Have a solo trip to Atlanta coming up? Atlanta may not be at the top of a lot of travel lists, but with it being home to the third highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the US and the world’s busiest airport, you may find yourself traveling solo to Atlanta and curious about the capital city of Georgia. Below you will find some tips and ideas for traveling in Atlanta by yourself – from where to stay, eat, explore, and how to get around this great Southern city.
Where To Stay
110 Marietta St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
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Conveniently located across the street from the CNN center, Centennial Olympic Park, and a short walk to the College Football Hall of Fame, this downtown hotel checks a lot of boxes that make it perfect for solo travel in Atlanta.
Rooms
Taking in the incredible view from The Glenn
With 110 rooms and 16 Suites spread across 11 floors, The Glenn Hotel is a perfect size when traveling alone as it isn’t so crowded that you’re lost in the shuffle yet large enough to provide a great atmosphere and vibe. Guest room design includes a touch of southern, antique, and elegant features. Business travelers will appreciate the full-size desks to finish up the workday with plenty of space and power outlets for charging devices.
Eating & Drinking
With three convenient options within the hotel, you can have a relaxing meal or drinks without ever leaving. The Living Room is the lobby bar and social space, and a memorable place to relax and unwind with a tasty cocktail, beer, or wine. Glenn’s Kitchen is the full-service restaurant with a Southern take on American comfort food. Skylouge is the star however – a trendy rooftop bar with Instagram- worthy views of downtown Atlanta and refreshing libations. The outdoor terrace at Skylounge provides both uncovered and covered seating and is the perfect way to soak in downtown Atlanta. You’ll often find other hotel guests, local business professionals, and couples out for a night on the town at the Skylounge.
Nearby
There are so many great dining options within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. Don’t overlook White Oak Kitchen, Sweet Georgia Juke Joint, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, or Cuts Steakhouse.
3300 Lenox Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
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Located in Buckhead, a neighborhood on the northern end of the Atlanta city limits, the JW is attached-adjacent to the luxury shopping destination: Lenox Square Mall. In addition to the excellent shopping and dining options at Lenox Mall, this hotel is also a 15-minute walk to a number of delicious and unique restaurants in the Buckhead area, including a mix of longtime local favorites alongside new and trending concepts.
Rooms
The recently renovated JW Marriott Buckhead features over 350 rooms in a variety of configurations and sizes. Rooms are Ill appointed with higher end features and very comfortable beds. When traveling by yourself, a King bed is always a plus and there is a variety different King rooms at the JW, and you can often reserve a specific style when booking. Many rooms have a nice view of downtown Atlanta to the south, or the Buckhead neighborhood and suburbs to the north.
Eating & Drinking
The Preserve is located onsite and features a locally inspired food menu. The food is good, the menu has a decent number of entrees, but with so many other dining destinations nearby it is easy to find some more memorable options. Having a drink before or after dinner at the bar, however, is a fantastic idea. The bar at The Preserve offers a wide range of drinks at reasonable prices, as far as hotel bars go.
Nearby
Lenox Square Mall offers higher-end shopping with stores such as Bloomingdale’s, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, and more, so it’s a great spot to window shop and pass some time or pick up some items to bring back with you. You can walk from the hotel right into the Mall, so it can’t be any more convenient. Some nearby restaurants worth your dining dollar when traveling in Buckhead by yourself include South City Kitchen, The Iberian Pig, or King + Duke.
2 Porsche Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30354
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Located alongside the airport property, this hotel offers a unique take on an “airport hotel”. With runways behind it (don’t worry about the noise as the hotel clearly took efforts to sound proof the building) and Porsche Cars North America Headquarters next door, this is the hotel to stay at for speed junkies. With a rooftop lounge (check website for hours of operation), there is no better place to plane spot and see the sites. Since it is a member of the IHG family of hotels, you can earn and redeem rewards at this Kimpton property through the IHG One Rewards program.
Other Mentionable Hotels
Where To Eat
With a diverse and growing population, Atlanta’s food scene has also changed and improved to keep up with its people. Boasting a variety of food styles, locations, and price points, you are sure to find a perfect dining option when visiting Atlanta.
Der Biergarten
Downtown
300 Marietta Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
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German food in Atlanta? Why not! Featuring authentic food and beer from Deutschland, Der Biergarten is a unique option in a city with a seemingly endless range of food offerings. With seating options to eat and drink indoors, outdoors, or at the bar, experience a taste of Bavaria in the heart of the South.
Ray’s In The City
Downtown
240 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
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This is a classic and classy spot for steaks, seafood, and drinks with the upscale downtown city vibe you would expect. Sometimes you can catch live music, which makes for a perfect time to sit at the bar and enjoy some sips and bites while listening to local talent—and Atlanta indeed has plenty of musical talent. The food is fantastic, and the atmosphere makes you forget you’re on your own in a big city.
The Vortex
Midtown
878 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
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Little Five Points
438 Moreland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
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Are burgers your thing? If so, you definitely have to check this place out! Another longtime Atlanta icon, the Vortex’s over-the-top burgers include the Coronary Bypass, which uses grilled cheese sandwiches for buns—you read that right—along with tons and cheese and bacon, plus a fried egg. You might not be able to finish it, but it’s worth every penny to try. Add in an excellent beer selection and a vibe that can only be described as funny and slightly off, and you’ve got a terrific place to fill up after a long day on the road.
Kimball House
Enjoying a cocktail at Kimball House
Decatur
303 East Howard Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30030
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A short ride from downtown, Kimball House is place where seasonal food and drink, Southern hospitality and charm, and a classy bar atmosphere all combine for one outstanding dining experience. While known for their oystery Raw Bar, don’t let the entrees slip past you. If you’d like to soak in a nostalgic bar and enjoy a craft cocktail or glass of wine, grab a seat at the bar and let your senses be immersed in rich wood and a seemingly endless array of bottles.
The Varsity
Downtown
61 North Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30308
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Looking for something quick, easy, and on the cheap? Look no further than Atlanta’s Original American Eatery – first opening in 1928. With four locations in the greater Atlanta area, plus two at the airport, it is definitely worth checking out this classic spot. Hot dogs and burgers are the things to try, but there are plenty of other menu options. So, stop in and hear the classic greeting – “What’ll Ya Have!” and enjoy and Atlanta institution.
What To Do
From indoor shopping to outdoor green space and everything in between, there are numerous things to do if you have spare time while traveling in Atlanta. There are far too many options to possibly lists, but here are some ideas to kick off your free time adventures.
Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
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An excellent destination when traveling by yourself in Atlanta, Ponce City Market was a former Sears catalogue facility that now features dining, drinks, and entertainment, all with a rooftop overlooking the Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highlands, and the skyline of downtown Atlanta. With over a dozen places to eat, you’re bound to find something to satisfy your hunger. Grab a drink at a restaurant or head up to the rooftop for a drink with a view. While on the rooftop, take in some arcade games at Skyline Park, or take a seat and soak in the views of Atlanta.
MLK Center/Birthplace/National Historic Park
450 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
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Traveling alone can afford one time to reflect and ponder larger questions in life. With multiple national parks, centers, and historical sites all located in the historic Old Fourth Ward, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther Kig, Jr. While his impact can be felt around the country, and indeed the world, visiting his place of birth can give one a deeper appreciation for his tremendous contributions to the civil rights movement and society as a whole.
Fox Theater
660 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
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Ah the theatre, the theatre. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you enjoy musicals heading out to the historic Fox Theater for a show by yourself can be a great way to spend an evening. Outside of the super popular shows (think Hamilton), you can usually find a single ticket available even on the day of show. You can also catch some big-name concerts, touring comedians, and even some classic movie showings at The Fox. This historic theater is known for its distinctive architecture and ornate design, which combines Moorish influences—reflective of the building’s original purpose as a Shriners Temple—alongside Egyptian detailing that nods to the popularity of this décor style during the era when the building was constructed. It’s a fascinating history for a building that had stood the test of time and continues to enchant audiences of all ages as a spectacle to behold, regardless of the show on stage.
The Beltline
A massive urban redevelopment program that kicked off in 2005, the Beltline offers trails, transit, and greenspace for people to enjoy the beauty of Georgia’s capital city. As it continues to expand, the Beltline offers numerous parks, paved trails, and restaurants, all in a loop surrounding the city. If you’re looking for a unique place to get a run or walk in, the Beltline is perfect for a workout on the road.
Local Lingo
Let’s get the first one out of the way immediately—locals don’t actually call it “Hotlanta.” “Atlanta,” “ATL,” maybe even “The A,” if you’re hip enough to pull that one off, but never “Hotlanta.”
OTP and ITP
You may hear this in reference to a location or personal preference. We’re talking about “Outside The Perimeter” and “Inside the Perimeter.” The Perimeter itself is Interstate 285 that forms a loop around Atlanta, totaling about 64 miles. Some people love to live and work ITP, others are definite OTP people. Variety is the spice of life, so check out both if you have the time.
The Connector
This is another interstate term. Inside of the aforementioned Perimeter (I-285), Interstates 75 and 85 join together for a seven-mile stretch of interstate running right past Downtown Atlanta. The most likely context in which you’ll hear or read about “the Connector” is in relation to traffic. Or to be more accurate, traffic problems.
