Five Points -- where you can transfer to any train, see the Atlanta Braves and eat ice cream. Not too shabby, huh? Read on to learn more about the best things this station has to offer.
Braves Shuttle
A large number of MARTA riders come through the Five Points station to connect with the Braves Shuttle during baseball season. Signs are posted throughout the station to direct commuters to the shuttle, which picks up passengers outside Underground Atlanta. The ride is free if you are transferring from the train. For more information, see How to Ride the Braves Shuttle.
German Bierfest
Beer lovers love the yearly German Bierfest in Woodruff Park near the station. In addition to plenty of brews to try, the event features live music and Kid Zone. See walking directions for more information.
Critical Mass
On the last Friday of every month at 6 p.m., bring your bicycle downtown and meet with hundreds of other cyclists for the Critical Mass bike ride around the city. Riders meet at Woodruff Park. See above for directions.
Peach Drop
Atlanta's New Year's Eve celebration is centered around the Peach Drop next to the Five Points station. Concerts and family activities take place throughout the day and fireworks welcome the New Year. Several of the station exits are closed for the event to funnel crowds around the main stage/fireworks area.
Fairfield Inn and Suites
Right across the street from the station is Fairfield Inn and Suites for an extremely close hotel stay to MARTA. Plus, there is free breakfast. Take the Peachtree Street exit out of the station and walk across the street.
ATL-Cruzers Tour
Who doesn't like to zip around the city in an electric car that looks like a deluxe golf cart? Tours cover major Atlanta attractions in slightly over an hour, with a maximum of five passengers at a time. See this link for tickets and additional information. Take the Peachtree Street exit out of the station and cross the street to enter the brick-covered Upper Alabama Street. The tours start and end about a block down.
Fairlie-Poplar Historic District
Just across the street from the Broad Street Plaza station exit is the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District, where you'll find historic architecture and numerous places to get a casual bite to eat. The area has been used as a backdrop for several movies and is also heavily populated with Georgia State University students. It feels more truly urban than other parts of downtown. Reuben's Deli, Ali Baba Mediterranean and Rosa's Pizza are long-time favorites to check out, though many restaurants are closed on the weekend.
Atlanta Zero Mile Marker
For a cool bit of history, check out the official Atlanta Zero Mile Post that marks the very center of Atlanta. It is in a strange location -- at the bottom of a parking garage off of Central Avenue. Take the Peachtree Street exit out of the station and cross the street to enter Upper Alabama Street (look for the Waffle House). Walk about two blocks to Central Avenue and turn left for the large, white concrete parking garage. There is an elevator that goes down to the lowest level and a tall ramp.
Häagen-Dazs®
If you have a craving for ice cream, Häagen-Dazs® has a shop literally across the street from the station's Peachtree Street exit. Yum.
McDonald's
For fast food fans, there are actually two McDonald's next to the station. One is located in the Broad Street Plaza above the station - look for the small escalator next to the MARTA RideStore. The other is on Forsyth Street. Take the Forsyth Street exit out of the station and turn left.
Waffle House
Who doesn't like breakfast? Eat it all day here just across the street from the Peachtree Street station exit.
Thrive
For finer dining, Thrive is a classy restaurant on Marietta Street that features live music on Fridays and late-night hours on Saturday. Choose from sushi, salads and entrees. Take the Forsyth Street exit out of the station and turn right. At Marietta Street turn left and walk about a block.
Dania's Gourmet
This restaurant just about does it all: Get well-priced breakfast (including great oatmeal) in the morning, choose from a variety of salads and sides at lunch or get a little more classy in the evenings in the lounge with a glass of wine and authentic Mediterranean entrées. Take the Peachtree Street exit out of the station and turn left. Dania's Gourmet is on the next corner.
Jamrock Jamaican
Just south of the Five Points station you can get authentic Jamaican cuisine at Jamrock. Choose from sandwiches and traditional Caribbean fare. Take the Peachtree Street exit out of the station and turn right. Turn left a block down on Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. to reach the restaurant.
Footprints
For more Jamaican food, drink specials and night DJ scene, head to Footprints in Underground Atlanta, which you can walk to without even going outside. Follow the signs to the Peachtree Street exit, but turn right after exiting the fare gate to take the doorway/stairs marked Underground Atlanta. Once in Underground Atlanta, follow the signs to Kenny's Alley.
Chutneys
If you like Indian food, head to Chutneys for family-recipe dishes, lunchtime buffet and fresh naan. Take the Peachtree Street exit out of the station and turn right. Walk two blocks to Mitchell Street and turn left.
Lunacy Black Market
Also on Mitchell Street is Lunacy Black Market. It made the Best of Atlanta list in 2010 and 2011, and features new American food in an intimate setting. Take the Forsyth Street exit out of the station, turn left and walk two blocks to Mitchell Street. Turn right on Mitchell for the restaurant.
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