I only ask because I read several prior posts stating that it was unsafe during the evenings. My husband and I will be spending 4 days in Atlanta attending a seminar. We'll be staying downtown in the same hotel as the seminar (on Peachtree Center Ave), and planned on going to Buckhead for dinner, shops, nightlife, but while he's attending the seminars during the day, I was hoping to take in some of the sights, eat lunch etc downtown. Would that be ok? Is it relatively safe during the day? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Also any suggestions on any good places to eat lunch downtown?

On weekdays, Downtown is absolutely safe. You'll see a few homeless people, but these will be far outnumbered by business people, tourists and Downtown Ambassadors (city officials in white hats who provide directions and other services to visitors - don't hesitate to ask them for help).

On weekends, it's still safe, but might not seem as safe as on weekdays as all the business people are gone.

Only around the 5 Points Marta Station will you maybe feel uncomfortable during the day.

Yes, there are some odd people around the Five Points MARTA. However, this is a major transfer point between the two rail lines, so if you're going to take the rail anywhere, you have to go through here. I was just down there a week ago, and I had no trouble at all!

Be sure and see the World of Coca Cola Museum- WOW!

Brian's assessment of Atlanta is very accurate, I feel. Having worked downtown for almost 20 years, it actually feels a lot safer here than it did 10-15 years ago. A major downtown college campus (Ga. State University) is continues to grow, bringing with it an influx of students. There are a few fringes of the downtown area where you just don't see too many office workers, visitors, or students hanging around. I think an observant person could spot those easily if they venture too far from the ever-present crowds during the day.

You may have seen one of my previous posts that echoed Brian's concern about wandering around the main hotel district after dark. Weekdays, the major streets in the area where you will be are usually crowded with business people from the high rise office towers and visitors. GSU students can be found closer to the campus buildings, in the general direction of Underground.

Some people like to stroll through Underground during lunch, which (as Brian has said before) is a now mostly a mall. You will walk over/by it if you take Christy's suggestion and visit the World of Coke, which is also close to the State Capitol, with its gold leaf covered dome. Underground is also next to the 5 Points MARTA station, where some street vendors, young people, and a few assorted homeless folks do bring a different sort of feel to the normal "9-to-5" downtown environment. Some people feel unsafe in areas like this; others don't.

If you want to sightsee/shop/eat downtown during the day, here are a few suggestions that I think should be safe:
- Peachtree Center Office Tower (shops, restaurants, fast food) across the street from your hotel; Benihana restaurant is OK; good variety of less expensive food places, too
- Macy's department store (1-2 blocks from P'tree Center area)
- Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood (nearer P'tree Center, but the food, prices, and noise leave something to be desired)
- Centennial Olympic Park (about 3 blocks from Macy's), and
- CNN Center (studios, offices, food court, shops; across street from Centennial Park).

One suggestion for an inexpensive lunch is Soup's On, a great little soup (and salad) place one-half block off of Peachtree Street as you walk from Peachtree Center toward Underground. Wonderful homemade gourmet soups ($4-6, including bread and drink). The Atlanta Bread Company (two locations downtown) is another popular lunch (sandwiches and soups) spot. For something more upscale, City Grill was good the last time I ate there about a year ago. Just off Woodruff Park, toward GSU main campus, in an older, restored office building. Hope the spring weather is great. E-mail if you have more questions. --- Steve

Thanks for the info and suggestions. Really made me feel better. The Soups On sounds right up my alley! Sounds like there are alot of things to do within walking distance. Thanks again everyone!

Make sure you go to the VARSITY!!!! It is quite an Atlanta experience!!

I have to correct BRIAN in ATLANTA on one thing, the Ambassadors are not city officials. They are funded by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District. They have been in place since the Olympics in 1996. They are funded in part by a tax that all downtown businesses pay to keep the area clean and safe. They will make your visit very nice. Also there are plenty of great restaurants downtown to visit.

The posts in response to your question are very on target, Cyndy. I've lived in the Atlanta area since 1973 and I agree that right now it's much safer downtown than it used to be. Like in any big city, you just have to use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

I just wanted to add a few possibilities for you. If you don't mind venturing the Midtown area (not far from downtown), there are many good restaurants. I work nearby so I have sampled many. Front Page News on Crescent (near the new Federal Reserve Building) is a good Canjun-style place. Vickey's is on the same street. Einstein's on Juniper is also good. Try their peach pound cake. You'll need to drive to Einstein's but there's actually a Marta station not far from Front Page News. If you like good burgers, try the Vortex on Peachtree near the corner of Eighth Street.

As for things to do, you might enjoy touring Turner Field (where the Braves play). If the Braves aren't playing that day, you can get into the duggout and locker room areas. I went last week and it was great. You could also do a tour of the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street, an old refurbished theater that hosts concerts and plays. Or visit the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum on the corner of Peachtree and Tenth Street. That's near the Marta station I mentioned earlier.

If your husband wants to go out for a late dessert, try Cafe Intermezzo. They serve wonderful sweets and all sorts of coffees/cappucino.

used to party in the Marg. Mitchell house - before it burned down. Is the Stein Club down the street still in business? I had an old mansion where the High Museum is now located. It was an interesting time. Used to sneak in the Fox to see opera - or whatever movie might be playing. I could tell you some tales about 40-50 years ago in just that spot.