Where best to stay?

Question

Hi,

We are a UK couple travelling to Atlanta for 10 days in January - we want to use it as a base to fly to a couple of other areas, but we have no idea where the best area to stay in is.

Can you please help with suggestions of a safe but easy location to get to local sights?

Thanks

Answer

Atlanta is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, and there are several great neighborhoods where you can stay that are safe and easy to access local sights. Since you’re planning to use Atlanta as a base for your travels, I’d recommend staying in areas that are well-connected to public transportation, close to major attractions, and have a range of accommodations and dining options. Here are some of the best areas to consider for your stay:

Midtown Midtown is a great area for first-time visitors to Atlanta. It’s centrally located, safe, and close to many of the city's main attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the High Museum of Art, and Piedmont Park. It’s also well-connected to public transportation, including the MARTA rail, making it easy to get around. Midtown has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and bars, offering a lively yet relaxed vibe. It's an excellent option if you want to be in the heart of the city with easy access to both cultural sites and green spaces.
Downtown Atlanta Downtown is another good area to stay, especially if you want to be close to major tourist attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Centennial Olympic Park. It’s also very convenient for visitors arriving by MARTA, as many downtown hotels are located near the Five Points or Peachtree Center stations. The area is generally safe during the day and evening, though it can be quieter in the evenings compared to other parts of the city.
Buckhead Buckhead is known for its upscale shopping, dining, and luxury hotels. It's a more residential and commercial district, located a bit north of Midtown, but it’s still a great place to stay if you’re looking for a quieter and more upscale atmosphere. Buckhead is also home to the Atlanta History Center and has easy access to MARTA if you need to get downtown or to the airport. It's perfect if you’re looking for a more refined experience while still being close to all the attractions Atlanta has to offer.
Virginia Highland Virginia Highland is a charming, historic neighborhood that offers a mix of independent boutiques, coffee shops, and a vibrant dining scene. It’s a bit quieter than Midtown or Downtown but still close enough to major attractions. It’s a great spot if you prefer a more residential feel but with easy access to fun nightlife and outdoor activities. Virginia Highland is also near Piedmont Park and is a safe, walkable area.
Old Fourth Ward Old Fourth Ward is a rapidly developing area just east of Downtown, known for its trendy vibe and rich history. It's home to the famous Ponce City Market, a large food hall and shopping complex, as well as the Atlanta BeltLine, a multi-use trail perfect for walking or biking. It’s an excellent area for those who want a more hip, urban feel while still being close to the action in Midtown and Downtown.

Since you mentioned you’ll be using Atlanta as a base for travel, I’d suggest that staying near a MARTA station is ideal. This way, you can easily access the airport and other parts of the city without having to rent a car. Midtown and Downtown have excellent MARTA connections, making both areas great choices for convenience and easy access to other attractions in the city.

For your 10-day stay, I recommend booking your accommodation in one of these areas and using MARTA or ride-sharing services like Uber/Lyft to get around. All of these neighborhoods offer a variety of hotel options, from budget-friendly to luxury, and are safe and vibrant places to stay. Enjoy your trip to Atlanta!