Atlanta holidays

Looking for the best time to visit Atlanta? We’ve got you. While this Southern gem shines year-round, April is an absolute standout. Think warm spring sunshine, blooming dogwoods, and perfect picnic weather in Piedmont Park—it’s the kind of month that makes you fall in love with the city.

With average highs around 23°C and minimal rainfall, April strikes that perfect balance between comfortable and sunny. Plus, the city buzzes with festivals, outdoor concerts, and patio brunches galore. You’ll skip the summer heat and still get all the charm Atlanta is famous for.

If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta and want to stay where the vibes are good and the streets feel safe, you're in luck—this city has some fantastic neighbourhoods that tick all the right boxes for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike.

Midtown Atlanta is a top pick for tourists. It’s clean, well-lit, super walkable, and packed with things to do. You’ve got iconic attractions like the High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden all within easy reach. Plus, there’s no shortage of buzzing restaurants, cool cafes, and nightlife that keeps things lively without going overboard.

Another great shout? Buckhead. Think upscale shopping, stylish hotels, and that polished, laid-back luxury feel. It's a little quieter than downtown but still close enough to all the action if you want to dip in and out.

Virginia-Highland is also a winner—perfect if you’re after charming streets, indie boutiques, and a relaxed, local vibe. It’s safe, friendly, and full of Southern character.

Top tip: Like any big city, it's always smart to stay aware of your surroundings—especially at night—and use rideshares or MARTA (Atlanta’s public transport) to get around comfortably and confidently.

If you’re heading to Atlanta and not planning to tuck into some proper Southern comfort food… we need to talk. This city is the heart and soul of the South, and its food scene? Absolutely legendary. Whether you're craving golden fried chicken, buttery biscuits, or melt-in-your-mouth mac and cheese, Atlanta delivers the flavour with a side of Southern hospitality.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room is an Atlanta institution, serving up classic Southern dishes since the 1940s. From fried green tomatoes to peach cobbler, it’s the real deal and perfect for first-timers wanting the full Southern experience.

Busy Bee Café is another soul food superstar. It’s a small, no-frills spot, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in flavour. Think smothered pork chops, candied yams, and cornbread so good you’ll want to take some home.

South City Kitchen in Midtown puts a modern spin on Southern classics. Their shrimp and grits and fried chicken are must-tries, and the stylish vibe makes it ideal for brunch, date night, or anything in between.

The Colonnade is where you’ll find old-school charm and generous portions—expect hearty plates, vintage vibes, and plenty of locals who’ve been coming for decades.

Top tip: Don’t leave without trying Atlanta’s famous sweet tea—it’s basically the South in a glass.

Culture vultures, you’re in for a treat—Atlanta’s museum scene is as bold and brilliant as the city itself. Whether you’re into history, art, science, or a little bit of everything, there’s a museum here with your name on it. So grab your curiosity (and maybe a camera), and get ready to dive in.

High Museum of Art
This is Atlanta’s crown jewel for art lovers. With a stunning white modernist building and a world-class collection that spans everything from European classics to cutting-edge contemporary, the High is a must-see. Plus, they always have cool rotating exhibits, so there’s something new every time you visit.

Atlanta History Centre
Want to get to the heart of Atlanta’s past? This place has it all—historic homes, lush gardens, and immersive exhibits. You can even tour the Swan House, a gorgeous mansion you might recognise from The Hunger Games. It’s Southern history with serious style.

National Centre for Civil and Human Rights
Powerful, moving, and unforgettable. This museum takes you through the American civil rights movement and connects it to human rights struggles around the world. It’s educational, emotional, and essential.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Dinosaurs? Check. Giant screen theatre? Check. Outdoor nature trails? Double check. Fernbank is perfect for families or anyone who wants a bit of science with their sightseeing. And yes, the life-size dinosaur fossils are as cool as they sound.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Travelling with little ones? This museum is full of hands-on fun and learning. It’s all about interactive play, so they can explore, build, create, and (bonus!) burn off some energy while you relax.

College Football Hall of Fame
If you’ve got a sports fan in the group, this one’s a touchdown. Even if you're not football-obsessed, the high-energy exhibits and interactive experiences make it a surprisingly fun stop.

Top tip: Many of Atlanta’s top museums are within easy reach of each other, so you can mix and match to create your perfect day of culture and discovery.

Got four days in Atlanta? Perfect. That’s just enough time to soak up the city’s Southern charm, dive into its culture, and taste your way through its legendary food scene. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here’s how to spend an unforgettable long weekend in the ATL—Virgin Atlantic Holidays style, of course.

Day 1: Welcome to the Heart of the South
Start your trip with a big ol’ slice of Atlanta history. Wander along the Atlanta BeltLine, grab coffee at a cute café in Ponce City Market, then head over to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park to walk in the footsteps of a legend. Wrap up the day with dinner at Busy Bee Café for some next-level soul food and a sweet tea you’ll still be dreaming about tomorrow.

Day 2: Culture and Colour
Time to dive into Atlanta’s museum scene. Kick things off at the High Museum of Art (it’s got the wow factor inside and out), then head to the Atlanta History Center for sweeping stories and gorgeous gardens. In the evening, catch a live show at Fox Theatre—a beautiful blast from the past that’s all about glamour and good times.

Day 3: Family Fun or Inner Child Day
Whether you’ve got kids in tow or you’re just young at heart, today’s all about play. Hit up the Georgia Aquarium (one of the world’s biggest), followed by the World of Coca-Cola for a fizzy trip through pop culture. Hungry? Stroll over to Krog Street Market for bites from some of the city’s coolest food stalls. End the day with a spin on the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel—sunset views guaranteed.

Day 4: Brunch, Boutiques & Chill
Ease into your final day with brunch in Virginia-Highland—a charming neighbourhood full of boutiques, tree-lined streets and laid-back local flavour. Do a little shopping, sip a final iced latte, and soak up those last rays of Southern sunshine before you head off. If time allows, pop into Piedmont Park or the Atlanta Botanical Garden for a final dose of nature-meets-city magic.

Top tip: Atlanta’s public transport (MARTA) is great for getting between the major sights, and rideshares are easy to come by. Stay in Midtown or Downtown for a central base that keeps you close to all the action.