No matter where in the world I am, I always have Georgia on my mind. This state—and Atlanta, its capital city, where I was born—is the most beautiful, complicated place I have ever known. But even despite my frustrations with the place (traffic and congestion being at the top of the list), there is so much to love and appreciate about this Southeastern crown jewel. That might surprise those who have antiquated ideas about the South, but just as I encourage folk to visit Atlanta, I encourage you to leave any negative preconceived notions at home.
What will serve you in your time here is knowing how to navigate Atlanta, like a local. What to eat, where to go, which stories to listen to. They’ll show you why this is a city to love. Below are my rules for navigating Atlanta, to make the most of this incredibly diverse city.
Nneka M. Okona
Nneka M. Okona is an Atlanta-based travel and food writer. She is writing a book about being both from the South and a first-generation immigrant kid while living in Spain.
Read our complete Atlanta travel guide here, which includes:
Please, do not say Hotlanta
No one says that anymore. Though opinions vary widely on the origins of this dreaded term—an Allman Brothers Band song of the same name is said to have popularized it—there is general consensus that it’s a tired moniker. Using it, too, is a surefire way to differentiate yourself as a too eager visitor trying to sound cool. We know it’s sticky, humid, and hot here. And trust me we’re complaining about it, too. The term is corny. Let’s leave it in the past where it should be.
The city of Atlanta and metro Atlanta are not the same thing
There’s a relative ease with which people will call anywhere throughout the wider metropolitan area “Atlanta” when that’s not precise nor accurate. This is especially prevalent on social media when folk get excited about a new restaurant, bar, or other cool spot they found and default to saying it’s in Atlanta. Here are the facts: the city of Atlanta is located in Fulton County. The metro Atlanta area comprises more than 8,000 miles and 29 counties including DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett and more. So, no, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Roswell, or Sandy Springs are not technically Atlanta; they are in the metro Atlanta area.
You need a car to get around
Like most Southern cities, Atlanta is very car-dependent and walkability is null. Meaning when you’re visiting, it’s important to factor in how you will get around and consider renting a car depending on your plans. There’s MARTA (check out ATL Yimby on TikTok for his transit tips) which can be efficient if you’re planning on going to a Falcons or Atlanta United FC game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or wanting to visit the Woodruff Arts Center, as both have stops within walking distance. Generally though, the MARTA is quite limited in its reach and not the most dependable option. Besides, there are so many neighborhoods throughout the city—Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Summerhill, Little Five, Cabbagetown, etc.—and it can be easier to try to get a feel for them if you have a car versus fighting for Ubers to just sit in traffic.
Put traffic buffers in your travel time
Speaking of traffic, it’s no exaggeration that Atlanta has some of the worst traffic in our country. And when you think of the explosion of growth in Atlanta, especially within the past five years, it makes sense. In general, rush hour happens between the hours of 7 a.m. to around 10 a.m. and then again from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It’s also not unusual for pockets of traffic to happen outside of these though, so plan accordingly. For instance: If your hotel or Airbnb is in Midtown, maybe don’t plan for afternoon pho on Buford Highway. If you brave it, bring lots of patience. During the worst hours of traffic, expect a few miles to take 20 to 30 minutes.
Carry an umbrella
One of the greatest pastimes of Atlantans is complaining about the weather. Either it’s too hot or too cold, and most of us are fed up with it. There’s reason to understand that, too, once you live here. We are one of those cities with has four beautiful seasons—but the transitions between can be a bit chaotic. Ever heard of someone talk about fake spring or fake fall? It’s when the temperature soars or dips in ways it’s not supposed to depending on the season. We’re used to it but if you’re visiting in, say, summer you might not expect a sudden monsoon interuppting a sunny afternoon. My advice? Check the weather often—and not the default weather app on your phone. Check Weather Underground. And pack a jacket and umbrella just in case.
