Downtown Athens Travel Guide

Athens

I'm sure it seemed like a good idea at the time, but it was short lived for obvious reasons. How can you fire both barrels at the same time?
I'm sure it seemed like a good idea at the time, but it was short lived for obvious reasons. How can you fire both barrels at the same time?
Built with funds appropriated in 1845. Athens City Hall was built to provide a market on the ground floor where meat was sold. The building also housed the calaboose (jail), and the hall itself was used not only for political meetings, but for theatrical performances by native talent and traveling barnstormers. The ground floor is constructed of Lexington limestone and the upper floors are of brick with limestone accents. The building still houses the Mayors office.
Clarke County, created by Act of Dec. 5, 1801 from Jackson County, originally contained Oconee and part of Madison and Greene Counties. It was named for Gen. Elijah Clarke who came to Wilkes County, Ga., from N.C. in 1774 and fought through Ga., and S.C. during the Revolutionary War. He engaged in several battles with the Indians and signed treaties with the Cherokees in 1783 and Creeks in 1783 and 1785. He died Dec. 15, 1799. First officers of Clarke County, commissioned Dec. 31, 1801, were: Abner Bankston, Sheriff; Bedford Brown, Clk, Sup. Ct.; Gabriel Hubert, Clk. Inf. Ct.; Stephen Nobles, Surveyor; Daniel Conner, Coroner.
Here in Athens lies the Double Barrel Cannon. It was forged in 1862 as a "secret weapon" of the Confederate army, but had several unsuccessful test runs and was rumored to be used during the war as a signal that the Yankees were approaching. It still points North to this day - just in case.

Popular places to visit

The Georgia Theatre

The Georgia Theatre

You can get tickets for a performance at The Georgia Theatre on your trip to Athens. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

The Georgia Theatre
University of Georgia

University of Georgia

Explore the campus of University of Georgia during your trip to Athens. Experience the area's live music and theatre scene.

University of Georgia
State Botanical Garden of Georgia featuring flowers, a park and a fountain

State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Join a guided tour or use informative signs to explore miles of nature trails and view exotic plants in this outstanding garden.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Georgia Museum of Art

Georgia Museum of Art

View over 10,000 impressive works of art at this museum set on the University of Georgia campus.

Georgia Museum of Art
Ware-Lyndon House which includes a house

Ware-Lyndon House

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Ware-Lyndon House in Athens. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

Ware-Lyndon House

Classic Center

You can enjoy a show at Classic Center during your stay in Athens. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

Classic Center

Top hotels in Downtown Athens

Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown

Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown

3 out of 5
412 North Thomas Street Athens GA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,243 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿5,243
฿6,185 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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 their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Heat did not work the first night...Jacob was called early the next morning and quickly diagnosed and fixed the problem...workers at the breakfast bar recognized our mobility issues and rushed to seat and help us with food from the bar...great service!.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Athens Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Athens Downtown

3 out of 5
390 E Washington Street Athens GA
The price is ฿5,274 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
฿5,274
฿6,221 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (840 reviews)
Excellent service , amenities , & location

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Athens Downtown
The Bell Athens by Kasa Living

The Bell Athens by Kasa Living

3 out of 5
183 W Clayton St Athens GA
Fully refundable
The price is ฿6,115 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿6,115
฿7,187 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Sanford Stadium and Morton Theater are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
This was the cutest boutique hotel!! Decor was lovely and very thoughtful amenities. Plus the location is perfect!!

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025

The Bell Athens by Kasa Living
Hotel Abacus

Hotel Abacus

4 out of 5
295 E Dougherty St Athens GA
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,255 reviews)
Room was so clean, classy, and vintage! Love this place so unique.

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

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Hotel Abacus
The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel

The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel

3 out of 5
1197 South Lumpkin St Athens GA
The price is ฿4,440 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿4,440
฿5,261 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
Enjoyed the variety

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Athens by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Athens by IHG

2.5 out of 5
513 W Broad St Athens GA
The price is ฿3,785 per night from 4 Feb to 5 Feb
฿3,785
฿4,508 total
4 Feb - 5 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Overall, outstanding

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express Athens by IHG
See all 575 properties in Downtown Athens
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Athens

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Athens Warehouse Historic District

If you're spending time in Athens Warehouse Historic District, you might enjoy its live music and theatres. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Classic Center or The Georgia Theatre.

Athens Warehouse 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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Dearing Street Historic District

Live music and theatres are notable features of Dearing Street Historic District. You might consider stopping by Tree That Owns Itself while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

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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North Athens

North Athens might not have many top sights, but Classic Center and Ware-Lyndon House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

North Athens
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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

Downtown Athens Travel Guide