Schmap Atlanta Neighborhood Guide

Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

Internet Explorer 6 and above
Firefox 1.5 and above
Safari 3 for Pc

MAC

Safari version 1.3 and above
Firefox 2 and above

Atlanta - Neighborhood Guide
Download the Schmap Atlanta Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:

Browse this Schmap Guide on your PC, online or offline.
View Schmap Guides for 200 worldwide destinations.
Bookmark places of interest, plan trips and take virtual tours.
Custom print your own full-color travel guides.
Publish and share schmapplets with your favorite places
Enjoy many more unique Schmap features.

Atlanta Home
Schmap Atlanta guide and map

As in many cities, Atlanta's downtown serves as the center of most business and government doings. It is not, however, the hub of the social or cultural scene, and other than for fine dining or professional sports events, pretty much shuts down after business hours.

The ever-changing skyline is dominated by skyscraper hotels and offices, perhaps none more impressive than Peachtree Center, which serves the business community in both capacities. Most major chain hotels are represented here, as well as many of Atlanta's most prestigious business addresses, such as the world headquarters of Coca-Cola. The Georgia World Congress Center plays host to a never-ending string of trade shows, while in the southern corner of downtown you'll find the golden-domed Georgia State Capitol Building.

Opened in 1989, the enclosed mall of shops and restaurants known as Underground Atlanta also houses the most comprehensive division of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Standing near the entrance is the World of Coca-Cola, the soft-drink giant's interactive museum. For athletics, visit the 71,000-seat Georgia Dome, home of the Atlanta Falcons, or Phillips Arena, featuring Hawks basketball and Thrashers hockey. Across the street, the massive CNN Center is home to cable television's first 24-hour news network.

Midtown

Midtown's skyline is dominated by mighty hotels such as the Four Seasons and Sheraton Colony Square standing side-by-side with the regional headquarters of such giants as IBM and BellSouth. Midtown is home to the city's greatest concentration of cultural outlets, including the Fabulous Fox Theater, the High Museum of Art, and the Woodruff Arts Center, home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Known for its diversity, Midtown is home to much of Atlanta's gay community. You'll see plenty of rainbow flags fluttering from porches of the beautifully restored Victorians between Ponce and 10th Street. From the mansion dwellers in Ansley Park to the seedier elements that haunt the liquor stores of Ponce de Leon to the grungy-cum-preppy types that prevail around Georgia Tech, a broad cross-section of Atlanta natives will greet you on the sidewalk. Despite the neighborhood's reputation for glamorous clubs and fine dining, the unquestioned social center of Midtown is Piedmont Park, a 180-acre expanse of green where Atlantans turn out to walk their canine companions.

Buckhead

The legends of how Buckhead earned its unusual moniker are varied, but most center around the mounting of a slain deer over the door of a 19th Century public house. Today, the wild tavern tradition is still in full swing. Despite the regular disorder brought on by the drinking crowd, Buckhead's downtown area remains safe, and is home to many fine shops, restaurants and spas. World-class hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Hotel Nikko stand steps away from the city's most elegant shopping venues in Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square.

As you move away from central Buckhead, a growing battalion of high-rise luxury apartments and condos attracts the city's prosperous up-and-comers, while the tree-lined neighborhoods west of Peachtree live on as exquisite enclaves of old Atlanta money. Just a mile down this awe-inspiring stretch of road from the rollicking, disco-themed Have A Nice Day Cafe sits the august Georgia Governor's Mansion.

Virginia-Highland

More commonly known as "the Highlands," this largely residential neighborhood centers on the intersection of its namesake avenues, Virginia and North Highland. Most points are within walking distance of the Jimmy Carter Center in Inman Park, Emory University in Druid Hills, and Piedmont Park in Midtown.

High rents have banished the starving artist crowd downtown, but in their place have come numerous galleries, representing the city's best mix of modern and folk art. Although not as glitzy as Buckhead, shopping is a casual pleasure, and quirky boutiques like Metropolitan Deluxe and Providence Antiques draw a heavy window-gazing crowd.

Young and middle-aged professionals mix easily with a mild influx of students from the nearby university in the Highlands' bars and restaurants. A vibrant nightlife thrums through the laid-back atmosphere at such pubs as Dark Horse Tavern, and the Geko Lounge. Highbrow restaurants like Southern-influenced Harvest rub amicable shoulders with popular brazier joints such as Neighbors, and Moe's & Joe's.

Little Five Points

This conglomeration of second-hand shops, piercing parlors, funky bars and music venues touches on the old neighborhoods of Inman Park and Candler Park, pricing much of the real estate well beyond the range of the young rebels that flock here. Many nicely-restored bungalows and post-Civil War era homes line the peaceful streets nearby, including a good number of respectable bed-and-breakfasts. Good eats are plentiful in L5P, but fine dining has thus far eluded the rough-edged neighborhood. One notable exception is the Flying Biscuit Cafe, home of Atlanta's best breakfast.

East Atlanta

Climbing out of a long period of steady decline, this is the latest addition to a growing list of gentrified Atlanta neighborhoods. As elsewhere, the process in East Atlanta is a slow one, and even as a solid collection of shops and restaurants gains a foothold in the blocks around the intersection of Flat Shoals and Glenwood Avenues, most of the surrounding area continues to struggle. Your shopping options, if limited, represent an interesting mix, while the area's watering holes lean toward the local, blue collar crowd.

Vinings

This trendy area has re-invented itself over past few years to become a rather enviable and affluent address. Sitting at the far northwest corner of the city, the Vinings is largely home to folks who want to live in the city but really don't. Following the money, great new restaurants like Canoe are gaining widespread praise as they take their place alongside such re-invented local favorites as the Vinings Inn. Shopping, however, still draws the majority of traffic, mostly to Cumberland Mall at I-75 and Windy Hill Road, but also to the Vinings Jubilee center, a collection of shops and boutiques developed to resemble a town square.

Copyright 1999-2009 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Buckhead

Atlanta
United States

The legends of how Buckhead earned its unusual moniker are varied, but most center around the mounting of a slain deer over the door of a 19th Century public house. Today, the wild tavern tradition is still in full swing. Despite the regular disorder brought on by the drinking crowd, Buckhead's downtown area remains safe, and is home to many fine shops, restaurants and spas. World-class hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Hotel Nikko stand steps away from the city's most elegant shopping venues in Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square. As you move away from central Buckhead, a growing battalion of high-rise luxury apartments and condos attracts the city's prosperous up-and-comers, while the tree-lined neighborhoods west of Peachtree live on as exquisite enclaves of old Atlanta money.

Review © 2009, Wcities

Photo: Ted

Photo: David Shaler

Photo: Jack Johnson

Photo: nyclife2005

Photo: L. Abreu

Photo: Jonathan Junkins

Photo: Scott Coulter

Decatur

Atlanta
United States
Charming tree lined streets and Emory University make Decatur one of Atlanta's most picturesque neighborhoods to visit. Its shaded streets are home to numerous independent galleries, craft shops and cafes. A vibrant student population and laid back southern charm combine to create an extremely livable atmosphere that few visitors want to leave. Located east of the city center, Decatur is easily accessible by public transportation.

Review © 2009, Wcities

Photo: Gregor Smith
Photo: Tony Seneadza
Photo: Tony Seneadza
Photo: Tony Seneadza
Photo: João Paglione
Photo: Adam & Sarah Walker
Photo: Adam & Sarah Walker
Photo: Mary-Margaret Greene

Photo: Burton24
Photo: Ruth Gresh
Photo: Ilona Meagher
Photo: andresschulz.com
Photo: Cycrolu
Photo: jameswonkim11
Photo: Tatiana Prophet
Photo: All Things Mimi

Photo: Mike Goose
Photo: Lisa Michelle Garret
Photo: Jeffrey Roach
Photo: James E. Radford, Jr
Photo: Sean Cumiskey
Photo: Greg Foster
Photo: Cassie

Downtown

Atlanta
United States
As in many cities, Atlanta's downtown serves as the center of most business and government doings. It is not, however, the hub of the social or cultural scene, and, other than for fine dining or professional sports events, pretty much shuts down after business hours. The ever-changing skyline is dominated by skyscraper hotels and offices, perhaps none more impressive than Peachtree Center, which serves the business community in both capacities. Most major chain hotels are represented here, as well as many of Atlanta's most prestigious business addresses, such as the world headquarters of Coca-Cola. The Georgia World Congress Center plays host to a never-ending string of trade shows, while in the southern corner of downtown you'll find the golden-domed Georgia State Capitol Building.

Review © 2009, Wcities

Photo: Robert Morrison
Photo: Gregor Smith
Photo: Gregor Smith
Photo: Jeff Muceus
Photo: Paul Vivier
Photo: tzigtzag
Photo: Roger Salz
Photo: www.wizum.com

Photo: Deoism.net
Photo: Jim Doeden
Photo: Rog Edwards
Photo: Kevin McIntosh
Photo: Cheryl Coward
Photo: chase crowson
Photo: Leandro T
Photo: Phil Proteau

Photo: Robert Linder
Photo: David Welch
Photo: Jason Burrell
Photo: =Chynna=
Photo: kenbruger
Photo: Roderick Parker
Photo: Dalton L.
Photo: Richard

Photo: Michael Dolinger
Photo: Adrienne Gilmore

East Atlanta

Atlanta
United States
Climbing out of a long period of steady decline, this is the latest addition to a growing list of gentrified Atlanta neighborhoods. As elsewhere, the process in East Atlanta is a slow one, and even as a solid collection of shops and restaurants gains a foothold in the blocks around the intersection of Flat Shoals and Glenwood Avenues, most of the surrounding area continues to struggle. Your shopping options, if limited, represent an interesting mix, while the area's watering holes lean toward the local, blue collar crowd.

Review © 2009, Wcities

Photo: Rob Holland
Photo: Kenneth Uzquiano
Photo: Gail Evans
Photo: Rich Tull, Dark Orchid Studios
Photo: Rich Mintz
Photo: slowfade
Photo: Drew Waddell
Photo: John Makarewicz

Photo: Stacy Fox
Photo: Jordan Robinson
Photo: Chaz Lounge
Photo: vasilovictim
Photo: Lisa Lin
Photo: ed
Photo: Dave Coustan
Photo: EAV Scott

Photo: Jon Black
Photo: bea.monet
Photo: Cap'n Ken
Photo: darling diyah
Photo: Chris McEwen

Little Five Points

Atlanta
United States
This conglomeration of second-hand shops, piercing parlors, funky bars and music venues touches on the old neighborhoods of Inman Park and Candler Park, pricing much of the real estate well beyond the range of the young rebels that flock here. Many nicely-restored bungalows and post-Civil War era homes line the peaceful streets nearby, including a good number of respectable bed-and-breakfasts. Good eats are plentiful in L5P, but fine dining has thus far eluded the rough-edged neighborhood. One notable exception is the Flying Biscuit Cafe, home of Atlanta's best breakfast.

Review © 2009, Wcities

Photo: Dav Yaginuma
Photo: Azure Bleu
Photo: Azure Bleu
Photo: João Paglione
Photo: Natalie
Photo: wakxy
Photo: Aaron Conaway
Photo: atllaxgoalie

Photo: Guy Keir
Photo: Orin H.
Photo: Debra Edgar
Photo: Lia bo Bia
Photo: Jason Behr
Photo: Blair Valo
Photo: billy thomas
Photo: Megan

Photo: FullyFunctnlPhil
Photo: Jonathan Pittman

Midtown

Atlanta
United States
Midtown's skyline is dominated by the regional headquarters of such giants as IBM and BellSouth. Midtown is home to the city's greatest concentration of cultural outlets, including the Fabulous Fox Theater, the High Museum of Art, and the Woodruff Arts Center, home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Known for its diversity, Midtown is home to much of Atlanta's gay community. You'll see plenty of rainbow flags fluttering from porches of the beautifully restored Victorians between Ponce and 10th Street. From the mansion dwellers in Ansley Park to the seedier elements that haunt the liquor stores of Ponce de Leon to the grungy-cum-preppy types that prevail around Georgia Tech, a broad cross-section of Atlanta natives will greet you on the sidewalk.

Review © 2009, Wcities

Photo: Tony Seneadza
Photo: woggle
Photo: Tony Seneadza
Photo: Christina Holland
Photo: Brooke Novak
Photo: Cheryl A. Smith
Photo: Stephen A. Harlan
Photo: Mike Halterman

Photo: Wojtek Felendzer
Photo: Eric Vanden Eykel
Photo: Danielle Moore
Photo: Gray Whitten
Photo: Eric C
Photo: Rachael Dempsey
Photo: Terrance O. Gilbert

Vinings

Atlanta
United States
This trendy area has re-invented itself over past few years to become a rather enviable and affluent address. Sitting at the far northwest corner of the city, the Vinings is largely home to folks who want to live in the city but really don't. Following the money, great new restaurants like Canoe are gaining widespread praise as they take their place alongside such re-invented local favorites as the Vinings Inn. Shopping, however, still draws the majority of traffic, mostly to Cumberland Mall at I-75 and Windy Hill Road, but also to the Vinings Jubilee center, a collection of shops and boutiques developed to resemble a town square.

Review © 2009, Wcities

Photo: Bearden
Photo: Corey Schuman
Photo: Nick in Atlanta
Photo: dina j
Photo: MarbyJarvy

Virginia-Highland

Atlanta
United States
More commonly known as "the Highlands," this largely residential neighborhood centers on the intersection of its namesake avenues, Virginia and North Highland. Most points are within walking distance of the Jimmy Carter Center in Inman Park, Emory University in Druid Hills, and Piedmont Park in Midtown. High rents have banished the starving artist crowd downtown, but in their place have come numerous galleries, representing the city's best mix of modern and folk art. Although not as glitzy as Buckhead, shopping is a casual pleasure, and quirky boutiques like Metropolitan Deluxe and Providence Antiques draw a heavy window-gazing crowd. Young and middle-aged professionals mix easily with a mild influx of students from the nearby university in the Highlands' bars and restaurants.

Review © 2009, Wcities

Photo: bobafred
Photo: Catherine Reyes
Photo: Alvaro Baeza
Photo: TatClarkson
Photo: nda5150
Photo: Atsushi Sasaki
Photo: Kelly M. Johnson
Photo: Jennifer Kjellgren

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Atlanta - Neighborhood Guide"
Atlanta
Atlanta - Historical Background
Atlanta - Where to Stay
Atlanta - Dining & Drinking
Atlanta - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Chattanooga (167 miles)
Nashville (342 miles)
Jacksonville (465 miles)
Memphis (537 miles)
Orlando (654 miles)
Tampa (674 miles)
New Orleans (686 miles)
Richmond (752 miles)
St. Louis (759 miles)
Fort Myers (827 miles)

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.