Must-Do in South Downtown, Downtown, & Castleberry Hill
The FIFA World Cup may be over, but Downtown Atlanta’s momentum is just getting started.
For years, people treated Downtown Atlanta like somewhere you passed through.
A concert. A Falcons game. Or even a conference; then you left.
But spend a little more time here, & you’ll notice something happening. Historic buildings are finding new life. Independent businesses are staying, or moving back.
If I had one day to explore South Downtown, Downtown, & Castleberry Hill…
Here’s exactly where I’d spend it.
Written July 08, 2026
Updated July 15, 2026
📍 Know Your Neighborhoods
While these three neighborhoods blend together, each has its own personality.
🎨 South Downtown (SoDo)
Just a little south of Five Points, this historic district is in the middle of a revival. Think creative storefronts, local makers, public art, coffee shops, pop-ups, & beautifully preserved buildings getting a second life.
🏛 Downtown
Big attractions, big history, & Atlanta’s historic core. You’ll find Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, museums, hotels, & some of Atlanta’s oldest landmarks all within walking distance.
🧱 Castleberry Hill
Think brick warehouses turned galleries, lofts, a brewery, & some of Atlanta’s coolest murals. It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods to wander because there’s almost always something unexpected around the corner.
💡 Good to know: You can easily explore all three in one day. They’re connected by a short walk, so wear comfy shoes, keep your camera handy, & leave a little room in your schedule for spontaneous detours — that’s where the magic usually happens.
☕ Start with Coffee
Before you start wandering, grab a coffee. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, & luckily you’ve got a couple great options.
Spiller Park Coffee (South Downtown)
One of my favorite spots to ease into the day. If you love a little nostalgia with your morning coffee, this is your spot. Spiller Park blends a classic baseball feel with quality coffee. So grab a latte, find a seat for a few minutes, & watch the neighborhood wake up.
Mendoza Café y Vino (Downtown)
Come for the coffee, stay for the atmosphere.
🎨 Wander Atlanta’s Creative Side
One of my favorite things about this part of Atlanta is that the art isn’t tucked away inside museums; instead, it’s woven into the streets.
Historic buildings become canvases. Murals appear around unexpected corners. Galleries share the block with small businesses.
If you’re exploring, don’t rush. This is one of those neighborhoods where wandering is half the fun.
🎨 Keep an Eye Out For
Murals throughout South Downtown
The colorful walls along Broad Street & Mitchell Street
Public art around Castleberry Hill
💡 Pro Tip:Street Art & Public Murals: Bookmark the Atlanta Street Art Map by Art Ruddick — it’s the holy grail. He even hosts in-person tours if you’re down to explore IRL.
🖼️ Gallery Hop Through Castleberry Hill
If you’re already in Castleberry Hill, don’t stop after one gallery.
Peter Street Station (Castleberry Hill)
A creative hub & gallery space with a community vibe that regularly hosts exhibitions, events, & neighborhood gatherings. Pro tip: If your timing lines up, the annual City of Ink block party is absolutely worth experiencing.
Nina Baldwin Gallery (Castleberry Hill)
Bold, eclectic works that immediately grab your attention. Every visit feels a little different.
Old Rabbit Gallery (Castleberry Hill)
Hidden gem with rotating experimental showcases you’ll probably want to tell your friends about.
💡 Pro Tip: Art lovers, take note: Peters Street Station, Old Rabbit Gallery, & Nina Baldwin Gallery are all owned by Atlanta artist & tattoo legend Miya Bailey, making this trio well worth exploring together.
ZuCot Gallery (Castleberry Hill)
One of the largest African-American-owned galleries in the Southeast.
Future Artists (Castleberry Hill)
I have not been to the new location, but when it was at Underground
🎟️ Add These to Your Art Crawl
Tiny Doors ATL by Karen Anderson Singer (South Downtown)
Whimsical public art scattered across the city. Find them all like a creative scavenger hunt.
Gallery 72 (Downtown)
City-run space with cultural depth & diverse exhibitions.
🏛 Step Into Atlanta’s History
Downtown Atlanta isn’t polished, & honestly, that’s part of its charm.
Look up. Some of the city’s oldest buildings are hiding in plain sight, tucked between murals, coffee shops, & new storefronts. It’s one of the few places where Atlanta’s past & future seem to exist on the same block.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably stop every few minutes to admire an old brick façade, peek inside a historic lobby, or wonder what these streets looked like decades ago.
🧱 Hotel Row (South Downtown)
One of my favorite stretches to wander. Once home to bustling railroad hotels welcoming travelers into Atlanta, Hotel Row is now one of the city’s most recognizable collections of historic architecture. Even if you’re not an architecture nerd, it’s worth slowing down to appreciate the details.
🚇 Underground Atlanta (Five Points Downtown)
Love it or hate it, it’s a fascinating piece of the city’s history. Built around Atlanta’s original street level, Underground is one of those places where you can literally walk through layers of the city’s past while watching its future take shape.
Bonus: Wander Without a Destination
One of my favorite things about Downtown Atlanta is simply walking.
You’ll stumble across historic storefronts, faded painted signs, old warehouses, hidden alleyways, & architectural details you’d completely miss if you were driving by. This is one of those neighborhoods where looking up is just as rewarding as looking ahead.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to dive even deeper into Downtown Atlanta’s history? Queue up an episode of Archive Atlanta before your visit. It’s one of my favorite local podcasts for uncovering the stories, people, & places that shaped the city (podcast link below).
🍽️ Worth Leaving Hungry For
You’ve walked the streets, browsed the galleries, & probably taken way too many photos of old buildings. Now it’s time to eat, before you get hangry. Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice, lingering over lunch, or ending the day with a drink, these are the spots I’d keep coming back to.
South Downtown
🍕 Dolo’s Pizza (South Downtown at Underground Atlanta)
One of the city’s most exciting newcomers. Handmade pies, local energy, & a killer sauce-to-cheese ratio. Pro tip: They host pizza-making classes.
Bonus: Open late! Making them perfect for a post-event slice.
🖤 Black-owned
🍻 Wild Leap Atlanta (South Downtown)
One of my favorite places to grab a drink before or after a game. With craft beer, cocktails, giant screens, & plenty of room to spread out, it’s become an easy go-to near Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Snag a burger from the food truck.
Pro tip: Beat the crowds by getting here early on match days.
⚽ Bottle Rocket (now South Downtown)
A neighborhood favorite that’s found a new home in South Downtown. Come for the drinks, stay for the projector, soccer matches, & community vibes that make it feel like everyone’s watching the game together. ILY forever!
🍜 Tyde Tate (South Downtown)
Add this to your lunch list. Tyde Tate serves up flavorful Thai-inspired dishes in a bright, modern space that feels right at home in South Downtown. It’s the perfect spot to slow down before your next adventure. The papaya salad? Absolutely order it.
Bonus: If you’re like me & live on Atlanta’s Westside, they deliver.
🍕 Glide Pizza (South Downtown, O4W, Decatur)
No-fuss, by-the-slice perfection. Thin, cheesy, & always hits after a night out. Pro tip: Grab a whole pie for your next picnic or movie night… It folds perfecly on the go.
🥅 El Tesoro (South Downtown, Kirkwood - OG, & West End in Lee + White)
Tacos, margaritas, & fútbol? Say less. Whether you're at the Kirkwood original or the newer Lee + White location, El Tesoro is one of my favorite patios for catching a match with friends.
Pro tip: Order another round of tacos. You're going to be there longer than you planned.
🍗 Deliliah’s Everyday Soul (Coming soon to South Downtown, Chattahoochee Foodworks)
When I’m craving classic Southern comfort food, this is one of my go-to spots. The fried chicken has a perfectly seasoned, crispy breading that keeps me coming back, & the cornbread strikes that perfect balance with just a hint of sweetness. Come hungry… you won’t leave disappointed.
🖤 Black-owned
⚽ The Brewhouse Cafe (South Downtown & Little 5 Points)
If you’re extending your soccer day, this legendary Atlanta soccer bar is absolutely worth it. Match days here are an experience all their own.
Arsenal Bar 🔴 Gooners
Next on my list: Dough in the Box Donuts (sadly, it wasn’t open)
Downtown
🍴The CTR Atlanta (Downtown)
Formerly the CNN Center, CTR Foodworks, public gathering spaces, events, & future programming through CTR Culture officially opened, & after getting a sneak peek during media preview night, I can confidently say it's one to watch.
This area is quickly becoming a new hub for families, foodies, sports fans, & anyone looking for something to do Downtown.
⚽ Park Bar (Downtown)
An Atlanta classic, & one of my go-tos, within walking distance of Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Tabernacle. Sports fans, cold drinks, & plenty of pre-game energy. Burger & tots are a must.
🇩🇪 Der Biergarten
Especially if you're repping Germany. Grab a stein, find a table, & settle in. Prost!
Go Bayern! Schlaaand.
🏟 STATS Brewpub
Big screens, sports bar atmosphere, & an easy choice when you're staying close to the action.
Castleberry Hill
No Mas (Castleberry Hill)
This spot has been part of my Atlanta story since the beginning. It was one of the first restaurants I tried after moving here in 2012, & more than a decade later, I still find myself recommending it. Grab a table on the patio if the weather’s nice.
🍻 Atlantucky Brewing (Castleberry Hill)
More than just a brewery, Atlantucky is a community gathering place. Expect craft beer, regular events, & a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the heart of Castleberry Hill. Whether you’re catching up with friends or stopping in after exploring the neighborhood, it always feels like there’s something happening.
🖤 Black-owned
Follower Picks: Paschal’s
I couldn’t write a Downtown Atlanta guide without mentioning this local fave. Paschal’s has been serving legendary soul food plates for generations (since the 40’s) & remains an Atlanta institution.
Things To Do
🏟️ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Home to the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, concerts, & some of the city’s biggest events. Even if there’s nothing on the calendar, it’s worth seeing up close.
🏀 State Farm Arena
Catch a Hawks game, a major concert, or comedy show. It’s one of Atlanta’s busiest entertainment venues year-round.
🎶 Tabernacle
One of Atlanta’s most iconic music venues, was an old House of Blues. Housed inside a beautifully restored church, it’s worth checking the concert calendar before your trip.
🎡 SkyView Atlanta
Want views of Downtown? Hop aboard this giant Ferris wheel overlooking Centennial Olympic Park.
🌳 Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, this 22-acre park is the heart of Downtown. It’s a great place to take a break, people-watch, or cool off by the Fountain of Rings.
🥤 World of Coca-Cola
A fun stop for Coke fans, history buffs, or anyone curious about one of Atlanta’s most famous exports. Don’t leave without trying flavors from around the world.
🏈 College Football Hall of Fame
A must for college football fans, with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, & plenty of opportunities to test your skills.
💡 Local Tip: Many of these attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to spend an afternoon exploring.
🛍 Shops
South Downtown
📚 Village Books (South Downtown)
An independent bookstore with carefully curated shelves, cozy corners, & regular author events. It’s the kind of place where you stop in for “just one book” & somehow leave with three.
🖤 Black-owned
💿 Crates ATL (South Downtown)
If you’re into digging for vinyl, this is worth a stop. Crates ATL specializes in new and used records spanning hip-hop, jazz, soul, rock, & more, making it an easy addition to any Downtown wandering.
🖤 Black-owned
🚆 Getting Around on MARTA
If you’re exploring Downtown without a car, MARTA makes it surprisingly easy. Since the World Cup, you can now pay via phone instead of relying on a Breeze Card.
🚉 Five Points Station
Atlanta’s main rail hub where all four MARTA lines connect. It can get busy at times, but it’s the easiest place to transfer if you’re coming from another part of the city.
🚉 Garnett Station ⭐
This is usually my go-to when I’m exploring South Downtown or Castleberry Hill. It’s quieter than Five Points, & an easy walk to many of the spots in this guide. It lets you skip some of the crowds.
🚉 SEC District Station (formerly GWCC/CNN Center)
The closest stop for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, & many of Downtown’s biggest attractions. If you’re in town for a game or concert, this is probably your best bet.
🚉 Vine City Station
Another great option for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, especially on event days. It’s also a convenient starting point if you’re exploring Atlanta’s historic Westside neighborhoods before heading Downtown.
💡 Local Tip: Google Maps does a great job with MARTA directions. Just plug in your destination, tap the transit option, & it’ll walk you through the entire trip.
Final Thoughts
Cities are always changing, & nowhere in Atlanta feels that more obvious than South Downtown, Downtown, & Castleberry Hill.
What was once a place people rushed through is slowly becoming somewhere worth lingering.
Less about checking landmarks off a list.
More about wandering. Meeting the people behind the counter. Looking up at the architecture. Discovering a gallery you didn’t know existed.
So next time you’re headed Downtown… Don’t just come for the game.
Stay for the neighborhood.
Take the train.
Skip the itinerary every once in a while.
You might just discover a side of Atlanta you’ve never noticed before.
Explore More Atlanta Like a Local
First Coffee, Sip Here → ☕ My Atlanta Coffee Go-To’s
Bookstores → 📚 Your Next TBR
Atlanta's Art Galleries (& Beyond) → 🎨 A Curated Guide