Atlanta Guide

Atlanta is one of those places that doesn't seem interesting, but is actually very interesting. There's quite a bit to see and do here which will keep you busy since most attractions take a few hours to do. The Hartsfield Jackson Airport in Atlanta is actually the busiest airport in the USA.

Hotels

Depending on where you prefer to be the pricing for hotels differ. Downtown Atlanta hotels are a little cheaper than Midtown but if you are driving then it is not far.

Melia Hotel Downtown Atlanta- $$$
W Midtown- $$
Double Tree Downtown Atlanta- $
Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown- $$
Twelve Atlantic Station- $$$$
Microtel  Inn Buckhead- $

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Getting Around

Since I am so used to cheap taxis in New York and Miami, I figured it would be the same in Atlanta......I was dead wrong.  It cost $20 to go around the block from our hotel, not a happy camper that night. In Atlanta as soon as you step into a taxi there is a fare, I think it was $5, depending on how many people you are with more far is added, I think an extra $2 per person plus taxes. Then taxi drivers expect tip.... so you can see it just adds up. 
There really are only 2 alternatives to get around:

Car Rental- In Atlanta things seem to be spread out a bit. It is best to have a car rental when wanting to do some attractions. Car rentals are actually not expensive; there are so many cheap car rental companies like miles, E Z rent a car and dollar rent a car.

Walking- Depending on where your hotel is located you may be able to walk to some attractions.

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Eat & Drink

STK- An upscale steakhouse during the day and a lounge by night. STK is a great place for a meal and to hangout $$$$

The Cheesecake Factory- The largest, most diverse menu I have ever seen. Has something for everyone. Very large portions as well! $$

Gladys Knight & Ron Winan's Chicken and Waffles- Come to singer Gladys Knights restaurant for some southern comfort foods. Who knows you just might see her there! $$

Wet Willies- Many combinations to make. Try superman or call-a-cab, they are super strong but super good. Drink slowly, you don't want a brain freeze! This is a great place to go for drinks. $$

Strip Steak Seafood Sushi- Located in Atlantic Station this restaurant is a pretty popular place. With 3 levels, including a rooftop deck, and 2 bars, Strip is the place to be. $$

Einsteins- Southern Comfort foods with great happy hour selections $$

The Daiquiri Factory- Serving frozen daiquiris, the Daiquiri Factory has a relaxed atmosphere with events every night  $$

Which Wich- Located in Atlantic Station. Which Wich is a great place to go for lunch. They have a large variety of sandwiches $

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See & Do

Georgia Aquarium- To visit the aquarium is about $30, but it is the largest aquarium in North America. I had a blast here! Make sure you go early line up is pretty long, especially on weekends or in the summer. Spent about 3 hrs because there was so much to see and I didn't even see everything! This was the highlight of my trip!

Atlantic Station- A great place to just walk around, eat or shop. If your lucky you may catch special events happening here.

Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site- If you want to know more about Martin Luther King Jr's life this is a great place to visit. You get to see the home his was born in, visit the church he attended, visit his tomb surrounded by water and more.

World of Coca-Cola- Learn all about the making of Coca-Cola on this tour

Inside CNN- Ever wanted to see the inside of CNN? This tour offers a behind the scenes look at news in the making. I didn't get to do this one but I heard it was quite fun!

Georgia Dome- Home to the Atlanta Falcons football team. Even if there is no game going on they do offer tours of the stadium which is inexpensive. 

Freedom Park- Great for hiking, walking, jogging, running or even a picnic. Freedom Park also offers a very nice view of Atlanta's skyline great for taking pictures.

Skyview Atlanta- Located in downtown Atlanta, the Skyview offers spectacular view of the city all while riding in a Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel is almost 20 stories high, if you don't like heights I suggest you don't go. There are also VIP gondolas with a glass bottom floor and leather seats.

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Shopping

Underground Atlanta- A retail and entertainment center. Underground Atlanta has specialty and gift shops as well as special events and cultural events. 
Lenox Square- Recently renovated, Lenox Square is Atlanta's premier shopping destination for fashionistas. You can find brands like Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, etc.
Phipps Plaza- This is an upscale shopping destination with brands like Gucci, Tiffany, Jimmy Choo, etc.
Perimeter Mall- Perimeter Mall is a great destination for shopping. Brands you can find here include Aldo, Bebe, H&M, Guess, etc.
Cumberland Mall- Cumberland Mall is a great destination for shopping. Brands you can find here include Express, Michael Kors, H&M, Aeropostale, etc

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Nightlife

Opera- Electro, house, dubstep on Friday and Sat. Wed and Thurs Top 40 and hip hop.
Prive Atlanta- Top 40, house, hip hop depending on the night
Velvet Room- House, Top 40, hip hop
Sutra- Top 40, house, dance, hip hop depending on the night
Compound- Hip hop club
Vanquish/Reign- Top 40, house, hip hop depending on the night
Halo- Upscale bar. They play Top 40, and hip hop
Aurum Lounge- Trendy lounge playing Top 40 and hip hop