Atlanta

Atlanta, the capital of the state of Georgia, is the 9th largest metropolitan area in the United States with a population exceeding 5.5 million when its surrounding areas are included. This city has played a significant role in history, from the eradication of the Cherokee tribe, central figures in our childhood cowboy movies, to being burned down during the Civil War, experiencing the upheavals of the Ku Klux Klan, enduring the devastation of the Great Depression, facing major fires, and witnessing the resistance movements of the black community. Despite these historical challenges, Atlanta has managed to create economic miracles. Home to the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and serving as the headquarters for major corporations such as Coca-Cola, CNN, Home Depot, and UPS, Atlanta has become an economic powerhouse. The city also hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, an event marked by Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic flame. The economic and infrastructural impact of hosting the Olympics significantly contributed to the city’s development.

I didn’t plan a detailed itinerary due to a work-related visit, but I’ll share some tips that I believe will be helpful for those planning to visit Atlanta.

Firstly, Atlanta is often referred to as Hotlanta, emphasizing its hot summers. “Marta” is the name given to public transportation. Georgia Tech is an impressive institution that might make you consider studying there.

For accommodation, we chose W Atlanta Downtown due to its proximity to the convention center. This design hotel will satisfy you with its intriguing decor and its closeness to interesting points for travelers. If you stay in downtown Atlanta, you can easily visit Olympic Park, the CNN Center and Museum, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Coca-Cola and Human Rights Museums in one go (you can save money by using a city pass). Although the Georgia Aquarium held the title of the world’s largest aquarium until 2012, it has since been surpassed by the one in Singapore. While I, personally, lean towards keeping animals in their natural habitats, I hope the impressive large volumes of water at the aquarium give our marine friends a sense of freedom. By the way, it is rumored to have ghostly guests due to its Titanic exhibition! Of course, it’s an environment not to be missed for children. In this area, you can also opt for “SkyView Atlanta,” a modest ferris wheel, and the restaurant on the top floor of the Westin hotel, which rotates 360° (though when we went up just to look, there was an unbearable smell preventing us from sitting), for a view of Atlanta from above.

If you intend to choose a more lively and vibrant area, then you should opt for staying in the ‘Midtown’ or ‘Buckhead’ districts. Enriched with walking areas and parks, this area also captivates the hearts of shopping enthusiasts with ‘Lenox Mall’ and ‘Phipps Mall.’ In the Midtown area, there are two museums that I particularly recommend visiting. The first one is the Atlanta History Center, a complex that combines many museums and offers free admission. I highly recommend exploring the Civil War Museum and the Folk Art Museum, both of which reflect the years of the Civil War excellently. This place also provides insights into the lives of both slaves and masters. The ‘Swan House,’ built in 1924 by architect Philip Trammel Shutze and considered one of the best-preserved homes in Atlanta, is also located here. The mansion is quite impressive both in its architecture and interior decoration. Additionally, it hosts a magnificent porcelain collection. The ‘Northside Park,’ where the ‘Atlanta History Center’ is located, also draws attention with its magnificent mansions.

The second museum is the ‘High Museum of Art.’ Designed by Richard Meier, this iconic building from the 1980s also earned the architect the Pritzker Prize. The layout of the museum is very convenient for navigating between floors, making it easy to explore. It houses works from both 18th-19th century European art (especially two Monet and two Pissaro pieces that are truly captivating) and 20th century American art. It’s an ideal museum to visit with children, as there are incredible activities for little art enthusiasts.

While visiting this museum, it’s also possible to explore the home of Margaret Mitchell, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Atlanta author of ‘Gone with the Wind,’ a film that masterfully depicts the pre and post-Civil War era.

When it comes to dining recommendations, I cannot move on without mentioning our hotel’s concierge, Pablo—his suggestions were beyond exceptional!

• If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, try ‘Alma Cocina.’
• For a fresh take on Southern cuisine, visit ‘White Oak.’
• If you’re thinking, “Where else can I eat bison meat?” consider ‘Ted’s Montana Grill.’
• If Italian is a must, try ‘Sotto Sotto.’
• If the little ones are craving pizza, head to ‘Fritti.’
• For seafood enthusiasts, ‘Legal Sea Foods’ is a must-visit.