Best 6 Neighborhoods Where to Stay in Atlanta (From a Local)
Planning a trip to Atlanta but need advice about where to stay? Well, I’m here to help. I’ve lived near Atlanta for years and have spent many weekend getaways there. Figuring out where to stay in Atlanta can be tricky because the “Big A” is a sprawling city and traffic is notoriously bad just about all the time.
By doing some research and picking the best Atlanta neighborhood for your needs and interests, you can save yourself the time and money you would have spent driving around needlessly or sitting in traffic. And you won’t spend a fortune on ride shares or taxis. You could even get by without a car in a couple of these neighborhoods in Atlanta.
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Where to Stay in Atlanta
Before you decide where to stay in Atlanta it’s helpful to know a bit about the geography of the city to make the research easier so here’s a quick explanation of neighborhoods in Atlanta.
Atlanta is made up of over 240 distinct neighborhoods and is divided by two major interstates, I-75 and I-85. These two major thoroughfares meet just slightly north of the city and pass through, dividing Downtown from Midtown. The section of interstate is commonly called the Downtown Connector.
Atlanta is also encircled by Interstate 285. That loop, better known as The Perimeter, surrounds the city and serves as a geographical marker of sorts. In fact, for those that live in, or around Atlanta, many locations are marked as ITP or inside the Perimeter and OTP, outside the Perimeter.
Out of all those 240 neighborhoods in Atlanta, I recommend staying in Downtown, Midtown, Westside Atlanta, east side neighborhoods like Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward or Poncey Highland, Buckhead to the north of the city or the northwestern area near Truist Park when planning a visit to Atlanta.
This Google Map uses layers. Click the icon on the top left to see each layer divided into neighborhoods with the recommended hotels. Once you open a layer you can click on a hotel or attraction for more Google info like addresses, phone numbers and website. You can even get driving directions from there. To save the map, click the star at the end of the title to add it to your Google account.
Where to Stay in Atlanta – Downtown
Downtown Atlanta used to be a little bit boring after 5 pm but ever since Atlanta hosted the Olympics and with the growth of Georgia State University, Atlanta’s Downtown is much more fun. It’s a good, convenient area to stay when visiting Atlanta because it’s close to many of the most popular touristy attractions.
The bonus in staying Downtown Atlanta is even without a car it’s pretty easy to get around since MARTA, Atlanta’s bus and train line, is readily available. If you plan on visiting Centennial Park, the Georgia Aquarium, the Coca-Cola Museum or the SkyView, then Downtown Atlanta is the place to stay.
Staying in Downtown Atlanta but want to tour the city and let someone else do the driving? Then why not book a sightseeing tour with stops at many of Atlanta’s most popular attractions. This one even includes Buckhead.
Overnighting in Downtown Atlanta also works well if you are attending a sporting event like a Hawks game at State Farm Arena or a concert at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
My top picks for Downtown Atlanta hotels include the Westin Peachtree Plaza, with some of the best views in the city, and the Omni CNN Center near Centennial Olympic Park. Both of these properties are in prime spots for visiting most everything you would want to see Downtown and even the Georgia Capitol Building.
Downtown is also great for a laid-back, relaxing spa weekend. The W Atlanta Downtown is ideal for their Bliss Spa and roof top pool, and is the ultimate spot for a self-care getaway. Downtown Atlanta also has a few budget offerings. The Courtland Grand Hotel, formerly the Sheraton or Hotel Indigo are good choices.
Where to Stay in Atlanta – Midtown
Midtown Atlanta is a mix of corporate high-rises, condos, parks and hotels. It’s a little bit business with a side of fun and offers the widest variety of restaurants and nightlife in all of Atlanta.
It’s the perfect neighborhood for a girls trips, romantic getaways and friends just hanging out trips. Convenient to several MARTA stations, Midtown it’s walking friendly so you don’t really need a car.
Some of the best places in Midtown include Atlanta’s iconic Peachtree Street and the fabulous concert venue, the Fox Theatre. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is also located in Midtown neighborhood. And art lovers will enjoy visiting the nearby High Museum of Art with its ever changing special exhibits.
When it comes to where to stay in Atlanta, Midtown is an excellent choice and provides some of the most trendy Atlanta hotels. One of my personal favorites, right on Peachtree Street, is The Georgian Terrace, a modern hotel but with a bit of a Gone With the Wind vibe.
Additionally, The Starling Atlanta, (formerly the W Midtown) near Piedmont Park, offers upscale rooms, swanky public spaces and a lively bar. For those with families, or budget-minded travelers, Element Atlanta Midtown is a smart pick. All the rooms are spacious, have kitchenettes but still include breakfast downstairs in the mornings.
Where to Stay in Atlanta – East Side
Just south of Midtown, the east side of Atlanta boasts more than a handful of vibrant neighborhoods. Places like Old Fourth Ward, Poncey Highland, Little Five Points, Cabbagetown and Summerhill are fun, energetic areas to stay in with hip restaurants, breweries and more murals than you can count. The only downside here is the lack of public transportation and MARTA stations, so the area is best for those with a vehicle.
Popular Atlanta attractions on the east side are Ponce City Market with its unique eateries, rooftop venue and access to The Beltline. Krog Street Market, Atlanta’s historic food hall, is also located nearby. You can easily tour the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, Zoo Atlanta or the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library from Atlanta’s east side.
The classic Hotel Clermont, on the famous Ponce de Leon Street, is a terrific option for overnighting on the east side. Built in the 1920’s and renovated in the 2010’s, this unique hotel reopened in 2018 and is one of the most interesting historic hotels in all of Atlanta. Similarly, the Wylie Hotel, a cozy boutique property, also with a great story, has cozy rooms, an onsite restaurant and a Georgia resident discount.
Not in the mood for a hotel? Since the eastside of Atlanta is made of residential neighborhoods, you’ll find plenty of Airbnb and VRBO properties available. Here’s a couple of my favorites in Grant Park, Summerhill and Cabbagetown.
Where to Stay in Atlanta – West Side
The westside, or West Midtown, is personally one of my favorite neighborhoods in Atlanta. Maybe because I’ve watched it transform over the years from an industrial area to a destination in its own right with interesting local restaurants and breweries, exciting outdoor spaces and unique shopping.
West Midtown is a practical choice of where to stay in Atlanta when planning a visit to Georgia Tech, tour the Trap Music Museum, visit Westside Reservoir Park, the Goat Farm Arts Center or even attend a concert at Mercedes Benz.
The drawback is with the exception of a couple of boutique hotels, Westside Atlanta just doesn’t have the quantity of hotels like Downtown and Midtown. However, it does have is one of Atlanta’s newest, most attractive hotels.
The Bellyard, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is a repurposed space in what once was the old Atlanta stockyards. The carefully remodeled buildings fit beautifully with the Westside’s modern, urban scene. Everything is gorgeous and well done and there’s even a French bakery onsite.
Where to Stay in Atlanta – Buckhead
For the longest time, Buckhead, north of Atlanta, has been the place to stay in Atlanta. The “it” neighborhood. While it might be full of luxury, it lacks – at least in my opinion – the real feeling of what makes Atlanta, well, Atlanta. I also can’t ignore the amount of crime that has increased in the area.
That being said, it remains one of the absolute best places to stay in Atlanta for a weekend break or a high-end shopping spree. All the designer shops like Hermes, Dior and Jimmy Choo can be found in Lenox Mall, Phipps Plaza and Buckhead Village.
Some of of Atlanta’s most luxurious hotels are found in Buckhead as well. The prestigious St. Regis Atlanta and the Waldorf Astoria are both in this Atlanta neighborhood but it’s the InterContinental that’s my top choice of where to stay in Atlanta. Convenient to everything, this hotel is right across the street from the MARTA station so getting to Downtown is easy.
Even if Buckhead is a bit bougie, there are a few budget friendly options to be found. Consider booking this Holiday Inn Express or this Marriott TownePlace Suites, both of which are located closer to the Perimeter.
Where to Stay in Atlanta Near Truist Park
Northwest of the city, straddling The Perimeter, you’ll find the Cumberland neighborhood. It’s here where Interstate 75 intersects with Interstate 285 and where Truist Park, home to the Atlanta Braves, is located, ironically, in Cobb County, Georgia not Fulton County.
Cumberland Truist Park area is a great location where to stay in Atlanta for visitors with a vehicle, with convenient interstate access to Downtown and also to activities both north and northwest of the city. Overnighting in here is also convenient for families attending a baseball game or an event at the nearby Cobb Energy Center. .
More than just baseball, Truist Park was constructed with an adjacent activity and event area called The Battery. It’s filled with restaurants, shops and a even a hotel. Feel like bowling and games? Check out Punch Bowl Social. Rather spend an quieter evening in Naples? Then pizza at Antico will whisk you away.
Nestled in the middle of it all is the Omni Hotel (not to be confused with the CNN Center location). This hotel boasts one of the best pool views in Atlanta and is within walking distance to the stadium.
Where to Stay in Atlanta FAQ
What’s the best area of Atlanta to stay in? Midtown is the best area to stay in Atlanta. You are close enough to downtown attractions but have a better variety of restaurants and bars. Although, I also think it depends on your objective in visiting Atlanta.
For example, if I was visiting Atlanta for a popular concert, to avoid traffic as much as possible, I would want to be as close to the venue as I could
Since there’s not many hotels around Mercedes Benz Stadium, besides the Reverb by Hard Rock, the next best neighborhood where to stay in Atlanta for a concert is downtown.
Is it best to stay in Midtown or Downtown? I love them both. I think it depends on what experiences you are looking for. For a first time visitor, Downtown would be best.
What’s the best way to get around Atlanta? Most people visiting Atlanta arrive via Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL) south of the city.
Although, there are plenty of hotels for any budget around the airport itself and it’s great place to stay for an overnight, it’s not the ideal location if you are visiting Atlanta’s touristy spots.
Even though traffic is bad in Atlanta, it’s fairly easy to get around. To rent a car at the airport, use RentalCars.com to compare prices.
For visitors flying in that don’t want to rent a car, Atlanta’s MARTA train system, can be accessed directly from the airport. There are convenient stations throughout the city including in nearby College Park and East Point.
What is the safest area of Atlanta to stay? There are certain areas in Atlanta that are safer than others but most tourist areas are generally secure particularly in daytime. I personally feel most safe in Midtown.
Remember to always be situationally aware and exercise caution just as you would in any other big city. Don’t flash jewelry, money or phones. Carry a crossbody or a small bag and protect your wallet, especially on MARTA trains or public situation.
The Atlanta Police Department provides a map of reported crimes in Atlanta. You’ll find that most crime is crime against property. If you drive or rent a vehicle in Atlanta, keep everything in your trunk. Don’t leave bags or luggage in plain view.
When is the best time to visit Atlanta? Honestly there’s no bad time to visit Atlanta. Even winters are generally mild. Summers are hot and humid. Spring is beautiful but it is thunderstorm season, which can be scary at times.
If I had to pick one season, late fall is the best time to visit Atlanta. The summer humidity has passed but it’s still warm and getting outdoors is really enjoyable. In fact, Atlanta makes my Best USA Cities to Visit in Fall list.
More Atlanta Tips
Here’s just a few more tips for visiting Atlanta or for people who might be new to the city.
- We don’t call it Hotlanta. Ever!
- If you’re in town for a few days, consider purchasing a CityPASS that allows you to pick four popular museums or venues to visit for one price.
- Screenshot, or download, a MARTA map for convenience. You can also take MARTA right from the airport.
- There are a few Georgia based restaurants, you don’t want to miss while you’re in town. Zaxby’s, known for their delicious chicken, Mellow Mushroom’s pizza and Waffle House, are all worthy of a stop.
- Check out this website for a map of fabulous Atlanta street art.
- Moon Guide has a useful US Civil Rights Trail guidebook for visiting civil rights sites in Atlanta and across the south.
Planning Your Stay in Atlanta
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Atlanta, the biggest deciding factor should be how much driving and how much traffic you’re willing to put up with. If you decide to fly and use public transportation, staying near your planned activities will help maximize your time and will save money in the long run.
Of course, just because I only included these 6 neighborhoods where to stay in Atlanta doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other Atlanta neighborhoods you could stay in when visiting. Atlantic Station and Perimeter Center are also convenient areas if you need to divide your time between Downtown and northern neighborhoods.
Wherever you decide to stay in Atlanta, my best advice is to give yourself plenty of time to get there, whether you choose to drive, use public transportation or ride share.
See you on the road!