Atlanta is the key city of the South and, while it’s a young and fun-loving city, upholds the old Southern standards of charm and hospitality. The centre of town is separated into three distinct neighborhoods, Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead, but there are also a couple of places to visit off the tourist trail.

Buckhead is the most active area of bars in the city, and also home to its best cocktail bars. East Andrew’s Bar might be the city’s favorite, while MF Buckhead and Whiskey Blue at the W Hotel are two chic lounges made for Atlanta’s young professional crowd.
Midtown is more popular with the under 30s and college students, as well as being the home of Atlanta’s gay scene. Skyscrapers and trendy bars make it stand out from the typical tree-lined Atlantan neighborhoods. The Shakespeare is a good pub to start out in or, if it’s a hot night, Shout on Peachtree and 14th has a rooftop bar. This is also the place to visit one of Atlanta’s multi-level clubs, Halo being the best example.

Alternative Atlantans hang out in Little Five Points. Moreland Avenue has the most iconic bar in the district – Vortex, whose entrance is in the mouth of a massive google-eyed skull. The dives and pubs here – the Star, Five Spot, and the Porter Bar on Euclid Avenue – are friendly and offer a change of pace to inner-city hang-outs.

North Highland Avenue is one of Atlanta’s greatest secrets for high quality bars, steakhouses and clubs. While the 10 High Club has a rough and ready feel, the Highland Cigar Company prefers to create atmosphere with scotch, cigars and the occasional card game. Likewise, the Highland Tap is a steakhouse that knows how to serve a good martini.

If you’ve got time, visit one of Atlanta’s breweries – or at least look out for their beers in city bars. You don’t have to go far – Gordon Biersch is in Midtown. But if you can, take a trip to Five Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs and Sweetwater Brewery north of the city.