Top Rated Attractions in Atlanta

This Midtown dinner theater provides good food and great Shakespearean entertainment. The Atlanta Shakespeare Company, which manages The New American Shakespeare Tavern, was the first American company to perform at London's Globe Theatre. A traditional English pub meal is offered during the hour before the show. A full bar features Harp, Bass, and Guinness, as well as a few wines. Seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early. Call for performance schedule.

Atlanta History Center is a great spot for history buffs. This comprehensive museum complex was founded in 1926 and chronicles the region's history, including sections on the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, Southern folk crafts, Atlanta's expansion, and much more. Spread across 33 acres (13.5 hectares), the complex consists of the Atlanta History Museum, Swan House, Tullie Smith Farm (Smith Family Farm), Margaret Mitchell House, Lee Playhouse, Victorian Playhouse, McElreath Hall, Kenan Research Center, and beautiful gardens. It has various programs, festivals, and events throughout the year. Considered to be among the biggest history museums in the country, each space is unique and distinct, giving a glimpse of an era bygone and stories to enthrall everyone.

It is hard to miss this ultra-modern, white structure that houses Atlanta's finest collections of classic and contemporary art. A towering atrium soars to four interior levels, with the galleries moving from 18th and 19th Century collections near the ground floor to cutting-edge art on the upper levels. The High has increased in size to 312,000 square feet (2972.89 square meters) with three buildings designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano: the Susan and John Wieland Pavilion, the Anne Cox Chambers Wing for galleries, and an office building. The High is a frequent host to some of the world's most important touring collections and has hosted exhibitions featuring artists like Pablo Picasso and Norman Rockwell. With over 18000 works in the permanent collection, the High also displays old prints of Abe Lincoln, General William Tecumseh Sherman and an array of sculptures and photographs.

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum spread across 30 acres (12.14 hectares) lies next to John Lewis Freedom Parkway in Atlanta. The complex consists of interconnected pavilions that house the offices of the former President, research and foundation facilities, and the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum. The Presidential Library and Museum has an extensive collection of papers, photographs, films, and videos about the Carter administration and the President’s family life. Visitors can opt for the docent tour or a self-guided tour of this wonderful place.

The Rialto Center for the Arts is an acoustically splendid, 833-seat, state-of-the-art theater. It is situated in the historic Fairlie-Poplar district of downtown Atlanta. The Rialto's seasonal series runs from early October through May and boasts an eclectic array of dance, music and theater performances and comedy shows. Tickets for all events can be ordered by phone, mail or fax, or by visiting the Rialto box office at the corner of Forsyth and Luckie Streets.

This National Historic Landmark was built in 1929 as a Shrine temple, but through most of its history, it has served as Atlanta's premier theatrical venue. The Fox Theater is a marvel of Middle Eastern Revival architecture that spans a full city block. It is one of the largest theaters built in America during the golden age of the movies. Today, the theater maintains a steady schedule of Broadway shows, operas, symphonic performances, and rock concerts. Tours are available, but the best way to experience the Fox Theatre is through the city's nightlife.