From Buckhead Luxury to Little Five Points Vibes
Some might enjoy brunch-hopping their way through the city. Others might prefer a run along the BeltLine. No matter the scenario, Atlanta boasts a neighborhood for every type of traveler. Want luxury shopping? Buckhead’s calling. Feeling indie and artsy? Little Five Points is the place for you. Let’s get into the coolest neighborhoods in Atlanta that should be on your itinerary.
Buckhead: Atlanta’s Answer to Beverly Hills
If you’re all about high-end shopping, rooftop cocktails, and glamour moments, head to Buckhead. Start your adventure with a stop at Le Bon Nosh. Here the pastries look as beautiful as they taste.
Then, stroll over to Phipps Plaza or Lenox Square Mall. They’re right across from each other and filled with designers like Gucci, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton.
Buckhead also offers plenty of cocktails for those who might not be so interested in retail therapy. Try The Garden Room, a floral dream of a bar. It’s the kind of place you go for the aesthetic and stay for the martinis.
Little Five Points: Where The Cool Kids Are
If Buckhead is Atlanta’s polished side, Little Five Points is its rebellious younger sibling who prefers to shop vintage and vinyl. This neighborhood is peak Atlanta culture with mural-covered walls, independent record stores, and cafes that look suggest someone’s hip living room.
Wander into Junkman’s Daughter, a 10,000-square-foot treasure emporium of clothing, novelties, wigs, and other hidden gems. Established over three decades ago, this warehouse size store is the embodiment of the neighborhood.
Grab a slice at Savage Pizza, and if you’re lucky, catch a street performer outside. And for the music fans, Aisle 5 is still a top spot for live shows, from underground hip-hop to alt-rock.
Midtown: Art, Parks, and Excellent Brunch Spots
Midtown is where culture and creativity take a casual stroll through Piedmont Park. It’s central, vibrant, and home to some of the best things to do in Atlanta if you want a little bit of everything.
Start with a morning walk (or scooter ride) through Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s version of Central Park. Then make your way to the High Museum of Art, where you can find over 20,000 works of art and a rotating collection of artists.
Hungry? Brunch at South City Kitchen is a rite of passage. The shrimp and grits are a crowd-pleasing classic. Wash it down with mimosas, which are bottomless on weekends.
Old Fourth Ward: BeltLine Bops and Foodie Heaven
This area hugs a major stretch of the Atlanta BeltLine, the city’s popular walking and biking trail, and it’s packed with local restaurants, breweries, and art installations.
Start at Ponce City Market, a refurbished Sears catalog factory building turned into a mega food hall with rooftop games, boutique shops, and crowd-favorite restaurants like El Super Pan and Hop’s Chicken.
Then, walk off those calories on the BeltLine Eastside Trail and take in the countless pieces of public art and murals. Afterwards, visit spots like New Realm Brewing or grab a gelato at Honeysuckle Gelato.
Inman Park: Queen Anne Homes & Award Winning Restaurants
Inman Park is a charming neighborhood filled with Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets that lead you straight to some of the best restaurants in the city.
Start with brunch at Barcelona Wine Bar (the patio is a must) or get a coffee and almond croissant at Bread & Butterfly. It’s arguably the cutest café on the Eastside. Stroll down Euclid Ave and admire some of the older homes before you head over to Krog Street Market. It's a converted warehouse turned into a bustling culinary destination.
Note: Don’t skip the Krog Street Tunnel. It’s a shortcut and a living art gallery. Bring your phone. It’s always open, evolving, and Insta-ready.
West Midtown: Where Industrial Chic Meets Atlanta Cool
West Midtown is Alanta’s answer to Brooklyn. This is the city’s creative industrial playground, bars and restaurants galore, and a plethora of furniture stores.
The Westside Provisions District is your one-stop shop for upscale boutiques (including Ann Mashburn, the go to stop for elevated preppy essentials), great dining (Marcel for steak lovers), as well as plenty of design inspiration.
For beer and bites, head to Monday Night Brewing Garage, where locals gather in the garden well into the night. You’ll find everything from Korean tacos to DJ sets depending on the day, plus you can opt for a game of cornhole.
East Atlanta Village: Late-Night Legends and Endless Energy
Welcome to Atlanta’s cool-kid afterparty. East Atlanta Village, or EAV as locals call it, is where you can thrift for days, visit locally-owned shops, and spend the night out on the town.
By day, grab a biscuit sandwich from Emerald City Bagels or pop into Joe’s Coffee and enjoy the no-frills energy. By night, the dive bars and live music venues go into full swing.
Virginia-Highland: Stroll, Shop, Sip, Repeat
Virginia-Highland, lovingly known as VaHi, is where Atlanta slows down a bit. It’s a walkable, leafy neighborhood perfect for a lazy afternoon of boutique hopping and or just recharging with a cocktail.
Pop into Virginia Highland Books, snag a scoop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, or grab an outdoor table at Murphy’s, a beloved spot for brunch, lunch, and wine flights. There’s always someone walking their dog, pushing a stroller, or jogging by, so it’s an ideal spot to people watch.
So Many Attractions. One City. Your Adventure Awaits.
From the manicured streets of Buckhead to the independent spirit of Little Five, Atlanta’s neighborhoods serve up experiences as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie or a tireless shopper, the city has a corner for you.
Want to explore like a local but skip the hassle? Book with us at FORTH Atlanta, and we’ll help you build the perfect ATL itinerary, neighborhood by neighborhood.