15 ways to take in Atlanta – for free

02.06.2024 - 11:11 / lonelyplanet.com / Martin Luther King-Junior

A big city covered in trees and big on both warm weather and Southern hospitality, Atlanta is a treat for any visitor.

And people have caught on to The A – which has made prices in town creep up notably in recent years. But a visit to Georgia’s capital doesn’t have to break the bank.

In fact, it doesn’t have to cost anything at all. Here are 15 of the best free things to do in Atlanta.

Atlanta is proud to be the home of Martin Luther King Jr, and the national historic site that interprets his life and principles. The complex covers about 35 acres and includes his childhood home; the First Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was pastor; and the King Center, which was established by his wife Coretta Scott King, and includes the final resting place of the late couple.

Planning tip: King’s home is closed for renovations until November 2025, but the rest of the buildings remain open to the public in the interim. 

Make your way to the third floor of the Lowry Hall building on the campus of this small liberal-arts university to visit this museum, featuring rotating exhibits of work by Oglethorpe students as well as nationally and internationally recognized artists. 

Planning tip: OUMA prides itself on being accessible and celebrating disability culture in its exhibits. These accessibility features include gallery lights that adjust for brightness, and toggle between warm or cool light. The museum has wheelchairs to borrow and ADA-accessible entrances. ASL and DCI interpreters are available with two weeks’ advance notice. 

Atlanta Contemporary wants to keep art accessible to everyone – starting with its free admission policy. The museum also supports ambitious artists by commissioning artwork from artists who haven’t had a consequential exhibit in the Southeast.

What once were 22 miles of abandoned railroad tracks has become a public space for walking, skating and cycling. Most of the paths are paved, and some stretches of the BeltLine open to parks, art and local shopping. Decide where you want to focus with this map, which shows the BeltLine’s many amenities.

Close to the hustle and bustle of a major city is this 135-acre nature preserve, where visitors can immerse themselves in the forest. Hikers can enjoy a small waterfall, small buildings covered in moss, and the many birds and deer that are often hanging out near the trails.

Planning tip: Map your route ahead of time to ensure you don’t get lost. Some parts of the trail fork off in other directions, which can be confusing on your first visit.

The underpass that connects two Atlanta neighborhoods, Inman Park and Cabbagetown, is best known for its impermanent street art. Working-class neighbors began using the Krog Street Tunnel as a public easel in the middle of the