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‘Capital of the New South’
Its colourful history encompasses the Civil War, birthplace of Coca Cola, headquarters of CNN, and home of Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell. Since hosting the 1996 Olympic Games, however, Atlanta has taken to calling itself the ‘Capital of the New South’, with a reputation for self-confident pace and energy.
It’s a cosmopolitan city, with a global mix of people matched by few other places in the USA. Each of its neighbourhoods has a strong cultural identity, with its own distinct attractions. A good place to start is the downtown hub, Five Points, then join the Eastside Trail to discover highlights further afield.
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Top 10 sights in Atlanta

Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site
GA 30312-1525 Atlanta
USA
Tel: 404 331 5190
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700
This tranquil pool and eternal flame over the shrine of the Nobel Peace Prize winner draws admirers from around the world. Activities available include tours to Martin Luther King Jr’s birthplace nearby.
CNN Studio
GA 30303 Atlanta
USA
Tel: 404 827 2300
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Opening times:
Tours daily 0900-1700
Discover how the global non-stop news TV channel puts it all together, with behind-the-scenes guided tours of their Atlanta headquarters. Advance reservations recommended.
High Museum of Art
GA 30309 Atlanta
USA
Tel: 404 733 4400
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Opening times:
Tue-Thurs and Sat 1000-1700
Fri 1000-2100
Sun 1200-1700
Housed in a stunning modern complex designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Meier, this is one of the best art museums in the USA. Its permanent collection ranges from African carvings to European masters, to contemporary North American folk art.
Margaret Mitchell House and Museum
GA 30309 Atlanta
USA
Tel: 404 249 7015
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1730
Sun 1200-1730
This museum has preserved personal memorabilia in the house where Margaret Mitchell wrote most of Gone with the Wind, her 1936 Pulitzer prize-winning novel, which became one of Hollywood’s most successful films.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
GA 30313 Atlanta
USA
Tel: 404 991 6970
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700
This ambitious new museum charts the progress of the global human rights and American Civil Rights movements, via state-of-the-art images, artefacts and interactive presentations.
Georgia Aquarium
GA 30313 Atlanta
USA
Tel: 404 581 4000
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Opening times:
Sun-Fri 1000-1700
Sat 0900-1800
(times vary throughout the year, check website for details)
In the heart of Downtown, overlooking Centennial Olympic Park, this is one of the biggest aquariums in the world, containing hundreds of marine species, from delicate seahorses to beluga whales.
Atlanta History Center
GA 30305 Atlanta
USA
Tel: 404 814 4000
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1730
Sun 1200-1730
Based in several historic houses and gardens, this imaginatively designed attraction charts the region’s earliest days: inhabited by the Mississipian peoples, through Civil War trauma, up to a celebration of the 1996 Olympic Games.
Fernbank Natural History Museum
GA 30307 Atlanta
USA
Tel: 404 929 6300
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1200-1700
This impressive modern museum uses all the latest interactive tools and hands-on features to bring nature to life, from prehistoric Patagonia to the local Okefenokee Swamp; also has I-MAX screenings.
SkyView Ferris Wheel
GA 30303 Atlanta
USA
Tel: 678 949 9023
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Opening times:
Sun-Thurs 1200-2200
Fri 1200-2300
Sat 1000-2300
Rise above it all and see the sights from a bird’s-eye view, on Atlanta’s SkyView Ferris Wheel, a dizzying 61m (200ft) above the ground. Based in the Centennial Olympic Park, the rides operate until late in the evening, with night-time light shows.
Centennial Olympic Park
Georgia 30313-1591 Atlanta
USA
Tel: 404 223 4412
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Opening times:
Daily 0700-2300
Rejuvenated for the 1996 Olympic Games, this spacious public park has grassy lawns and gardens, as well as sports facilities and a year-round entertainment programme. Its centrepiece is the interactive Fountain of Rings.
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Country Information
Country overview
From its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the USA is a collage of extremes. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Manhattan’s unforgettable skyline, your first ride in a yellow cab, the ubiquitous hamburger joints, yawning expanses of prairie, the sweet strains of New Orleans jazz, or the neon-lit excesses of Las Vegas.
Marvel at the thunderous spectacle of Niagara Falls in northern New York, or seek an antidote to urban chaos amidst the flat farmland of the Midwest. Then there are the black hills of South Dakota, the dramatic mountain and ocean landscape of California’s Pacific Coast Highway and the world-famous Grand Canyon.
Geography
Covering a large part of the North American continent, the USA shares borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The country has coasts on the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The State of Alaska, in the northwest corner of the US, is not part of the continental US; it is separated from the rest of the USA by Canada. Similarly, Hawaii is not part of the “lower 48” states; it lies in the central Pacific Ocean.
The country’s dependent territories are offshore and have distinct geographies of their own; the majority are islands.
The third-largest country in the world (after the Russian Federation and Canada), the USA has an enormous diversity of geographical features, including mountains, plains, and coastal zones. Though there are many cities that are densely populated with more manmade features than natural ones, there are also vast rural areas that are far more sparsely populated. The climate ranges from subtropical to arctic, with a corresponding breadth of flora and fauna.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 319 millions (estimate 2018)
Capital: Washington, DC.
Language
English, with significant Spanish-speaking minorities.
Currency
US Dollar (USD; symbol $) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, though the $2 bill is rare and is not in high circulation. Coins are in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Electricity
120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs have two flat pins with or without a third round grounding pin.
Public holidays
Below are listed public holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
Note: States can recognize other days as state holidays that are not federal holidays.
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Martin Luther King Day: 21 January 2019
President’s Day: 18 February 2019
Memorial Day: 27 May 2019
Independence Day: 4 July 2019
Labor Day: 2 September 2019
Columbus Day: 14 October 2019
Veterans Day: 11 November 2019
Thanksgiving Day: 28 November 2019
Christmas: 25 December 2019
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Martin Luther King Day: 20 January 2020
President’s Day: 17 February 2020
Memorial Day: 25 May 2020
Independence Day: 3 and 4 July 2020
Labor Day: 7 September 2020
Columbus Day: 12 October 2020
Veterans Day: 11 November 2020
Thanksgiving Day: 26 November 2020
Christmas: 25 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Atlanta
With the likes of James Brown, Otis Redding and Blind Willie McTell hailing from Georgia, it should be no surprise that you can hear some great soul and blues in Atlanta.
Little Five Points is the place for alternative live music and theatre; Buckhead draws a well-heeled crowd to its smarter bars; Piedmont Park hosts a range of festivals, from indie rock to Gay Pride.
Fado
GA 30305 Atlanta
USA
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Irish-themed bar with rooftop patio and downstairs dance floor; a great spot for larging it up with a crowd.
Blind Willie’s
GA 30306 Atlanta
USA
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You can hear the best live blues in Atlanta in this little bar named after one of the genre’s greatest musicians.
Woodruff Arts Center
GA 30303 Atlanta
USA
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This major cultural complex includes three theatres; home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Alliance Theatre.
Halo Lounge
GA 30308 Atlanta
USA
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The special attractions at this swanky bar are its hookah pipes and DJ mix.
Tabernacle
GA 30303 Atlanta
USA
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This converted old Baptist church is now a buzzing venue for live rock concerts, with a bar on each of its three levels.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Atlanta
From Southwestern specialities, such as grits, steamed oysters and barbecued chicken eaten outdoors under the trees, to gourmet cuisine in elegant dining rooms, Atlanta has a plethora of finger-licking options.
The Buckhead neighbourhood has the lion’s share of eateries, Five Points is good for fast food on the go, or an hour out of town Wolf Mountain vineyards offer a sumptuous Sunday brunch.
Bone’s
GA 30305 Atlanta
USA
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Price: Expensive
Feast on some of the best steaks in the USA in this gourmet restaurant; not cheap but Bone’s comes very highly recommended.
Canoe
GA 30339 Atlanta
USA
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Price: Expensive
Serving first-class contemporary American cuisine in a delightful garden setting, Canoe is well worth pushing the boat out for.
Six Feet Under
GA 30312-2264 Atlanta
USA
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Price: Moderate
Named in reference to the cemetery opposite, this goodtime restaurant serves fresh fish and seafood to die for.
Nicola’s
GA 30329-3415 Atlanta
USA
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Price: Cheap
Authentic and delicious Lebanese food, including vegetarian platters; Nicola’s waitresses even double up as belly dancers.
Flying Biscuit Cafe
GA 30307 Atlanta
USA
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Price: Cheap
Try a Southern-style breakfast at this popular local café, with dishes such as fried green tomatoes and grits with red salsa.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
12 April – 14 April 2019
Website
Venue: Piedmont Park
Over three days, the festival celebrates the flowering of the dogwood trees with food, canine competition, community awareness, live music and an arts and crafts market.
Inman Park Spring Festival
27 – 28 April 2019
Website
Venue: Inman Park
Taking place along the neighbourhood’s pretty tree-lined streets, the Inman Park Spring Festival is a popular event that attracts thousands of visitors from across the region. During this fun-packed weekend, visitors can expect an arts and crafts show, the city’s largest street market and antiques fair, live music and a popular dance festival. The event takes place in historic Inman Park, which was Atlanta’s first planned community and one of the nation’s first garden suburbs. One of the highlights of the festival is the ‘Tour of Homes’ which enables visitors to take a closer look at the turn-of-the-century Victorian Painted Ladies and Craftsman bungalows that characterise this attractive neighbourhood.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
May 2019
Website
Venue: Piedmont Park
Jazz concerts celebrated throughout the month in various locations, embracing Atlanta’s musical roots. Culminates with a three-day Memorial Day Weekend celebration in Piedmont Park.
Peachtree Road Race
4 July 2019
Website
Venue: Peachtree Street / Piedmont Park
The largest 10km (6 miles) race in the world paces along Atlanta’s most famous road, Peachtree Street and ends with music and festivities at Piedmont Park.
Dragon Con Parade
29 August – 2 September 2019
Website
Venue: Peachtree Street / Downtown
Atlantans love to dress up and the costumes don’t get more outlandish than those on display at Dragon Con, a sci-fi convention that has grown to embrace the city’s connection with major television shows such as The Walking Dead, as well as its passion for inventive steampunk outfits. Catch the best sights during the popular parade on Labor Day weekend.
Taste of Atlanta
October 2019
Website
Venue: Atlantic Station
A foodie’s paradise, chow to your heart’s content on Atlanta delicacies from more than 90 of the city’s best eateries at this two-day food fest, which includes cooking demonstrations and workshops.
Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade
October 2019
Website
Venue: Little Five Points
Featuring local bands, a costumed parade and colourful floats that journey through Little Five Points and Inman Park neighbourhoods, watch Atlantans getting creative for this spooky festival, one of the biggest of the year.
Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp
November 2019
Website
Venue: Cabbagetown
Soak up live bluegrass music and buy a $5 spoon to sample from over 100 varieties of chillis competing in a cook-off. Quirky food eating contests and an artist market add to the unique vibe in this increasingly popular neighbourhood festival.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Atlanta
Atlanta has dozens of large modern hotels, with the smartest and priciest places in trendy Buckhead; not many
budget choices downtown, but some close to the airport and malls.
TownePlace Suites Atlanta Buckhead
GA 30324 Atlanta
USA
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Category: Expensive
These comfy modern suites, with a wide range of amenities, including gym and whirlpool, make an ideal choice for longer stays.
The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
GA 30303 Atlanta
USA
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Category: Expensive
This is a top choice for plush comforts and attentive service (though watch out for pricey Wi-Fi charge).
Hampton Inn Atlanta
GA 30345 Atlanta
USA
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Category: Moderate
This excellent mid-priced hotel is handily located next to a mall in a quiet suburb.
Quality Inn Northlake
30345 Atlanta
USA
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Category: Cheap
This is a good-value budget hotel, with small but comfy rooms, close to the Northlake Shopping Mall.
Holiday Inn Airport North
30344 Atlanta
USA
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Category: Cheap
With an outdoor pool and modern rooms, this economical choice is also close to the airport.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 13.12.2019 17:00 UTC

light rain
temperature
5°C
wind speed
8.75 mphhumidity
90%7 days forecast
Saturday
14.12.2019
13°C / 8°C
Sunday
15.12.2019
16°C / 7°C
Monday
16.12.2019
17°C / 12°C
Tuesday
17.12.2019
12°C / 6°C
Wednesday
18.12.2019
4°C /
Thursday
19.12.2019
10°C /
Friday
20.12.2019
11°C / 4°C
Climate & best time to visit United States of America
The United States has varied weather conditions, and the best time to visit depends both upon the location and the season. Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September and October) are generally cooler, more comfortable times to visit. Summer months – June, July, and August – are generally hot regardless of the region, but winter temperatures (November-February) can vary substantially depending upon the part of the US you are visiting. The southern part of the country tends to be warmer in the winter than the north. The general climate of the continental US is temperate, but keep in mind that Hawaii is tropical and Alaska is arctic. Many of the country’s dependent territories, such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, are also tropical.
Summer is considered the peak tourist season throughout the country; other popular travel times are major American holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as Easter Week and the school holiday known as Spring Break. Certain destinations, such as New York, are perennial favourites and are busy year-round; even when the weather may not be pleasant, these destinations have particular attractions or experiences that always draw travellers. In some parts of the country, travel services may be limited during the low or off-season, largely due to weather conditions.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 26 °C | -22 °C | 10 °C | 0 °C | 69 % | 119 mm | 10 | 4.8 h |
Feb | 26 °C | -15 °C | 12 °C | 1 °C | 64 % | 121 mm | 8 | 5.8 h |
Mar | 29 °C | -12 °C | 17 °C | 5 °C | 63 % | 142 mm | 9 | 6.8 h |
Apr | 32 °C | -3 °C | 22 °C | 10 °C | 63 % | 109 mm | 7 | 8.5 h |
May | 35 °C | 2 °C | 26 °C | 14 °C | 68 % | 101 mm | 8 | 9.4 h |
Jun | 38 °C | 7 °C | 29 °C | 18 °C | 71 % | 86 mm | 8 | 9.5 h |
Jul | 40 °C | 11 °C | 31 °C | 20 °C | 76 % | 127 mm | 10 | 8.7 h |
Aug | 38 °C | 13 °C | 30 °C | 20 °C | 76 % | 87 mm | 8 | 8.6 h |
Sep | 36 °C | 2 °C | 27 °C | 17 °C | 75 % | 90 mm | 6 | 7.7 h |
Oct | 35 °C | -2 °C | 22 °C | 10 °C | 70 % | 71 mm | 6 | 7.7 h |
Nov | 28 °C | -16 °C | 17 °C | 5 °C | 69 % | 90 mm | 7 | 6.1 h |
Dec | 25 °C | -17 °C | 12 °C | 1 °C | 69 % | 108 mm | 8 | 4.9 h |
year | 39 °C | -22 °C | 21 °C | 10 °C | 69 % | 1251 mm | 95 | 7.4 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +1
Telephone
Public telephones have become a rarity, but can still be found here and there. They take coins, telephone cards and credit cards. If you are planning to make regular use of public phones, it’s best to purchase a prepaid calling card from one of the many U.S. providers.
Mobile Telephone
Not all European cell phones work on the American network, since it requires a tri-band or quad-band device. Full network coverage is not always assured outside densely populated areas. Roaming charges are high here, so it is often cheaper to buy a SIM card from a U.S. provider. Low-cost prepaid SIM cards for making calls inside the country can be ordered online before you travel.
Internet
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks, it is not advisable to enter passwords, credit card details or banking credentials. We recommend using VPN app or security software to check Wi-Fi hotspots.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Atlanta
Key Areas
Atlanta has a tempting range of places to spend your money; from local food and antiques markets to swish new shopping malls. Go to Buckhead for upscale stores; Virginia Highland for chic boutiques; and antique stores, for which the city is renowned, are in many areas.
Markets
Get your fresh fruit and vegetables at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, from Monday to Saturday. Dekalb Farmers Market, daily in Decatur, is huge, with many others dotted all over town. Buford Highway Flea Market is one of the largest of its kind in the city, open every Friday to Sunday.
Shopping Centres
The three best-known malls in Atlanta are the posh Lenox Square Mall, its partner centre, Phipps, opposite, and the more budget-wise Perimeter Mall, just to the north of the city.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. The wide variety of national origins and the USA’s relatively short history has resulted in numerous cultural and traditional customs living alongside each other. In large cities, people of the same ethnic background often live within defined communities.
Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting in formal situations and in business meetings. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy are observed, there need be no fear of offending anyone of any background.
Gifts are appreciated if one is invited to a private home.
As a rule, dress is casual. High-end restaurants, hotels and clubs may require more formal attire.
Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; it is essential to ask permission before lighting up. Smoking is not allowed on city transport and restricted or forbidden in public buildings in most states. There will be a posted notice where no smoking is requested. An increasing number of states (including California and New York) have banned smoking altogether in bars, restaurants and many public places.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Main emergency number: 911
Food & Drink
Food in the US is safe to eat, and the conditions under which food is prepared and served are regulated by city, state, and federal health and hygiene agencies. In many jurisdictions, it is mandatory for restaurants to have a certificate of health or hygiene, as well as the current grade they have been assigned, posted visibly.
Although America is famous for its fast food and obesity rates, the local and fresh food movement is very popular in many areas, especially cities, making it easy to eat healthy. A variety of options also makes it easy for people with special dietary needs to find food that suits them, whether their needs are due to health reasons or to religious requirements.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in the US and is often offered in restaurants before bottled water. Bottled water is available throughout the country, however, both in restaurants and shops, for those who prefer not to drink tap water.
Other Risks
The US is generally considered a safe destination for world visitors. Occasional outbreaks of disease, such as West Nile Virus (a mosquito-borne illness) and H1N1 have occurred in recent years, however. Frequent hand-washing and general practices of good hygiene are encouraged to protect oneself against all types of illness.
Another concern with regard to safety is the possibility of terrorist attacks such as the one that occurred on September 11, 2001. City, state, and federal agencies have stringent anti-terrorism practices in place, however, and direct threats are infrequent.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Martin , Joseph H.Crawford Long Hospital Medical Office Tower
550 Peachtree St.
Suite 1420
Atlanta – Georgia 30308
USA
Tel. +1-404-526-9111
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.