympic Park is the world headquarters of the American news channel Cable News Network (CNN). Since its founding in 1980, CNN was the first television station to provide 24-hour daily coverage. Today, its mostly political programmes reach more than 100 million US households. During our visit, the CNN Centre was unfortunately closed due to strict Corona restrictions. We would have loved to visit the various exhibitions on the history of the channel. Or taken part in a guided tour through the recording studios and editorial offices. Only a view of the world's longest free-standing escalator to the 8th floor was possible.
05 - Ponce City Market
Sightseeing in Atlanta makes you hungry? Eat deliciously at Ponce City Market
Northeast of downtown, Atlanta's largest brick building is packed to the rafters with great restaurants, bars and all sorts of creative shops. But Ponce City Market hasn't just earned a culinary reputation in Atlanta. On the roof is Skyline Park with an impressive view over the city. Ponce City Market is located directly on the BeltLine (see next section). Conveniently, there is a bike and e-scooter rental station to explore the BeltLine and burn off some calories!
If you are looking for accomodation in downtown, Comfort Inn Atlanta Downtown South is a fantastic option for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and affordability. Situated in the heart of the city, this hotel provides easy access to popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Comfort Inn offers spacious and well-appointed rooms, ensuring a relaxing stay for guests. Each room comes equipped with modern amenities, including comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also provides a complimentary hot breakfast, allowing guests to start their day off right. With its central location, guests can explore the vibrant downtown area, including shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Whether you're visiting Atlanta for business or leisure, Comfort Inn Atlanta Downtown South offers a convenient and comfortable stay in the heart of the city.
06 - BeltLine
Discover the most modern side of Atlanta on a walk: BeltLine Eastside
The Atlanta BeltLine, a newly built bike and pedestrian path along an old railway line, stretches like a belt around the city of Atlanta. The BeltLine connects more than 35 kilometres of parks, green spaces and paths. The four-kilometre-long Eastside Trail is particularly beautiful. It connects the Ponce City Market and the Krog Street Market and is therefore particularly popular with locals. You can also explore the Eastside Trail on foot and take in the very modern side of Atlanta. If in doubt, you can always find an e-scooter at the side of the trail if you can't or don't want to walk any further.
07 - Architecture of the Marriot Marquise
Tip for a spectacular photo motif in the middle of Atlanta: the Marriot Marquise Hotel.
As usual, we set up our base in Atlanta in a cosy Airbnb on the outskirts of the city. Rather by chance, we learn about the Marriot Marquise Hotel (265 Peachtree Center Ave NE), whose interior is a small architectural masterpiece. Spread over 30 or 40 floors, the organically laid out floors are almost reminiscent of a spaceship from the science fiction film "Alien". You can easily enter the hotel, which is completely inconspicuous from the outside, and dare to take a look inside. We take the liberty of simply taking the lift as far up as we can in order to take a spectacular photo.
08 - Atlanta skyline
Tip for the best photo motif of the Atlanta skyline: Jackson Street Bridge
To round off any Atlanta trip, it's worth taking a look at the city skyline. The best place to do this is from the Jackson Street Bridge! When the lights of the skyscrapers come on in the evening, the skyline looks particularly spectacular. Moreover, this motif is known from the TV series "The Walking Dead", when the main character Rick Grimes rides into the apocalyptic city. And click!
