Atlanta Things To Do category interest

Often perceived as an expensive destination, Atlanta offers a dynamic scene rich in history, culture, and entertainment, with many affordable activities. Known as the “Black Mecca,” Atlanta is a hub for Black culture, heritage, and business, making it a must-visit for Black travelers.

From historical sites and museums to parks and local festivals, Atlanta provides diverse experiences that are both enriching and budget-friendly, debunking the myth that great travel requires a hefty price tag.

1. Visit The King Center

Established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) has been a global destination, resource center, and community institution for over a quarter century. Visit the King Center to view exhibits of Dr. King’s civil rights legacy and the final resting place of Dr. and Mrs. King.

Cost: Free

Website: thekingcenter.org

Get more for your money: The museum also features a free exhibit area called Freedom Hall that honors Dr. King, Rosa Parks, and Mahatma Gandhi.

2. Stroll Through Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is a large urban park offering scenic walking trails, sports facilities, and events. The park hosts several miles of paved paths suitable for walking, running, biking, and inline skating.

Cost: Free

Website: piedmontpark.org

Get more for your money: Piedmont Park has something for all ages. Check the program’s site for more information.

3. Grab Coffee At The Urban Grind

Start your morning with Urban Grind, a black-owned coffee shop in West Midtown, Atlanta, GA. The hip coffeehouse serves fresh specialty coffees, small bites, and pastries.

Cost: $3-10 for coffee and snacks

Website: urbangrindatlanta.com

Get more for your money: Urban Grind also hosts free open mics, film screenings, and other arty events starting at $10.

4. Walk The Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the largest wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States. This network of public parks, multi-use trails, transit, and affordable housing along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor strives to enhance mobility in Atlanta.

Cost: Free

Website:beltline.org

Get more for your money: The BeltLine also offers free fitness classes open to the public.

5. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With Sublime Doughnuts

Since opening in 2008 Sublime Doughnuts has become an Atlanta institution, offering everything from luscious cake to light and fluffy yeast doughnuts.

Cost: $2-$5 per doughnut

Website: sublimedoughnuts.com

Get more for your money: Sublime Doughnuts also offers apple fritters and danishes with several toppings to choose from.

6. Visit The Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library

Constructed in 1982, the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library supports the teaching, learning and research missions of four institutions of higher education that comprise the world’s largest consortium of HBCUs: Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, and Spelman College.

Cost: Free

Website: auctr.edu

Get more for your money: The library also hosts free lectures, readings, and performances.

7. Get Lunch At Slutty Vegan

Founded in 2018, The Slutty Vegan is a Black-owned vegan hamburger restaurant chain, based in Atlanta, serving the best vegan dishes the city has to offer.

Cost: Meals under $20

Website sluttyveganatl.com

Get more for your money: Slutty Vegan also has treats such as banana pudding and sweet potato pie for under $5.

8. Catch Some Tea At Just Add Honey

Nestled in between Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park on Atlanta’s Eastside Beltline trail, The Just Add Honey café is a warm and inviting way to sip differently. The company offers loose-leaf tea, gifts, tea accessories, and locally sourced treats. Whether you bring a book, meet a friend, or grab and go, Just Add Honey is your cup of tea.

Cost: $5-$10 for tea and snacks

Website: justaddhoney.net

Get more for your money: Just Add Honey also offers sunset yoga classes for $20.

9. Visit For Keeps Bookstore

Opened in 2018, For Keeps is a bookstore in Atlanta, Georgia that specializes in Black classic and rare books.

Cost: Free entry, select books under $20

Website: forkeepsbooks.com

Get more for your money: The bookstore also offers select tote bags for under $20.

10. Have A Family Night Out At Busy Bee Cafe

Established in 1947, Busy Bee Cafe is a Black-owned soul food restaurant, known for its classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese.

Cost: Many meals between $10-$20

Website: thebusybeecafe.com

Get more for your money: Select chicken and seafood meals are also available for under $20.