10 Things Locals Miss When They Leave Atlanta

Born and raised ATLiens (thank you, Outkast) boast with pride when they talk about Atlanta. They see the best in the city with all of its quirks and sports team losses. While most Atlantans don’t miss the traffic, the city has a distinct culture that can only be found in the metro Atlanta area, and it will forever make us hold our heads high with pride.

Waffle House

If you’re an Atlanta native, Waffle House is a tried-and-true staple. Whether you go for the eclectic employees, the pecan waffle, or stick to the old faithful of hashbrowns—scattered, smothered, and covered—there is no place like Waffle House. If you’re ravenous, the All-Star breakfast is the way to go.

Dekalb Farmers Market

Lemon Pepper Wings

No city does lemon pepper wings like Atlanta. The cult classic is something that should be on everyone’s must-try list when they touch down in the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, order your wings with mild sauce and lemon pepper sprinkles.

The History

Atlanta is known for being the epicenter of Southern hospitality, black excellence, and social justice. With the Atlanta History Center and the Civil and Human Rights Museum holding the city’s legacy, Atlantans will never forget their rich history.

The Festivals

Atlanta knows how to host a great festival. No matter your interest, there is something for everyone. The Dogwood Festival, Music Midtown, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival draw huge crowds of people from all walks of life.

The BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine now connects 45 Atlanta neighborhoods, making the city more walkable and bikeable. With its beautiful views, one-of-a-kind artwork, and springtime King of Pop yoga classes, the BeltLine is no doubt something you’ll miss.

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Named in honor of two Atlanta politicians, William B. Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is now the busiest airport in the world, accommodating over 100 million passengers each year. With upscale shops, free wifi, and a train that gets you to your gate without you having to run through the airport, Hartsfield-Jackson is one of the best airports around.

Buford Highway

Taking up nearly three miles (4.8 kilometers), Buford Highway is the international mecca of Atlanta. The strip is home to the largest number of foreign-born residents in the country. If you’re exploring Atlanta and want to try authentic international Mexican, Korean, Ethiopian, and Chinese dishes, add Buford Highway to the top of your travel wish list.

QuickTrip

Where can you go to fill up your gas tank, get your morning coffee or slurpy, and grab breakfast, and all with clean, fast, and efficient service? Welcome to QuickTrip, which is one of the best companies to set up shop in Atlanta. Not only are their stores and restrooms always clean, but you will also find a friendly face at the checkout counter.

Midtown Art Cinema

Midtown Art Cinema’s dedication to showing indie films, old classics, and limited releases makes it the go-to theater for movie lovers in Atlanta. Though it doesn’t have premium plush seating like surrounding theaters, its cozy feel, inviting staff, and the beer and wine offerings make it a beloved Atlanta staple.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.