Atlanta- Midtown or Downtown

Question

Hey We are flying into Atlanta for 3 nights before flying out with Delta tom San Juan.

Would it be best to stay in Midtown and visit Downtown ?

Also Return Transport from airport & transport in Atlanta.

TIA

Answer

For your 3-night stay in Atlanta before heading to San Juan, staying in Midtown and visiting Downtown is a great option, especially if you're looking for a mix of convenient access to key attractions and a more relaxed, vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.

Midtown vs. Downtown:

Midtown is generally considered a more lively, walkable area with a great selection of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. It's also close to parks, including Piedmont Park, and offers a more upscale vibe. Many visitors enjoy staying here for its central location and proximity to museums (like the High Museum of Art) and shopping areas. Additionally, Midtown has a mix of boutique hotels and larger chains, so there are plenty of accommodation options.

Downtown Atlanta, on the other hand, is home to many of the city's major attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park. However, it can be a bit quieter in the evenings, as it's more of a business district. If you're interested in visiting these landmarks, staying in Midtown and making day trips to Downtown could be a good strategy since it’s a short drive or MARTA ride away. The public transport system (MARTA) is a convenient and affordable way to get between Midtown and Downtown, so you don’t necessarily need to stay in Downtown to enjoy its attractions.

Midtown: More vibrant, with a variety of dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Great for those who enjoy a lively, walkable area with access to parks and local businesses.
Downtown: Home to major tourist attractions but can be quieter in the evenings. Great for those who want to be close to things like the aquarium, museums, and the Olympic Park.

Transportation in Atlanta:

Getting from the airport to your hotel and around Atlanta is straightforward:

From the Airport: If you're staying in Midtown or Downtown, the MARTA train is the most convenient and affordable option. The airport has a MARTA station, and it takes about 15-20 minutes to get to Midtown and 20-25 minutes to Downtown. A one-way fare is only a couple of dollars, making it an easy choice if you're not carrying a lot of luggage.
Taxi or Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft): A taxi or ride-share service from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Midtown or Downtown will cost around $30-40, depending on traffic. This is a more direct but more expensive option compared to MARTA.
Within Atlanta: MARTA is also a great way to get around the city for sightseeing, especially if you’re focusing on Midtown and Downtown. If you prefer more flexibility, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and convenient for short trips around the city. For getting to attractions like Piedmont Park, the Botanical Garden, or the Georgia Aquarium, MARTA is often the easiest option.

Recommendations:

Given your 3-day stay, staying in Midtown is probably the better choice. It’s a livelier neighborhood with great food options, parks, and nightlife, while still being a short ride to the key attractions in Downtown. From Midtown, you can easily make day trips to explore Downtown or other parts of Atlanta without being in the middle of the business district. Also, staying in Midtown provides a variety of dining and cultural experiences that are ideal for a 3-day visit.

Enjoy your trip to Atlanta and have a great time in San Juan afterward!