A unique and iconic centre in the state of Georgia, Underground Atlanta used the historic viaducts of the city for space to create an underground labyrinth of shopping and entertainment, shrouded in an air of mystery and secrecy. Its individual location adds to its unique atmosphere, as an urban and edgy district of downtown Atlanta, which divides itself into two levels, upper and lower, each with a spacious main hall, avoiding any sense of claustrophobia. Instead, there is only a buzz of energy and entertainment, and nearly 21,000 metres squared full of clothing, products, dining and food services, celebrated by tourists and locals alike.
One way to enjoy Underground Atlanta is to simply wander through its shops and stalls and slowly explore the range of entertainment, from touristic merchandise to alternative clothing, and various cuisines at the food hall, which often invites local food truck vendors. To embrace the history of the location, visitors can join the scavenger hunt, which takes a group on an interactive tour of the area in a challenge to find clues leading to different historical landmarks. Visitors can also enjoy Kenny’s Alley, where there are many bars in which to relax and energise after a day of shopping, while at the same time trying some local beer and watching the passing movements of the energetic underground scene. Various events take place at Underground Atlanta, making it a place of community as well as a commercial centre, including the grand New Year’s Eve celebration, which shows off top performances and enticing firework displays.
The local MARTA metro system serves Underground Atlanta, and visitors can reach the centre by travelling to Five Points station, which is a short walk away. There are also multiple bus stops nearby, all of which have links throughout the city centre of Atlanta and connect to larger transport hubs like the airport and train station, for visitors travelling from throughout America.
In the 1920s, the city of Atlanta constructed viaducts to move cars and people above the many railroad lines that once filled the streets, leaving an underground city, which became a hub of local nightlife and zone of many redevelopment projects. Officially opened in 1969 as an entertainment district, locals know the area as the “city beneath the streets”, making it a historic landmark as well as a commercial centre.