7 Best Things to Do Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta 2026)
(FIFA World Cup 2026 Guide)
With FIFA World Cup matches taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during Atlanta’s hot and humid summer months, many visitors prefer to stay close to the stadium and avoid long commutes across the city.
The good news is that Atlanta’s stadium district is one of the most walkable and visitor-friendly areas in the country. Whether you’re attending a match, visiting the official FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park, or just exploring the city between games, there’s plenty to do beyond the pitch. Most major attractions are within a 15-minute walk or easily accessible via MARTA, which is the best way to get around without fighting game-day traffic or paying for expensive parking.
To help you make the most of your trip, here are the 7 best things to do near Mercedes-Benz Stadium. These spots are all conveniently located so you can enjoy Atlanta’s biggest highlights while staying close to the action.
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7 Best Things to Do Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1. Georgia Aquarium
0.9 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium | $54.99
Nearest Public Transport: Peachtree Center Station
If you’re looking for a standout attraction within walking distance of the stadium, the Georgia Aquarium is the top choice. As the largest aquarium in the United States and the sixth largest in the world, it’s located about a 15-minute walk from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The walk passes through Centennial Olympic Park, making it an easy stop before a game or concert.
Even during peak times, the aquarium’s circular layout helps manage crowds, allowing visitors to explore immersive galleries and underwater tunnels comfortably. Massive habitats featuring whale sharks, belugas, and tiger sharks are among the highlights, and most visitors spend around two to three hours inside.
A bit of planning goes a long way. Dolphin and sea lion shows are included with general admission but require advance reservations that often sell out. Morning visits, especially before 10 a.m., are calmer with sensory-friendly lighting and sound. If visiting later, touring the main galleries during showtimes is a smart way to avoid crowds. Overall, it’s a world-class attraction that fits perfectly into a pre-match itinerary.
Book Georgia Aquarium as part of the Atlanta CityPASS
2. Centennial Olympic Park
1.1 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Free-Entry
Nearest public transport: GWCC/CNN Center
If you are walking to Mercedes-Benz Stadium from the downtown hotels or the nearby North Avenue/Peachtree areas, you’ll likely find yourself passing through Centennial Olympic Park. This 22-acre landmark was the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympics and remains the heart of Atlanta’s tourist district. It serves as a beautiful, open-air bridge between the stadium and other major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
The park is perfectly suited for a pre-game stroll or a quick break. Its wide, paved paths are easy to navigate, and the open lawns offer a rare patch of green in the middle of the city’s skyscraper skyline. Throughout the park, you’ll find monuments, memorials, and informational plaques that commemorate Atlanta’s Olympic legacy, making it a great spot for a quick photo op.
The park’s most iconic feature is the Fountain of Rings, an interactive water display shaped like the Olympic rings. It’s a favorite for families and photographers alike. Whether you are looking for a peaceful spot to sit before the stadium gates open or a scenic route to avoid the more congested city sidewalks, Centennial Olympic Park is a refreshing and accessible stop on any matchday itinerary.
Book World of Coca-Cola tickets
3. SkyView Atlanta
1.3 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium | $22
Nearest public transport: GWCC/CNN Center
SkyView Atlanta Towering nearly 20 stories above the city, SkyView Atlanta is the giant Ferris wheel located right on the edge of Centennial Olympic Park. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the downtown skyline and is roughly a 12-minute walk from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Since the gondolas are fully enclosed and climate-controlled, it’s a perfect year-round activity whether you’re trying to escape the Georgia summer heat or stay warm before a winter kickoff.
The ride itself lasts about 7 to 12 minutes, usually consisting of four or five full rotations. For the best experience, many locals recommend a night ride to see the city lights and the stadium’s iconic roof glowing from above. However, if you are looking for a quieter experience with shorter wait times, visiting during the day is often much more relaxed. Standard tickets are approximately $22 for adults, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion, they offer a VIP gondola with Ferrari-style leather seats and a glass floor for a more “elevated” view.
While parking in the immediate area can be pricey and hard to find on game days, its central location makes it easy to visit as part of a larger walking tour of the park. Just keep an eye on the forecast—the wheel will pause operations if lightning is detected in the area. It’s a fun, relatively quick stop that provides a unique bird’s-eye perspective of the city before you head over to the stadium.
4. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
2.7 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Free-Entry
Nearest public transport: Five Points Station
For those looking to experience the soul of Atlanta, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is an essential stop. Located in the historic Sweet Auburn district, this 35-acre site is about two miles east of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. While it’s a bit far for a walk on game day, it is a very short rideshare away or a quick trip on the MARTA (exit at the King Memorial Station).
The park preserves the most significant sites of Dr. King’s life, including his childhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, and the final resting place of both Dr. King and Coretta Scott King. Visitors often describe the experience as deeply moving and reflective; standing in the quiet of the church sanctuary or near the Eternal Flame offers a powerful contrast to the high-energy atmosphere of the stadium district.
Beyond the landmarks, you can explore well-maintained gardens and the “Drums of Victory” walkway, which provide space to slow down and reflect on the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. The park is free to enter, though tours of the birth home are first-come, first-served and fill up quickly. It is a meaningful, world-class destination that provides a profound look at the history that shaped the very city you’re visiting.
5. High Museum of Art
3.6 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium | $25.50
Nearest public transport: Arts Center Station
If you have some extra time before a late game or concert, the High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s premier cultural destination. While it is located about 3 miles north of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the heart of Midtown, it is incredibly easy to reach. You can skip the stadium traffic by taking the MARTA (Red/Gold line) from the stadium area directly to the Arts Center Station, which lets you out right at the museum’s front door.
As the largest visual art museum in the Southeast, the High is famous for its striking white architecture and a collection of over 18,000 works. You’ll find everything from classic American paintings and photography to modern, immersive installations. The museum is particularly renowned for its folk and self-taught art, as well as its rotating exhibitions that celebrate African American history and contemporary culture.
Because of the museum’s size, most visitors recommend setting aside at least two to three hours to truly see the highlights. It offers a much more reflective and air-conditioned change of pace from the high-energy stadium crowds. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking to see one of Atlanta’s most beautiful landmarks, the High is a sophisticated addition to your trip that’s just a short train ride away.
6. Pemberton Place
1.1 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Attraction-Based
Nearest public transport: GWCC/CNN Center Station
If you’re looking to maximize your time before a game, Pemberton Place is the ultimate destination. This 5.5-acre pedestrian plaza is located just a 10-to-15-minute walk from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, situated directly on the north end of Centennial Olympic Park. Named after the inventor of Coca-Cola, this central hub connects Atlanta’s “Big Three” attractions—the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights—all in one walkable space.
The beauty of Pemberton Place is its efficiency. Because these major landmarks share a single courtyard, you can experience multiple world-class sights without ever needing to call an Uber or find a second parking spot. The plaza itself is wide, clean, and beautifully landscaped, offering great photo opportunities of the downtown skyline and the surrounding architecture.
For fans heading to the stadium, it serves as a perfect “base camp.” You can spend a few hours exploring an exhibit, grab a coffee, and then enjoy a scenic stroll through the park toward the stadium gates. Whether you have tickets for an attraction or just want to walk through the heart of Atlanta’s tourist district, Pemberton Place is the easiest way to see the city’s highlights in a single afternoon.
7. Fernbank Museum | 3D Theater | Forest
5.6 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium | $23.95-27.95
Nearest public transport: Decatur Station
If you’re looking for a complete change of pace from the downtown crowds, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the perfect escape. Located about five miles east of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the historic Druid Hills area, it’s a quick 15–20 minute rideshare away. While it isn’t within walking distance, it’s widely considered the best destination for families and science enthusiasts visiting Atlanta.
Fernbank is best known for its massive dinosaur skeletons, including the Argentinosaurus that towers over visitors in the central atrium. Inside, you’ll find multiple floors of interactive exhibits covering everything from the evolution of life to Georgia’s unique wildlife. However, the real hidden gem is the museum’s outdoor space. WildWoods and the Fernbank Forest offer 75 acres of walking trails, elevated boardwalks, and old-growth trees, providing a peaceful nature break that feels far removed from the city.
Because there’s so much to explore both indoors and out, plan to spend at least three to four hours here. It’s an ideal choice for a day-after-the-game activity or for travelers who want to experience Atlanta’s greener, quieter side before heading back toward the stadium district.
Book Fernbank Museum as part of the Atlanta CityPASS
More Things to Do Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
If you have extra time before or after an event, these additional attractions are also worth considering and can easily be added to a visit near Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Things to Know Before Visiting the Mercedes-Benz Stadium Area
1. Choose the Right Transit Hub
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the primary gateway. Since it is connected directly to the MARTA (Red/Gold lines), you can be downtown near the stadium in about 20 minutes without ever needing a car.
2. Stadium Bag Policies Are Strictly Enforced
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a very firm clear bag policy. If you’re coming straight from the Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola with souvenirs, make sure you have a plan for your bags, as most large backpacks or opaque totes will be turned away at the gate.
3. Walk the “Connector”
If you are staying downtown, avoid the gridlock by walking through Centennial Olympic Park. It is a safe, scenic, and pedestrian-only route that leads you right to the stadium’s front door while avoiding the mess of game-day traffic.
4. Expect Hot and Humid Conditions in Atlanta
Atlanta summers (and even late springs) are famously humid. If you’re walking to the stadium in June or July, stay hydrated and take advantage of the AC in the nearby visitor centers at Pemberton Place to cool down before the walk.
5. MARTA is Your Best Friend
Traffic around the stadium on match days can be a nightmare. Using the MARTA to get to the GWCC/CNN Center Station or Vine City Station is almost always faster and cheaper than trying to find (and pay for) parking near the stadium.
6. Plan Your “Post-Game” Exit
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are great, but after a major event, surge pricing is high and the designated pickup zones can be chaotic. If you can, walk a few blocks away into the downtown hotel district or hop on the MARTA for one stop before calling your ride.
7. Choose Individual Tickets or a CityPASS Based on Your Schedule
If you don’t have time to visit many attractions, buying individual tickets can help you avoid unnecessary costs. However, if you’re planning to visit Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame (or even just four of them), consider getting the Atlanta CityPASS—you can save over 49% compared to purchasing tickets separately.
FAQs About Visiting Mercedes-Benz Stadium & Nearby Attractions
What is the closest airport to Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the only airport you need. It’s about 10 miles south of the stadium and connects directly to downtown via MARTA (Red/Gold lines), getting you there in roughly 20 minutes.
Will it be hot in Atlanta during the summer?
Yes—Atlanta summers are hot and humid, especially in June and July. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and plan indoor attractions like the Aquarium during the hottest hours.
Can I reach Mercedes-Benz Stadium using public transportation?
Yes, and it’s the recommended option. MARTA avoids traffic and expensive parking. Both GWCC/CNN Center Station and Vine City Station drop you right at the stadium.
Are there family-friendly things to do near the stadium?
Absolutely. Within a 15-minute walk you’ll find the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, SkyView Atlanta, and open space at Centennial Olympic Park.
What can I do near the Mercedes-Benz stadium on non-event days?
You can take a guided stadium tour, visit the museums at Pemberton Place, or explore nearby Castleberry Hill for art galleries and restaurants.