Atlanta, Georgia – the capital of the South – is known for its gracious Southern hospitality.

The city is most internationally recognized for hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, so we’re no strangers to world sporting events.  From American Football to NASCAR, Atlantans are passionate about sports …which is never more evident than on Saturday & Sunday mornings as football fans gather in their favorite pubs to cheer on their teams.  Participation in amateur & youth football leagues is at an all time high in the city as our passion for the sport grows.  Hosting Man City is an amazing opportunity for Atlantans to witness world-class football first-hand.  So while you’re here, you’ll find that the natives are every bit as excited about this tour as you are!  Welcome!

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The Actualities –

If you’re coming to Atlanta, you are probably flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - which proudly bears the distinction of being the world’s busiest airport.  “Hartsfield” (as called by locals) is located 10 miles south of downtown.  A Taxi into the city will cost about $30 plus tip.  If you’re traveling to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, use Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA.  The airport station is attached to the Airport, right off baggage claim. One-way fares are only $2.00 and within 20 minutes, you can be downtown.  MARTA is also an easy way to navigate around the city while you’re in Atlanta, though expect to use both rail & bus-lines to get to the major attractions without too much walking.  The multi-day BREEZE cards are the most economical way to use MARTA while you’re here.

The Georgia Dome is set to host the Atlanta International Soccer Challenge featuring Man City vs. Club America.  Atlanta's Georgia Dome is a familiar name to sports fans. Not only is the Georgia Dome the home stadium for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons football team, the Georgia Dome has hosted some of the sporting world's most exciting athletic events since opening in 1992.  The Georgia Dome is located next to the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. Philips Arena and the CNN Center are within walking distance. Two MARTA stations are located near the Georgia Dome.  

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What to do while you’re in Atlanta …

Atlanta has many unique neighborhoods with plenty to explore.  Each offers its own unique blend of culture & fare…

If you plan to explore many of Atlanta’s more well-known attractions, consider buying an Atlanta City Pass, which buys you entry into six city attractions at a 51% savings. Choose from the Georgia Aquarium; World of Coca-Cola; Zoo Atlanta; Inside CNN Atlanta; Fernbank Museum of Natural History or Atlanta Botanical Garden; and High Museum of Art or Atlanta History Center.

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Buckhead  

Probably the most well known area of the city, Buckhead is known as a destination for great shopping, eating, and nightlife. 

Fado Irish Pub is the hotbed for Premier League action in this upscale Atlanta neighborhood.  With a rooftop patio, oversized fireplace, and satellite coverage of European sporting events, Fado unites football fans over the best pint in Atlanta.  Fado is within walking distance of many other bars & nightclubs.  Join the crowds that hit them all on a Saturday night.  Or plan to enjoy one of the many fine-dining spots in the neighborhood…

Buckhead Diner – an American dining experience unlike any other.  Inventive menu, snappy service, upscale atmosphere, and retro style have all made this a city favorite for years.

The Fish Market – a relaxing atmosphere with refined taste.  The Fish Market offers the city’s widest selection of seafood.  The attached Geechee Crab Lounge is an unexpectedly great place to watch a game.

Portofino – an unassuming restaurant in an old Buckhead House.  Portofino offers a seasonal American Italian menu that hits the spot.

Don’t miss world-class shopping while in Buckhead at Lenox Mall & Phipps Plaza.  Located across the street from each-other a mile and a half north of the heart of Buckhead, these malls offer every store you could want plus many restaurants and a cinema.

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Downtown

A melting pot of cultures, downtown Atlanta has something for everyone.  Out-of-towners can find spots for every taste:  steakhouse, pizza, tex-mex, asian fusion – you name it.

Meehan’s Public House (an Atlanta favorite) just opened their 4th location downtown on world-famous Peachtree Street.  An authentic Irish eatery, Meehan’s is quickly becoming a favorite spot for Atlanta visitors with an appetite for delicious fare AND sporting competition.

In additional to great food, downtown offers a large number of city attractions in a concentrated area …

World of Coca-Cola

From a multi-sensory 4-D theater, a marvelously restored 1880s soda fountain, a one-of-a-kind World of Coca-Cola glass bottle produced in a real, live bottling line, to an opportunity to sample nearly 70 different beverages from around the world, you'll experience something inviting around every corner.

Inside CNN Atlanta

Journey into the heart of CNN Worldwide and get an up-close look at global news in the making. Inside CNN is a 55-minute guided walking tour with exclusive, behind the- scenes views of Atlanta’s CNN studios and an exciting glimpse of news and broadcasting in action from the world headquarters of CNN.

The Georgia Aquarium

Dive into a one-of-a-kind aquatic experience at the world's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium! Get up close with gentle whale sharks, toothy sand tiger sharks, graceful beluga whales, playful sea otters and aquatic animals from around the globe. With the largest collection of aquatic animals, you are sure to see things you've never seen before

Centennial Olympic Park

This 21-acre site was one of the most popular spots in the city during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Today, year-round programming featuring concerts, family activities and festivals make the park a gathering place for Atlantans and visitors. The park features the world's largest Olympic Ring fountain.

Read part 2 of our guide to Atlanta...