Heading to Georgia WCC & touristy places

Question

Hi everyone, we are attending a work conference at the GWCC and are looking at hiring an Air Bnb. Our family is travelling with us and we are looking for recommendations for the safest and most suitable suburb to get to the GWCC each day, but also for the rest of the family (grandparent, teens & toddler) to safely get to and from touristy places like the aquarium, coca cola etc. without us while we work. They will not have a car, can walk, train or uber, so any suggestions and areas to avoid appreciated. Thanks!

Edited: 1 year ago

Answer

Attending a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) while also exploring Atlanta’s tourist attractions sounds like a fun trip for the whole family! Since your family will be relying on public transportation or Uber, it's important to find a neighborhood that is safe, convenient, and well-connected to both the GWCC and popular tourist spots like the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and other attractions.

Here are some areas that would be well-suited for your family:

Downtown Atlanta: This area is the most convenient option for easy access to the GWCC, as it's within walking distance (just a few minutes away). For the rest of the family, Downtown is also home to major tourist attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park, all of which are easily accessible on foot. Public transportation (MARTA) and Uber are readily available in the area, making it easy to get around. The area is generally safe for tourists, though like any major city, it's best to stay alert, especially at night.
Midtown Atlanta: Just a short ride on MARTA (Atlanta's subway system) from Downtown, Midtown offers a vibrant, family-friendly environment. It has a range of parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the High Museum of Art. Midtown is well-connected by MARTA, so your family can easily get to the GWCC and other tourist sites. It’s also one of the safest and more walkable areas in the city.
Old Fourth Ward: A trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood with a lot to offer in terms of safety, accessibility, and charm. It’s about a 10-minute drive or a short MARTA ride to the GWCC, and it’s close to the BeltLine, which offers easy access to parks, shops, and restaurants. The Old Fourth Ward is a great area for families, and it’s a bit quieter than Downtown, but still very accessible to the main attractions via Uber or public transport.
Virginia-Highland: This neighborhood is a bit further from the GWCC but offers a more relaxed, suburban feel with great walkability. It’s a safe area with family-friendly amenities, and the neighborhood has plenty of parks, cafes, and shops. It’s also very close to public transportation, and your family can take an Uber or use MARTA to get to the GWCC and tourist destinations easily. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a quieter, more residential feel while still being close to the action.

As for areas to avoid, here are a couple of neighborhoods that are less ideal for tourists, especially those without a car:

West End: While this area is slowly revitalizing, it’s best to be cautious, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. Public transportation can get you around, but it might not be as convenient for tourists, and it is a little further from the major attractions.
Southwest Atlanta: Certain parts of Southwest Atlanta are best avoided, especially at night. While there are some nice areas, public transport can be limited in some parts, and it may not be as family-friendly as other areas closer to Downtown or Midtown.

For transportation, MARTA (the city’s subway and bus system) is a great way for your family to get around safely, especially in well-populated areas like Downtown and Midtown. Additionally, Uber and Lyft are always available and can be a convenient option for longer trips or if your family prefers not to use public transport. Many of the major tourist destinations are within walking distance of each other, so your family can also explore on foot.

In summary, I recommend staying in the Downtown or Midtown area for the most convenient access to both the GWCC and the city's top tourist destinations. These neighborhoods are safe, well-connected, and full of family-friendly attractions. Enjoy your time in Atlanta!