Book flights to Atlanta

Whether this is your first trip to Atlanta or your 21st, you will always discover something new. If you want to immerse yourself in a little heritage, pay a visit to the Atlanta History Center, located in Buckhead. Set in 33 acres of immaculately maintained gardens, the centre has four historic houses to explore, each with a distinct exhibition. Here, you can learn about the American Civil War, but also educate yourself about more modern events.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a bubble of calm, away from the city’s mayhem. A kaleidoscopic wonderland of countless species, the garden offers fauna native to the Andes Mountains alongside rare orchids and desert plants from Madagascar. You’ll also find a generous array of animals, from colourful birds and frogs to less-showy tortoises and wily crocodiles.

If you want to experience some of the best performing arts in the region, then your trip to Atlanta ought to include a visit to the Fox Theater. Originally a movie palace, the theatre now hosts Broadway shows and some of the biggest names in music. In addition to luminaries like Elvis Presley and shows such as the Phantom of the Opera, the building itself is something of an attraction. There are tours available, allowing you to take in the grandeur of the venue’s opulent ballrooms and luxurious lounges.

Atlanta is an art-lover’s paradise. Perhaps the most impressive attraction is the lavish Besharat Gallery, which showcases works by local and international artists and photographers. The High Museum of Art is another popular gallery, and thanks to its glass front, whitewashed walls and unusual geometric designs, it is one of Atlanta’s most recognisable buildings.

Atlanta’s versatility is forcefully reflected in its cuisine, which covers dishes from virtually every corner of the world. Mouth-watering temptations from Japan, Mexico and Italy are there for the sampling.

But you shouldn’t travel to Atlanta without trying the local specialty: soul food, a fusion of African, Moroccan and Portuguese cooking styles. Many of the meals you will find on upmarket menus have their roots in soul food. Fried chicken and fish are popular, served with side dishes such as collard greens, black-eyed beans and grits. Soul food might be uncomplicated cookery, but it tickles the taste-buds and has been adopted as a cornerstone of local cuisine.

Shopping is an important part of life in Atlanta and you will find retail outlets to suit all tastes. Whether you are looking for high-end stores, flashy malls, street markets or chic boutiques, satisfaction is practically guaranteed.

The major malls can be found in Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Shoppers looking for luxury goods should find their way to the Buckhead District, while the markets on Main Street are perfect if you want to hunt out quirky knickknacks or rare bargains.