Budget Atlanta Weekend Activities
A visit to Atlanta doesn’t need to cost the earth; combine free and paid activities to see the most of the city in the time that you have. By taking one of our sightseeing tours, such as the Atlanta City Tour or Black History & Civil Rights tour, you can get your bearings before heading off to explore free activities. Here is a mix of free and paid experiences that allows you to visit the city on a budget.
Window Shopping in Lenox Square
Going shopping in a new city is a thrill for many, but when your purse strings are tight it sometimes loses the charm. Instead of going to affordable shops where you’ll be more likely to buy an item, go window shopping in a luxury shopping mall. Lenox Square in the Buckhead District of Atlanta is home to luxury brands such as Prada, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and Cartier. Wander around checking out the wares and enjoy the experience of living in a parallel reality for a few hours. If all that window shopping has worn you out, pop by Da Vinci Donuts for a sugary energy boost.
Eat at the World’s Largest Drive-In Restaurant
Open since 1928, The Varsity is a true Atlanta classic. When it first opened, it gained the reputation of being the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. Nowadays the restaurant covers two city blocks and has space for 800 diners. The menu is hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and shakes at budget prices. It’s a great place for families to grab a bite to eat and an ideal spot to fuel up before heading off to see a game.
Visit the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area
Just 25 minutes east of Atlanta lies a natural haven of native plants, mountains, wide-open meadows, and pristine lakes. The entrance to the park is free, so if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Atlanta, consider using the Roundabout Atlanta transportation. Take a hike along the Arabia Mountain Path which cuts through the middle of the Heritage Area. You’ll pass over granite monadnocks, historic farms, and other natural spectacles. The area is known for its diversity as a home to a variety of rare plants, wetlands, and pine and oak forests — you should also keep your eye out for interesting wildlife.
Stop By Atlanta’s Municipal Market
Established in 1918, this center of produce is home to many grocery stands, butchers, seafood, a full-service bakery, a cooking school, a pharmacy, and ten excellent eateries to choose from. If Vietnamese pho, French bistro dishes, or British pies tickle your taste buds, then this is the place for you. The grocery stands are laden with fresh fruit and vegetables as well as exotic products that are difficult to find anywhere else.
Watch the Skaters at the Historic 4th Ward Skatepark
On a sunny evening, head down to the Historic 4th Ward skatepark to watch the skaters flip, pivot, and rail as they try out their new tricks. This hotspot hangout offers endless hours of entertainment for skaters and spectators alike. It was also built with sustainable features including solar photovoltaic panels, offsetting roughly 50 per cent of the park’s energy costs. It follows sustainable regulations to maintain green space and landscaping—an architectural delight!
There are plenty of cheap things to do in Atlanta and balancing your budget is easy if you combine free and paid activities. Our range of sightseeing tours is excellent value for money and offers a wide perspective on life, history, and culture in Atlanta.