One Of Atlanta's Most Walkable Districts Dazzles With Festival Beats, Rooftop Bites, And Artful Green Space
High-rises, high-rated hotels, and high-end stores are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Midtown Atlanta has to offer. It's Georgia's fifth most walkable district, where over 17,000 residents have just about anything they might need a short walk away. An average day off here consists of hitting one or more cultural events, doing a little forest bathing at one of the neighborhood's green spaces, and caping off the day at one of the trendy restaurants or bars.
The secret to Midtown Atlanta's walkability is over 40 miles of sidewalks that connect the neighborhood's major attractions and sightseeing spots. The streets are not just freshly paved; they are lined with over 70 public art installations and abundant greenery to make any stroll pleasant, in any season.
If you're not already in Midtown, don't fret. Public transportation makes it an easy area to get to. Hop on the subway right from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport for about 20 minutes — also known as the busiest airport in the world — and get off anywhere between Civic Center and Arts Center stations on the Gold or Red subway lines. Free buses take you around the district's major attractions. And if you're driving into Atlanta, Interstates 75 or 85 pass by the east side of Midtown. It's no surprise, then, that 7 million people visit Midtown every year.
What to see and do in Midtown Atlanta
A defining element of Midtown Atlanta is its ever-evolving entertainment and art scene. Historic institutions call this neighborhood home, such as the Fox Theatre, a venue that opened in December 1929 and has since welcomed headliners from all over the country. For visual arts, a solid all-rounder is the High Museum of Art, with its growing collection of 200,000-plus pieces from around the world.
Flower lovers should hit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, a 30-acre garden that's been part of the state capital's landscape since the mid-1970s and one of the best botanical gardens in America. Midtown's major draw when it comes to greenery, however, is Piedmont Park, an expansive 200-acre space with unmatched views of the city skyline in the daytime. Stroll or bike around the park along the numerous walking or biking paths, or burn some energy on one of the sports fields, where you can play volleyball, soccer, or tennis (advance registration required).
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal events and activities here, because Piedmont Park doubles as the primary venue for many of the district's major festivals. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, held in April, features over 250 craftspeople from around the country coming to Midtown to showcase their latest creations. Atlanta Pride, held in October, celebrates Atlanta's LGBTQ+ community with music, live performances, parades, and a marketplace. The festival's most anticipated event, the Starlight Cabaret, is the largest outdoor drag show in the U.S. Midtown alone has hundreds of festivals that take place every year, so there are bound to be a few that pique your interest.
Midtown has some of the best food and views in the city
No trip is complete without dabbling in local fare. Midtown Atlanta has some 150 restaurants offering tons of food options. Lyla Lila is a culinary institution in the neighborhood. Its original menu, which includes a highly praised duck lasagna, earned it a spot on Eater's roundup of the best pasta around Atlanta. For comforting Southern cuisine, South City Kitchen is where you ought to go. Visit for brunch, lunch, or dinner, but be sure to come hungry because some portions are hearty. Cafe Intermezzo is worth adding to your itinerary if you want coffee and a sweet treat. Their tiramisu, imported from Italy, is a must-try.
Especially of note are the numerous rooftop bars. The Rooftop Guide's top recommendation is Virtue Rooftop, where guests can enjoy wine, beer, or cocktails as well as shareable finger foods like steak tacos. For a sit-down dining experience, head to Palo Santo, a supper club-style restaurant which has unmatched views of the West Midtown skyline at night. A newer addition to the neighborhood, Drawbar quickly became one of the city's hot spots, not just for its outdoor seating area but also its Atlanta-inspired drink and food menu.
There's plenty of city fun to be had in Midtown, and this district makes for an excellent base for your trip because it's just as easy to access other popular Atlanta neighborhoods. Head to the north of the Red subway line to Buckhead, one of Atlanta's best neighborhoods for upscale shopping, more Georgia history, and a vibrant nightlife. This area has been the go-to destination for luxury shopping and chic hangouts.