Downtown Athens
Downtown Athens is the vibrant heart of the city. It’s where you’ll find the University of Georgia campus, as well as an array of restaurants, shops, music venues, and nightlife. Athens has a young, energetic vibe thanks to the large student population, and downtown exemplifies that spirit.
Start your visit on College Avenue, which runs straight through the center of campus. Stop into Two Story Coffeehouse for a caffeine boost to fuel your exploring. Then stroll down Broad Street to check out the variety of local boutiques and eateries. For live music, head to the Georgia Theatre, 40 Watt Club, or Trappeze Pub. And be sure to check out T.R.R. Cobb House on Prince Avenue, the historic home of Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb.
When evening rolls around and your group is ready to liven things up, head down Clayton Street. This is Athens’ main nightlife thoroughfare, packed with trendy bars and late-night pizza spots. Places like Magnolia’s, Allgood Lounge, and General Beauregard’s draw college kids and locals alike. For a fun photo op, find the iconic Morton Theatre sign on College Avenue.
Getting around downtown Athens is easily walkable, but parking can be tricky with a larger group. Charter Bus Company Athens can provide a shuttle service to transport your group between downtown highlights so you don’t have to stress over parking.
Five Points
Just south of downtown you’ll find the Five Points neighborhood, another college town hotspot. Five Points gets its name from the convergence of two major streets, Milledge Avenue and South Lumpkin Street. This forms a central intersection that’s surrounded by shops, cafes, bars, and student housing.
Five Points is a favorite of UGA students for its laidback vibe and proximity to campus. By day, sip espresso at Jittery Joe’s, browse the vinyl selection at Wuxtry Records, or grab a burger at the iconic Varsity. By night, traditional pubs like Silver Dollar Bar and Maguire’s Irish Pub draw crowds, while live music venues like Georgia Theatre entertain the late-night crowd. Don’t miss Creature Comforts Brewing Co. to sample some of Athens’ finest craft beers.
Getting to Five Points is a quick ride from downtown via charter bus. With a rental from Charter Bus Company Athens, your group can easily explore both vibrant districts in an afternoon or evening. No need to stress over parking or splitting up to get around.
Normaltown
Just west of downtown you’ll find the more residential yet still artsy Normaltown neighborhood. Home to many University of Georgia professors and grad students, Normaltown has a laidback feel compared to the student-driven downtown. But don’t be fooled, Normaltown still packs in great dining, arts, and nightlife in close proximity.
Browse the popular shops along Prince Avenue like Community Fabric Shop, a favorite for sewing and craft supplies. Grab lunch at tasty local favorites like Ted’s Most Best or Agua Linda Tacqueria. In the evening, catch a show at the renowned 40 Watt Club music venue, or hang at casual pubs like Hi-Lo Lounge. Stop for Instagram-worthy murals painted by local artists throughout Normaltown as you explore by foot or charter bus.
Normaltown’s proximity to downtown makes it easy to navigate both areas. Charter Bus Company Athens can schedule stops in both districts so your group can experience the highlights via shuttle. Avoid parking headaches and keep the group together with a custom bus rental.
East Athens
East Athens offers a unique perspective into Athens’ culture beyond the college town scene. This side of town is a little more off the beaten path for visitors, but worth exploring local businesses, eateries, and attractions that Athens residents love.
Start off on the Athens Farmers Market on Hawthorne Avenue, open every Saturday. Browse the array of farm-fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more from local farmers and artisans. Walk down College Avenue to nostalgic diners like The Grill and Mama’s Boy that serve down-home cooking in retro settings.
Other local favorites include JR BBQ for Memphis-style grub, Independent Baking Co. for locally roasted coffee, and The Grit vegetarian restaurant. Don’t miss a photo in front of the iconic arch mural on Oconee Street. And for shopping, check out local art and gifts at Avid Bookshop and Ciné independent movie theater nearby.
Traveling between East Athens and downtown is fastest by vehicle. Charter Bus Company Athens is happy to build a custom itinerary with stops in both areas so your group can make the most of Athens’ culture. Leave the driving to a professional while you experience the best of the city!
West Athens
Venture just west of downtown to find charming residential neighborhoods interspersed with convenient shops and eateries. While West Athens is primarily neighborhoods, some visitor highlights are sprinkled throughout.
Wander down tree-lined streets like Dearing and Boulevard full of historic homes and gardens. Make a pit stop at daily cafe and bakery 1000 Faces Coffee for locally roasted brew. Grab gourmet tacos at Taqueria La Parrilla or stick to Southern basics at Maepole brunch cafe.
West Athens is also home to the scenic University of Georgia Golf Course, a public 18-hole course with a pro shop and driving range. Hit the links or simply admire the scenery. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the trailhead for the Firefly Trail, an eventual 10-mile multi-use trail being developed along an old railroad corridor.
Smaller group? Consider renting one of Charter Bus Company Athens’ 14-passenger Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for an upscale yet nimble ride around West Athens neighborhoods. For larger groups, a shuttle bus rental is a convenient way to travel between downtown and West Athens highlights.
Northeast Athens
Northeast Athens, while farther from downtown, still has noteworthy spots for visitors. And getting around via charter bus makes it an easy addition to your Athens itinerary.
Popular highlights include Terrapin Beer Co. brewery, with tours and tastings in a laidback setting. Nearby is the Double Barrel distillery, crafting whiskey and vodka on-site. Support these and other local artisans at the Athens Made marketplace on Newton Bridge Rd, featuring locally made home goods, fashion, decor, and more.
Or embrace the outdoors and get back to nature at places like Sandy Creek Nature Center and Park, a nearly 700-acre preserve great for hiking trails, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Northeast Athens provides a nice change of pace from the bustling energy of downtown.
A charter bus rental allows your group to swiftly travel between downtown attractions and Northeast sites. Let your bus driver handle navigating while passengers relax and recharge on board. Private transportation makes experience Athens’ varying districts easy.
Southeast Athens
The shops and restaurants lining the streets southeast of downtown allow you to soak up Athens culture with local flavor. Venture down Hawthorne Avenue and Prince Avenue to find beloved Athens institutions among boutique shops and cafes.
Start your visit at longstanding eatery The Grill, dishing up American classics since the 1940s. Or grab fluffy pancakes and coffee at Mama’s Boy Athens. Browse the massive antique mall Junkman’s Daughter for vintage clothes and furnishings. Pop into Athens favorite Five & Ten gift shop featuring curated works by local and regional artisans.
Don’t miss a photo by the vibrant murals painted on walls in this area, like the piece titled “Together” by artist Kyle Brooks. If you get tired of walking, Athens’ public transit runs between downtown and Southeast/Five Points districts. Or charter a private vehicle through Charter Bus Company Athens to travel between areas at your leisure.
Catch indie flicks at Ciné art theater, drinks at Walker’s Pub, or tunes at the renowned 40 Watt Club during your time in Southeast Athens. Experience the blend of nostalgia, arts, and culture that makes Athens special.
Book a Bus With Us
When it’s time to explore Athens, let Charter Bus Company Athens provide easy transportation between the city’s unique neighborhoods. Our team is available 24/7 at (706) 583-6708 to answer questions and plan your custom itinerary. Receive a fast, free quote online or by phone. Then relax and leave the driving to us!