A gateway to the American South, Atlanta is a major hub for transportation, culture and commerce. Along with housing one of the busiest airports in the world, it serves as the headquarters for corporations including CNN, Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines.
You'll find lots to do during a visit to Georgia's capital. The Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta both offer close-up looks at international wildlife including whale sharks and giant pandas. Art lovers dedicate hours to browsing the High Museum of Art and watching concerts at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Sports – American football, especially – is another of Atlanta's major draws. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is home to the Atlanta Falcons, while the best university-level players are honoured at the College Football Hall of Fame.
For a lesson in Atlanta's past, head to the Atlanta History Center, whose exhibits cover the city's railway origins and Civil War role. At the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, you can browse letters penned by Atlanta native Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site comprises several buildings connected to the activist, including his childhood home and church.
There are plenty of places to relax within Atlanta's urban sprawl. In Piedmont Park, you'll find sports fields and a public swimming pool among its walking and biking paths. Next door, the Atlanta Botanical Garden contains one of America's largest collections of orchids. Centennial Olympic Park is another scenic respite within the city, complete with a dancing fountain and Ferris wheel.