As part of an effort to make the city safer, Atlanta has a force of uniformed "ambassadors" on foot downtown to give visitors helpful information and to provide a presence to discourage crime. You can even have your hotel call the Downtown Ambassadors to escort you if you feel the need. Their presence, along with other initiatives, has made a noticeable improvement in the central city. http://www.atlantadowntown.com/ambassador.asp.
No matter where you are in the city, use common sense and increase your guard after dark, in parking areas and on public transit. Avoid public parks and other deserted areas at night. If you're driving, before you set out at night or leave a club or entertainment venue, be sure you know how to get where you are going. And take advantage of Atlanta's ubiquitous valet-parking services so that you aren't wandering around in the dark looking for your car.
Always ask the staff of the hotel where you are staying for advice about areas of town you plan to visit.
Dos & Don'ts
Do visit one of the many lakes surrounding the Atlanta area. Lake Lanier, near Gainesville, has several lovely public picnic and boat-launch areas, and some of the lakeside hotels rent watercraft and fishing gear.
Don't try to get from one place to another across town during rush hours, which, though ever-expanding, are at their worst 6-10 am and 4-7 pm. On Friday afternoon, rush begins an hour earlier. Ask locals to share their shortcuts, and use them instead of the major thoroughfares.
Do visit the Stone Mountain Laser Show. Locals characterize it as an unbelievable mix of people and weirdness with some new South meets old South thrown in.
Don't spurn public transit. Use the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) trains and buses to save money and to get a brief look at Atlanta's skyline as you go to and from the airport, the downtown hotel area, Midtown and Buckhead. They make getting around cheap, fast and easy.
Do watch out for street-name pronunciations. Ponce de Leon is not pronounced with a French accent, and Houston Mill is really Howstun Mill. In many cases, your best bet is to spell the address to locals so they will know where you are talking about.
Do take an Atlanta Walking Tour that's offered by the Atlanta Preservation Center. It's a great way to see beautiful, historical neighborhoods. You can also visit prominent buildings, such as The Fox Theater.
Don't try to order grits as an appetizer at breakfast. They are a breakfast staple and accompany the main course.
Don't miss a chance to catch a play at one of Atlanta's 65 thriving, performing groups. See a play at the Alliance Theater or have a unique experience at one of the smaller, neighborhood theaters, such as Horizon in Little Five Points.
