Atlanta can get expensive fast. Parking, tickets, a round of drinks, and suddenly a “chill Saturday” costs more than your phone bill.
It doesn’t have to. Some of the best things in this city cost nothing at all. Here’s our list for when you want to get out and your bank account wants you to stay in.
Walk the Atlanta Beltline
The Eastside Trail is Atlanta’s front porch. Walk it from Piedmont Park toward Inman Park and you’ll pass murals, skate kids, street musicians, and half the city out for a stroll. People-watching here is a full-time sport. The Westside Trail is quieter and just as good for a long walk or ride.
Spend a Day in Piedmont Park
Atlanta’s backyard. Lake views, open lawns, the skyline peeking over the trees, and room to throw a frisbee, spread a blanket, or just lie in the grass. Pack a lunch and you can stay all day for free.
Visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Walk Sweet Auburn and visit Dr. King’s birth home, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center. Ranger-led Birth Home presentations are free, but spots are limited and go first come, first served.
See the High Museum Free on Second Sundays
On the second Sunday of every month, the High Museum of Art offers free admission for everyone, from noon to 5 p.m., with family-friendly programs. The next one is Nov. 8. Parking isn’t free, so ride MARTA to the Arts Center station if you can.
Wander Oakland Cemetery
Atlanta’s oldest public park is also one of its most beautiful. Victorian monuments, old oaks, gardens, and skyline views, plus the stories of the people who built this city. You can explore the grounds on your own for free. Guided tours cost extra.
Hang Out at Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Olympics, the park sits in the middle of downtown. Splash in the Fountain of Rings in warm weather, check out the bricks, and walk to the area’s big attractions, even if you’re just window shopping.
Hike Arabia Mountain
About half an hour east of downtown, Arabia Mountain’s granite landscape feels like another planet. The trails are free, and the views at sunset are some of the best around.
Catch a Free Festival
Atlanta runs on festivals. Neighborhood festivals, cultural celebrations, art strolls, and outdoor concerts pop up all year, and many cost nothing to attend. Keep an eye on our Atlanta Events section for what’s coming up.
Tips for Doing Atlanta on the Cheap
- Ride MARTA to skip parking costs.
- Pack water and snacks.
- Go early on weekends. Free spots get crowded fast.
- Follow your neighborhood’s social pages. Free events often show up there first.
Being broke for a weekend doesn’t mean being bored. Atlanta’s got you.
