Athens Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Athens
Athens showing a city
Athens
Georgia Museum of Art
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 ArtOpens in a new window. 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 GeorgiaOpens in a new window. View rare flowers, unusual plants and buzzing hummingbirds as you explore the garden’s extensive network of trails.

Athens is located 72 miles (116 kilometres) 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

Athens which includes military items and heritage elements

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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Five Points

While Five Points isn't home to many top sights, Stegeman Coliseum and Georgia Museum of Art are some notable places to visit nearby.

Five Points
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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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Normaltown

While Normaltown may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Farmers Market and Taylor-Grady House.

Normaltown
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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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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
Hotel Abacus
Hotel Abacus
4 out of 5
295 E Dougherty St, Athens, GA
The price is £103 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
£103
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,008 reviews)
Nice and quite
"Nice and quite a d away from hustle and bustle but in walking distance"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hotel Abacus
Comfort Inn And Suites Athens
Comfort Inn And Suites Athens
2.5 out of 5
3980 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, GA
The price is £92 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£92
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Sanford ...
8/10 Very Good! (732 reviews)
"it was a lovely stay - friendly and helpful staff and good breakfast. The AC is a bit noisy but overall it was a good stay."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Comfort Inn And Suites Athens
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 £79 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£79
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (830 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Athens University Area
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.
The Bell Athens by Kasa Living
The Bell Athens by Kasa Living
2.5 out of 5
183 W Clayton St, Athens, GA
Stay at this aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and housekeeping. Popular attractions Sanford Stadium and Morton Theater are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Exquisite Boutique Hotel in the Heart of Athens
"We had a fantastic stay! Stephanie, the hotel manager, went above and beyond—she was incredibly helpful and welcoming, making us feel right at home. Our room was beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable. The location couldn’t be better—perfect for walking to downtown Athens attractions and ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

The Bell Athens by Kasa Living
Walk to Sanford Stadium/DT w/view Dawg Friendly!
Walk to Sanford Stadium/DT w/view Dawg Friendly!
2 out of 5
Athens, GA
Stay at this apartment in Athens. Enjoy a fitness centre, laundry facilities and balconies. Popular attractions Sanford Stadium and Dudley Park are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Host was very responsive which was great. Not the most modern accommodation or the most convenient area to walk around downtown, but as advertised."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Walk to Sanford Stadium/DT w/view Dawg Friendly!
Spacious suite with fenced back yard, deck, gas grill, fireplaces and splash pad
Spacious suite with fenced back yard, deck, gas grill, fireplaces and splash pad
Athens, GA
Stay at this holiday home in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Sanford Stadium and Farmers Market are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
Great Wedding Weekend in Athens Georgia
"Property was exactly as described on listing. Mark and Regina were great hosts. They pay attention to detail with their property. Extremely clean and accommodating. Would stay at this property again."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Spacious suite with fenced back yard, deck, gas grill, fireplaces and splash pad
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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