Atlanta might be known as an expensive city… but if you know where to look, there are plenty of cheap things to do! And so many fun activities are totally FREE too!
So if you’re looking for something to do in the city that’s totally FREE, scroll through this list of amazing free things to do in Atlanta!
1. Take a walk down the BeltLine and see some amazing art
Atlanta is well-known for our beautiful street art. Almost every block has some form of colorful graffiti, a beautiful mural, or some other gorgeous street art. The BeltLine has a map of all the art along the trail that you can find HERE.
And the best place to view Atlanta’s street art is on a nice walk around the BeltLine. The BeltLine is a huge 22-mile walking trail that circles the whole City of Atlanta. It’s also a place for meeting friends, public events, restaurants, bars, and so much more.
The BeltLine also hosts free events all the time: free workout classes, art events, music events, bike rides, races, and so much more. To check out all the free events on the BeltLine, check out their website.
2. See a Free Movie
Lots of spots in Atlanta also do free outdoor movies, which can be so much fun!
You can usually find free films at Atlantic Station or Colony Square. See the full list of fun movies showing for free around Atlanta here!
3. Head to one of ATL’s gorgeous parks!
Because Atlanta is known as a city in the forest, you’re always close to a beautiful park! A trip to Atlanta’s parks offer stunning nature, insane views of our iconic skyline, and so much more.
Piedmont Park is located in the heart of Atlanta, only one mile northeast from Downtown. Enjoy a good book under the trees, or people watch with your friends. The parks are popular on the weekends especially, where you’ll see lots of other Atlantans enjoying the rays out on the lawn!
Piedmont Park also has excellent infrastructure for jogging, cycling, skating, or walking the dog, so keep on moving, Atlanta!
If you need an address for your GPS, use this: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
And if you love soaking up some culture on your strolls, head to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. Walk through one of the most important neighborhoods that played influence in Civil Rights Movements across the globe. See Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, and so much more.
If you need an address for your GPS, use this: 450 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
4. Oakland Cemetery
Speaking of historical parks, Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest public park and the final resting place of many of the city’s most noted citizens. 48 acres of beautiful gardens, unbeatable history, sculptures, and architecture! In 1976, Oakland Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lush grounds are ready to be explored, and entry is free!
They also host tons of free events: from holiday events during Halloween, Día de los Muertos, Christmas, and more to vendor and musician events. Check out all of their free events on their website!
5. High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is one of the south’s most treasured art museums, boasting an unbelievable collection of art. And great news–in an effort to make art accessible to all, admission is free for everyone on the second Sunday of each month from 1-4p.m.
In addition to Second Sunday, the High is also starting another free day: every third Wednesday is also free for the public.
Check out all the details (as well as what’s at the High) on their website!
6. Take a hike!
Downtown Atlanta sparkles through the nights, with its impressive skyscrapers towering over the five million people that call the ATL their home. However, the Georgian capital is also famous for its boundless greenery, and it’s the perfect place for nature lovers. The best way to take in its natural beauty is by going on one of Atlanta’s several hiking trails that are scattered around the city and its outskirts. These hikes are fun in the winter, and even more fun as the freezing temperatures start to thaw!
7. Head to the library
If you’re looking for some free things to do in Atlanta, our public library system is amazing! The Central Library in downtown Atlanta has tons of amazing, free events year-round. At the Central Library you can expect arts events, artist talks, authors talks and even book clubs–all for free!
For more information, check out their website!
8. Volunteer at the Atlanta Humane Society!
If you love animals and want to put that love into action, a great (and FREE) thing to do is volunteer at the local Atlanta Humane Society! There are so many options to fit any of your volunteer needs: walk the dogs, do volunteer animal photography, volunteer at special events, play with the animals, or even help administer medicine!
If you want to know more, check out the Atlanta Humane Society’s website!
There are so many free things to do in the city! You can have a great time in Atlanta without breaking the bank!