Nicknamed the “Big Peach,” Atlanta is Georgia’s capital and its most populated urban center, with over 5 million people in its metro area. Located in the north-central portion of the state, this city is famous as one of the Civil Rights Movement’s cradles and one of the most diverse and culturally appealing places in the American South. If you’re traveling to the Georgian capital and looking for the best areas to stay in Atlanta, you have come to the right place!
Atlanta’s history dates back to 1836 with the building of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. As the settlement, originally known as Terminus, grew, it became the rail epicenter for the entire Southern United States. After the Civil War, rapid industrialization and an influx of former slaves and workers made the city one of the most prosperous in the US, with a thriving Black middle and upper class. Well-known companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines were launched here.
Today, Atlanta is known for being home to the world’s busiest airport, as well as for its many historic and civil rights-related institutions like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Atlanta History Center, as well as many tourist attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. Because it is a popular business travel destination, Atlanta offers a large selection of luxury and boutique hotels and a fair share of budget properties.
Whether you’re visiting Atlanta for sightseeing, as a business traveler, or during a short layover, keep reading for more information about the best areas to stay in Atlanta, GA.
If you’re in a hurry, here is a very quick summary of our recommended areas to stay in Atlanta. Keep reading this article to find out more info about each district.
- Best area for sightseeing: Downtown Atlanta
- Best area for nightlife: Midtown Atlanta
- Best area for business travelers: Cobb-Galleria
- Safest area to stay in Atlanta: Buckhead & North Atlanta
- Best area to stay in Atlanta without a car: Downtown Atlanta
- Best area for LGBTQ+ travelers: Midtown Atlanta
- Best area for a layover: College Park & ATL Hartsfield
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Atlanta, GA?
The best area to stay in Atlanta is Buckhead & North Atlanta if you’re looking for a safe district with excellent shopping, nightlife and restaurants, and great hotels. Located 7 miles north of Downtown Atlanta, this upscale residential and commercial district is home to some of the most luxurious accommodations, best shopping, and finest restaurants in the Southeastern United States. As a result, it’s also where the best-rated hotels in the city are located.
Find Available Accommodation in Buckhead & North Atlanta.
Best Hotels in Buckhead, Atlanta
- Best 5-star hotel: Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
- Best 4-star hotel: Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
- Best 3-star hotel: Element Atlanta Buckhead
- Best budget hotel: Staybridge Suites Atlanta-Buckhead, an IHG Hotel
Where to Stay in Atlanta for Sightseeing
The Georgian capital is an interesting city from a tourist’s perspective. While most of the attractions in Atlanta are found in its central neighborhoods like Downtown and Midtown, most of its best-rated hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers are located in the city’s northern districts. These are some of the most interesting areas for visitors to Atlanta:
- Home to a mix of historic attractions, museums, and shiny skyscrapers, the Downtown district is the most obvious answer to the question of where to stay in Atlanta for sightseeing. This bustling area is home to great hotels, including The Candler Hotel Atlanta and Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown.
- Directly north of the city center, Midtown Atlanta is a vibrant place full of art, LGBTQ+ nightlife, and sprawling green parks. The main attractions here include the High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, and the Atlantic Station shopping center. Some great properties in the area include the Kimpton Shane Atlanta and Canopy By Hilton Atlanta Midtown.
- A few miles north, Buckhead is known for its wealth of luxury accommodations, upscale shopping, and Michelin-star restaurants. Our recommended hotel in this area is the 4-star Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead.
- Also in North Atlanta, the Columbus-Galleria area is famous for hosting a cluster of upscale malls, an important convention venue, a performance center, and several hotels, including the Sheraton Suites Galleria Atlanta and Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta.
The Best Areas for Tourists in Atlanta, Georgia: District by District
Because of the city’s sheer size, we have split Atlanta into two different maps.
Central Atlanta – Click here to see all Atlanta hotels on a map
1. Buckhead & North Atlanta: Best Location for Luxury & Safest Area to Stay
Located in the city’s north, Buckhead is an upscale and safe district and the best area to stay in Atlanta for visitors looking for fine dining, luxury shopping and the best hotels in the Georgia capital.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Atlanta, GA:
- Safest area to stay in Atlanta
- Upscale shopping and restaurants
- Great selection of famous luxury Hotels
- Lenox Square shopping center
- Buckhead Village historic district
- Connected by MARTA and bus
- Great area to stay for a business trip
Originally inhabited by Cherokee and other Native American peoples, the territory of what is now Buckhead started off as a small village called Irbyville on the northern outskirts of Atlanta.
According to local legend, the original settlement, located around the intersection of Peachtree Road and Paces Ferry, consisted of a few houses and a tavern. The tavern’s signpost was adorned by the head of a buck, and soon the whole area was known as Buck’s Head.
The settlement grew slowly at first, but by the early 20th century, a number of wealthy Atlanta businessmen had begun purchasing land in the area to build new commercial developments on its thoroughfares and luxury residential estates among the area’s rolling hills. Buckhead was incorporated into Atlanta in 1952 and quickly became one of the most affluent and desirable places to live in the Southern United States. Peachtree Road became a major commercial, financial, and high-rise residential corridor.
Today, Buckhead is the second most important business district in Georgia after Downtown Atlanta. It covers one-fifth of the city’s total area and is home to several important tourist attractions.
While the area is mainly known for its impressive collection of skyscrapers and shopping centers like Lennox Square Mall, its historical core, especially around Paces Ferry and the Buckhead Village District, contains some of the oldest buildings in the district, including the Buckhead Theatre, Thornton House, Villa Lamar, and the Atlanta History Center.
Buckhead is also one of the best areas to stay in Atlanta if you’re traveling with kids; the district is home to world-class, family-friendly attractions, including Candytopia and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta, and several parks, along with natural areas like the Northside Beltline, Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Chastain Memorial Park, Tanyard Creek Park, and East Palisades Indian Trail.
As if all this weren’t enough, Buckhead also offers an impressive selection of upscale hotels ranging from the most famous brands to small luxury properties and boutique accommodations.
Atlanta’s MARTA light rail transportation system covers the south and eastern sections of the district thanks to its Red and Gold line stations, including Lindbergh Center, Lenox, Buckhead, and Medical Center.
All things considered, Buckhead should be at the top of your list of the best areas to find accommodation in Atlanta.
Best Hotels in Buckhead, Atlanta
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
Set in Atlanta, Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a bar, and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
This North Atlanta Grand Hyatt is located in Buckhead District, less than a mile from Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Features include a seasonal outdoor pool, restaurant, and lounge.
Element Atlanta Buckhead
Set in Atlanta, Element Atlanta Buckhead provides accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel offers an indoor pool, fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk.
Staybridge Suites Atlanta-Buckhead, an IHG Hotel
Easily accessible from Interstate 75, the Staybridge Suites Atlanta-Buckhead provides guests with a spa and an indoor pool. The hotel is located close to attractions of Buckhead, Atlanta.
2. Downtown Atlanta: Best Location for Sightseeing
Packed with skyscrapers and attractions, Downtown is Atlanta’s busy central business district and one of the best areas for tourists looking to experience the city.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Atlanta, GA:
- Best area to stay in Atlanta for sightseeing
- Great district for visitors traveling without a car
- Wide selection of accommodation for all budgets
- Centennal Olympic Park
- World of Coca-Cola
- Georgia Aquarium
- Good public transport connections
- Best area for sports fans
Downtown Atlanta is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood located in the heart of the Georgia capital.
With a total area of just four square miles, Atlanta’s Central Business District is home to some of the most important tourist attractions in the city.
Located at its heart, the Olympic Centennial Park is a large green space home to the 1996 Summer Olympics. The park was created on a former industrial site and kickstarted a revitalization of the city’s central core that continues to this day.
Some of the must-see attractions in and around the park include the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, as well as the Olympic Rings and several fountains and gardens.
On the park’s southern end is the impressive CNN Center, which houses the headquarters of the world-famous American news organization and offers guided tours of the building and its facilities. The nearby State Farm Arena, home to the Hawks and the Dreams, hosts a number of major sporting events and big-name concerts.
Meanwhile, the sleek Mercedes Benz Stadium serves as the home stadium of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS).
Located on the southeastern corner of Downtown Atlanta, the Georgia State Capitol, built in 1889 in neoclassical style, houses the offices of the governor, secretary of state and the General Assembly. The building is also a museum with extensive collections representing the natural and cultural history of Georgia.
Other tourist attractions in the area include the Apex Museum, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Underground Atlanta, and the Original Selfie Museum.
Other than having the most varied offer of attractions and accommodations in the city, Downtown is also the best-connected of all the districts in Atlanta. The city center is home to Five Points Station, where all four (Red, Gold, Blue and Green) metro rail lines intersect.
Best Hotels in Downtown Atlanta
The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
This ideally situated downtown Atlanta hotel offers a fitness center and restaurant. The Ritz-Carlton is less than one kilometer from MARTA mass transit and the State Farm Arena. It offers guests 55-inch high-definition flat-screen TVs.
The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton
Set in Atlanta, The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness center, and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk and room service.
Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection
Located in Atlanta, this luxury hotel is within walking distance of CNN Studio Center, State Farm Arena, and Georgia Aquarium. Features include an on-site restaurant and spacious rooms with an iPod docking station.
Hampton Inn Atlanta-Georgia Tech-Downtown
Located across from Coca-Cola Worldwide Headquarters and Georgia Tech, in the heart of Atlanta city center, this hotel features a number of free amenities, along with comfortable accommodations and modern facilities.
Sonder Baltimore Place
Located 0.5 mi from FOX Theatre, Sonder Baltimore Place offers accommodation with a balcony. Free WiFi is provided, and private parking is available on-site.
3. Midtown Atlanta: Best Location for Nightlife & LGBTQ+ Travelers
Midtown Atlanta is a central and fun area to stay in the city and the best district for nightlife.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Atlanta, GA:
- Great area to stay in Atlanta for sightseeing
- Well-connected by public transportation
- Wide selection of accommodation for all budgets
- Piedmont Park
- Best area for nightlife
- Best area for LGBTQ+ travelers
- Wide variety of hotels
- Very central location
Located between Buckhead to the north and Downtown to the south, Midtown Atlanta is the second-largest business district in the city and the state of Georgia.
This modern and vibrant high-density district is home to important cultural attractions, including the Fox Theatre, Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), Woodruff Arts Center, the High Museum of Art, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Midtown Atlanta is also the city’s gay village. The intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue is considered the epicenter of LGBTQ+ nightlife in Atlanta and the starting point to explore its many LGBT clubs, pubs, and bars. Not far, Peachtree Street is home to several iconic comedy clubs, theaters, and live music venues.
Perhaps the most famous attraction in Midtown Atlanta is Piedmont Park. Opened in the late nineteenth century, this lovely green expanse hosts major festivals such as the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and Atlanta Pride.
Enjoying a very central location, Midtown Atlanta also boasts excellent public transit connections. The area is crossed by the Gold and Red lines of the Atlanta metro, and Atlanta Peachtree Station; the city’s main Amtrak hub; is located nearby.
While it is true that accommodation in Midtown Atlanta is not exactly the cheapest in the city, the area has hotels of all kinds, so you can find good deals if you look well in advance.
Best Hotels in Midtown Atlanta
Bellyard, West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Bellyard, West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel features a restaurant, fitness centre, a bar and shared lounge in Atlanta. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Midtown, Ga
Situated in Atlanta, Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Midtown, Ga features accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace.
Motel 6 Atlanta, Ga – Midtown
This pet-friendly hotel is just 2.4 km from Atlanta Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park. It features rooms with free WiFi and cable TV.
Brookwood Courtyard by BCA Furnished Apartments
Brookwood Courtyard by BCA Furnished Apartments features city views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Atlanta, 1 mi from High Museum of Art.
4. Cumberland Cobb-Galleria: Best Location for Business Travelers
Located in North Atlanta, Cobb-Galleria is a swanky commercial, residential & business development packed with great hotels.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Atlanta, GA:
- One of the safest areas to stay in Atlanta
- Luxury shopping & dining
- Cobb-Galleria convention center
- Upscale hotels & apartments
- Good road connections to other districts
The Cumberland/Galleria neighborhood is located in northwest Atlanta.
This modern development is home to the Cobb Galleria Centre, a conference and convention venue built in 1994 to address the demand for a location to host small and mid-sized tradeshows, conventions, and meetings, making a great area for business travelers to Atlanta.
The whole district is centered around the crossroads of Interstate 75, Interstate 285, and Cobb Parkway and, in addition to the Cobb Centre, hosts Cumberland Mall, Truist Park, The Battery Atlanta, and many mid-rise office buildings.
The area also includes a cutting-edge art venue, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, which opened in 2007 and is home to the ArtsBridge Foundation, the Atlanta Opera, and Atlanta Ballet.
Best Hotels in Cobb-Galleria
Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta
Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta is situated in Atlanta, 1 mi from Cobb Energy Centre, within Truist Park, offering a year-round outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Private parking is also available.
Sheraton Suites Galleria Atlanta
Next to the Cumberland Mall and directly across from the Cobb Galleria Centre, this all-suite hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, offers comfortable accommodations and relaxing amenities.
Tru By Hilton Atlanta Galleria Ballpark, GA
Tru By Hilton Atlanta Galleria Ballpark, GA, is located in Atlanta and provides air-conditioned rooms. Private parking is available on-site.
5. Marietta: Budget Area to Stay in Atlanta
Located some 20 miles north of the city center, Marietta is a great area to find accommodation in Atlanta.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Atlanta, GA:
- Great area for those with a car
- Budget hotels
- Historic districts
- Close to nature
- Good road connections to other districts
Incorporated as a village in 1834 and as a city in 1852, Marietta is one of the places that make up the Atlanta metropolitan area.
This 60,000 inhabitants city offers a nice and quiet suburban ambiance and easy access to the city center. It is constantly ranked among the best places to live in Georgia and is also great for tourists who travel by car.
Marietta’s tourist attractions include its six historic districts, the old Train Depot—which hosts the Visitor’s Center—the historic Strand Theatre, the Marietta “Gone with the Wind” Museum, and the Marietta Museum of History.
While not as central as other districts listed in this post about the best areas to stay in Atlanta, Marietta has the advantage of boasting a wide range of inexpensive accommodations, making it a great option for budget travelers and longer stays in the city.
Best Hotels in Marietta, Georgia
Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center
Sitting adjacent to the City Club Golf Course, the Hilton Hotel in Marietta offers Greek Revival architecture, tasteful furnishings, and a distinctive atmosphere just minutes from several Atlanta attractions.
Days Inn by Wyndham Marietta White Water
Located in Marietta, Georgia, this motel offers a daily grab-and-go breakfast. Six Flags White Water Atlanta waterpark is located 0.3 mi from the property.
Stanley House Inn
This 1895-era Marietta, Georgia bed and breakfast is an 8-minute-walk to the historic Marietta Square. Features include a full Southern breakfast and uniquely decorated guest rooms with free WiFi.
6. College Park & ATL Airport: Best Location for a Short Trip or Layover in Atlanta
With a good location next to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, College Park is a great area to be near the airport.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Atlanta, GA:
- Near the airport
- Budget & mid-range hotels
- Connected by public transport
The busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), handles over 100 million passengers per year.
Named after two former mayors of Atlanta, ATL is located some seven miles southwest of the city and serves as a major international gateway to the United States. Delta Airlines’ hub, Hartsfield–Jackson, is also a focus airport for low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
The airport offers international service within North America and to Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia and is considered the first mega-hub in America.
Best Hotels near ATL Airport
AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway
AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness center, and a bar.
Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel
Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel is located just two minutes from nearby Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport via the free 24-hour ATL SkyTrain.
Drury Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport
Located adjacent to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, this Georgia hotel features a daily hot breakfast and an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi access is also offered.
Where to Look for Accommodation in Atlanta: Useful Info
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia, located in the southeastern area of the United States.
This city is known mostly for being an important business destination, with office complexes that house large American companies such as Coca-Cola and CNN, to name a few, and for hosting many congresses every year.
Atlanta has the busiest airport in the world, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the main hub of Delta Airlines, with an impressive number of domestic and international connections.
While it is true that Atlanta is often associated with modern, business-type hotels and glass skyscrapers, it also has a small but significant group of historical attractions and areas that make it a progressive oasis within the ultraconservative south of the US.
Among the things to see in Atlanta are the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which includes a guided tour of the birthplace of the United States Civil Rights Movement leader.
Other unmissable attractions of this city are the Georgia Aquarium, the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Atlanta History Center, and the Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Olympic Games.
When moving within the city, you can choose between a light rail system called MARTA for its acronym, buses, tram, and taxis that connect all of its areas.
Among the best areas to sleep in Atlanta, Midtown stands out for its vibrant cultural movement and variety of hotels (See hotels in Midtown Atlanta). On the other hand, Buckhead is the most exclusive district of the city and a good place to stay in Atlanta if you want to know its most luxurious side (See accommodation in Buckhead).
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