Girlfriends guide: the BEST THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTA DURING COVID

Everybody and their mama’s going, and now you’re following suit. You’re probably thinking, “Does Atlanta really live up to the hype it’s getting lately?” Quick answer: Yes! The rich art, culture, food, entertainment scene and eye candy (although with masks on, you’ll probably only see their eyes), makes Atlanta a great city for solo travels, girlfriend getaways or time with your fam. But where to begin? With this list of the best things to do in Atlanta during Covid, of course! It includes free and low-cost options for the frugal, as well as ritzier outings for the fancy, and insider tips that will help make your trip smoother and might even save you a coin or two. The location links give you a closer look at each spot (so click them) and don’t forget to hover over the photos to pin this post so you can reference it for your next trip to the A! Now let’s go!

*Quick disclaimer- many of these pics were taken pre-covid or I took off my mask and put it right back on after the pic. Please wear your masks and stay safe, ya’ll. Now for the fun stuff*

Atlanta is a big city with lots of hot spots to explore, but a good place to start is at Ponce City Market. Kick your day off with a solid brunch or just get right to the fun. Take it from me though, you can end up spending the ENTIRE day there if you’re not careful. Think cute shops, instagram-worthy spots for pics and a variety of eateries. 

Shops: $ – $$$

You can grab home goods, tapestry, clothes, even plants inside some of the adorable boutiques at the market. It’s got a good mix of bigger stores like West Elm and smaller local shops like The Victorian Atlanta.

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Food: $ – $$

+ Ton Ton Ramen & Yakitori -$ // Some of the best ramen I’ve ever encountered and I consider myself a ramen aficionado lol, so I guess that means something.

+ Honey Suckle Gelato– $ // Creamy gelato goodness in the most unique flavors like lemon basil blackberry, honey lavender and bourbon pecan praline. Yum, yum and double yum!

+ Lucky Lotus Juice– $ // Fresh juices, delicious smoothies and açaí bowls for the perfect mid-day refresher, as you continue to explore the market.

When you’re done eating your way through Ponce, head to the rooftop to enjoy Skyline park , where adult games meet beautiful city views. At Ponce, you also have easy access to the Atlanta Beltline… More on that in a bit.

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Photo ops- FREE: 

+ There are beautiful stained glass windows throughout the building that make the perfect backdrop for your IG pics.

+ Outside, right before you hit the BeltLine, there’s a cool Ponce City Market sign you can take a candid underneath. Because did you really visit if you don’t have proof?

+ Strike a pose near the iconic teal Ford pickup truck that typically sits right in the front of the market. 

+ Dont be afraid to go into the shops (like Citizen Supply on the top floor) and snap a photo there too. Some of the stores feature cool green walls and an all-around beautiful aesthetic, so why not snag a pic while browsing.

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two// Back to the BeltLine…

While you’re in the Atlanta BeltLine‘s backyard, you might as well explore that too. This free urban gem allows you to enjoy a nice stroll or ride along 33 miles of unused railroad tracks turned into a multi-use trail/ park space. Insider Tip: there are bikes and scooters along the trail that you can rent for cheap, so if those feet are getting tired, you have other options. Along the trail, I caught a skateboard park, a huge bar with outdoor seating and a ton of art. If you’re an art lover, this is the perfect place to do a wall crawl. You’ll find the most stunning murals. Speaking of…

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three // Little Five Points and Beyond – free

Another free and fun thing to do in the A is bike, drive or walk around the city and capture some of the most vibrant street art. You’ve probably seen the famous Outkast mural on Instagram and thought, “I NEED to find that place.” The iconic tribute to one of hip-hop’s dopest duos is located in Little Five Points. Some other artsy areas worth checking out include the Krog Street Tunnel, Marietta Street, Peach Tree Street NW for a confetti mural, 1000 Piedmont Ave. NE for the rainbow crosswalk and 333 Peters Street SW for the “Hey Brown Girl, You’re Beautiful” wall… To name a few. There’s so much art to see just about everywhere and you can do it by wheels or by foot.  

four // atlantic station – FREE

Next up is Atlantic Station… Not to eat (in my opinion) but to shop and walk around. Now hear me out. A lot of the restaurants in this area give me chain restaurant vibes and that’s not really my style, but if it’s yours- have at it. I ate at a restaurant at this open-air mall and let’s just say, I’m not recommending the food here for a reason, but maybe you’ll have a better experience than I did. However, the outdoor exploration that can happen here makes Atlantic Station a fun thing to do in Atlanta during Covid, because you can sit or lay out on the green or drop into some of the fun shops.

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four // negril atl- $$

30 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA

After all the walking around, you’ve probably worked up an appetite and while you could eat at Atlantic Station, I’d say switch up the tempo and head to Negril Atlanta. It’s an old school firehouse turned into an elegant Caribbean eatery. One of the best things to do during Covid is to feel like you’re somewhere you maybe can’t travel to just yet. Enter Negril Village with all the tropical vibes.

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five // BQE Restaurant and Lounge- $$

262 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 

If you’re looking to eat at a loungier spot, then check out BQE Restaurant and Lounge. Southern food does something to me and you can’t go to Atlanta without going in on a plate of southern goodness. The Philly cheesesteak egg rolls and the chicken and red velvet waffles were EVERYTHING. The drinks? Meh. Overpriced and not worth it in my opinion, but maybe you’ll have better luck! For bomb food and a light party scene featuring music, a fully stocked bar and both an outdoor and indoor seating option, this is your spot. Insider Tip: for those looking to save, park in one of the lots just a block away. Vallet at BQE is equivalent to the price of an entire meal and a drink (or two) 🤣 and although I paid for it (bc I’m bougie when I go out and don’t mind convenience at a cost lol) I later learned there were better alternatives only steps away- ya live and ya learn. 

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SIX // Fellaship- $$

110 Centennial Olympic Park Dr suite 102-104, Atlanta, GA

A grown & sexy cigar lounge paired with five star food and service. Fellaship is owned by NFL player Cameron Newton, (who was actually there the last time I visited the spot). This place is upscale and oozes BIG BOSS energyyyy! For my single ladies, it’s a great place to meet successful men in a classy and laid back environment. Thank me later. For my couples, it makes for a great intimate and romantic date spot. It’s a must-go whether you’re a cigar connoisseur or not, because truly, the food was incredible. You may or may not catch a celeb sighting while there, but at the very least, you’ll certainly catch a vibe. 

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SEVEN // 5CHURCH ATLANTA- $$

1197 Peachtree St NE #528, Atlanta, GA

5Church is one of the best things to do in Atlanta during Covid because you can enjoy rooftop seating paired with INCREDIBLE midtown views. That’s just the half of it though. From starters to mains to desserts, the food here is A1 and the drinks are delicious. Before you go, don’t forget to grab a photo op by the green wall!

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eight // Poor Calvins – $$

510 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA

If you can eat at Poor Calvins, DO IT! I don’t know how many people recommended this place to me… too many. Did I go? No, because they were booked at the time, but it’s on my list of places to go next time. The fact that this place books quickly makes it an easy one to add to this list of the best things to do in Atlanta, because clearly EVERYONE is interested in doing it (hence the demand). I hear that this Downtown Atlanta, Asian-inspired boutique restaurant features some of the best food, ambience and service in the city. I can’t wait to see for myself!

nine // metro cafe diner – $$

229 Peachtree St Suite B17, Atlanta, GA

Once you’re done enjoying dinner and maybe even a lounge, this is the perfect place for a nightcap, late night snacks or even karaoke! I love a spot that locals recommend, because that’s how you REALLY know it’s good. End your night at Metro Cafe Diner and you won’t regret it. It’s a no frills diner with good food, strong drinks and suuuch a fun karaoke scene. Insider tip: if you don’t feel comfortable belting out your favorite songs in a mic where others did the same (because Covid// too close for comfort), you can pay $2 to get the mic cover changed so that it’s germ-free when you use it. When it comes to late night fun, hitting up Metro Diner is definitely one of the best things to do in Atlanta during Covid, because it’s open 24/7 and parking is convenient. Insider tip: If you can snag street parking, there’s a guy outside who will look after your car all night for a little tip at the end of the night (lol park at your own risk) OR you can use the lot directly across the street and pay very little to park there for several hours.

Now that you have tons of ideas for what to do during your next trip to Atlanta, comment below and let me know the first thing on this list you’d try? If you enjoyed this girlfriend’s guide for the best things to do in Atlanta during Covid, you might also like this travel post or this foodie post on places to visit and things to do safely right now!