A long history of struggle runs through Atlanta. Depending on which struggle interests you, you can learn about the Civil War at the Cyclorama (404 658 7625, 800 Cherokee St), a 360-degree oil painting depiction of the bloody war, or the fight for civil rights at the Martin Luther King Jr Historic Site (404 331 6922, 450 Auburn Ave), which offers an informative walking tour exploring Martin Luther King Jr’s church and home as well as the historic Sweet Auburn district. Additionally, visit the Atlanta History Centre (404 814 4000, 130 W Paces Ferry) or Margaret Mitchell House Museum (404 249 7012, 990 Peachtree St) for views of the bygone Gone With the Wind era.
Those interested in science will enjoy SciTrek (404 522 5500, 395 Piedmont Ave), an interactive science and technology museum, though often overrun by school groups. Instead, see some fine art at the High Museum of Art (404 249 6400, 1280 Peachtree St), housing an internationally recognized collection of European and American painting as well as sculpture, modern and contemporary art, decorative arts and photography in an award-winning Richard Meier-designed building. Another architectural wonder is the Fabulous Fox (404 249 6400, 660 Peachtree St), a Moorish/Egyptian theatre and one-time Masonic lodge constructed circa 1927. Catch a movie, ballet, opera, traveling Broadway show or concert amid the opulent elegance if at all possible.
Need some fresh air? Zoo Atlanta (404 624 5600, 800 Cherokee Ave) offers one of the few panda habitats in the United States, plus a host of other exotic animals. Piedmont Park (Piedmont Ave and 14th St) is Atlanta’s Central park, a gathering point for activity enthusiasts, and bordered by the Atlanta Botanical Garden (404 876 5859, 1345 Piedmont Ave). Downtown, within walking distance of the CNN Centre, Philips Arena and Georgia World Congress Centre, sits the 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park (Techwood Dr/International Dr), featuring dancing fountains and plenty of family activities.
If in the mood for sports, head to either Philips Arena (404 878 3000, 1 Philips Dr), home to the Atlanta Thrashers NHL Team and the Atlanta Hawks NBA Team, or Turner Field (755 Hank Aaron Dr, 404 577 9100), home to the Atlanta Braves baseball team.