Welcome to Atlanta. We're glad you're here, even if it is for just a layover at the world's busiest airport. But if you're going to stick around for a few hours waiting for your connecting flight, why not get out and enjoy what Atlanta has to offer, all accessible via MARTA? Of course, your visit to area attractions will depend on the length of your layover, so here are some options to maximize your time.
5- to 7-hour layover
Hop on MARTA from the airport to Peachtree Center Station downtown to visit these popular destinations.
The Georgia Aquarium: With more than 10 million gallons of water and 600,000 square feet of downtown real estate, there's a lot to see at The Georgia Aquarium. Transport yourself to a Caribbean coral reef while gazing into the largest, most colorful fish tank you've ever seen. Stand in awe of the graceful beluga whales as they play and feed together in the Coldwater Quest exhibit. Take a ride on the people mover through the all-encompassing Ocean Voyager exhibit, where you'll get up close and personal with hammerheads, manta rays and whale sharks. Tickets $35.
The World of Coke: Learn about Coke's humble beginnings in Atlanta as you immerse yourself in the world's most popular soda brand. Take a tour through the largest collection of Coke memorabilia, check out the vault where the secret formula is stored and stroll through the bottle works while tasting hundreds of beverages. Tickets $16.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights: New to downtown, this center offers a wealth of history on the civil rights movement and an in-depth look into today's struggles on global human rights. View the personal items and papers of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Then delve into everything from Jim Crow to the Freedom Riders to the tragic death of King in 1968. Finally, explore human rights struggles around the world and ways to help. Tickets $15.
8- to 12-hour layover
You have just enough time to take in one of the above-mentioned downtown attractions before heading up the MARTA line to Art Center Station in Midtown for a visit to the High Museum of Art.
The High Museum of Art: With one of the largest collections of classical and contemporary art in the South, the High offers visitors a chance to view traveling collections from the likes of Monet and Renoir. It also boasts permanent collections of 4,500 photographic prints and galleries of American, African, European, Modern and Folk art. Tickets $19.50.
Grab a meal within walking distance: Before heading back to the airport, grab lunch or dinner and even a cocktail at Article 14, Tamarind Seed Thai Bistro or Cafe Intermezzo. Looking for some Southern hospitality? Take a stroll down Peachtree to Empire State South at Peachtree and 10th streets for seasonal, Southern fare, bocce ball and a pre-flight cocktail. After your meal at ESS, walk to the 10th Street MARTA station to return to the airport.
24-hour layover
You're staying in a hotel near the airport, but that doesn't mean you have to be stuck in your room watching TV and ordering room service. A 24-hour layover means you can hit many of the already-mentioned Atlanta attractions, a couple of the city's best restaurants and even some popular spots in Buckhead.
Atlanta History Museum in Buckhead: After your visits to downtown and Midtown, it's time to head north on MARTA to the Buckhead Station for a chance to learn about Atlanta's storied past. Grab an Uber or taxi for the 1.5-mile journey to West Paces Ferry and the heart of the Buckhead community. Learn all about the history of Atlanta leading up to the Civil War, the impact of the war on the local population and infrastructure, and Reconstruction and how the city rose from the ashes to become a global destination. Tickets $16.50.
Buckhead dining options: While in Buckhead, walk or catch an Uber to one of the many award-winning dining destinations such as St. Cecilia, Atlas or Seven Lamps. For a more casual meal, head over to local favorite Farm Burger on Piedmont Avenue for grass-fed beef, locally sourced ingredients and a sinfully delicious "Adult Float." For more Buckhead dining options, check out these five restaurants offering new fall menus.
The Delta Flight Museum: Whether you're traveling to your next destination via Delta or looking for one more thing to do, the Delta Flight Museum right outside the airport's gates is not only convenient, but it also offers a history of the airline as well as flight itself. Housed in the original 1940s Delta hangars, the museum includes 68,000 square feet of aviation history, including restored planes such as the 1940 Douglas DC-3 and Waco 125 biplane. Tickets $12.50. Operating hours vary. Check the museum site for current schedule.
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