Downtown Athens, GA

Athens

Athens, Georgia Townscape
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


Downtown Athens Hotel Deals

Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown

Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown

3 out of 5
412 North Thomas Street Athens GA
The price is NT$5,091 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
NT$5,091
NT$6,015 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
The rates were quite high because it was the Allstate period, but the location and convenience were top-notch.

Reviewed on 2026/3/7

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 NT$5,155 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
NT$5,155
NT$6,088 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (850 reviews)
Room was great and the hotel was amazing

Reviewed on 2026/2/22

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
The price is NT$7,156 per night from Mar 17 to Mar 18
NT$7,156
NT$8,388 total
Mar 17 - Mar 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Sanford Stadium and Morton Theater are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Beautiful decor and very comfortable bed. Loved having the balcony too. Rooftop was amazing. Location best!!

Reviewed on 2026/2/20

The Bell Athens by Kasa Living
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 NT$4,551 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
NT$4,551
NT$5,393 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
Clean room and bathroom, fluffy towels, nice shower gel scent, comfy pillow, super-nice staff, generous breakfast with fresh fruit, yoghurt, bacon, sausage, biscuit, potatoes, coffee, juice.

Reviewed on 2026/3/14

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 NT$3,783 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
NT$3,783
NT$4,510 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Easy check-in wonderfully located in Athens in college town. Walking distance Rooms are large and clean. Lobby is clean and refreshed. Breakfast had nice choices.Great on demand coffee

Reviewed on 2026/3/12

Holiday Inn Express Athens by IHG
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 NT$2,862 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
NT$2,862
NT$3,451 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (947 reviews)
They let us check in early. Bed was comfy. Town was almost sold out due to concert so we happy to get a room. Value for the price.

Reviewed on 2026/3/1

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.

Other neighborhoods around Downtown Athens

The Monastiraki Flea Market, a narrow lane of of vendors selling eclectic gear from souvenirs to furniture in the historic Monastiraki district in Athens, Greece

Athens Warehouse Historic District

Some popular features of Athens Warehouse Historic District include its live music and theaters. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Classic Center or The Georgia Theatre are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Athens Warehouse Historic District
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Reese Street Historic District

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

Reese Street Historic District
The Arch at the entrance of North Campus at UGA.

Dearing Street Historic District

Live music and theaters are notable features of Dearing Street Historic District. You might consider a stop by Tree That Owns Itself while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Dearing Street Historic District
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Cobbham Historic District

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Cobbham Historic District boasts Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and Late Victorian architectural styles. Explore Fire Station #2, James A. Sledge House, and Seney-Stovall Chapel while in Athens, Georgia.

Cobbham Historic District
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North Athens

While there might not be top attractions in North Athens, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Classic Center and Hillside Park.

North Athens
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Boulevard Historic District

Live music, theaters, 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, GA