The next time you have a week to spend in Atlanta, Georgia, you might want to find some affordable ways to entertain yourself.
After all, it can be hard to vacation anywhere without breaking the bank. However, this city has plenty of options.
Today, we’re highlighting the top attractions in Atlanta that won’t blow your travel budget.
Let’s get into it!
About the Affordable City of Atlanta
Many consider the vibrant metropolis of Atlanta to be the capital of the Southeast. Known as the City in a Forest, it’s the most heavily wooded urban area in the US. And they have over 100,000 shade trees to prove it.
It’s also a dynamic destination with the country’s third-largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies and a thriving cultural scene. Musicians like Ludacris, Outkast, Childish Gambino, and Usher hail from the city.
The area has been a significant transportation hub since it was founded in the 1800s. In fact, its first name was Terminus, as it was the origin point of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Of course, today, folks traveling the country by plane might very well stop here at the world’s busiest airport.
Over the years, it’s bounced back from some unimaginable misfortunes.
In the 1860s, it became the first and only North American city to become a casualty of war. Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman burned it to the ground, leaving behind only 400 buildings. In the 20th century, the Great Atlanta Fire destroyed nearly 2,000 structures and displaced 10,000 residents.
But despite the licks, it keeps on ticking. That’s why their symbol is a phoenix rising from the ashes.
It’s also surprisingly affordable. You’ll find plenty of attractions to fit any budget. Here are seven free or cheap things to do around town to get you started.
#1 Hunt for Tiny Doors
Strolling through the streets of Atlanta, you’ll notice public art around every corner. Murals and sculptures are part of the city’s aesthetic. But one project in particular is worth going on a scavenger hunt to find.
Artist and visionary Karen Anderson Singer wanted to foster community and inspire imagination. She accomplished this by placing tiny doors throughout the metropolis. They’re in unsuspecting places, such as the pillar of an overpass or an alleyway behind a historic building. And each one is a portal to another world.
These doors, measuring about seven inches tall, are found all over town and reflect the neighborhoods around them. Anderson calls them her “love note to Atlanta,” and they’re more than affordable. They’re free! You can take a self-guided walking tour to find them all.
Pro tip: Visit the Tiny Doors ATL website for a map of all the locations.
#2 Stargaze at the Fernbank Science Center Observatory
The Fernbank Science Center is another excellent place to get your creative juices flowing. The 9,000-square-foot exhibit hall is free to visitors and includes fascinating specimens like a living bee hive and the actual Apollo 6 command module.
Every Thursday and Friday night, weather permitting, they invite locals and visitors to stop by the observatory to set their sights on the sky. The facility includes a 36-inch Cassegrain reflector underneath the 30-foot dome. This device is one of the largest instruments of its kind devoted to public use, so you’ll want to experience it.
The science center is a must-see for Atlanta travelers on a budget!
Make sure you’re fueled up for your fun! Explore Atlanta with an Awesome Doughnut Road Trip
#3 Explore Aviation at the Delta Flight Museum
You already know the city is home to the world’s busiest airport. But if that’s where your aviation knowledge ends, you’ll want to hit the Delta Flight Museum.
The museum spans two historic airplane hangars where exhibits highlight the company’s history dating back to the 1920s. You can see fully restored aircraft like a 1940 Douglas DC-3 or a Waco 125 biplane. They even have the first 747-400 ever built available to tour.
Whether you’re a seasoned aviation buff or have kids who marvel at massive machinery, it’s a sight to behold. Tickets range from $10 to $15, and children under five can enter for free.
More affordable experiences! 5 Famous Movie Sites You Can Visit in Atlanta, Georgia
#4 Tour the Atlanta Monetary Museum
Of course, the Atlanta Federal Reserve should be on your itinerary if you’re looking for affordable attractions. Through interactive multimedia exhibits, this free museum offers a wealth of information on the history of cash, the country’s monetary policies, and much more. You can see their massive vault and how they use robots to process heaps of currency.
Let’s face it. Money affects each one of us, so getting an inside peek at its past, present, and future can only help us understand it more deeply. Of course, they’re not interested in a stick-up, so be prepared to pass through security before entering.
#5 Stroll the BeltLine
Atlanta’s BeltLine is an ongoing project to provide even more green space to residents of the City in a Forest. This loop, created by 33 miles of multi-use paths and 22 miles of old railway, encircles the core downtown district. When it’s complete, you’ll have your pick of ten parks and a dozen trails throughout the route.
You’ll find countless public art pieces along the BeltLine. Murals are the primary love language here, but sculptures aren’t uncommon.
And this isn’t just part of the city’s infrastructure. It’s a centerpiece in the community. On any given day, you can take a free family fitness class, join a running club, or chat it up with a local chef selling world-class dishes from a food truck. When it comes to affordable attractions in Atlanta, this one is in a league of its own.
#6 Visit the Historic Sweet Auburn District
Just east of Downtown Atlanta is the Sweet Auburn District. As the birth- and burial-place of Martin Luther King Jr., many also consider it the heart of the Civil Rights Movement.
While it was once a flourishing Black neighborhood, there’s more diversity here today. However, it maintains its resilient spirit with sites like the APEX Museum, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, and the legendary Municipal Market.
The area has tons of annual events, like Sweet Auburn Springfest and the Caribbean Festival and Parade. If you time your trip right, you can participate in these esteemed Atlanta traditions, no matter your travel budget.
Check out some of the more bizarre places in town: Secret Atlanta – A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.
#7 Get Close to the Wildlife at Arabia Mountain
Arabia Mountain is about a 20-minute drive east of the city. This National Heritage Area features a secondary-growth forest, as the land was once cleared for agriculture. Today, you’ll find rare native plants and historically significant sites along the 33-mile multi-use path.
The Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE) is also here. Each year, they help rehabilitate around 2,000 injured creatures. And on Saturdays and Sundays, they host a free tour and animal encounter for visitors.
Depending on the weather, you might meet bald eagles, hawks, turtles, possums, and more. It’s the ultimate affordable way to learn more about Atlanta’s ecology.
Atlanta is Attractive and Affordable
The Big Peach is a captivating city with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. From outdoor adventures to the story of cold, hard cash, you can experience and learn about everything that makes this locale tick.
We highly recommend extending your next layover so you have time to explore this one-of-a-kind destination. Your deep dive into all things Atlanta can be exciting and affordable!
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