Things to Do During the World Cup in Atlanta

Atlanta hosts World Cup 2026 matches — including a semifinal — at the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the heart of downtown. One of the tournament's most accessible host cities, Atlanta combines Southern hospitality, world-class dining spanning soul food to Ethiopian, and easy MARTA rail access from the airport to the stadium.

1. 1

   Watch matches at the FIFA Fan Festival in Centennial Olympic Park

   Fan Zone

   Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Olympics and located steps from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is a natural hub for fan gatherings during the World Cup. Expect giant screens, live entertainment, and food vendors in one of downtown Atlanta's most iconic spaces.

   Browse Atlanta fan zones
2. 2

   Catch a semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

   Attraction

   Mercedes-Benz Stadium (capacity 71,000) features a spectacular pinwheel retractable roof and is known for fan-friendly concession pricing at Falcons games. Walk from MARTA Vine City station in 10 minutes. Gates open 3 hours before kickoff. Clear bag policy and mobile tickets only.

   Take MARTA — it runs from the airport to downtown in 20 minutes for $2.50, and two stations are within walking distance of the stadium.

3. 3

   Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

   Attraction

   Walk through the Sweet Auburn district to visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, Freedom Hall, and the memorial crypt. One of the most significant civil rights sites in America. Free admission. Open Monday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM.

4. 4

   Explore the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

   Attraction

   The Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, home to whale sharks and beluga whales. Next door, the World of Coca-Cola lets you taste 100+ Coke products from around the world. Both are in downtown Atlanta, walking distance from the stadium.

   Book Georgia Aquarium tickets online in advance — it sells out on busy days. Adults ~$40.

5. 5

   Eat Southern comfort food at Busy Bee Cafe and Mary Mac's

   Food & Drink

   Busy Bee Cafe in Vine City (near the stadium) has served legendary fried chicken and collard greens since 1947. Mary Mac's Tea Room in Midtown has been Atlanta's dining room since 1945 — try the fried chicken with pot liquor and cornbread. Both are affordable, beloved institutions.

6. 6

   Walk or bike the BeltLine Eastside Trail

   Outdoors

   The BeltLine is a converted rail corridor connecting Atlanta's neighbourhoods by foot and bike. The Eastside Trail runs 2 miles from Piedmont Park to Ponce City Market, lined with street art, restaurants, and craft breweries. Stop at New Realm Brewing for a beer with a skyline view.

7. 7

   Eat your way along Buford Highway

   Food & Drink

   Buford Highway — known as 'BuHi' — is Atlanta's international food corridor northeast of the city. Korean stews at Yet Tuh, all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ at Iron Age, Vietnamese pho, and dim sum. Every World Cup fan base's home cuisine is somewhere on this strip.

8. 8

   Browse Ponce City Market

   Food & Drink

   A massive food hall in a converted Sears building in the Old Fourth Ward. W.H. Stiles Fish Camp for fried shrimp, Hop's Chicken for Nashville hot chicken, and Botiwalla for Indian street food. The rooftop has carnival games and skyline views.

9. 9

   Day trip to Stone Mountain

   Day Trip

   Stone Mountain Park is about 20 miles east of Atlanta. The exposed granite mountain features a hiking trail to the summit or a cable car ride, plus a laser show and attractions. A good half-day escape between matches.

10. 10

    Watch parties in Decatur

    Sports Bar

    Decatur is a charming independent city east of Atlanta with a walkable town square, craft breweries, and excellent restaurants. MARTA-accessible from downtown in 20 minutes. The craft beer scene — including Brick Store Pub and Three Taverns Brewery — makes it a great base for rest days.