This article is all about the 5 best areas to stay in Atlanta.
If you are visiting Atlanta Georgia and want to enjoy your visit, this guide is perfect for you.
The 5 neighborhoods you should consider for your stay are:
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Old Fourth Ward
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Inman Park
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Midtown
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Buckhead
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Grant Park
Keep reading to uncover the hidden charm of each neighborhood. Let’s dive in.
Best Areas to Stay in Atlanta: Old Fourth Ward
Old Fourth Ward is a historic region of Atlanta, directly east of Highway 85.
O4W’s central location and walkability beside the Beltline Eastline Trail make it a great choice for your visit to the city.
You’re within walking or biking distance from Piedmont Park, Inman Park, and Ponce City Market.
Cultural attractions in or adjacent to O4W include Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, and Historic Fourth Ward Park.
You can reach Atlanta’s top attractions like Centennial Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium in under 10 minutes (depending on traffic). Plus, Downtown Atlanta is an easy drive under 15 minutes.
You’ll want to visit the restaurants and coffee shops around Historic Fourth Ward Park. This is one of the best places to be in walking distance from food and entertainment outside of Buckhead and Midtown. Here are 9 must-visit places in O4W.
O4W offers a solid selection of 3 and 4 star hotels. You can stay at the historic Hotel Clairmont Atlanta, Forth Hotel with a rooftop pool, the Darwin Hotel, or Wylie Hotel Atlanta. You can also find Airbnbs in residential streets. O4W’s tree-lined streets are a beautiful place to relax during your visit.
Best Areas to Stay in Atlanta: Inman Park
If you love green spaces and still want to be close to restaurants and the Beltline, Inman Park is one of the best neighborhoods you can pick.
The neighborhood is centered around a small shopping and restaurant row on North Highland Avenue NE. You can easily step onto the Beltline Eastside Trail along North Highland Avenue Street Art Bridge.
The dining in Inman Park is terrific. Beetlecat, Delbar, and Bread and Butterfly are a few favorites. You’ll also find quaint coffee shops, bars, and ice cream shops nestled into the streets next to boutiques and salons.
Cultural attractions in or adjacent to Inman Park include Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Fox Theatre, and Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Inman Park is 5 minutes from Old Fourth Ward, which you can also walk to along the Beltline. You can reach Atlanta’s top attractions like Centennial Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium in under 12 minutes (depending on traffic). Downtown Atlanta is an easy drive under 10 minutes.
Inman Park doesn’t have hotels per se, but you can choose from highly rated Sugar Magnolia Bed & Breakfast or beautiful Airbnbs in restored homes.
These options give you the perfect place to relax and unwind in Inman Park’s tree-lined streets.
Best Areas to Stay in Atlanta: Midtown
Midtown Atlanta is ideal for staying close to the business and nightlife of Atlanta.
Midtown also offers easy access to top attractions like the High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Cultural attractions in or adjacent to Midtown are The Breman Museum, Alliance Theatre, Margaret Mitchell House, Woodruff Arts Center, and Piedmont Park.
You can reach Atlanta’s top attractions like Centennial Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium in under 10 minutes (depending on traffic). Plus, Downtown Atlanta is around a 10-minute drive.
Midtown is the place for 4 and 5-star hotels. You can choose from renowned hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta and Epicurean Atlanta.
You also have the flexibility of choosing from hotels like the Hyatt and Residence Inn. Stonehurst Place Bed and Breakfast is another fun option outside the normal hotel choices. Or, select an Airbnb in one of Midtown’s many high rises.
Best Areas to Stay in Atlanta: Buckhead
Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s most glamorous regions for luxury shopping and busy nightlife. It acts as a sort of second city center for Atlanta. A lot of companies are headquartered here or Midtown.
Buckhead’s many historic homes, high rises, and renowned restaurants make it attractive. While you can really enjoy your time exploring, the downside is how far it is from the rest of Atlanta.
However, if you don’t mind a bit of traffic, Buckhead can be a fun choice to stay. The district’s downtown area is full of shopping malls like Lenox Square and dining like 5Church Buckhead.
Plus, the area’s popular nightlife draws people from across the city so you’ll get a great vibe from people coming together on the weekends.
Cultural attractions adjacent to Buckhead include the Atlanta History Center, Alliance Theater, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Fox Theater.
You can reach Atlanta’s top attractions like Centennial Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium in under 20 minutes (its safe to assume there will be traffic). Downtown Atlanta is about a 20-minute drive south.
Buckhead is the place for accommodations close to the busy nightlife and shopping districts of the city. The St. Regis Atlanta is on the south end of the district while Waldorf Astoria Atlanta, Marriott, Westin, and InterContinental Buckhead are beside Lenox Square.
Best Areas to Stay in Atlanta: Grant Park
If you want to stay a little bit south of Atlanta then Grant Park is a perfect choice. The neighborhood is filled with historic homes centered around Atlanta’s oldest park. The Atlanta Zoo is here, and there are plenty of little shops and eateries surrounding the green spaces.
The neighborhood feels quite peaceful, a contrast from the rush of Midtown and Buckhead.
Cultural attractions adjacent to Grant Park include Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta, Oakland Cemetery, The King Center, and Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Park.
Grant Park might seem further south, but it has a surprisingly convenient location. You can reach Atlanta’s top attractions like Centennial Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium in under 10 minutes (depending on traffic). Plus, Downtown Atlanta is an easy drive under 10 minutes.
You won’t find hotels in Grant Park. But, there are many fantastic Airbnbs to choose from. You might try the Grant Park Farmhouse or Guest Favorite La Casa just a street away from the historic park.
Transportation During Your Stay in Atlanta Georgia
Public transportation in Atlanta is available on the MARTA. I have personally never taken the MARTA, so I can’t offer recommendations.
A popular option is ride shares like Uber and Lyft. These can range in price but they are quick, even on weekends.
The Beltline is an excellent way to travel on foot, bike, or rented scooter.
Individual neighborhoods tend to be separated from one another by a fair driving distance, so many visitors rent a vehicle.
You’ve likely heard of Atlanta’s infamous traffic, and the stories are all true. The nice part about staying close to the Beltline is access to nearby neighborhoods without needing to drive.
Final Thoughts
Atlanta’s distinct neighborhoods each hold unique personality. Regardless of what area you stay in, you’re within easy reach of the city’s major historic landmarks and popular attractions.
Explore this 4-day Atlanta itinerary if you want a local’s help planning your trip to the city.
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