With FIFA bringing fans from around the world to Atlanta, there’s never been a better time to explore everything that makes this city special. As an Atlanta native, I love sharing the places, stories, and experiences that give our city its unique personality.
Whether you're visiting for a match or extending your stay, Atlanta offers so much more than what you'll find on a typical tourist itinerary. Recently, I had the opportunity to check out 100 Things to Do in Atlanta Before You Die, 4th Edition by Kimberly Stroh, and it serves as a fantastic guide for anyone looking to experience the city beyond the stadium. From historic landmarks to legendary restaurants, here are a few must-visit spots I recommend for FIFA visitors looking to experience Atlanta like a local.
Grab Fried Chicken at Busy Bee Cafe
No visit to Atlanta is complete without experiencing the rich history and incredible food at Busy Bee Cafe. Located in Vine City, this iconic restaurant has been serving up Southern comfort food for decades. Founded by self-taught cook Lucy Jackson, Busy Bee became much more than a restaurant—it was a gathering place for community leaders and civil rights activists during a pivotal time in Atlanta's history. Of course, the fried chicken is legendary, but it's the stories behind the walls that make every visit memorable.
Dine Where Civil Rights History Was Made at Paschal’s
Atlanta's civil rights legacy can be felt throughout the city, and Paschal’s Restaurant is one of the most important places to experience it. Civil rights leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Andrew Young, and Jesse Jackson frequently gathered here to strategize and build community. Paschal’s wasn't simply a restaurant—it played an active role in supporting the movement by providing a safe space for meetings and assistance for activists. Today, visitors can enjoy classic Southern cuisine while connecting with an important chapter of Atlanta's history.
Explore Atlanta’s Story at the Atlanta History Center
If you're looking to understand how Atlanta became the city it is today, make time for the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead. Spread across 33 beautiful acres, the campus features historic homes, gardens, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that bring Georgia's past to life. As someone who grew up here, I still learn something new every time I visit. It's one of the best places to gain a deeper appreciation for Atlanta's journey from a railroad town to one of the South's most influential cities.
Experience the Best of Atlanta Beyond the Matches
Atlanta is a city that blends history, culture, food, and innovation unlike anywhere else. While FIFA may be the reason you're visiting, I encourage you to venture beyond the stadium and discover the neighborhoods, restaurants, green spaces, and hidden gems that locals love.
Whether you're walking in the footsteps of civil rights legends, enjoying some of the city's best Southern cooking, taking in skyline views, or exploring attractions that have shaped Atlanta's identity, you'll quickly understand why so many of us are proud to call this city home.
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