As one of the host cities for soccer's biggest global event this summer, Atlanta is welcoming visitors from every corner of the world.
For those seeing the city for the first time, Atlanta has a lot more to offer than the stadium. Between the heat, the energy, and a packed match schedule, smart trip planning goes a long way. Whether you've got a free afternoon or a full day to explore, here's how to make every hour count.
Stay Cool With Iconic Indoor Attractions in Downtown Atlanta
Summer in Atlanta is no joke. The heat and humidity arrive early and stay late. Fortunately, two of the city's most celebrated attractions are beautifully air-conditioned, making them perfect destinations on a sweltering match day.
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States, holding more than 10 million gallons of water and thousands of animals, including whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales.
It's a genuinely impressive experience, and the cool indoor environment makes it especially appealing when temperatures outside are climbing. Plan on spending two to three hours here to do it justice.
World of Coca-Cola
Right nearby, the World of Coca-Cola takes visitors through the history of one of the most recognizable brands on the planet. From interactive exhibits to a tasting room with flavors from around the world, it's a fun stop for every age group.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
For visitors curious about Atlanta's deeper history, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, located steps from the World of Coca-Cola, offers one of the most powerful museum experiences in the American South. Its exhibits connect the Civil Rights Movement to ongoing human rights struggles worldwide. It's a meaningful counterpoint to the celebratory atmosphere of the tournament, and one of the city's most compelling hidden gems.
College Football Hall of Fame
Located just south of Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame is a must-stop for sports fans looking to experience another side of Atlanta’s athletic identity. Interactive exhibits, immersive game-day environments, and a deep archive of college football history make it engaging even for casual fans.
The indoor setting is fully climate-controlled, and most visitors spend about 90 minutes exploring the space. It’s an easy add-on between downtown attractions and offers a fun contrast to the global focus of the soccer tournament with a distinctly American sports tradition.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
For a change of pace from downtown, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers one of Atlanta’s most impressive educational experiences. Known for its massive dinosaur displays, immersive science exhibits, and rotating special exhibitions, Fernbank is especially popular with families and curious travelers of all ages.
The museum also sits on a wooded campus with nature trails and outdoor exhibits, giving visitors the option to combine indoor exploration with a shaded walk if the weather cooperates. Plan for two to three hours here, and consider pairing it with a morning visit before afternoon match commitments.
Where To Experience Tournament Fever and Fan Culture
Atlanta's soccer community is enthusiastic, welcoming, and ready for the spotlight. During the tournament, that energy extends well beyond the stadium, spilling into fan zones and neighborhood bars across the city.
Designated fan zones offer free big-screen viewing, food vendors, and the kind of communal atmosphere that only a truly global sporting event can produce. Show up early on match days as seating fills up fast. Local sports bars and pubs in Midtown and Downtown are similarly packed, with many offering themed menus and extended hours throughout the tournament run.
Outdoor Adventures Under the Peach State Sun
Heat doesn't have to mean staying inside all day. With the right timing and a few shade-smart choices, Atlanta's outdoor attractions are absolutely worth exploring.
Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is a 22-mile network of trails connecting neighborhoods, outdoor murals, and local food vendors. Walking or renting a bike along the trail is best done in the morning or early evening, before the midday sun peaks.
The Eastside Trail, in particular, is lined with galleries, pop-up vendors, and some of the best people-watching in the city.
SkyView Atlanta
For a quick, memorable view of the skyline, SkyView Atlanta puts you 20 stories above Centennial Olympic Park in a climate-controlled gondola. Rides last about 10 minutes, but the panoramic perspective of the city is a genuinely satisfying payoff — especially at dusk when the skyline starts to glow.
Zoo Atlanta
Families traveling with children will find Zoo Atlanta well worth the visit. Home to giant pandas, western lowland gorillas, and more than 1,500 animals, it's consistently ranked among the best things to do with kids in Atlanta.
Go early to beat the heat, and note that Zoo Atlanta is also included with CityPASS® tickets, making it an easy add-on to your itinerary.
AJC Peachtree Road Race
If you happen to be in town around July 4, the AJC Peachtree Road Race, the world's largest 10K, runs straight through the city. Even watching from the sidewalk is a lively, only-in-Atlanta experience.
Fuel Up at the Best Local Food Halls and Rooftop Spots
Atlanta's food scene earns its reputation. From neighborhood markets to rooftop restaurants, eating your way through the city is one of the genuine pleasures of a summer visit.
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market, housed in a beautifully restored 1920s Sears warehouse, is the go-to destination for food hall dining. Dozens of vendors fill the Central Food Hall, covering everything from wood-fired pizza and Korean BBQ to fresh-pressed juices and Southern-inspired desserts.
Head up to the rooftop for mini golf, carnival rides, and sweeping views of the BeltLine and downtown skyline.
Krog Street Market
Krog Street Market in Inman Park offers a more neighborhood-scale experience, with a rotating lineup of local food stalls and full-service restaurants in an open-air setting. It's ideal for a relaxed lunch between activities, with plenty of outdoor seating and a laid-back atmosphere.
For dessert, don't miss the city's local scoop shops, where summer menus lean into Southern flavors like peach cobbler ice cream and sweet tea sorbet. And if rooftop dining is on your list, Midtown has several excellent options that are perfect for a post-match evening with city views and a cold drink in hand.
Maximizing Your Tournament Trip With CityPASS® Tickets
When your schedule revolves around match times, every free hour matters. Atlanta CityPASS® tickets are built for exactly this kind of trip, giving you streamlined access to several of the city's top attractions in a single purchase, at a meaningful discount off standard admission prices.
With CityPASS® tickets, you can move from the Georgia Aquarium to the World of Coca-Cola to Zoo Atlanta without managing separate bookings or worrying about paying full price at the door. It's a straightforward way to pack more into your days without overcomplicating the logistics.
Ready to plan your Atlanta adventure? Get your Atlanta CityPASS® tickets and start putting your itinerary together.