World of Coca-Cola

Located immediately adjacent to the Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Civil and Human Rights in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the $96 million World of Coca-Cola celebrates the story of the world's most famous beverage brand. Visitors to this dynamic multimedia attraction can enjoy an approximately 2-hour experience that includes viewing more than 1,200 never-before-displayed artifacts; taking a trip around the world in a thrilling 4-D movie experience; getting a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process; and sampling from more than 100 beverages from around the globe.

Parking and public transportation to the World of Coca-Cola
Parking for visitors to the World of Coca-Cola is available in the attraction's own garage, that of the nearby Georgia Aquarium, and several surface lots. The Georgia Dome/Georgia World Congress Center/Phillips Arena/CNN Center and Civic Center MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) light-rail stations are also short walks away.

Best and worst times to go to the World of Coca-Cola
Visit the World of Coca-Cola before 11:00 a.m. to experience smaller crowds. Also, given the large number of nearby attractions (see below), the streets surrounding the World of Coca-Cola can be very congested. Check ahead to determine if there are any events taking place in downtown that are likely to cause additional traffic congestion during times you wish to visit.

Admission to the World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca‑Cola is open 7 days a week, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours of operation vary, so it's best to purchase tickets in advance for the day you wish to visit; you can do so online, or by calling (404) 676-5151 or 800-676-COKE (2653). Same-day ticket purchases are also available on-site at ticketing windows and kiosks. General admission tickets currently run in the $12 to $16 range.

Must see/do at the World of Coca-Cola
"The Loft" is home to nearly 200 historical and international artifacts that represent more than 125 years of Coca-Cola history. Meanwhile, the "Taste It!" exhibit includes five tasting stations where visitors can sample local beverages from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America; another sampling area is dedicated solely to the Coca-Cola brands. And in the attraction's "4-D Theater," visitors follow an eccentric scientist in his "Search of the Secret Formula" in a multi-sensory movie experience.

Other places to visit near the World of Coca-Cola
Nearby attractions include the Georgia Aquarium; the Center for Civil and Human Rights; the College Football Hall of Fame; CNN Center; and Centennial Olympic Park, whose features include the SkyView Ferris wheel.

Insider tip for visitors to the World of Coca-Cola
Take advantage of Atlanta CityPASS, a booklet of discounted admission tickets to 5 must-see tourist attractions (including the World of Coca-Cola) in Atlanta. The booklet is available online and at all Atlanta CityPASS attractions.

Author's bio: Martin Sinderman is a freelance writer as well as owner/operator of Savannah Sidewalk Tours, a walking tour company in Savannah, GA.