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Soak up the sound and culture of Atlanta with these five must-do activities.
The most exciting thing about visiting Atlanta is the promise of authentic live music and unmatchable southern food. While these are two great reasons to visit the city, there’s so much more to see on your trip. Here are five experiences to spark your imagination the next time you plan to visit Atlanta.
See a Live Show
Atlanta has plenty of live shows happening around the city on any given night. Whether you’re looking for a club with a great DJ or a live jazz or blues band, you’ll be able to find it in Atlanta. The city offers a great deal of late night clubs that become lively at night, with DJs spinning music anywhere from soul to hip hop and R&B. Havana Club and Opera Nightclub are two you shouldn’t miss. Many restaurants in Atlanta also offer free live music with your dinner: Old Vinings Inn will give you a taste of the city’s history, and Venkman’s is sure to give you a show any night of the week.
Check Out a Record Store
If you’re a music fan and want to take home a piece of your trip to Atlanta with you, go shopping at one of the city’s many record stores. Criminal Records is one record store you can’t miss when shopping in Atlanta. You might just be able to find a rare gem here! Fantasyland Records is another Atlanta staple, and Wax N Facts also deserve a spot on your list. If you have a few hours to kill in the city, record shopping is a great way to pass the time and pick up a musical souvenir.
Criminal Records, located in the local shopping mecca of Little Five Points
Experience the Nightlife
The nightlife of Atlanta isn’t only about live music: The city comes alive in many ways at night. SkyLounge is a beautiful outdoor bar atop the Glenn Hotel that offers a sprawling view of the city. Looking to have a little more fun? Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium is a church-themed bar with karaoke featuring a church organ and weekly competitive ping-pong sessions.
Tour the Local Street Art
Filled with the bright culture of the South, Atlanta is home to some great street artists in addition to musicians. While many murals are scattered around the city, you can find the majority of them in East Atlanta Village and in Sweet Auburn, near downtown. Street art is a great way to connect with the local artistic culture of the city. If you have a few hours during the day, conduct your own Atlanta street art tour.
Posing in front of one of Atlanta's many murals
Take a Trip to the Aquarium
Traveling with a child, or just want to take a break from the lively nightlife scene? Spend a day at Atlanta’s beautiful aquarium. One of the most impressive in the country, the Georgia Aquarium holds more than a hundred thousand animals, including a whale shark! The Georgia Aquarium is the only place outside of Asia to have one. This is a great place to go if you’re traveling with children or if you want to marvel at some truly amazing animals.
