Free walking tours in Atlanta are one of the best ways of getting to know the city through the eyes of a local.

Delve into Atlanta's sweeping and varied history with visits to Centennial Park, or hone in on the life of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, his legacy and other courageous activists who continue to struggle for civil rights.

Follow an Atlanta-native through Georgia’s capital to explore the grounds that inspired, and continue to inspire, the warriors for racial equity.

Here's your guide to free walking tours, one of the most immersive sightseeing tours in Atlanta.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours differ from traditional Atlanta walking tours in that there is no charge to book or participate in the excursions. The only cost is the tip for your guide at the end of the tour, at your discretion.

How much should you tip?

How much you tip your guide is up to you, but most people tip between US$10 and US$50 depending on how much value you gained from the tour.

What are the best free walking tours in Atlanta?

Free walking tour of Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park

This tour provides a comprehensive look into some of the top attractions in Atlanta and their fascinating history, from Centennial Olympic Park to the Georgia Aquarium.

Upon arriving at Centennial Park, you'll immediately notice the iconic Olympic Rings marking the entrance. As you stroll through the park, you'll uncover the journey that brought the Olympics to Atlanta, and learn about the tragic bombing that happened there.

Next, you'll find yourself just a short walk away are three major attractions: the world-famous Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola which gives insights into the unexpected origins of the most renowned soft drink, and the highly acclaimed National Civil Rights Museum.

Your journey continues as you venture into downtown Atlanta. Here, you'll be greeted by the SkyView Ferris Wheel and see the Tabernacle, a well-known concert venue. Additionally, you'll discover facts about media mogul Ted Turner, including his personal life and his news network CNN.

The tour concludes with a visit to the impressive Westin Peachtree Hotel and Walton Spring Park, ending at the South's beloved Waffle House.

Martin Luther King and Civil Rights free walking tour

America’s most influential civil rights advocate, Dr Martin Luther King, Jr said, “the best way to solve any problem is to remove its cause”. Ignorance and fear are the seeds of racism, and education can be a panacea for quelling the ignorance and fear that make the American civil rights movement so necessary.

This free walking tour focuses on sites that were important in the life of Martin Luther King, Jr and the civil rights movement. The King Historic District is part of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, just east of downtown Atlanta.

This corner of the metropolis is rich with locales once frequented by the activist. You’ll also find monuments dedicated to those who have fought for fair treatment for all over the decades as part of this Martin Luther King tour.

Your tour will go full circle in the life of MLK Jr, from his birth home to his gravesite. On Auburn Street, pass by the house where he was born in 1929. Just a block away sits Ebenezer Baptist Church where both he and his father served as pastors. Hear about how MLK Sr planted the seeds of social responsibility in his son as a civil rights leader himself.

Only steps away from MLK’s first home is the house where he spent his boyhood. The home is now part of a National Historic Park that shelters museums, monuments and community outreach facilities. Slow your stroll as you pass through the park’s Civil Rights Walk of Fame and the graves of both MLK Jr and his wife Coretta Scott King.

On the south side of Auburn Street, notice the Martin Luther King Jr Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Learn about how the center continues to spread MLK Jr’s message of peaceful protest more than a half-century after his death.

Freedom Plaza and the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Fountain offer a tranquil space to ponder the sacrifices people made to continue the fight for racial justice. While your tour won’t take you inside the museums, you may want to linger in the neighborhood to take a deeper dive into Atlanta’s past and present role in the progress toward racial equity.

Conveniently nearby are two institutions that were instrumental in breaking down racial barriers. See the Wheat Street Church, the birthplace of the organization that succeeded in desegregating Atlanta’s buses.

Just steps away is Atlanta’s fire station number 6, the city’s first integrated firehouse. The building now functions as a museum dedicated to the history of desegregation. Martin Luther King Jr was among the many neighborhood kids who used the firehouse as a playground.

Should you book free walking tours online?

You should definitely book free walking tours online as this will ensure your place on the tour. Some tours are only available for a limited number of participants and get booked out quickly.

It's easy and simple to book online through the operator, and there are no additional charges.

How long do free walking tours in Atlanta last?

Atlanta free walking tours last between 1.5 and 2 hours, providing a thorough experience of the city in a short amount of time.

In which languages are the tours operated?

All Atlanta free walking tours are operated in English, and will be accessible for most tourists in the city.

Where do the tours start?

An MLK Jr free walking tour of Atlanta starts on Auburn Street at either Ebenezer Baptist Church or in front of the King Center, while a Centennial Olympic Park tour will begin at the Olympic Rings.

Are the excursions wheelchair friendly?

Some free walking tours in Atlanta are wheelchair friendly while others are not. Be sure to check with the tour provider at the time of booking to make sure that your needs will be met.

When is the best time to go on a free walking tour in Atlanta?

The best time to go on a free walking tour in Atlanta is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the seasons offer more temperate weather, making it comfortable to walk around and explore the city.

What other sightseeing tours can you enjoy in Atlanta?

Free Walking Tours in Atlanta