15 Hidden Gems in Atlanta Georgia for Adults (From a Local)

Are you ready to uncover the hidden gems in Atlanta, Georgia? This vibrant southern city is full of surprises that go beyond its famous attractions and bustling streets. If you’re looking to experience Atlanta like a local, it’s time to step off the beaten path and explore its lesser-known spots.

From cozy, tucked-away restaurants to unique attractions you won’t find in the guidebooks, these 15 hidden treasures will make you feel like you’re right at home in the city. Whether you’re exploring on a girls’ trip to the city or on a romantic trip for two, these are the best hidden gems in Atlanta, Georgia for adults.

In this article, Atlanta local Jana shares her top recommendations for enjoying the city as a home away from home.

15 Hidden Gems in Atlanta Georgia for Adults

First, let’s talk food! There are so many wonderful gems in Atlanta that are often missed for the more popular, well-known tourist spots. Here are my top three hidden gem restaurants in Atlanta!

3 Restaurant Hidden Gems in Atlanta Georgia

Ela Mediterranean Fusion Restaurant

Ela is tucked into the scenic neighborhood of Virginia Highlands. It is a culinary expedition across the Mediterranean with everything from mezze boards to Mushroom Shawarma skewers and Lamb Kofta burgers.

This is a great place to gather with friends around fresh, creative dishes and festive drinks. Afterwards, consider exploring Vi-Hi’s lively bars just south along North Highland Avenue NE.

• Where: 1186 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• When: Open for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm, for Happy Hour from Monday to Friday 4pm-6pm and weekends 3pm-5pm. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday 5pm-10pm and Sunday 5pm-9pm.
• How much: Starters from $6-$18, mains from $12-$18 and desserts from $5-$9.

Ruby Chow’s Asian Fusion Restaurant

Nestled near Ponce City Market, Ruby Chow’s is a highly underrated haunt that has become a personal favorite. This Asian-fusion lounge feels like stepping into a hidden part of the city tucked behind purple velvet curtains. Dine on tapas-style dishes like steamed buns and seasonal cocktails.

You can choose to enjoy the plush, floral decor indoors, or the lively outdoor seating area. Reservations are highly recommended.

• Where: 620 Glen Iris Drive, Unit C-1, Atlanta, GA 30308
• When: Monday and Tuesday 5:30pm-9:3pm, Wednesday and Thursday 5:30pm-10pm and Friday and Saturday 5:30pm-11pm. Closed Sunday.
• How much: Starters from $7, mains from $12-$17 and desserts from $9-$10

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse and Bakery

One of the best things about Atlanta is the diversity of its restaurants. Rio Steakhouse in Marietta (north of downtown Atlanta) is a prime example and an amazing hidden gem in Atlanta Georgia that you can’t miss out on.

All-you-can-eat authentic Brazilian BBQ and side dishes are served buffet style. And trust me, it might be tough not to go back for a second (or third) round of Picanha, Fraldinha, or seared pineapple with cinnamon.

• Where: 1275 Powers Ferry Rd SE Suite 230, Marietta, GA 30067
• When: Monday to Thursday 6am-10pm, Friday and Saturday 6am-11pm, Sunday 8am-8pm.
• How much: All-you-can-eat starting at $10.99 for breakfast and $22.99 for lunch or dinner

3 Coffee Shop Hidden Gems in Atlanta Georgia

Hell Yeah Gluten Free Bakery

One of the coolest hidden gems in Atlanta Georgia for adults who are looking for gluten-free options is Hell Yeah Gluten Free Bakery! The bakery offers a full menu of made-in-house treats without gluten.

Pick up sweet or savory baked goods like donuts, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. Everything is made in-house and oh-so-delicious. We recommend the cinnamon roll and quiche, though there truly is no wrong choice.

They also have a variety of goodies that are – in addition to being gluten-free – dairy-free, egg-free or vegan! This is really one of the best Atlanta local gems!

• Where: 900 Dekalb Ave NE #500, Atlanta, GA 30307
• When: Monday to Friday 8am-1pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-1pm
• How much: Donuts from $4, pastries from $5-$8 and sandwiches from $10-$11

Julianna’s Coffee & Crepes

Tucked behind a wall of ivy and a bright red door, this cozy crepe shop is a great place to start your day. A “love affair between coffee and crepes”, Julianna’s offers a tasty menu of sweet and savory crepes and fresh coffee.

Grab a crepe and coffee and post up at one of the little red tables right outside the shop for people-watching. If you’re new to Atlanta, you might not know about its many historic neighborhoods, including Inman Park where Julianna’s is located. Once the coffee is finished, this is a perfect chance to stroll through rows of historic homes and quaint shops.

• Where: 775 Lake Avenue, Atlanta GA, 30307
• When: Tuesday to Friday 10am-3pm, closed Saturday to Monday
• How much: Crepes range from $5.75-$8.25 for sweet and $8.75-$14.50 for savoury

Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail for coffee shops

Old Fourth Ward is a treasure trove of local coffee shops and brunch favorites. Starting at Ponce City Market (former Sears building), grab a beverage at Spiller Park Coffee or illy Caffè Ponce, then walk the Beltline to enjoy the vibrant street art scene.

You’ll be surprised at the hustle and bustle of walkers, runners, and cyclists at pretty much any point of the day. Continue north towards Atlanta Botanical Garden for an outdoor vibe, or south towards Inman Park for breweries and shopping.

3 Late-Night Hidden Gems in Atlanta Georgia

Gaja Korean Bar

If you’re looking for one of the best unique things to do in Atlanta, go for a night out at Gaja Korean Bar. Located in a nondescript building with speakeasy undertones, Gaja offers Korean bites and cocktails in a unique setting.

• Where: 491 Flat Shoals Ave SE A, Atlanta, GA 30316
• When: Tuesday to Thursday 5pm-11pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm-12am, Sunday 5pm-10pm. Closed Monday.
• How much: Dishes range from $5-15

Bold Monk Brewing

This distinct tasting room offers a wide selection of fabulous brews and pub bites. Don’t let the warehouse exterior fool you. Bold Monk’s interior is warm and inviting, from upstairs couches to private booths or seats at the bar. Make sure to explore their wide variety of lagers, Belgian beers, and flights.

• Where: 1737 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW suite d-1, Atlanta, GA 30318
• When: Monday to Thursday 11:30am-10pm, Friday 11:30am-11pm, Saturday 10:30am-11pm, Sunday 10:30am-10pm
• How much: Beers range from $7-$11 and flights start at $14. Starters from $10-$14, mains from $10-$28 and desserts from $4-$8

The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant and Bar

One of the fun things about Atlanta is its eclectic restaurants with fun themes. 57th Fighter Group is a WW2-themed restaurant and pub alongside the Dekalb-Peachtree Airport. The entrance is a sandbag passageway, and the bunker theme continues once you’re inside.

The food and drinks are highly rated and the staff are super friendly. If you visit during the daytime, grab brunch and watch planes take flight from the outdoor porch. At night, the venue turns into a bustling local hub for dancing and mingling.

• Where: 3829 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
• When: Monday closed. Tuesday to Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-12am and Sunday 11am-9pm.
• How much: Starters from $8-$16, mains from $22-$48 and desserts from $10-$13

3 Historic Site Hidden Gems in Atlanta Georgia

Martin Luther King Jr Historic Sites and Parks

There are several important historical markers in Atlanta that pay tribute to Martin Luther King Junior. In fact, Atlanta is the perfect city to learn more about King’s work and the Civil Rights movement.

Start at the Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park Visitor Center for tour sign-ups. Tour the interactive exhibits and visit the final resting place of Dr. and Mrs. King. Then, take a free 30-minute tour of Martin Luther King Jr’s childhood home.

• Where: 450 Auburn Ave N.E. Atlanta Georgia 30312
• When: Open daily 9am-5pm
• How much: The park is FREE to enter

Wren’s Nest

If you’re looking for a quirky activity that is a perfect hidden gem in Atlanta, a trip to the Wren’s Nest would be perfect. After all, this is one of the most unique museums in Atlanta.

Home of Joel Chandler Harris, author of Uncle Remus, the museum lets you step into the world of Uncle Remus with exhibits and tours that share the American author’s history and work.

• Where: 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• When: Open only on Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. Storytelling performances on Saturdays at 1pm, and guided tours of the historic house every Saturday at 11am, 12pm, 1:30pm and 2pm.
• How much: $14 for adults, $12 for students and seniors and $10 for children aged 3-10

Grant Park

Brimming with historic homes and local businesses, Grant Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Atlanta. The actual park is one of the best places to stroll on walking trails, and, of course, you must visit Zoo Atlanta. Stop into a coffee shop or grab lunch as you explore.

Meandering Grant Park is one of the best things to do in Atlanta for free, so don’t miss it!

Keep an eye out for Victorian-era homes alongside trendy cottages. Grant Park is a short drive from the historic Oakland Cemetery, the final resting place of famous names like ‘Gone With the Wind’ author Margaret Mitchell.

3 Hidden Gems Activities in Atlanta Georgia

Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

Art lovers will appreciate this hidden gem in Atlanta. Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is a performing art theater where audiences get involved in the action.

The pubhouse setting offers dinner and drinks while watching performers in Hamlet, Dracula, and more. Make sure to come prepared, as performances are often interactive, meaning the audience is part of the show!

• Where: 499 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• When: Performances on Thursday to Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 6:30pm
• How much: Ticket prices range from $15-$40

Your Dekalb Farmers Market

Most people don’t know there is a giant year-round farmers market in Atlanta. The Dekalb Farmers Market is the perfect spot to snag fresh produce, flowers, spices, and foods from across the globe.

This huge indoor market has the feel of a farmers’ market with the layout of a grocery store. You can grab anything from unique ingredients to freshly brewed coffee. It’s a family-owned hidden gem just outside of the city that gives major market vibes year-round.

• Where: 3000 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030,
• When: Daily 9am-9pm
• How much: Free to visit

Tree That Owns Itself

Calling the nature lover in all of us. The Tree That Owns Itself is exactly like its name implies, with a story so fun you have to see for yourself. Make time to stop by the tree that belongs – you guessed it – to itself.

Deeded by a fun-loving professor in the 1800s, the tree owns itself and the surrounding land. Is there anything more uplifting than that? When visiting, be mindful of the surrounding private property and limited parking. Make it in, and you’ll be rewarded with a whimsical story to take home with you.

This is truly one of the most unique things to do near Atlanta!

• Where: 277 S Finley St, Athens, GA 30605 (approx. 1-1.5h by car from Atlanta)
• When: Open 24 hours
• How much: Free!

Hidden Gems in Atlanta Georgia: More Suggestions!

Looking for even more ideas of fun things to do in Atlanta? Here are even more hidden gems for you to check out, which will be perfect if you have more time to explore this city and its surroundings.

• Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes
• Stone Mountain Hike
• Atlanta History Center and Historic Swan House
• Krog Street Market and Krog Street Tunnel
• Tiny Doors ATL around Atlanta

Planning Your Visit to Atlanta Georgia

If you can, plan for at least four days in the Big Peach. Atlanta is geographically spread-out between the city, neighborhoods, and green spaces. The best sightseeing requires a car to get to places across the city.

Three to four days is enough time to check off bucket list items and get a glimpse of Atlanta’s charm. You’ll discover that each neighborhood has a distinct feel to its architecture and personality. The same goes for city sectors like downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and Buckhead.

Getting to Atlanta Georgia

The best airport to fly into Atlanta is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Fun fact – this is actually the busiest airport in the world. Despite being the highest-traffic airport, it is quite efficient, making travel in and out of the city easy.

There are tons of direct flights into Atlanta. Keep in mind that if you arrive during rush hour you’ll need to slate additional time for Atlanta’s famous traffic.

Getting Between the Airport and Atlanta

Rental Car: The best way to travel in Atlanta is by car. You can rent a vehicle right at the Atlanta Airport. There is a huge selection of car rental companies attached to the Domestic Terminal.

Rideshares: Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are a good choice if you’re not renting a vehicle. Getting a rideshare is easy from the airport. Follow floor and wall signage to the rideshare deck on the ground floor. You can ask an airport employee if you have trouble finding your way.

MARTA: Atlanta’s public transportation system is called MARTA. The train and bus system reaches major metro areas and downtown areas across Atlanta. If you want to take MARTA, plan your route in advance. Keep in mind that MARTA might not connect to your final destination.

Hotel Transport: Your hotel might offer transportation to and from the airport. This is a great option if you’re planning to use rideshare while in the city, and need reliable transport to your hotel. Contact your hotel in advance to see what options they offer.

Hidden Gems in Atlanta Georgia for Adults: Final Thoughts From a Local

This list of hidden gems in Atlanta Georgia for adults is just the tip of the iceberg! Atlanta is brimming with things to see and experience, and these are just some of the most fun activities you can find in this vibrant city.

A trip to the Atlanta area should also include the top places like the Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park. These spots are famous for a reason, and well worth an afternoon.

But, you will understand much more about the city itself if you hang out like a local and visit hidden gems around Atlanta. From locally owned restaurants to vibrant community hubs, a trip to any spot on this list will have you living like an Atlantan!

Pin this for your future Atlanta trips!