From navigating the city to blending in as a true Southerner, here’s everything you need to know to act like a native Atlantan – or at least to not stick out like a sore thumb!
Make a Plan
Atlanta is known for its hot hot HOT summers. So, if you’re going somewhere outdoors anytime from May to even as late as October, dress accordingly.
Our beautiful – if not scorching – Southern weather attracts people in troves. If you’re going out during the weekend, especially somewhere outdoors, expect crowds. Atlantans also love their weekend brunch, so if you’re planning on a morning of chicken and waffles and mimosas, make a reservation or be ready for a wait.
Getting Around Town
Atlanta is infamous for its transportation. When it comes to driving around the city, you will need to be comfortable driving on the highway. While you can drive back roads pretty much anywhere within the perimeter (aka I-285, which loops around the city), chances are it’ll take much longer, and – unless there’s a crash on the highway – the traffic probably won’t be much better.
We suggest opting for MARTA to get to Piedmont Park (especially if you’re going to a festival like Music Midtown or Atlanta Pride), the Fox Theatre, the Woodruff Arts Center (home to the High Museum, Alliance Theatre, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra), downtown Atlanta, downtown Decatur, or the airport. The bus system will take you further outside the bounds of the subway, but it can be confusing and tedious even for locals.
Atlanta is very hilly, and our streets don’t operate on a grid system, meaning it can be difficult to walk to your location. However, the Atlanta Beltline (Beltline.org) is working to change that. The Beltline links you to Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and dozens of other green spaces.
Other walkable pockets that provide a charming afternoon of shopping and dining include the tourist area around Centennial Olympic Park, Atlantic Station, Decatur, East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, Virginia-Highland, the Midtown epicenter of 10th and Piedmont, and more!
If you’re looking to just take a walk without a destination, Atlanta has several expansive parks that offer a more relaxing, nature-filled experience than the bustling BeltLine. Some of our favorites include Westside Park, Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, and the Decatur Cemetery.
Stay Safe
If you’re out for a night on the town, think safety first: don’t leave valuables in your car, park only in well-lit areas, and remember there’s safety in numbers.
Look Out for One Another
In Atlanta, we advocate for one another, especially those of us who are marginalized. Atlanta is a queer city. Atlanta is a Black city. If you are not down for that, we’re not down for you.
Unfortunately, the state surrounding our wonderful city is not completely on the same page, and while Atlanta is a wonderful place to live and be, it also has its problems. So, we Atlantans have to regularly take to the streets in protest. Larger protests often happen at the Capitol and Centennial Olympic Park, but smaller actions happen all over the city. If you don’t have the time or ability to protest, there are still ways to be involved.
