Underground Atlanta

Underground Atlanta is a historic shopping and entertainment district beneath downtown Atlanta, at 50 Upper Alabama St near Five Points. Its streets sit below today’s road level, preserving storefronts from the city’s earlier street grid. The district has hosted shops, restaurants and music venues, including The Masquerade, and its events have included live music. Plans for a major revitalization mean activity and access can change, so check the official website before setting out. If you attend an event, factor parking into your plans.

How the streets ended up underground

Underground Atlanta is made up of historic buildings that now sit one or two levels below the modern streets. In the early 20th century, railroad tracks running through the city disrupted pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Concrete viaducts built by 1920 covered the tracks, leaving the original first and second stories below the new street level.

The Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, dating to 1869, stands at the entrance and is identified as the oldest structure in downtown Atlanta. The district’s preserved storefronts belong to the earlier streetscape beneath the city.

Shops, events and the Zero Mile Post

In 1969, Atlanta businesspeople set out to create an underground complex of shops, restaurants and bars around the Zero Mile Post, which marked the Western & Atlantic Railroad’s terminus in the 19th century. The area later developed into a multi-level shopping and entertainment district spanning several city blocks.

The Masquerade is among the district’s music venues. Other activity has included food and drink spots, pop-up shops, art exhibitions and open-mic events. Underground Atlanta is undergoing revitalization, so check its official website for updates before planning a visit.