Although not a hugely popular tourist town, Atlanta possesses some stunning and interesting attractions, many of which are historic and famous landmarks as well as well-preserved historic sites. In addition, there are some quality up-to-date attractions for the whole family to enjoy, such as the Centennial Olympic Park and the interesting CNN Center.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Among the most attractive gardens in Atlanta, the Botanical Gardens feature beautifully cultivated and landscaped gardens over 30 acres of gorgeous parkland within the Midtown district of the city. There is a plethora of colourful and rare plants and flowers as well as an extensive woodland area, while greenhouses harbour delicate specimens. If you are here at the right time of year, you may be fortunate enough to catch a public event.
Phone: +1 404 876 5859
website: www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Centennial Olympic Park
The Centennial Olympic Park was constructed for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics on a patch of land in the downtown area. The 21-acre site is dazzling in a swathe of green with a network of paths, rock gardens, delightful artwork and pools and fountains. It was closed just after the Olympics and made into a permanent public place for use by all. The centrepiece of the park is the fitting Fountain of Rings; a delight on hot summer days with its multiple outlets shooting water into in the air to the sound of music. Additionally, the park also hosts many free concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Phone: +1 404 222 7275; website: www.centennialpark.com

CNN Centre
Atlanta’s CNN Center is the epicentres for CNN’s network. A tour of the mammoth establishment can be a fascinating experience for everyone. You can see news in the-making on a 40-minute tour, as well as trying out some of the centre’s many extras, such as superb entertainment, shops and restaurants.
Phone: +1 404 827 2300; website: www.cnn.com/studiotour

Ebenezer Baptist Church
The public can attend a sermon at the hugely historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, which hosted numerous sermons by Martin Luther King Jr and played a large part in the civil rights movement (1960 to 1968). The church is easily accessible, standing in downtown Atlanta and was built in the late 1800s, making it one of the oldest religious buildings in Atlanta. The public are welcome to attend sermons.
Phone: +1 404 688 7263

Georgia State Capitol
The Georgia State Capitol is a hugely impressive structure as far as capitol buildings go. Featuring distinctive American forms, the capitol was built in the 1860s for a tidy sum at the time; a cool one million dollars which is a huge amount after century and a half of inflation. Other attractions in the Georgia State Capitol include the impressive Georgia Capitol Museum and the galleries of the House of Representatives and Senate, which can all be seen on a tour of the facility.
Phone: +1 404 656 2844; website: www.sos.state.ga.us

Oakland Cemetery
The Oakland Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the only cemetery in the city for decades after the Civil War. The Victorian cemetery was founded in 1850 on an impressive 88-acre site to the southeast of downtown and houses 48,000 people, including many prominent individuals. The most famous residents include: Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell, golfing great Bobby Jones, governors, rich and powerful families and five southern generals who are among the many dead Confederate and Union soldiers. In addition, there is also an African American section, a Jewish section and a section for unknown paupers known as ‘Potter's Field’. Look out for the impressive monuments honouring the Confederate war dead. Phone: +1 404 688 2107; website: www.oaklandcemetery.com

Sandy Springs Historic Site
Another interesting historic site, the Sandy Springs Historic Site, located just outside the Atlanta ring road, features plenty of tradition, with its period buildings, ancient gardens and natural springs. The centrepiece of the site is the Williams-Payne House Museum which was built in 1869 as a farmhouse.
Phone: +1 404 851 9101

Catch a game at Georgia Dome
This is Atlanta's multi-million dollar mega-stadium. With over 70,000 seats, the dome-shaped stadium has hosted some massive events during its tenure as Georgia’s premier sports venue, including Super Bowl XXVIII, Super Bowl XXXIV and many events during the 1996 Olympics. You can catch the Atlanta Falcons here on a regular basis, as well as the annual Peach Bowl every January. Tennis matches, basketball, tractor pulls, Super cross events and track and field are also featured. Call ahead of time to see what’s on and when. It is advisable to take the MARTA to the stadium stop and walk the rest of the way as parking is very expensive.
Phone: +1 404 223 9200

Ride an Inshirah horse drawn carriage
These carriages are for those who want to do some sightseeing of downtown and Midtown in style, with the carriage driver sporting a tuxedo, top hat and white gloves. You can take a tour anytime of the day or night from one hour and up and there are optional extras for added romance. Phone: +1 404 523 3993

Ride the water slides at Six Flags
The entire family will have a fantastic time. Visitors have a choice of various water slides and rides, plus there are always live shows or special events happening. The best rides in the park are the Cliffhanger, the Runaway River, the Tornado, and the Wild Water Lagoon. Six Flags Whitewater is a seasonal attraction open from May to August. Phone: +1 770 424 9283

See the Braves at Turner Field
Turner Field has been the Braves’ home for many seasons and was another worthwhile construction for the Olympics. The stadium is a lot of fun, even when the Braves aren’t knocking balls out of the ground. The Braves Museum is a popular attraction as is Scouts Alley, with its great interactive games and abundance of restaurants. Even if you are here in the off-season you can still bring the kids to the stadium and take part in one of their excellent tours.

View the Atlanta Cyclorama
You will be amazed by this famous and magnificent Atlanta attraction. The Atlanta Cyclorama is a massive painting of the 1864 Battle of Atlanta and there are only three of these Victorian-era paintings left in the USA today. It was completed in 1886 and measures an astonishing 358ft around and is over 40ft high, making it the largest of its kind. While you are here, take a look at the Civil War museum. Phone: +1 404 658 7625

Visit Bugs Bunny World
Bugs Bunny world can be found at Six Flags Over Georgia which is open year-round and offers some great shows along with the seasonal rides. You will be amazed at the sheer size of the park, covering over 300 acres, as well as its diverse rides and attractions. The Mind Bender roller coaster and Bugs Bunny World are Over Georgia’s top rides, while the many shows performed throughout the park come close to those seen on Broadway.