Here’s how to spend 3 days in Atlanta, one of the coolest cities in the southern USA – set to be in the spotlight as a host city for the FIFA World Cup.

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3 Days in Atlanta Itinerary: Visiting Atlanta Before the FIFA World Cup

First time in Atlanta

I’ve just returned from Atlanta with a glimpse of what the city is preparing for this summer as it gets ready to host the FIFA World Cup. Some of you may have already caught a sneak peek on my Instagram Stories while I was exploring the city during a jam-packed 3-day itinerary.

Atlanta truly exceeded my expectations, so I wanted to create a detailed guide packed with recommendations from locals and Discover Atlanta. Whether you’re visiting for the World Cup and want to explore the city at the same time, or coming solely to experience its rich history and landmarks, this guide will help you make the most of your time and ensure you don’t miss the city’s best spots.

Where to Stay in Atlanta

During my 3 days in Atlanta, I stayed at The Candler Hotel, one of the city’s most historic properties. It once belonged to the Coca-Cola family – just in case you didn’t know, the global brand actually originated in Atlanta. The building even still features an original bank vault in its basement, where the early Coca-Cola formula was stored in the early 1900s. I absolutely loved the hotel’s design, which blends classic Art Deco glamour with modern touches.

Its location is also ideal, within easy reach of major landmarks like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola. If you’re visiting during the FIFA World Cup, it’s definitely a great place to stay.

In addition, the hotel is home to By George restaurant, one of the best breakfast spots in the city. The menu includes a mix of classic European and American favorites – think avocado toast, croissants, bagels with cream cheese and salmon, as well as pancakes and crêpes. They also serve Southern American specialties like shrimp & grits or chicken & Belgian waffles. I loved the breakfast so much, and the coffee was delicious too.

While I loved my stay at The Candler Hotel, you can explore the latest deals on places to stay in Atlanta using the map below.

The Ultimate 3 Days in Atlanta Itinerary

Atlanta Itinerary: Day 1

Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park is the perfect starting point for exploring Atlanta, with several major landmarks just steps away, including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, and the legacy is still very much alive at Centennial Olympic Park, a 21-acre green space in downtown Atlanta. The park is beautifully landscaped, with fountains, walking paths, and public art installations. It’s a great place to relax, take photos, and enjoy the city’s energy.

Around Centennial Olympic Park and throughout downtown Atlanta, I frequently spotted Waymo self-driving vehicles navigating the streets – a real glimpse of the future! Experiencing this in Atlanta felt especially striking compared to Europe, where bureaucracy and strict taxi regulations (Uber isn’t even allowed in many Spanish cities) would likely delay such technology for years. I also saw robot dogs and self-driving food delivery robots roaming the city – witnessing them firsthand made the future feel surprisingly close.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The first museum I visited in Atlanta – the National Center for Civil and Human Rights – ended up being one of the cultural highlights of all my trips to the United States. It was one of the most powerful museum experiences I’ve ever had worldwide, deeply moving and breaking me in the most necessary way. The exhibits take you through Atlanta’s challenging history after the Civil War and immerse you in the struggles of locals fighting for basic human rights and the abolition of inhumane laws like segregation.

The museum features numerous interactive and immersive exhibits that let you hear and feel stories from the past. One panel allows you to take a test to explore how your talents could contribute to the global human rights movement. Another room displays personal belongings of Martin Luther King Jr., arguably Atlanta’s most influential international figure (photography and filming aren’t allowed inside that room, which preserves the solemnity of the experience).

There’s also a newer space for children, designed to teach important human rights topics through play – a concept I found stunning. Although it wasn’t open during my visit, I’m excited to return with my kids to introduce them to these crucial lessons.

This isn’t an entertaining museum – it’s profoundly thought-provoking. Yet, it was undoubtedly the most meaningful moment of my 3 days in Atlanta, and I cannot recommend visiting it enough.

Lunch at Bread and Butterfly

Bread and Butterfly is one of Atlanta’s coolest local-favorite restaurants. I loved their hibiscus limeade and the American-style burger, which was easily one of the best burgers I’ve ever had in the U.S. – probably because they source fresh ingredients from local farmers, making every bite incredibly flavorful.

Atlanta BeltLine

Right after lunch, I enjoyed a relaxing stroll along the Atlanta BeltLine, a favorite spot among locals. The BeltLine is essentially a 22-mile (about 35 km) loop connecting different neighborhoods across the city. Along the way, you’ll find parks, hiking trails, restaurants, and even street art and sculptures.

I loved that local authorities intentionally create spaces where artists can freely express themselves – a level of support for creativity that’s unfortunately rare in most European cities. Even in Spain, only a few small towns have embraced graffiti to attract tourism as they try to revive communities on the list of Spain’s “dying villages,” and artists rarely get enough support or dedicated creative spaces. Seeing Atlanta’s approach was truly inspiring.

While walking, we also stopped at the popular ice cream shop Big Softie, which was the perfect sweet treat on a warm, sunny day.

Ponce City Market

Right along the Atlanta BeltLine is another local favorite: Ponce City Market. This vibrant spot features shops, a food hall, and an incredible rooftop where you can enjoy dinner in a fun, lively atmosphere – they even have games and a slide! I especially loved the industrial red-brick design, which gives the place a unique, stylish vibe. It’s definitely one of the coolest spots to hang out in Atlanta.

Among the many stores, I made sure to stop by the local bookstore, Posman Books, which is perfect for picking up Atlanta-themed souvenirs – from coffee table books with stunning city views to local bestsellers.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium & FIFA World Cup Matches

If you’ve ever attended a football game in Europe, you can’t miss a match at one of the world’s most impressive stadiums in Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Its petal-shaped roof closes like a camera, and inside, a massive 360-degree circular video screen surrounds the field. The stadium hosts both American football and European-style soccer, and it will be a major hub for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

But beyond sports, visiting the stadium is an experience in itself. During my 3 days in Atlanta, we were lucky to catch a friendly match between the USA and Portugal, complete with a huge party set up in Centennial Olympic Park. I loved seeing how Americans celebrate football – it’s as much about community and fun as it is about competition, a stark contrast to the intense rivalry-driven atmosphere I’ve experienced in Spain and across Europe.

Take it from someone who’s been to Camp Nou in Barcelona a few times, including once for “El Clásico” – the famous clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid – where the fans were in a “win or die” mood. At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it felt more like a city-wide celebration of sport, which was an incredibly refreshing experience.

Thanks to Discover Atlanta, I got to watch the game from one of the suites, which was incredible. The suite had screens everywhere – even in the bathroom and around the snack area – so you could follow the action no matter where you were.

Atlanta Itinerary: Day 2

An Epic Sightseeing Tour in Atlanta

One of my favorite parts of my city break in Atlanta was definitely a sightseeing tour with ATL Cruzers. We explored different neighborhoods on a historic bus while learning about Atlanta’s social, political, and economic history from locals, along with insider tips on food, restaurants, and music. While I usually enjoy exploring cities at my own pace, this particular tour was interesting, fun, and incredibly informative. I would happily do it again just to ask our knowledgeable guide, Steve, more questions about Martin Luther King Jr.

During the tour, we made several stops, including spots with stunning Atlanta views (some of which appear in The Walking Dead), as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Park and his birth home. Visiting these sites was one of the most meaningful experiences I had in Atlanta.

I’m incredibly grateful to ATL Cruzers for sharing this part of the city’s history and cultural heritage from a local perspective. Unfortunately, in Europe, we rarely study this in depth – most people’s knowledge of Martin Luther King Jr. tends to be limited to the “I Have a Dream” speech, which is really just the tip of the iceberg of his impact on Atlanta’s history and the global human rights movement.

On the way, we also passed by Margaret Mitchell’s house. In case you haven’t heard of her – though I doubt it – she wrote Gone with the Wind, which was turned into a classic Hollywood film starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. That will definitely be one of the first places I visit on my next trip to Atlanta, as reading the book as a teenager left a huge impression on me.

Lunch at Elise

After the tour, I enjoyed lunch at one of Atlanta’s newest and trendiest restaurants, Elise. Of all the amazing food spots in the city, this one stands out for its artsy vibe, and the food was absolutely stunning. My two favorites were the artichokes with mint aioli and Parmesan, and the lemon meringue tart – hands down the best dessert I had in Atlanta. Unlike the many versions I’ve tried across Europe, this one was warm inside – a pure delight for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

As a plant lover, I couldn’t miss a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, considered one of the best in the United States and home to one of the most distinctive orchid collections at the Fuqua Orchid Center. It was a serene and stunning escape right in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle. I especially enjoyed the Kendeda Canopy Walk – a 600-foot (about 183-meter) suspension walkway that winds through one of Atlanta’s largest urban forests. I honestly didn’t expect the city to be so green!

Alternatively, you could also visit the High Museum of Art, another popular Atlanta landmark nearby. But personally, I don’t regret spending my time at the garden for a single moment – it was truly unforgettable.

Lenox Square Shopping Center / Buckhead Neighborhood

Lenox Square Shopping Center is Atlanta’s premier shopping destination, renowned for its versatility and style since 1959. Located in the city’s upscale district, it’s considered one of the coolest shopping spots in the southeastern U.S. Today, Lenox Square offers everything from popular retail favorites like Zara, Skims, Alo Yoga, and Adidas to timeless luxury brands such as Rolex, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton.

Dinner at Yebo Beach House

After shopping, we headed to one of Atlanta’s trendiest restaurants, Yebo Beach House – an instant favorite of mine for its design. It’s no surprise the interiors feel so soulful, as the owner’s wife personally curated them. Beyond the stunning décor, the food was exceptional, blending South African flavors with contemporary American cuisine. The owner, originally from South Africa, moved to the U.S. and opened one of the country’s first South African restaurants.

My top dishes were the Bobotie Crepes – a delightful mix of sweet and savory ground beef curry with apples and raisins – and the dessert, reminiscent of Spain’s crema catalana but topped with fresh fruits. Yebo Beach House also boasts an impressive cocktail menu; I sampled one of their signature cocktails, the Frozen Espresso Martini, and it was absolutely delicious.

Atlanta Itinerary: Day 3

Exploring State Farm Arena on a Guided Tour

If you want to combine a trip to Atlanta with a basketball game or world-class music performances, don’t miss State Farm Arena – one of the coolest venues in the U.S. For the upcoming FIFA World Cup, they’ll host concerts by global superstars like Lionel Richie, Shakira, and Ariana Grande.

Currently, public tours aren’t offered, but our tour was a special courtesy provided by Discover Atlanta and the arena’s marketing team. It gave us an exclusive sneak peek of private areas, bars, lounges, and backstage spaces. It was incredible to see behind the scenes, and I was genuinely impressed by the venue. I’ll definitely be catching a concert here the next time I’m in Atlanta.

Downtown Atlanta Helicopter Tour

One of the most unique and visually stunning experiences in Atlanta is a helicopter tour over downtown with Prestige Helicopters. While it wasn’t my first helicopter ride (I’ve enjoyed one in Hawaii), it was my first time soaring above skyscrapers – a truly unforgettable perspective.

Our pilot brought over 30 years of experience to the flight, making the ride feel completely safe. He even joked that as a kid, he used to stare out the classroom window for hours, and teachers would scold him, saying he wouldn’t get anywhere in life with this habit – yet here he is, enjoying the best aerial views of Atlanta every day for three decades.

For World Cup visitors, Prestige Helicopters also offers private transfers. Their landing spot is just a 15-minute walk from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and they can fly you from nearly anywhere in the city. You can book a helicopter ride with them here.

Lunch at Tyde Tate Kitchen

If you love a laid-back atmosphere and homestyle Thai cuisine, Tyde Tate Kitchen is one of the best spots in Atlanta, with several locations to choose from. I especially loved their salads and curry puffs – flavors I’ve never quite experienced before, yet so comforting and satisfying, the ultimate comfort food.

World of Coca-Cola or Atlanta’s Aquarium

In the afternoon, you could visit the World of Coca-Cola or Atlanta’s Aquarium, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to explore them, as we were busy packing up at the hotel.

The World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta’s Aquarium, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights are all located right next to each other, making them easy to visit in one trip. Each has fantastic reviews, making them must-stops on any Atlanta bucket list.

With such a jam-packed itinerary, I could only choose one on my first day, and I opted for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights – and I’m so glad I did. Having recently explored a massive aquarium in Gran Canaria, I was craving something with a historical and educational focus. That said, I now have the perfect excuse to return to Atlanta and explore the rest of the museums I missed.

Dinner at Little Sparrow

Little Sparrow is one of Atlanta’s most popular French-inspired restaurants. Everything on the menu was exceptional – I loved every dish. When it comes to entrees and classic French flavors, this might just be my favorite dining spot in the city.

Top 5 Facts Everyone Needs to Know About Atlanta

1. Birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.

Atlanta is the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., and you can visit his childhood home, the tomb at the The King Center, and other important legacy sites across the city.

The city is also home to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which was one of the most meaningful experiences during my time there. They currently have a room displaying Dr. King’s personal belongings – photography and filming aren’t allowed, so I can’t share details, but I highly recommend visiting.

2. Where Global Brands Call Home

Atlanta is the birthplace of The Coca-Cola Company and remains home to major global companies like Delta Air Lines (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world). CNN also used to have a major presence in the city – my sister loved visiting their building years ago – but the space is now being transformed into what’s set to become the largest bar in the USA. I can’t wait to return to Atlanta and see it for myself.

3. Mercedes-Benz Stadium & FIFA World Cup

Atlanta is home to one of the world’s most impressive stadiums, Mercedes-Benz Stadium – a unique venue known for its striking design and electric atmosphere. It’s widely considered one of the best stadiums in the USA, and from the photos and videos in this post, you can see exactly why. This summer, it’s set to become one of the world’s trendiest destinations as Atlanta prepares to host matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

4. Hollywood of the South

Atlanta is often unofficially called the “Hollywood of the South,” with many major movies and TV series filmed here, including Black Panther, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: Homecoming. Popular shows like Stranger Things and The Walking Dead were also filmed in and around the city, while Ozark and The Vampire Diaries were shot across the state of Georgia.

During my trip, locals would point out different filming locations to me, and I was genuinely surprised to see them in real life – before visiting, I had no idea so many of these productions were actually filmed in Atlanta.

5. Atlanta’s Music Legacy

Atlanta is often called the “capital of hip-hop” thanks to its huge cultural impact worldwide, with major music icons originating from the city, including Outkast, Usher, Ludacris, T.I., Future, and many more. It is also one of the most important cities in the USA when it comes to the music industry, having given the world some of the biggest names in the business.

• Huge thanks to Discover Atlanta for hosting this press event for International bloggers and content creators, allowing us to gather and share local tips so that anyone visiting Atlanta for the FIFA World Cup this summer can explore the city like a pro. Atlanta is ready to welcome the world!

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