The Best of Atlanta on a Budget
Atlanta is a vibrant city with something to offer everyone, regardless of budget. If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta and looking to save money, there are plenty of ways. Here are a few tips:
Accommodation
If you’re looking for affordable accommodation, consider staying in a hostel, Airbnb, or vacation rental. There are also some budget-friendly hotels in Atlanta.
Food
Atlanta has a diverse culinary scene, with options to fit every budget. Here are a few tips for saving money on food:
- Eat at local restaurants. Atlanta has some great local restaurants that offer delicious food at affordable prices.
- Take advantage of lunch specials. Many restaurants offer lunch specials that are significantly cheaper than dinner prices.
- Visit food markets. Atlanta has several food markets where you can find fresh produce, prepared foods, and other items at a fraction of the cost of a grocery store.
Things to do
There are many free and low-cost things to do in Atlanta. Here are a few ideas:
- Visit Centennial Olympic Park. Centennial Olympic Park is a free public park with several attractions, including the Fountain of Rings, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium.
- Explore the BeltLine. The BeltLine is a former railway corridor converted into a multi-use trail. It’s a great place to walk, bike, or run and offers stunning city views.
- Go by Piedmont Park. Hiking, biking, picnics, and people-watching are just some of the things you can do in Piedmont Park, a vast urban park in Atlanta.
- Go to the National Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Accessible to the public, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving Dr. King’s life and legacy.
- Visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and presidency of Jimmy Carter.
Here is a possible itinerary for a budget-friendly trip to Atlanta:
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive in Atlanta and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit Centennial Olympic Park and explore the World of Coca-Cola.
- Evening: Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Centennial Olympic Park or nearby Midtown Atlanta.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Piedmont Park and walk, bike ride, or run.
- Afternoon: Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
- Evening: Have dinner at one of the many Sweet Auburn Historic District restaurants near the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
- Afternoon: Explore the BeltLine.
- Evening: Have dinner at one of the many Poncey-Highland neighborhood restaurants near the BeltLine.
This is just a suggested itinerary; you can customize it to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you’re interested in art, you could visit the High Museum of Art or the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. If you’re on a tight budget, you could pack your lunches and snacks and take advantage of free activities such as visiting parks and museums.
Here are a few additional tips for saving money on your trip to Atlanta:
- Purchase an Atlanta CityPASS. The Atlanta CityPASS is a discounted admission ticket to five of Atlanta’s top attractions: the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the Zoo Atlanta, the High Museum of Art, and the College Football Hall of Fame.
- Use the public transport system. Buses and subways are readily available in Atlanta’s extensive network of public transportation options. This is a great way to get around the city without renting a car.
- Look for discounts and promotions. Many Atlanta attractions offer discounts for students, seniors, and military members. You can also find deals and promotions online and in tourist information centers.
With some planning, you can have a great time in Atlanta without breaking the bank.