Best Attractions in Atlanta (2025)

Atlanta’s longest-running independent cinema screens cult revivals, first-run indies, and community events under a neon-lit marquee. Praised by Atlanta Magazine and Creative Loafing, it’s the city’s cinephile clubhouse—often with 35mm surprises and midnight mayhem. ([atlantamagazine.com](https://www.atlantamagazine.com/issue/november-2023?utm_source=openai), [creativeloafing.com](https://creativeloafing.com/business-2230-plaza-theatre-atlanta-1049-ponce-de-leon-ave?utm_source=openai), [plazaatlanta.com](https://www.plazaatlanta.com/now-showing?utm_source=openai))

Part museum, part performance space, this beloved nonprofit houses the world’s largest Jim Henson collection and hands-on workshops. Endorsed by Condé Nast Traveler and U.S. News Travel; check hours for shows and museum entry. ([cntraveler.com](https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/atlanta/center-for-puppetry-arts?utm_source=openai), [travel.usnews.com](https://travel.usnews.com/Atlanta_GA/Things_To_Do/Center_for_Puppetry_Arts_64740/?utm_source=openai), [puppet.org](https://puppet.org/visit/hours-ticket-prices/?utm_source=openai))

A metro institution where Atlanta’s immigrant communities shop and snack—fresh produce, seafood, and stalls spanning dozens of countries. Frequently lauded by Eater and Southern Living; open daily for browsing and bites. ([atlanta.eater.com](https://atlanta.eater.com/22587452/best-food-atlanta-restaurants-where-to-eat?utm_source=openai), [southernliving.com](https://www.southernliving.com/travel/georgia/buford-highway?utm_source=openai), [exploregeorgia.org](https://exploregeorgia.org/doraville/agritourism/farmers-markets/buford-highway-farmers-market?utm_source=openai))

A century-old indoor market incubating local vendors—produce, butchers, bakeries, and beloved lunch counters—right in the historic Sweet Auburn corridor. Recently highlighted for upgrades and small-business support by Axios. ([municipalmarketatl.com](https://municipalmarketatl.com/?utm_source=openai), [axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/10/18/sweet-auburn-curb-market-100th-anniversary?utm_source=openai))

Equal parts garden, outdoor museum, and storytelling venue—self-guided strolls or themed tours unpack Atlanta’s past from sports legends to civil rights pioneers. Active programming and new visitor amenities make it a perennial favorite. ([oaklandcemetery.com](https://www.oaklandcemetery.com/tours?utm_source=openai), [ajc.com](https://www.ajc.com/2025/04/oakland-cemetery-will-spring-to-life-with-a-fun-festival-and-5k-on-saturday/?utm_source=openai))

A non-collecting art center with free admission and rotating exhibitions that champion emerging voices. Frequently cited by design and travel editors as essential to understanding Atlanta’s current art scene. ([atlantacontemporary.org](https://atlantacontemporary.org/visit/?utm_source=openai), [architecturaldigest.com](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/atlanta-georgia-design-guide?utm_source=openai))

Atlanta’s improv powerhouse packs a converted church with fast, fearless comedy and original shows. Celebrated by the AJC and Rough Draft Atlanta for a milestone season and vibrant community. ([ajc.com](https://www.ajc.com/arts-entertainment/2025/07/dads-garage-celebrates-30-years-with-a-through-the-eras-improv-show/?utm_source=openai), [roughdraftatlanta.com](https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2025/07/31/dads-garage-30th-season/?utm_source=openai))

A 19th-century industrial complex reborn as studios, galleries, and experimental stages—now hosting exhibitions, performances, and citywide cultural nights. ArtsATL and Axios have tracked its ambitious expansion and programming return. ([artsatl.org](https://www.artsatl.org/goat-farm-reopens-in-west-midtown-as-a-residential-space-for-arts-programming/?utm_source=openai), [axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/05/03/goat-farm-apartments-artist-studios?utm_source=openai), [thegoatfarm.info](https://www.thegoatfarm.info/?utm_source=openai))

Film-friendly rail yards turned cultural playground—chef residencies, night markets, art fairs, concerts, and skating nights. Eater Atlanta and Creative Loafing detail the chef incubator and big-ticket events anchoring the calendar. ([atlanta.eater.com](https://atlanta.eater.com/2024/6/21/24183058/pullman-yards-launching-chef-incubator-space?utm_source=openai), [creativeloafing.com](https://creativeloafing.com/business-8742-pullman-yards-atlanta-225-rogers?utm_source=openai), [pullmanyards.com](https://www.pullmanyards.com/events?utm_source=openai))

Atlanta’s oldest house museum keeps oral tradition center stage with Saturday storytelling and tours that examine folklore, authorship, and cultural context. Verified weekend operations via Explore Georgia and the museum’s site. ([exploregeorgia.org](https://exploregeorgia.org/atlanta/arts-culture/museums/the-wrens-nest?utm_source=openai), [wrensnest.org](https://www.wrensnest.org/visit?utm_source=openai))

A Victorian home turned museum dedicated to artists of the African diaspora, with rotating exhibitions and community programs. Discover Atlanta and Creative Loafing highlight its ongoing shows and neighborhood significance. ([discoveratlanta.com](https://discoveratlanta.com/things-to-do/history/hammonds-house/?utm_source=openai), [creativeloafing.com](https://creativeloafing.com/business-904-hammonds-house-museum-atlanta-503-peeples-st?utm_source=openai))