Staying in atlanta on a business trip - SoNo/Midtown?

Question

Hey all,

I'm coming to Atlanta in a few weeks for a long business trip, so I'm looking at apartment hotels rather than hotels.

I saw some reasonably priced apartment hotels in the SoNo and Midtown, and I wondered how these areas are for someone first visiting and staying on his own.

A. Is it safe? I will probably return to the hotel at a reasonable hour, but I would still love to see the city.

B. Is there anything to do there? (SoNo...) I'm very interested in this area, but it seems kinda "dead." am I wrong?

C. Would you recommend somewhere else? (my work thing is about 20 minutes bus drive from these areas to the east)

D, if you have any recommendations on things to see and do in Atlanta, I have free time in the afternoon and evening.

thank you so much!

Answer

Hey there, it sounds like you’re in for an exciting business trip to Atlanta! I’ll answer your questions in detail below to help you make the most of your time in the city.

A. Is it safe? Both SoNo (South of North Avenue) and Midtown are generally considered safe areas, especially if you’re staying at a reputable apartment hotel and returning at a reasonable hour. As with any major city, it's always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Midtown, in particular, is a popular, bustling area with plenty of foot traffic, even in the evening. SoNo, while it’s emerging and has a growing presence of businesses and apartment buildings, can feel quieter at night. But overall, both neighborhoods are considered safe for visitors. If you plan to walk around in the evenings, it’s better to stick to well-lit, busy streets.

B. Is there anything to do in SoNo? SoNo is definitely in the midst of development, so it might not have as many tourist spots or nightlife options as Midtown. However, it’s an up-and-coming area with trendy restaurants and coffee shops, and the BeltLine, a multi-use path that connects several neighborhoods, is easily accessible from SoNo. You’re also close to Ponce City Market, which has shops, restaurants, and an observation deck with great views of the city. If you’re into artsy neighborhoods, SoNo has potential as it evolves, but it’s still a little quieter compared to Midtown. So if you’re looking for more activity, Midtown might offer a bit more in terms of entertainment, galleries, and nightlife.

C. Would you recommend somewhere else? If you’re okay with a slightly longer commute, you might want to look into neighborhoods like Buckhead or Downtown Atlanta. Buckhead is a major business district and offers more upscale dining, shopping, and things to do. If you have access to public transportation (MARTA), it’s a relatively easy commute to Midtown and SoNo. Downtown has more tourist attractions and is closer to iconic places like the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park, so if sightseeing is on your agenda, Downtown is worth considering.

D. Things to see and do in Atlanta You’ve got some great options for things to do in Atlanta, especially if you have afternoons and evenings free. Here are some recommendations:

Atlanta Botanical Garden: A stunning collection of gardens and beautiful landscapes. It's a perfect spot to relax and take in nature.
Piedmont Park: Located in Midtown, it's a large urban park where you can walk, bike, or enjoy the lake. It’s also near the Atlanta Botanical Garden and offers great views of the skyline.
The Georgia Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the world, it's a must-see for marine life lovers and just a short distance from Downtown.
World of Coca-Cola: If you're interested in history and pop culture, this museum is all about the famous soda brand and its global impact.
The Atlanta BeltLine: This urban revitalization project is perfect for walking, biking, or taking in local art installations. It connects several neighborhoods, including SoNo, and has parks, restaurants, and shops along the way.
Fox Theatre: If you're a fan of Broadway shows, musicals, or other live performances, the Fox Theatre in Midtown is an iconic venue worth visiting.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: A powerful and educational experience, you can visit his childhood home, church, and the King Center.

In the evenings, if you're looking for dinner or drinks, Midtown has a lot to offer. You’ll find a good mix of upscale restaurants and casual spots, including local favorites like South City Kitchen and Pittypat’s Porch. For nightlife, you can check out the Edgewood Avenue area, which has a vibrant bar scene.

Overall, both SoNo and Midtown have their perks, with Midtown offering a bit more variety in terms of things to do. But no matter where you end up staying, you’ll have plenty of great options in and around Atlanta to enjoy during your free time!

Good luck with your trip, and have a fantastic time in Atlanta!