Welcome to Atlanta, a vibrant metropolis in the heart of Georgia and a major business center in the United States. Whether you’re in Atlanta for a conference, meetings or to close a deal, we’ve put together this ultimate travel guide to make your business trip as smooth and successful as possible.
Atlanta is known not only for its cultural diversity and Southern charm, but also for its thriving business environment. As a center for finance, technology, media and transportation, the city offers numerous opportunities for business travelers. From bustling downtown to elegant Buckhead, there are a variety of neighborhoods that make business contacts and networking a breeze.
Getting to, from and around Atlanta
Atlanta offers a variety of transportation options for business travelers.
Tips for booking flights
When booking flights to Atlanta, it’s important to choose the best flight option that suits your needs. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the main port of call for most travelers as it is well connected and serves a variety of airlines. However, if you’re looking for a less crowded and potentially more cost-effective airport, Atlanta Peachtree Dekalb Airport could be an alternative, especially for domestic flights.
Ground transportation options from the airport to the city center
After arriving at the airport, various transportation options are available to get to the city center. The easiest way is to use taxis or ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft, which are available right outside the terminals. Alternatively, shuttle services also offer a practical option for transport from the airport to the city center. A more cost-effective option is to use public transportation, particularly MARTA trains, which offer regular service from the airport to the city center.
Public transportation
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is Atlanta’s public transportation system and includes subway and bus routes serving the city and its suburbs. MARTA trains offer a quick and convenient way to move around the city, especially for business travelers who want to avoid the many traffic congestions. Additionally, the MARTA system’s buses provide comprehensive coverage of the metropolitan area and are a convenient option for travelers to reach destinations not directly on the subway lines.
Guide to ridesharing services and taxis
There are numerous ride-sharing services available such as Uber, Lyft and Via for convenient and flexible travel around Atlanta. In addition, taxis are also widespread in Atlanta and can be easily found at the airports, hotels and tourist attractions.
Tips for navigating Atlanta’s traffic and parking
Atlanta is known for its traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. Business travelers should therefore plan their travel times carefully and try to avoid rush hour traffic to beat traffic jams. It’s also a good idea to look for parking early, especially in busy business and shopping areas like downtown and Buckhead.
Business travel accommodations in Atlanta
Atlanta offers a variety of hotels specifically tailored to the needs of business travelers. The most popular options include established hotel chains such as the Marriott, Hilton and InterContinental, which offer a combination of first-class service, modern facilities and a convenient location close to major business districts.
What you should pay attention to when booking
When selecting accommodations for business trips to Atlanta, there are several important factors to consider. Proximity to major business districts such as Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead is critical to maximizing the efficiency of business meetings and events and minimizing travel time.
Additionally, business travelers should look for amenities like free Wi-Fi, business services, fitness centers, and restaurants to make their stay comfortable and productive. The availability of public transport or the ability to rent a car to get around the city is another important consideration when choosing accommodation.
To get the best deals on hotel accommodations in Atlanta, business travelers should use travel management platforms like GetGoing to find the cheapest rates and take advantage of special offers and discounts. In addition, business travelers should explore the possibility of taking advantage of corporate rates or special business rates, which can often be arranged with certain hotels. Signing up for loyalty programs at hotel chains can also be worthwhile.
Top business districts and conventions
Atlanta is home to many important business districts. Atlanta’s downtown area, known as Downtown, is the commercial heart of the city and is home to a variety of businesses, banks, government institutions and law firms. Midtown Atlanta is an emerging business district known for its culture, technology companies and the renowned Georgia Institute of Technology. Buckhead is an upscale residential and commercial district known for its exclusive shopping, luxury hotels and restaurants, and financial services companies.
Atlanta as a conference and convention center
Atlanta is also a popular venue for conventions, meetings and events and features several world-class convention centers and event venues. The Georgia World Congress Center, one of the largest convention centers in the world, is located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta and offers modern facilities for large events of all kinds.
The Cobb Galleria Center near Buckhead is another popular convention center that offers first-class meeting rooms and service. There are also a variety of event locations and hotels in the city that can be used for conferences, meetings and networking events.
Dining, entertainment and bleisure
Culinary scene
Atlanta offers a rich culinary diversity, ranging from classic Southern cuisine to international delights. For an upscale business meal, we recommend “Bacchanalia” in Westside, known for its innovative cuisine and elegant ambience. If you are looking for a relaxed place for informal meetings, Ponce City Market is an excellent choice with a variety of food stalls and restaurants known for their variety and quality.
When booking restaurants, it is advisable to make reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants and during busy times. This avoids long waiting times and ensures that business lunches or meetings run smoothly. When entering the restaurant, it is polite to announce yourself to the staff and pay attention to the instructions of the host or waiter.
When it comes to dining etiquette, it is important to be polite and respectful, both to the service staff and to other guests. The tip in the USA is usually around 15-20% of the bill total and is often added directly to the bill.
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Locations for networking and after-work activities
Atlanta offers a variety of locations ideal for informal meetings and networking. For example, the trendy bars and lounges in Midtown, such as “The Lawrence”, “TWO Urban Licks” or the “SkyLounge” in the Glenn Hotel, are popular contact points for business people. These places not only offer a relaxed atmosphere, but also an opportunity to network and build relationships with colleagues and business partners.
Bleisure tips
Atlanta is home to a wealth of recreational options perfect for a bleisure trip. After a busy day full of meetings and conferences, business travelers can explore the city’s many attractions, such as the Georgia Aquarium, the Centennial Olympic Park or the World of Coca-Cola.
Additionally, the city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene to explore, including art galleries, live music and theaters. For nature lovers, Atlanta also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking in Piedmont Park or riding along the Atlanta BeltLine bike path.
Atlanta as a business travel destination
Atlanta offers business travelers a diverse and dynamic environment that enriches both professional and personal experiences. With careful planning, selection of suitable accommodation and venues, and effective networking opportunities, your business trip is guaranteed to be a success!
Additionally, we encourage business travelers to explore the city beyond business meetings and enjoy Atlanta’s rich cultural and culinary diversity. Take the opportunity to network with the local business community and make valuable contacts to get the most out of your trip. Atlanta awaits you with open arms and offers a wealth of opportunities to achieve your business goals while creating unforgettable memories.