When to Visit - Arts and Events

There are many local festivals and parades during the year such as King Week, where Martin Luther King Jr's life and work is commemorated, culminating on his birthday, 15th January. The other big occasion in the Atlanta calendar is the Antebellum Jubilee where the city's Dixie past is celebrated.

Atlanta Dining

As Atlanta has become more prosperous and cosmopolitan, its restaurants have reflected this with an increase in choice and quality. With more than 8000 restaurants throughout the city, most major international food can now be enjoyed, together with southern 'soul' food such as fried chicken, black-eyed peas, cornbread and sweet potato pie. Cajun and Creole food is also highly popular and widely available. Vegetarians are well catered for, especially in Little Five Points and Virginia-Highland. Out of the city towards Stone Mountain, at 3000 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, you can find stalls selling fresh, farm-fattened catfish, blue crabs, tofu stir fry and glazed duck.

Atlanta Tipping Advice

In Atlanta, as in the rest of the United States, service personnel rely on tips to supplement their wages. For waiters, bartenders, taxi drivers or similar, 15% is standard. Baggage handlers, at hotels and airports, should be given USD 1.00 or USD 2.00 per bag, and a hotel doorman USD 0.50 to USD 1.00 for loading or unloading luggage or other similar service. Tipping is not expected in fast-food restaurants or cinemas.