Athens Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Athens
Discover a thriving music scene, diverse cultural offerings and plenty of school spirit in this bustling college town.

Athens is perhaps best known as the home of the University of Georgia, which features one of the country’s most prestigious research institutions. Wander around the university’s attractive campus, discover the city’s emerging restaurant culture and find out why this city is a legendary music hotspot by catching a performance by a talented musician.

Cheer on the Bulldogs at the University of Georgia, the country’s oldest state-chartered university. Stroll through the majestic red brick Old Campus and check out the famous black iron arch, which has been a university gathering point for over 150 years. Walk along the wooded hiking trails of Oconee Forest Park, which is found at the back of the Recreational Sports Complex.

While you’re on campus, don’t miss the Georgia Museum of Art. See more than 10,000 pieces of art spanning an impressive variety of periods and genres in the museum’s permanent collection. Wander through the sculpture garden outside the museum building. The pieces in the garden focus on the work of female sculptors.

Browse through the boutiques and antique stores lining the streets of Downtown Athens. Dine on classic southern dishes at one of the city’s many fantastic restaurants and discover why the city is increasingly becoming known for its excellent craft beer scene.

Learn more about Athens’ storied musical heritage. Bands such as R.E.M., the B-52’s and Indigo girls all got their start here. Some of these big name acts occasionally return to play at local venues. Watch emerging and established artists perform at the historic Georgia Theatre or the famous 40 Watt Club.

Surround yourself in beauty at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. View rare flowers, unusual plants and buzzing hummingbirds as you explore the garden’s extensive network of trails.

Athens is located 72 miles (116 kilometers) east of Atlanta. To get here, fly into the town’s small airport or take the bus. With a pedestrian-friendly campus and downtown area, Athens is best explored on foot.

Experience the infectious energy of this college town.

Where to stay in Athens

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Downtown Athens

While visiting Downtown Athens, you might make a stop by sights like Classic Center and The Georgia Theatre.

Downtown Athens
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Dearing Street Historic District

Well liked for its live music and theatres, you might stop by 40 Watt Club and The Georgia Theatre while you're exploring Dearing Street Historic District and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Dearing Street Historic District
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Cobbham Historic District

Uncover some of the top draws of Cobbham Historic District like its live music and theatres. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, stop by 40 Watt Club or The Georgia Theatre.

Cobbham Historic District
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Reese Street Historic District

You might appreciate the live music and theatres in Reese Street Historic District, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, 40 Watt Club and The Georgia Theatre are just a few notable stops.

Reese Street Historic District
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Boulevard Historic District

Live music, theatres and bars are some highlights of Boulevard Historic District. You might stop by 40 Watt Club or The Georgia Theatre while you're in the area.

Boulevard Historic District
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Green Acres

Though Green Acres may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Stegeman Coliseum.

Green Acres
Hotel Abacus
Hotel Abacus
4 out of 5
295 E Dougherty St, Athens, GA
The price is ฿4,015 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿4,015
฿4,786 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Very nice hotel. Great location to downtown Athens. People were wonderful."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Hotel Abacus
Quality Inn & Suites Athens University Area
Quality Inn & Suites Athens University Area
2.5 out of 5
2715 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, GA
The price is ฿3,374 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
฿3,374
฿4,049 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (703 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Quality Inn & Suites Athens University Area
Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown
Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown
3 out of 5
412 North Thomas Street, Athens, GA
The price is ฿4,420 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
฿4,420
฿5,252 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Property has been consistently good and this continues to be the case. Room is clean and comfortable. Staff is friendly and helpful. Breakfast is great, a wide variety of options form very healthy to indulgent."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
InTown Suites Extended Stay Athens GA - University of Georgia
InTown Suites Extended Stay Athens GA - University of Georgia
2.5 out of 5
2044 South Milledge Dr, Athens, GA
Stay at this aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free parking, premium TV channels and housekeeping. Popular attractions Sanford Stadium and Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall ...
6/10 (9 reviews)
"Skye and Jennie are very confident and good with their work"

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2024

InTown Suites Extended Stay Athens GA - University of Georgia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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