75+ Free and Budget Things To Do in Atlanta, Georgia
Do you feel like Atlanta is an expensive city to visit? It doesn’t have to be! There are a ton of free and cheap things to do in Atlanta, Georgia, you just need to know where to look. If you’re looking to have fun on a budget, these are the best things to do in Atlanta.
Visiting Atlanta on a Budget
You don’t have to break the bank to visit Atlanta, Georgia. Once you look past Atlanta’s iconic attractions that have a hefty price tag, the city actually has a lot of affordable activities for you to enjoy.
| Save on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.
From free museums to free concerts to cheap shows, I’ve compiled more than 75 things to do on a budget in Atlanta.
Free Things You’ll Actually Want To Do in Atlanta
Check out these top free, no-cost things to do in and around the Atlanta metro-area. You’ll discover parts of the city that many tourists never see!
1. Arabia Mountain
Lithonia
Arabia Mountain is a monadnock, a geologic formation that has had the ground around it erode away, leaving the mountain you see today. It sits inside the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area in DeKalb County with plenty of trails that are free to hike, bike, and explore.
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk
2. Arts Clayton Gallery
Jonesboro
Arts Clayton Gallery is a public art gallery featuring works from local Georgia artists. The gallery has monthly exhibitions showcasing local artists, as well as traveling exhibits and collections with a variety of themes.
Hours: M-F: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
3. Atlanta Beltline
Atlanta
The Atlanta Beltline is a former railway corridor around the city that is undergoing redevelopment. Plans include a streetcar loop, 2,000 acres of parks, and 33 miles of multi-use trails. Segments here and there have already been developed, but the whole loop hasn’t been completed yet. You can walk the Atlanta Beltline trails and enjoy skyline views, public art, and the different neighborhoods of Atlanta. Learn about walking the Northside Trail and the Eastside Trail.
Hours: Always open
4. Atlanta Contemporary
West Midtown
Atlanta Contemporary is one of the South’s leading contemporary art centers. The center presents 6-10 exhibitions each year featuring both local and international artists as well as new works by artists who have not had a significant exhibition in the Southeast.
Hours: Tu-W: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.; Th: 12 p.m. — 8 p.m.; F-Sat: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. — 4 p.m.
5. Atlanta Monetary Museum
Midtown
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta houses the Atlanta Monetary Museum. This museum presents the story of money and the history of banking in America. You can take a free self-guided tour of the bank’s cash-processing operations, automated vault, and historical artifacts including rare coins and currency.
Hours: M-F: 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
6. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center
Johns Creek
The 46-acre Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center has 3 miles of trails, historic buildings, and an exhibit on animals native to Georgia.
Hours: Grounds and Trails open daily from 8 a.m. — 9 p.m.; Visitor Center and Farm Museum open Tu-Sat: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. — 4 p.m.
7. Big Trees Forest Preserve
Sandy Springs
The 30-acre Big Trees Forest Preserve is a Fulton County Tree, Plant and Wildlife Sanctuary. The nature preserve, previously a threatened urban forest, now has a network of trails running along a stream and through the forest.
Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset
8. Blue Heron Nature Preserve
Buckhead
The 30-acre Blue Heron Nature Preserve has the 3 mile Blueway Trail, a community garden, an art gallery focused on environmental art, and educational programming for children.
Hours: Daily from dawn until dusk
9. Castleberry Hill Art Stroll
Castleberry Hill
On the second Friday of every month, you can attend the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll. This self-guided tour of Atlanta’s historic and arts district of Castleberry Hill lets you browse diverse galleries and local businesses and restaurants in the area.
Hours: Second Friday of the month from 6 p.m. — 10 p.m.
10. Centennial Olympic Park
Downtown
Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre park built as part of the city improvements for the 1996 Summer Olympics. The park is in the midst of all the action, surrounded by Atlanta landmarks like the CNN Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Georgia Aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the World of Coca-Cola. You can play in the Fountain of Rings interactive fountain and picnic in the grass.
Hours: Daily 7 a.m. — 7 p.m.
11. Children’s Museum of Atlanta — Family Free Days on Select Dates
Downtown
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a hands-on museum for children ages 0-8 to play and learn. The museum holds Family Free Days four times a year. Each Family Free Day offers three 2.5 hour sessions that you can pre-register for.
Hours: Th-T: 9:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. Click here for upcoming Family Free Days.
12. Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Decatur
The 28-acre Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve has several walking trails through forest, wetland, and pond habitats that are home to frogs, beavers, birds, and other wildlife.
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk
13. Coweta County African American Heritage Museum
Newnan
At the Coweta County African American Heritage Museum houses a private collection of African-American artifacts and records. The museum also serves as a genealogy workroom for African-American research. Adjacent to the museum is the Farmer Street Cemetery, believed to be the largest slave cemetery in the South.
Hours: W: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
14. David J. Sencer CDC Museum
Druid Hills
The David J. Sencer CDC Museum explores the history of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and has exhibitions on public health topics, the spread of disease, and, of course, pandemics.
Hours: M-W: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.; Th: 9 a.m. — 7 p.m.; F: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
15. Dunwoody Nature Center
Dunwoody
The Dunwoody Nature Center is a 22-acre nature preserve with 2 miles of woodland hiking trails, Wildcat Creek, gardens, picnic areas, a playground, beehives, and a hammock garden.
Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset
16. Fernbank Science Center
Druid Hills
The Fernbank Science Center is a science and technology museum that features a live animal exhibit, a live honeybee hive, space exhibits including the real Apollo 6 space capsule and a meteorite collection, and an extensive taxidermy collection.
Hours: M-W: 12 p.m. — 4 p.m.; Th-F: 12 p.m. — 9 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
17. Marietta Square Art Walk
Marietta
The Marietta Square Art Walk is held the first Friday of each month. This is a free self-guided walking tour of the galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants, and businesses on Marietta Square. The event also features live music, performances, and local art.
Hours: First Friday of the month from 5 p.m. — 9 p.m.
18. Georgia Aquarium — Free on Your Birthday for Georgia Residents
Downtown
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, housing hundreds of aquatic species in more than 10 million gallons of water. And if you’re a Georgia resident and it’s your birthday, you’re in luck! You can get in to the Georgia Aquarium for free with a valid Georgia ID.
Hours: Hours vary by season.
19. Georgia Capitol Museum
Downtown
Visit to the Georgia State Capitol and take a free self-guided tour of the history of the building as well as the events that have shaped Georgia’s history. The museum exhibits significant artifacts, memorials, and artwork related to the state’s history.
Hours: M-F: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.
20. Georgia Governor’s Mansion
Buckhead
The Georgia Governor’s Mansion is the official home of Georgia’s governor. The tour is self-guided with docents stationed in each room to give you more information. The mansion also hosts special holiday tours in the winter.
Hours: February 1 through October 27 on Tu-Th: 10 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.
21. Grant Park
Eastside
Grant Park is Atlanta’s oldest city park. Its 130 acres has miles of walking and jogging paths, a farmers market on Sundays during April through December, and several famous festivals throughout the year.
Hours: Daily 6 a.m. — 11 p.m.
22. High Museum of Art — Free on the Second Sunday of Each Month
Midtown
Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is free on the second Sunday of each month. The High is a leading art museum in the Southeast with more than 15,000 works in its permanent collection. Free Second Sundays at the High feature special family-friendly programs, tours, performances, and art-making activities.
Hours: Tu-Sat: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.
23. Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park
Old Fourth Ward
Located just off the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, the Historic Forth Ward Skate Park is Atlanta’s first public skate park. There are bowls, ramps, and rails for skateboarders as well as an athletic field and a playground.
Hours: Daily 6 a.m. — 11 p.m.
24. Jackson Street Bridge
Old Fourth Ward
Jackson Street Bridge offers the perfect photo opp of the Atlanta skyline, especially at sunset. It was made famous by a scene in The Walking Dead, and now it’s a great place for selfies.
Hours: Always open
25. Krog Street Tunnel
Cabbage Town
Krog Street Tunnel is famous for its street art. It runs under a train yard and links up the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail between Inman Park and Cabbage Town. This is another great spot for a photo opp or filming edgy videos.
Hours: Always open
26. Lullwater Preserve
Druid Hills
Lullwater Preserve is an oasis of green space on Emory University’s North Decatur campus. You can walk the paved and unpaved trails, relax by the pond, and see the English Tudor mansion where the university president lives.
Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset
27. Marietta Fire Museum
Marietta
The free Marietta Fire Museum explores the history of the Marietta Fire Department through a collection of antique fire apparatus, tools, and gear dating back to 1854.
Hours: Daily 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.
28. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park
Sweet Auburn Historic District
Explore where Dr. King lived, worked, and worshiped at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park. The site consists of historic buildings including MLK’s boyhood home and the original Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was baptized and was pastor.
Hours: Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall open M-Sat: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.; Birth Home open M-Sat: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.; Fire Station No. 6 open M-Sat: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. when volunteers are available
29. National Archives at Atlanta
Morrow
The National Archives at Atlanta is a research facility holding historically significant records of federal agencies in the South. You can explore records on science and technology, civil rights, medicine and public health, military activities and conflict, space exploration, maritime and naval history, the federal courts, and more.
Hours: M-F: 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. by appointment
30. Newman Wetlands Center
Hampton
The Newman Wetlands Center has a boardwalk trail, unpaved trails, a picnic area, and a Learning Center with exhibits on the importance of wetlands, Clayton County’s sustainable water re-use system, local wildlife, and conservation.
Hours: M-Sat: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.; the gate closes at 4:30 p.m.
31. Oakland Cemetery
Grant Park
Historic Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest public park. This is also where many of the city’s most notable citizens have been laid to rest. You can explore the cemetery on your own, discovering the beautiful Victorian gardens, or have a picnic among the graves.
Hours: Daily from dawn until dusk
32. Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Brookhaven
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art is the only small liberal arts university museum in the Southeast to regularly show nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions. It presents three major exhibitions each year and several smaller exhibitions that feature international, representational, figurative, and spiritual works of art.
Hours: Tu 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.; W 2 p.m. — 10 p.m.; Th 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.; F 2 p.m. — 5 p.m.; Sat 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.; and Sun 2 p.m. — 5 p.m.
33. Piedmont Park
Midtown
Piedmont Park has covered picnic areas, two playgrounds, paved walking and running paths, free yoga, fishing, and meadows for people and dogs to play in that can all be accessed for free.
Hours: Daily 6 a.m. — 11 p.m.
34. Piedmont Park Aquatic Center and Pool – Free Swim Hours
Midtown
Swimming in Piedmont Park has been a popular Atlanta activity since before the original bathhouse was built in 1911. They hold free swimming hours every Monday through Friday for 2 hours. The pool is seasonal, operating from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Hours: Free swim hours M-F: 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
35. The Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
Georgia Tech
The Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking at Georgia Tech explores the history of paper and paper technology. The museum’s exhibits include: the Dard Hunter Collection of artifacts and books on paper and hand papermaking; tools from the early industrialization of papermaking; environmental issues related to papermaking; and changing gallery spaces.
Hours: M-F: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
36. Roswell Fire Museum
Roswell
The Roswell Fire Museum explores the history of fire history in Roswell and in Atlanta. The museum’s main draw is a 1947 Ford American LaFrance Pumper, an original piece of firefighting equipment that was used by the City of Roswell.
Hours: Daily 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.
37. Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Cumming
Sawnee Mountain Preserve covers 821 acres of scenic wilderness with 11 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and an interactive Visitor Center. It is popular for its Indian Seats rock formation that offers an amazing view of the North Georgia Mountains.
Hours: Trails are open November through February: daily 6 a.m. — 7 p.m.; March through October: daily 6 a.m. — 9:30 p.m.; the Visitor Center is open M-Sat: 8:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.
38. Self-Guided Walking Dead Tour
Atlanta
Fans of The Walking Dead can take a self-guided tour of the filming locations from the show. Check out this guide from Local Adventurer on the best Walking Dead locations.
Hours: Anytime
39. Self-Guided Atlanta Street Art Walking Tours
Atlanta
Atlanta has a ton of street art, and you can take your own free walking tour of different neighborhoods known for their street art. Check out Atlanta Street Art Map for the different artsy neighborhoods you can explore.
Hours: Anytime
40. Silver Comet Trail
Cobb, Paulding, and Polk Counties
The Silver Comet Trail runs along an old railway line from Smyrna to the Georgia/Alabama border for 61.5 miles. It’s a paved trail and is perfect for walking, biking, and rollerblading.
Hours: Always open
41. Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
Atlanta University Center
The Spelman College Museum of Fine Arts is dedicated to art by and about women of the African diaspora. The museum features groundbreaking and scholarly exhibitions amplifying art by Black women artists.
Hours: Wed-Sat 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.
42. Sweet Auburn Historic District
Sweet Auburn Historic District
In the 1940-50s, the Sweet Auburn District flourished with African-American-owned businesses. In addition to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, there’s a ton of African American history to discover here. Take a free self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood, keeping an eye out for the historic signs pointing out areas of interest like The Atlanta Daily World, the first black daily newspaper in the country, and The Royal Peacock, a popular black-owned nightclub.
Hours: Always open
43. Tiny Doors ATL
Atlanta
Tiny doors are all the rage! Tiny Doors ATL is a project that brings big wonder to tiny spaces through 7-inch door sculptures. Each door reflects the unique personality of its surroundings. Take a free self-guided tour to find all the doors yourself.
Hours: Anytime
44. Underground Atlanta
Downtown
Underground Atlanta is a shopping and entertainment district that’s essentially a city beneath the city. In the early 1900s, Atlanta raised its street level to be above the congested train depot, leaving these old streets to be covered up until they were rediscovered and revitalized. The area has had its ups and downs, but now new shops, restaurants, and venues are moving in and restoring the area to its former glory.
Hours: W-Sat: 11 a.m. — 10 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. — 6 p.m.
45. Woodruff Park
Downtown
Woodruff Park is a 6-acre park in the middle of Downtown Atlanta. You can relax with free Wi-Fi at the café tables or by the water wall. You can check out games for free from the Game Cart, work out at the fitness station, or play on the ATL sculptural playground. The park even occasionally has free yoga and free history tours.
Hours: Daily 6 a.m. — 11 p.m.
46. Yellow River Park
Stone Mountain
The 691-acre Yellow River Park has 12-mile of unpaved trails for mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian as well as 1 mile of paved trail. You can explore the scenic stretches of the river or have a picnic at the pavilion and playgrounds.
Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset
47-52. Georgia Public Library Free Passes
Are you a Georgia resident with a public library card? Then you may be able to “checkout” free passes to a number of Atlanta attractions at your local public library. Click here for details about the pass loan program. You can get free entry at these Atlanta attractions:
- Center for Puppetry Arts
- Chattahoochee Nature Center
- Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
- Michael C. Carlos Museum on the Emory University campus
- The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
- Zoo Atlanta
| Save on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.
Cheap Things To Do in Atlanta Under $20
Sometimes you need to drop a little cash to see something really cool. But these budget activities won’t break the bank! Check out these cheap Atlanta activities with low admission charges or parking fees only.
53. Stone Mountain Hike — $20 Parking Fee
Stone Mountain
Your Stone Mountain Park daily parking pass gives you access to all the natural areas of the park. This means you can access the numerous hiking and nature trails, public picnic areas, 363-acre lake, children’s playground, Grist Mill, Covered Bridge, and Quarry Exhibit all for just $20 per vehicle.
Hours: Park Gates are open daily from 5 a.m. — midnight
54. National Center for Civil and Human Rights — $19.99
Downtown
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum dedicated to the achievements of the American Civil Rights Movement and the Global Human Rights Movements. Admission costs $19.99 for adults.
Hours: Tu-F and Sun: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m. with last entry at 4 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. with last entry at 4 p.m.
55. World of Coca-Cola — $19
Downtown
World of Coca-Cola is a museum dedicated to Atlanta’s most famous beverage. Go through the history of Coca-Cola’s invention, the bottling process, try to crack the code of the secret formula, and more. Admission costs $19 for adults.
Hours: Hours vary by day, but typically is open M-Th: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. in fall/winter and until 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. in spring/summer; F-Sun: 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. in fall/winter and 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. in spring/summer
56. High Museum of Art — $16.50
Midtown
Explore the highly-rated High Museum of Art‘s impressive collection of works, from African arts to contemporary design to the Masterworks. Admission costs $16.50 for adults.
Hours: Tu-Sat: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m.
57. Delta Flight Museum — $15
Hapeville
The Delta Flight Museum, located near the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is a museum dedicated to Delta’s history and the development of commercial aviation. Admission costs $15 for adults.
Hours: Hanger open Th-Tu: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.; B-747 open Th-Tu: 11 a.m. — 3 p.m.; when the hangers are closed, admission is half-price.
58. Computer Museum of America — $15
Roswell
The Computer Museum of America in Roswell is one of the world’s largest collections of computers, technology, and artifacts from the Digital Revolution. See technology of our past, present, and the near future. Admission costs $15 for adults.
Hours: Th-F and Sun: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
59. Margaret Mitchell House — $13
Midtown
Note: The Margaret Mitchell House is temporarily closed.
See the small apartment where Margaret Mitchell lived with her second husband at the Margaret Mitchell House. This is where she wrote Gone With the Wind. Admission costs $13 for adults.
Hours: M-Sat: 10 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
60. The Breman Museum — $12
Midtown
The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum is dedicated to Jewish history, culture, and arts with an emphasis on the Holocaust and the Southern Jewish experience. Their permanent exhibition, Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years, 1933-1945, presents a detailed history of the events leading up to the Holocaust, the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis, and the following events. Admission costs $12 for adults.
Hours: W-F and Sun: 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.
61. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum — $12
Poncey-Highland
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum houses documents from the 39th president, historical memorabilia from Carter’s presidency, a replica of the Oval Office, and 35 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens. Admission is $12 for adults.
Hours: Tu-Sat: 10 a.m. — 4:45 p.m. with last admission at 3:30 p.m.
62. Millennium Gate Museum — $12
Atlantic Station
Set inside a triumphal arch, the Millennium Gate Museum explores Georgia history, art, culture, and philanthropic heritage. General admission costs $12.
Hours: Tu-Sat: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
63. Oakland Cemetery Tours — $12
Grant Park
The Historic Oakland Foundation offers two types of tours of Historic Oakland Cemetery: an overview tour of the history, period gardens, and art and architecture of the cemetery; and special topic tours. Tickets cost $12 for adults.
Hours: Overview Tour: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays year-round, times vary. Special Topic Tour: Saturdays and Sundays, times vary
64. The Wren’s Nest — $12
West End
The Wren’s Nest is the home of Joel Chandler Harris, who recorded the African American folklore of the Br’er Rabbit stories. The museum explores the history of the house, Harris’s legacy, African American folklore, and the art of storytelling. Admission costs $12 for adults.
Hours: Sat: 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. with Storytelling at 1 p.m.; Sun-F by appointment
65. 3 Parks Wine Shop Tastings — $10-$15
Grant Park
Each week, 3 Parks Wine Shop hosts free educational wine tastings. On Wednesday evenings, you can sample 3-4 bottles of wine and discuss the grapes, region, and wine producers for $10. On weekends, you can enjoy the Weekend Wine Flights where you’ll get 3 half glass tastings of wine for $15.
Hours: Tasting W: 5:30 p.m. — 7 p.m.; Wine Flights F: 4 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.; Sat: 1 p.m. — 6 p.m.; Sun: 1 p.m. — 5 p.m.
66. Starlight Drive In Theater — $10
Atlanta
The Starlight Drive-In Theatre has been entertaining guests since 1949. They play double-features seven days a week on high-quality digital projection. Tickets cost $10 for adults.
Hours: Daily at dark, showtimes will vary by season
67. Hammonds House Museum — $10
West End
The Hammonds House Museum displays African American fine art in the former home of Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, a prominent Atlanta physician and patron of the arts. Admission costs $10 for adults.
Hours: F-Sat: 11 a.m. — 5 p.m.; Sun and Th: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.
68. Planetarium Show at Fernbank Science Center — $10
Druid Hills
While a visit to the Fernbank Science Center is free, the Planetarium Shows cost extra. Zoom across the night sky as you learn about the galaxy. Planetarium Shows cost $10 for adults.
Hours: Vary by day
69. The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View — $10
Downtown
Head up to the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza to The Sundial Restaurant, Bar & View. The View on level 72 gives you an exhilarating 85-second ride in a glass elevators to the observatory at 723 feet. From there you can see incredible 360-degree panorama views of the Atlanta skyline. Admission costs $10 for adults.
Hours: W-Sat: 11 a.m. — 3 p.m.
70. Michael C. Carlos Museum — $8
Druid Hills
The Michael C. Carlos Museum on Emory University’s campus is an art museum with the largest ancient art collections in the Southeast. Admission costs $8 for adults.
Hours: Tu-F: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.;
71. Atlanta Preservation Center Walking Tours — $9.50+
Atlanta
The Atlanta Preservation Center offers walking tours of historic neighborhoods around the City of Atlanta. Their public tours are scheduled on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, depending on the route and tour guide availability. Outdoor tours runs from March through mid-November, and indoor tours are available year-round. Admission ranges from $9.50 and up depending on the tour.
Hours: Vary by date
72. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Hiking — $5 Parking Fee Daily Pass
Greater Atlanta Area
Explore the shores of the Chattahoochee River with a hike at any of the parks in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Hike trails like Sope Creek, Vickery Creek, Cochran Shoals, and more. The daily parking pass costs $5 per vehicle.
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk
73. Georgia State Parks Hiking — $5 Parking Fee Daily Pass
Greater Atlanta Area
There are a few Georgia State Parks just on the outskirts of Atlanta, and even more that are just a few hours away. Near Atlanta, you can visit Sweetwater Creek State Park, Red Top Mountain State Park, Panola Mountain State Park, and more. Parking at Georgia State Parks costs $5 per vehicle.
Hours: Daily 7 a.m. — dark
74. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and Museum — $5 Parking Fee Daily Pass
Kennesaw
The expansive Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park covers 2,965 acres of Civil War battleground from the Atlanta Campaign. There are miles of trails to hike (the Mountain Loop and Camp Brumby Loop trails are popular). The museum features a 35 minute video, artifacts, and exhibits on the Atlanta Campaign. Parking at Kennesaw Mountain costs $5 per vehicle.
Hours: Park is open daily from dawn to dusk; Visitor Center is open daily 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
75. Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia — $5
Buckhead
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia displays significant contemporary works by Georgia artists. The museum is home to over 1,000 works of art in its permanent collection. Admission costs $5.
Hours: Tu-Sat: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.
76. Piedmont Park Aquatic Center and Pool – $5
Midtown
Swimming in Piedmont Park has been a popular Atlanta activity for ages. The pool season is from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Anyone can swim at the Piedmont Park Aquatic Center and Pool for the admission fee of $5 per person.
Hours: From May 27 through July 30, hours are M-F: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Sat-Sun: 12 a.m. — 5 p.m.; and from July 31 to September 4, hours are M-F: 3 p.m. — 5 p.m. and Sat-Sun: 12 a.m. — 5 p.m.
77. Atlanta Streetcar – $1-$3
Atlanta
Note: The streetcar is currently closed and a shuttle bus is running along the route.
The Atlanta Streetcar is the city’s newest transportation method. It allows you a fun way to see the city. The Streetcar’s current loop connects the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Centennial Olympic Park area, with 10 stops in between. Streetcars run every 10-15 minutes. A one-way trip costs $1 per adult, and a day pass costs $3 per adult.
Hours: Daily 8:15 a.m. — 11 p.m.
| Save on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.
Free Atlanta Events Any Time of Year
Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, you can attend a free Atlanta event! Spring is the best time to catch a free event since that’s Atlanta’s big festival season. But there are fun events any time of the year that you can enjoy for no charge.
- Black History Month Parade — February
- Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade — March
- Atlanta Dogwood Festival — April
- Inman Park Festival — April
- Festival on Ponce — April and October
- Turtle Creek Arts Festival — April and October
- Smyrna Jonquil Festival — April and October
- Sandy Springs Artsapalooza — April
- Duluth Arts Festival — April
- Atlanta Jazz Festival — May
- Chastain Park Arts & Crafts Festival — May and November
- Decatur Arts Festival — May
- Sweet Auburn Springfest — May
- Roswell Spring Arts and Crafts Festival — May
- Virginia Highland Summerfest — June
- Atlanta Ice Cream Festival — July
- Piedmont Park Arts Festival — August
- Grant Park Summer Shade Festival — August
- Buckhead Fine Arts Festival — September
- Fall Fest in Candler Park — October
- Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade — October
- Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival — October
- Dallas Festival of the Arts — October
- Elevate Atlanta — October
- Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade — October
- Children’s Christmas Parade — December
The Best Budget Places To Stay in Atlanta
A budget Atlanta guide isn’t complete without some cheap accommodations. Take a look at these top budget hotels in Atlanta:
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Atlanta Downtown South at Turner Field
- Inn at the Peachtrees, Ascend Hotel Collection
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Downtown
And for more cheap places to stay, check out these websites:
- Compare Atlanta hotel prices at Hotels.com, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor.
- Find cheap Atlanta vacation rentals on VRBO.
Craving More Atlanta Activities?
If you still want to visit Atlanta’s top paid attractions on a budget, I recommend checking out the Atlanta CityPASS. This attraction pass will save you a lot of money on visiting Atlanta’s top sights. You can read more about using the Atlanta CityPASS here.
I’ve also put together a guide with even more tips on how to visit Atlanta on a budget here.
And if you need more things to do while visiting Atlanta, check out these top posts:
- The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Atlanta, Georgia
- How the Atlanta CityPASS Can Save You Lots of Money
- 50+ Things to Do In Atlanta After 5 p.m.
- How Eco-Friendly Are Atlanta Attractions?
- When Is the Best Time to Visit Atlanta?
Ready to visit Atlanta, Georgia on a budget? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find cheap hotels in Atlanta using Hotels.com.
- Save on Attractions: Save 40% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite free and budget things to do in Atlanta, Georgia? Let me know in the comments!
Wow, this is a pretty elaborate list of free and other cost effective things to do in Atlanta! It is amazing that with all the times I have been there to visit my mom, post Hurricane Katrina from New Orleans and yet I haven’t done many of these things. I love all the outdoors things to do. I always think of Atlanta as a major city and rarely remember how beautiful the area is around it all. Love that you included the civil war history site of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the literature locations of Margaret Mitchell and Chandler’s Wren’s Nest as well.
Literary sights like that are my priority when visiting a new city, so I’m glad to include them as affordable options for Atlanta!
So many great ideas for Atlanta here! love the detail and thought that went into this list
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading!
I love this list! I’ve been to Atlanta a few times, but there are many items on this list I will check out the next time I’m there!
Oh I’m definitely still checking things off this list myself! It’s handy to have a list of free things for when you don’t feel like spending a lot.
I had no idea that there was so much open land around Atlanta. That would be high on my list to explore, I also love cemeteries, so city park sounds cool.
I know, Atlanta has a surprising amount of green space! That’s one of the things I love about living here.
I was hoping to visit Atlanta and Savannah next month, but with Covid have postoned. What a great list for Atlanta. Will be using this when I finally visit.
Love that you’re planning a visit! Both cities will be much more fun when it’s safe to travel again.
Atlanta is such a cool city. Who knew there were so many budget-friendly things to do? Thanks for sharing!
You’re very welcome!
This is an amazing and very complete guide! I didn’t know you could do so many thing in Atlanta. Thanks for sharing!
Happy to help! Thanks for reading!
Wow, so many things to do in Atlanta. Will help a lot while budgeting a trip to Atlanta. Thanks for sharing!
Happy to help! Thanks for reading!