What are some of the "Have to see" things in Atlanta Georgia?

I already have the aquarium on my list. am looking for some places to eat...sites to see. and any other quirky places some people overlook when visiting.

I really like walking around and browsing the quirky boutiques in Little 5 Points. I also enjoy Virginia Highlands and downtown Decatur. If you're into interior design/antiquing, you can go walking around the shops in Miami Circle. Underground Atlanta is interesting for a few minutes, then you realize it is a tourist trap.

Lots of people like to go shopping at Lenox Square Mall, Phipps Plaza, and Atlantic Station. If you like bowling, there's a "high-end" bowling alley at Atlantic Station that I've heard can be fun. There's also one in Chamblee called 300 that is supposed to be great. I haven't been to either, so I can't offer my opinion -- I'm just sharing what some reliable friends have said.

The zoo is okay if you don't come from a city that has a phenomenal zoo. I do, so it was disappointing to me. The aquarium is freaking AWESOME!!!!!! I've lived in Atlanta for 6 years, and those are the only 'touristy' sites I've seen.

I'm not sure where you're planning to spend your time -- in the city or in the burbs, so I'm listing my favorite places to eat in both.

Italian -- Baraonda, Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta

Italian runner-up -- Brio Tuscan Grille, Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta/Dunwoody

French -- Violette, Clairmonte Rd, Atlanta/Chamblee

French Bakery -- Georgia French Bakery, Satellite Blvd, Duluth (owned and operated by a guy from Strasbourg, France)

Brunch -- Mittie's Cafe, N. Main St., Alpharetta
Brunch runner up -- Carpe Diem, Sycamore, Decatur

Chicago pizza & hot dogs -- Bobby G's, corner of Webb Rd. & Morris Rd., Milton/Alpharetta

Steak -- Vickery's, Crescent St., Midtown Atlanta

Burgers -- George's, N. Highland Ave., Virginia-Highlands

Depending on the timing of your visit, you might want to take in a Braves, Hawks, or Thrashers game.

Enjoy your visit!

Coke Factory, the first and second one is a must see!
Johnny Rockets is an awesome place to eat!
Downtown Atlanta doesn't have all that much but does have a few stores...
The aquarium is pretty cool, just make sure to go on a day that not many people are there or it's pretty much boring and you feel rushed. It's HUGE, so a lot to see and you'll want to enjoy it.

HAVE FUN!

There is the Underground. It is a place that has shops & restaurants. There is the Zoo Atlanta. The Coca-Cola museum. You can eat at a place called the Boston Sea Party, but it is quite expensive. If you are looking for hotdogs, hamburgers, etc. try The Varsity--there are several in the Atlanta area.

Please don't listen to the people who recommend the World of Coke. That is the single most overrated, over-hyped, and underwhelming "attraction" this city has to offer. It's nothing more than an advertisement for Coca-Cola that one must pay to experience, and I'd be willing to bet that very, very few people who recommend it to others have ever actually visited it for themselves. In my experience, most people who say to see it are just parroting what others have said to them.

The Georgia Aquarium is definitely a must-see. They really took everything into account not only for the fish and animals inside, but for the visitors. You can move at your own pace, and it's very educational, regardless of what your age is. CNN Center is across the street, and you can do a studio tour for about $12. It lasts approximately an hour. The Atlanta Zoo also is a fun way to spend a few hours. We're one of only four zoos (I think) in the U.S. that houses panda bears.

The thing about Atlanta is that we are much more of an "events" town than a tourist town. We're better equipped for a Super Bowl or a political convention, rather than a family of four who wants to spend a few days here. That has slowly begun to change, but there's still a long way to go.

I won't recommend any chain restaurants. If you're here in Atlanta, your problem won't be finding a place to eat, but deciding on where to go. If money isn't an issue, I highly recommend either Bone's steakhouse, or Bluepointe. If you're more budget-minded, then Taqueria Del Sol is fun, as is Mary Mac's Tea Room. For burgers, nobody can touch the Vortex. The Flying Biscuit is also a great place to grab breakfast, but get there early, or expect a long wait.

For quirky, you might like the Little Five Points area. It is the artsy part of town, and has a lot of fun shops and cafes.

Have fun while you're here.

Definately go to "The Varsity" to eat, it is an Atlanta staple. Maybe check out Stone Mountain Park (its outside Atlanta city limits though), Atlanta History Museum, World of Coca-Cola, take a tour of Turner Field, there are tons of things to do in Atlanta, just depends what you like to do.

Georgia Aquarium. Awesome!

Stone Mountain Park, Six Flags, World of Coca-Cola, Mall of Georgia, Atlantic Station, Panola Mountain State Park, Kennessaw Battlefield Park.

I've been to the coke museum and anyone that says its bad doesnt know what they're talking about, everyone that has been there says its amazing!
Little Five Points is very cool and if you like sushi at all i would recommend Ruson's in Buckhead.

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