Art and Culture in Atlanta: A Neighborhood Exploration Itinerary

Atlanta’s arts and culture scene takes you beyond a painting or a daylong festival. Every day, the city’s rich and diverse community shines through numerous experiences and neighborhoods waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a museum enthusiast or a lover of the performing arts, a stroll through this route will prove that Atlanta’s arts and culture scene is worth exploring with hidden gems and popular treasures around every corner.

Municipal market

Start your trip downtown in the Sweet Auburn Historic District. The Municipal Market is a great first stop to grab an early breakfast or lunch at one of the many food stalls. When it opened in 1924, the Municipal Market became the largest agricultural produce market in the state and continues to be one of the few remaining urban markets in the country. Throughout the Jim Crow era, black people could shop inside the market, but were only allowed to do business on the sidewalk until desegregation in the 1960s, so that this market became known as “The Sweet Auburn Curb Market.” This rich history lives on in the market today through a diverse selection of cuisine and art that tells the story of its past.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This walkable Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is a wonderful place to learn about history and art. Not only can you view artwork at the MLK exhibit in the Visitor Center, but you can also walk in the footsteps of Dr. King. Stop at the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. Although tours are suspended until November 2025, you can see the exterior of the two-story Queen Anne-style house at 501 Auburn Ave. The historic Ebenezer Baptist Church is another site worth visiting. has been a spiritual home for notable figures, including its first pastor, the Rev. A. A. Williams, and its assistant pastor, the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. In 1960, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. joined his father as co-pastor. . Visitors today can enjoy services in the newly constructed sanctuary directly across the street, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, who is also a U.S. Senator.

Top Art Museum

Start your journey through Midtown with a visit to the High Museum of Art. With more than 19,000 works of art, La Haute ensures that no two visits are the same. Take your time browsing the galleries for inspiration and make new friends at one of the many events. Show off your dance moves while admiring the artwork on High Frequency Fridays. This popular event takes place every First Friday and is almost always sold out, so plan ahead and purchase tickets on the museum’s website. Take it easy and listen to the gentle sounds of live jazz every third Friday. These events are the perfect place for visitors to mingle with locals and immerse themselves in all that the Top has to offer.

Atlanta Design Museum

The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) is located in the heart of the Midtown Arts District, directly across from the High Museum of Art across Peachtree Street. MODA is home to exhibits highlighting architecture, graphic design, and even pasta. Until September 1, discover the exhibition “Al Dente: the conception of pasta”.

Attend a show

Whether you want to listen to classic masterpieces from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, watch a Broadway show at the Fox Theater, or see a play at the Alliance Theater, Atlanta offers plenty of opportunities to appreciate some of the top talent in the performing arts. Icons like Elvis Presley and Bob Marley have graced the Fox Theater stage alongside Broadway shows including “Hamilton,” “Chicago” and “MJ.” The Alliance Theater presents shows including musicals and world premieres.

Cabbage Town

Eastside Atlanta is all about street art and murals. Start your trip in the Cabbagetown neighborhood, walking along Wylie Street and admiring the Forward, Warrior!! Wall project. Admire the works of some of Atlanta’s most talented artists, Joe King, Lonnie Garner and Lisette Correa.

LottaFrutta

Get ready to explore art along the Atlanta BeltLine by stocking up on fruit, smoothies, and savory sandwiches at LottaFrutta. This pan-Latin inspired restaurant is a neighborhood favorite because its colorful exterior is hard to miss. Savor Mexican-style fruit cups, South American-style smoothies, Cuban-inspired grilled sandwiches and Ecuadorian ice cream. Grab a grab-and-go snack while walking along the BeltLine or sit and enjoy a sunny day at one of the outdoor tables.

Little five points

Take a tour of Atlanta’s hippest neighborhood, Little 5 Points. Known as A’s Hippie Hood, it’s the perfect stop for those looking to go home with something unique or vintage. Whether you’re shopping for costumes at Psycho Sisters or looking for inexpensive designer items at Rag-O-Rama, you’re sure to find an eclectic range of options to add to your wardrobe. Feel all the nostalgic vibes as you browse the vinyl selection at one of the record stores, including Wax ‘N’ Facts, Moods Music and Criminal Records.

West Side BeltLine Trail

Atlanta’s Westside is another haven for arts and culture. Connecting the Westside’s historic neighborhoods, the Westside Trail is home to murals and a food and beverage district that’s the perfect stop for a bite to eat before your next stop. The options are endless with a range of cuisines. Enjoy tacos from Cielito Lindo Taqueria or a pasta dish from Pastaholics. Wash down your food with a cold beer from one of the breweries, including Monday Night Garage and Wild Heaven Brewery, or enjoy a glass of whiskey from ASW Whiskey Exchange.

Westside Galleries and Art Venues

Keep an eye out for exhibits and events at the Westside Cultural Arts Center. The calendar includes popular exhibitions like the Black Boy Art Show and a 404 Days Exhibition. Atlanta Contemporary is another gallery aiming to make art more accessible by offering free admission every day. Patrons can enjoy new works from emerging artists skilled in various art forms. Previous exhibits have included exploring 3D printing using live heartbeat data and interactive videos highlighting the optimism of big agriculture.

Atlanta History Center

End your trip in Buckhead, where historic downtown Atlanta offers a wealth of art and culture. Stop by the historic Swan House where you may recognize scenes from movies such as “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and Disney Channel’s “Descendents.” Walk across the green lawn and past the fountain stairs to get a sense of what it was like for Atlantans Edward and Emily Inman to return home in the late 1920s. You can learn more about the Inmans and their home history during a guided tour.

Looking for other ways to experience the city? Check out the ultimate guide to the Atlanta BeltLine trails to continue your outdoor exploration.