Atlanta is a place where you can have a very good time; budget for blowing some money hopping between its bars and clubs. The main concentrations are in the overlapping yuppie Virginia-Highland and punky Little Five Points , and the more upmarket midtown , the center of Atlanta's thriving gay and lesbian scene. Buckhead can be a lot of fun if you've got bags of cash. Up-to-the-minute listings for all venues can be found in the free weekly Creative Loafing .

Blind Willie's 828 N Highland Ave NE tel 404/873-2583. The best blues venue in town, with appearances by major artists, this Virginia-Highland hangout is also a lively bar. Daily 8pm-late.

Burkhart's Pub 1492 Piedmont Ave tel 404/872-4403. Midtown gay bar, with drag & karaoke nights that sometimes feature resident act "The Gospel Girls."

Club Rarity 1924 Piedmont Rd NE tel 404/875-5238. Predominantly but not exclusively lesbian midtown joint that's a glorious melange of cozy lounges and wild dance floors, with themed nights that range from rodeo to 1970s schlock on Sun.

Eddie's Attic 515B N McDonough St, Decatur tel 404/377-4976. Offers nightly acoustic music, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters and occasional stand-up comedy.

Euclid Avenue Yacht Club 1136 Euclid Ave NE tel 404/688-2582. Classic neighborhood bar in Little Five Points, dishing up fine pork barbecue and Brunswick stew.

Kaya Club & Bistro 1068 Peachtree St NE tel 404/874-4460. Midtown's hottest dance club covers the full spectrum, with Latin, reggae, jazz and hip-hop nights. Closed Sun & Mon.

Manuel's Tavern 602 N Highland Ave NE tel 404/525-3447. Relaxed, studenty neighborhood bar-cum-restaurant near the Carter Center. Wooden benches, ceiling fans and portraits of Jack Kennedy - plus the occasional presence of Jimmy himself.

Masquerade 695 North Ave NE tel 404/577-8178. Groovy grunge/punk hangout in midtown, split into rooms done up as Heaven, Hell and Purgatory, with a big outdoor auditorium. Live bands Wed-Sun.

Star Community Bar 437 Moreland Ave NE tel 404/681-9018. Enjoyable Little Five Points hangout, bursting with Elvis memorabilia, and offering drink and live music/disco. Cover charge. Closed Sun.