Great food, culture and history: how Atlanta became a travel hotspot

Telegraph

20-03-2025

Exploring the streets of Atlanta is to immerse yourself in a modern creative and cultural heavyweight, where everything from the sound of hip-hop to the clack of a film director's clapperboard are commonplace. It won't take long after you've arrived to realise you're in one of the most diverse and exciting cities in the United States.
From the birthplace and first home of Martin Luther King Jr to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta's rich history has been felt around the world. Now its status as the capital of hip hop, thanks to the success of OutKast, Ludacris, Childish Gambino and countless others, and its role as a major filming hub for the big screen – The Hunger Games trilogy and a number of Marvel films were shot there – is helping take Atlanta to the world.
But you won't really get the flavour of Atlanta's numerous, distinct neighbourhoods and welcoming vibe unless you explore it for yourself. With direct flights from London Heathrow with British Airways, it's never been easier to plan a trip. And as Atlanta is set to be one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, there's never been a better time to visit.
With so much to explore, hiring a car is key. British Airways Holidays makes it simple to book your car rental, hotel rooms and flights all in one place, so you'll be on your way sooner than you can say 'Action!'
A gastronomic gem
In short, Atlanta is a foodie hub, home to both world-class restaurants and homely multi-generational mom-and-pop eateries serving Southern classics lovingly made.
It would be a missed opportunity to visit Atlanta without trying lemon-pepper wings, the city's beloved dish. You'll find the king of wings all across the city, though the recipes are as varied as the places that serve them.
Head to the Ponce City Market food hall to get a flavour of the multi-cultural city. Set within the restored Sears building, this buzzing space is a favourite gathering spot for Atlantans, home to fare from James Beard Award-winning chefs serving Georgia and Carolinas-caught seafood, along with mouthwatering burgers and fried catfish tacos. The chance to enjoy drinks and a game of mini-golf on its rooftop is another local treat that should be on your radar.
What to see
Experience the past, present and future of the city all in one place at Centennial Olympic Park. A legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, the park is now home to several of Atlanta's major tourist attractions.
Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta, and it's here you'll find a whole attraction dedicated to the famous soft drink. Head to the World of Coca-Cola to customise your own can, try exclusive flavours and learn about its history.
Another Atlanta icon is Martin Luther King Jr, who became a national symbol of the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park is home to a number of landmarks in his honour, including the King Center, the final resting place of Dr King and his wife.
The Great Outdoors
Atlanta is nicknamed the City in the Forest for good reason. Trees hug the city – in fact, you'll find around 300 lush parks and green spaces across Atlanta; each a unique natural oasis. If you take a picnic to grassy Piedmont Park in Midtown you'll find rolling hills, serene lakes and miles of trails traversing its 200 acres.
Budding horticulturists should make a beeline for the Atlanta Botanical Garden, renowned for its beautiful displays and expansive plant collection, including sculptures made entirely of foliage. Its Fuqua Orchid Center is home to the foremost collection of orchids in the United States.
Finally, the pioneering Atlanta Beltline is best visited on foot or by bike. The now-disused rail routes make up its 22-mile network of trails, stitching together the city's vibrant inner-city neighbourhoods. It's also home to the south-east's largest temporary public art project, Atlanta Beltline Art – there's an ever-changing array of murals, sculptures performances and more for you to admire while you're stretching your legs.
Where to stay in Atlanta
It's fitting that a city that offers everything you could wish for in a getaway also delivers when it comes to accommodation.
If you want to be perfectly placed to explore Downtown, Midtown and Old Fourth Ward then Hotel Clermont fits the bill – this boutique spot is a culinary hub in its own right, and features a rooftop bar with stunning skyline views.
For something a touch more refined, head to the five-star Westin Peachtree Plaza for world-class service and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the city. The chic and stylish Hyatt Place is the ideal place to set up camp in the bustling Downtown district.
Southern comforts with British Airways Holidays
Getting here is easy: British Airways operates multiple weekly flights to Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans from London Heathrow, which makes getting to the Deep South simple. What's more, when you book your flights and car hire together through British Airways Holidays and their exclusive car hire partner Avis, you're able to experience that authentic Southern charm the best way possible, on a fly-drive holiday. And for a place to rest your head after a day of exploring, British Airways Holidays offer a range of hotel options to suit all budgets, so your trip is well covered.
Booking your flights, hotel and car hire together come with additional benefits, including full Atol protection, competitive rates, roadside assistance and access to a 24-hour holiday helpline for any support you might need while you're away. You will also receive a generous baggage allowance for any goodies you pick up along the way. For added convenience, you can secure your Deep South road trip holiday with a low deposit and pay in as many instalments as you like, to help spread the cost. Alternatively, settle the balance closer to departure should you wish to pay later.*