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The busiest bus station in Atlanta is the MARTA Civic Center at 435 W Peachtree Street, which is surprisingly well-located when it comes to accomodations. Atlanta is a reasonably priced city, so cheap hotels can be found in nearby Downtown.

In recent years, the Old Fourth Ward — where Martin Luther King Jr. was born — has also become a hip area for out-of-town visitors. It’s only about a mile from the MARTA Civic Center, has easy access to the Beltline, and has a number of great restaurants.

Less than a mile north of the MARTA Civic Center is Tech Square. While prices in this area are a little more expensive than Downtown or the Old Fourth Ward, the neighborhood near Georgia Tech University is a happening spot with lots of good shopping, and only a short walk from Piedmont Park.

The MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to travel around Atlanta.

MARTA is the eighth-largest rapid transit system in the US, with a huge network of bus routes that are linked to 48 miles of rail track. For a one-way trip, the fare is $2.50. On buses, the fare can be paid in exact cash. Otherwise, you have to put money on a reloadable Breeze Card or buy a paper ticket. Cards/paper tickets can be purchased online, or at MARTA stations.

MARTA trains run in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, as well as Fulton. A map of all the transit lines can be found on the MARTA website. The MARTA Civic Station is already a major MARTA hub, making transit to other parts of the city once you’ve arrived on a bus relatively simple.

If you are looking for fun, free activities while also being outside, Piedmont Park is a terrific place to go for a walk or have a picnic. This park is located on the outskirts of downtown so while enjoying nature you can have a view of the city. The grounds include the Atlanta Botanical Garden, as well as the Piedmont Park Aquatic Center.

If you want to indulge in something more historic, the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site is an amazing place to visit. You can tour MLK Jr.’s birth home, as well as the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King was ordained a minister. Atlanta is actually one of the top stops on our road trip to eight iconic sites in the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

Just a 10-minute walk from the MARTA Civic Center is the World of Coca-Cola. (Coke was invented and is headquartered in Atlanta.) This museum walks you through the history of Coca-Cola Company and how it has evolved over time, and also lets you taste the different kinds of Coke from all around the world. Tickets for general admission start at $17 for adults and $13 for youth.

One restaurant near the bus station that’s definitely worth trying is called Kelz Kitchen. The spot has a family diner vibe and serves up tasty soul food at reasonable prices.

Another great spot with good prices is Aviva by Kameel, a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant with rosemary chicken, lamb shawarma and more. A bonus — it’s just a short walk from the MARTA Civic Center station.