Unique Things to Do and See at the Atlanta Airport, Including a Hack to Skip Security

If you’ve ever traveled through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, you might have marveled at its sheer size. In many ways, it resembles the city’s sprawl and mirrors some of Atlanta’s best qualities, namely the arts, history, and incredible food. You’ll even get a taste of our famed Southern hospitality in the form of the green-vested employees to help direct you to your gate.

It all started in 1925 when then-mayor Walter A. Sims sought to transform an abandoned racetrack donated by Coca-Cola magnate Asa Candler, Sr. The city named the 287-acre airport in his honor, Candler Field, and the first flight took place the following year. Since then it’s changed names multiple times—from the simple Atlanta Municipal Airport to the current moniker Hartsfield-Jackson—but one thing has remained: the magnitude.

As Atlanta’s only airport for commercial passengers, despite calls for another, the Atlanta airport claimed the “world’s busiest airport” title in 1999 and has held onto it ever since. Last year, the airport served more than 104 million passengers, making it the world's busiest airport—and that number is only going up. If you plan on being one of the hundreds of millions to pass through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport this year, here’s how to make the most of your time there with the best food, drinks, lounges, and things to do.

Atlanta’s airport is located south of downtown and the easiest way to get there is by taking MARTA rail directly to the airport station, which is a short escalator ride away from the check-in counters. Several of MARTA’s bus lines also connect to the airport, especially for neighborhoods on the southside like 89 and 93.

Rideshare and taxi options will drop off right at the departures area, but you’ll likely have to deal with Atlanta’s notorious traffic. The same goes for if you’re driving yourself. But if you do take your own ride, there are several offsite parking lots, including the official airport ones, and ParkATL Select allows passengers to go through an expedited security line.

Find it: Just off Airport Loop Road
If you don’t mind leaving the main terminals, the Delta Flight Museum is just a short Uber ride away in the hometown airline’s historic hangar on the grounds of the corporate headquarters.

Open since 1995, you’ll find vintage aircrafts, flight attendant uniforms, Olympic memorabilia, and a flight simulator so you can try your hand at flying with Delta. Snap selfies inside the planes to make your friends think you’ve seriously upgraded and are now flying first class. Admission is around $13 for adults, with an additional fee for the simulator.

Find it in: Multiple terminals
Atlanta is home to quite a few great museums, but you can get a dose of culture from the airport too. Each terminal and tunnel along the Plane Train has an exhibit focusing on a different part of history and arts. The atrium before security highlights the late Civil Rights leader and Atlanta native John Lewis and Terminal E has artifacts from the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., another great Atlantan, and art by local school children. Terminal T has an exhibit on the Indigenous people of Georgia.

The airport also claims more than 1,000 artworks. Don’t miss “Flight Paths” by artist Steven Waldeck, located between terminals A and B, “Saints” by Radcliffe Bailey in Terminal E, and “Soul Ties that Matter” by Kevin Cole in Terminal F.

Find it in: Terminal A
You don’t have to be hungry for a margherita pie to enjoy the experience at Varasano’s in Terminal A. Although this is the best place in the airport to get one, the pizzeria is known for another unexpected feature: a piano bar. No need for headphones to carry you through this meal—there are performances throughout the day, so snag a table or bar stool and enjoy.

Find it in: Terminal E
New this year, the Centurion Lounge in Terminal E is the brand’s largest space to date at a sprawling 26,000 square feet. Set around an olive tree, the lounge features outdoor terraces, a dining room with murals from a local artist, a whiskey bar, and food from local (and James Beard award-winning) chef Deborah VanTrece of Twisted Soul Cookhouse. Access is available for travelers with Centurion and Platinum cards, plus Delta’s Reserve cards.

Find it in: Terminal B
Originally a historic West End lunch counter, Paschal’s was a staple of the Civil Rights movement, feeding leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The fried chicken uses a secret recipe and the company has been located in the airport since 1979. Get the crunchy, delicious dish with classic Southern sides like collard greens and black eyed peas.

Find it in: Terminal E
One Flew South now has a second brick-and-mortar location, but it started as an airport-only operation that went on to be nominated for a James Beard Award for outstanding service. Stop by this frequent-flier favorite for a worthy splurge on regional cuisine, sushi, and craft cocktails.

Find it in: Terminals T and D
Inspired by grindhouse films, come here for griddle-cooked burgers in beef, turkey, and veggie varieties on potato buns with a signature sauce. Airport regulars know that Grindhouse Killer Burgers is also great early in the day, offering breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and avocado toast.

Find it in: Terminal T
Chef Duane Nutter helms this airport version of his James Beard-award winning restaurant Southern National. This version offers sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie, plus a collaboration with Vino Volo wine bar with Georgia’s finest wines.

Find it in: Multiple locations
Delta’s hometown airport has firmly established its dominance, with Delta Sky Clubs at every terminal. Expect lines at many, especially during peak travel times. If you have to choose, make it the Terminal F location, which has abundant seating, a full bar, and the real gem: its Sky Deck overlooking the runway. Access depends on your status level.

Find it in: Terminal F
You don’t need status to enjoy The Club ATL, which includes access to a buffet of food and drink options, lounging area, showers, and a workstation with a printer. Rates start at $50 for a three-hour stay.

Find it in: Outside the airport
If an airport lounge simply isn’t swanky enough, check out PS. This option opened in 2024 to bring the private flying experience to the commercial airport. Passengers who reserve PS can go through a private security section, then enjoy champagne, caviar, and chef-prepared meals in the lounge before being whisked directly to the gate. It’ll cost you more than $1,000 per leg of travel, but you’ll certainly feel like a celebrity for the day.

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