The Perfect Three-Day Weekend Itinerary in Atlanta

Those planning a trip to Atlanta who want to take in all the city has to offer should begin by being properly prepared. There's quite a bit to see and do in this city, whether you're a professional sports fan, a foodie or love an outdoor adventure. If you have three days to explore the city, it can be hard to narrow down what specifically to do to make the most out of your experience.

Everyone's needs are a bit different; however, for first-time visitors to the city who want to take as much as possible in, this is where to start. Create a weekend trip in Atlanta that includes these experiences. Choose from one or more of these options for each day of your visit.

Day one in Atlanta offers a curated mix of engaging and unique experiences, as you explore the wonders of the Georgia Aquarium, enjoy the nostalgic charm of the World of Coca-Cola, reflect at the powerful National Center for Civil and Human Rights and finally unwind with a quality dinner at Alma Cocina.

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It's one of the best in the country and noted as one of the largest in the world. You'll explore more than 100,000 marine creatures at the Georgia Aquarium. It's an experience for both adults and kids. Plan to spend at least three hours here. You can grab lunch at the aquarium if you like.

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Right next door to the aquarium is the World of Coca-Cola and it's the perfect indoor exploration where you can spend about an hour to two hours exploring. This is a brand that's made the city what it is. One of the best reasons to visit is the vintage town that's restored within the building. This tour is equal parts informative and nostalgic.

At this point, you're likely hungry and if you haven't eaten lunch or are looking for an early afternoon snack, visit Corner Café in Pembrook Place (that's the 20-acre area that's home to both the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. It's a convenient option for quality comfort food.

Round out your day at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, also located in Pembrook Place. It's been named the city's "main event" and best location for a decade, with good reason. Over 13,000 artifacts that pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., are on display. However, there's even more on offer than just these. The exhibitions pay homage to the American Civil Rights Movement. The area is also home to numerous Civil Rights Movement experiences.

Round out the day at Alma Cocina, an inventive Mexican restaurant with Latin-inspired cocktails and a sleek environment that's close to Pembrook Place. Expect contemporary Mexican and freshly-made cuisine.

Day two in Atlanta leans into a relaxed, artsy vibe, with a morning at the High Museum of Art, a meal at Crescent City Kitchen, more creative exploration at the Museum of Design Atlanta and an evening of great food at Nan Thai Fine Dining, followed by a performance at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra or the Alliance Theatre.

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For your next day, spend it in the Midtown area of Atlanta, where you'll find the High Museum of Art as a solid starting point. You'll need to spend a few hours here, making it perfect for a morning trip. The collections and exhibits change often, but with over 15,000 individual pieces here, you'll have plenty to see. They are divided into specific groupings, including folk art, African art and European art.

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Only a few minutes from the art museum, you'll find the prestigious Museum of Design Atlanta. It's a vibrant and intriguing location that will tempt you to continue exploring Atlanta's artsy side. It is one of the only museums in the Southeast dedicated to the study and celebration of design. Often referred to as MODA, it's an invigorating hour to 90 minutes (or longer) of art-infused education.

This is a must for anyone who wants a really good brunch or lunch. Everything is scratch-made and should comfortably fill you up. At Crescent City Kitchen, a local favorite, expect a true Southern-style restaurant packed with everything from homemade waffles to legendary croffles. Since this location is right in the Midtown area, you'll be able to walk over, enjoy a late breakfast and easily plan the rest of your day.

A nice night out means taking in Nan Thai Fine Dining, an upscale establishment in the heart of Midtown. With sea bass, braised short ribs and lamb shank on the menu, you'll enjoy a truly modern Asian menu packed with flavor.

End your day by taking in a show at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Known for its live performances most nights of the week, this location is superb for the culture and extraordinary experience that it offers. The orchestra performs at the Woodruff Arts Center, right in the heart of Midtown. You'll be able to enjoy after-dinner cocktails here at Nikolai's Roof before the show.

If you can't get in to see the symphony, check to see what's playing at the Alliance Theatre. You'll also appreciate it if you love bold performances and community-centered experiences. It has a long history of Tony Award-winning performances across dozens of genres. It's also in the Woodruff Arts Center, meaning you can still get those cocktails after dinner. Another option is to visit Aria right after the show for after-event drinks.

Day three in Atlanta wraps things up with a relaxed, outdoorsy feel, featuring time at Zoo Atlanta or Piedmont Park, a stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Garden and ends with a fun evening with dinner at Whiskey Bird or Bacchanalia, followed by a show at the Fox Theatre.

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It's hard to imagine coming to the city and not making a trip to Zoo Atlanta, a massive zoo (one of the largest in the world). From snakes of all types to a large giraffe enclosure, you'll be able to experience a wide range of animals up close. The zoo should take between 4 and 6 hours to see, depending on how much time you want to spend there. You can easily have lunch at the zoo's numerous eateries.

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This is another highly-regarded destination to visit in Atlanta. Fox Theatre is noted not just for its incredible arrangement of performances, but also for its history and architecture. Built in the 1920s, this location has some interesting features, like a ceiling that looks like the night sky with twinkling stars, as well as the mosque-like minarets. Broadway-style shows perform here, though concerns are also common.

If you don't want to head to the zoo or you want an hour or two of just letting the kids burn some energy off, head over to Piedmont Park. You can book a tour of Piedmont Park if you're considering exploring its history. There are running paths, walking trails, a dog park and a farmer's market on the weekend. There's also a lake here. You may be lucky and encounter a festival (there are numerous that happen throughout the year).

In the afternoon, take in the Atlanta Botanical Garden. You'll spend a couple of hours here. There are over 30 acres to explore within a conservatory as well as outdoor fountains. There are various events that happen throughout the year, including cocktail parties. Numerous sculptures and artworks are on display. It's a fantastic place to learn and explore the beauty of Atlanta's natural elements. It's the type of place where you'll leave inspired.

If you haven't enjoyed lunch at one of the parks in the area, stop in at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall. It's all about a campfire-themed experience. Located in the historic Old Forth Ward district of the city, this spot bills itself as the first outdoor-oriented restaurant. Enjoy the local beers, screened porches and American barbecue cuisine.

Another quaint outdoor location is Centennial Olympic Park, the site of the 1996 Olympic Games. There's not much left of that experience, but you will find a wonderful park with walking paths and an outdoor garden area. It's regarded as one of the best parks in Atlanta. You can ride the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel while you're here or catch a show at the amphitheater. It hosts concerts and special events throughout the year. For kids, the interactive, hands-on playground is an upscale experience in its own way.

For dinner, check out the grilled yakitori skewers at Whiskey Bird. This is a Pacific Rim-influenced restaurant known for its fusion plants. From tacos to burgers and some of the best cocktails in the city, it's a fun place to unwind after a long day exploring the city's treats. It's a good idea to get reservations if you're coming for dinner.

For a dinner you'll remember, spend a bit more to head to Bacchanalia, a AAA Four Diamond-designated destination worth the experience. The menu changes often, but traditionally features a huge alignment of international cuisine. You'll enjoy a relaxing, elegant dining room, a full bar and organic ingredients. Many come from the area's local farms. It is easily considered one of the city's most celebrated restaurants. The four-course prix fixe menu will not disappoint you throughout this experience.

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