Atlanta is a sprawling Southern capital with deep civil rights history, a big-business and film-and-music scene, and a green, tree-filled landscape. It's the home of the Martin Luther King Jr. historic sites, Coca-Cola, CNN and a thriving hip-hop and entertainment industry, with major sports teams and world-class restaurants.

The city is a collection of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, rather than one dense core. Come for the history, the food and the neighborhoods, and give yourself time to move between them.

Spring (March to May) is mild and green, with blooming dogwoods and azaleas. Best overall, and a busy conventions and festival season.

Summer (June to August) is hot, humid and stormy, with afternoon thunderstorms. Plan around air conditioning, pools and indoor attractions.

Fall (October to November) is warm days and cooler nights, with football season and fall color. Best overall.

Winter (December to February) is mild, with occasional cold snaps and a rare ice storm. Good value and fewer crowds.

Check the events calendar. Football, convention and big concert weekends fill hotels and slow traffic.

2 days covers downtown attractions and one neighborhood.

3 days (recommended) adds the BeltLine, a museum and a proper evening in a neighborhood.

4 to 5 days adds Stone Mountain, more neighborhoods, shopping or a day trip.

Day 1, downtown and history: morning at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Sweet Auburn, the King birth home area, Ebenezer Baptist Church; check tour availability). Afternoon at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, then Centennial Olympic Park. Evening dinner in Midtown or downtown.

Day 2, the BeltLine and neighborhoods: morning at Ponce City Market and the Eastside Trail of the BeltLine, with street art and shops. Lunch in Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward. Afternoon at Piedmont Park or the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Evening at the High Museum, the Fox Theatre, or a rooftop and live music in Midtown.

Day 3, choose your own: Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, or Stone Mountain Park for hiking and the laser show (needs a car or a ride). Or go food-focused: Buford Highway's international restaurants, then the West Midtown design district.

Downtown suits attractions and MARTA access: convenient, quieter at night, some blocks feel empty.

Midtown suits first-timers: walkable, with museums, restaurants, Piedmont Park and the MARTA line.

Buckhead suits upscale shopping and dining: polished and pricey, with less walkability between sights.

Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park and Virginia-Highland suit the BeltLine, restaurants and bars: neighborhood feel, rideshare needed.

Near the airport suits early flights: convenient but far from the sights.

MARTA runs trains and buses, with a direct line from the airport to downtown and Midtown, and it also serves stadiums and some attractions. Use a Breeze card or contactless payment; check current fares. The Atlanta Streetcar runs a short downtown loop.

Atlanta is spread out and car-oriented, with heavy rush-hour traffic on the interstates. Rideshare is the easy choice for trips beyond the MARTA network, and renting a car makes sense mainly for Stone Mountain or other day trips.

Parking can be pricey near stadiums and event venues. Hotel garages and paid lots are the simplest.

Heat: summer heat and humidity are strong. Drink water and plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings.

Traffic: avoid the interstate connectors at rush hour (roughly 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.).

Food: Southern classics, lemon-pepper wings, barbecue, and international food along Buford Highway are all worth seeking out. Waffle House is a local institution.

Civil rights sites: some require advance tickets or have limited tour times; check ahead.

Last call is typically around 2:30 a.m. Tipping 18 to 20% is standard.

Atlanta's visitor areas are generally fine, with the usual urban cautions. The most common visitor problem is car break-ins: never leave bags, electronics or valuables visible in a parked car. Use well-lit lots and garages.

At night, rideshare is better than walking long distances, especially downtown and in areas with fewer people. Stay aware on MARTA, especially late.

Severe storms and flash flooding happen, especially in spring and summer; watch for warnings and avoid flooded roads.

Emergencies: dial 911. Atlanta has major hospital systems and many urgent-care clinics. Pharmacies are common along main roads. If you take prescription medications, bring a buffer supply. Heat illness is a real risk in summer.

Lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen, a rain jacket or umbrella, a refillable water bottle, and a light layer for air-conditioned venues and cooler evenings.