About Athens
Athens is a consolidated city-county in the U.S. state of Georgia. Downtown Athens lies about 70 miles (110 km) northeast of downtown Atlanta. The University of Georgia, the state's flagship public university and an R1 research institution, is in Athens and contributed to its initial growth. In 1991, after a vote the preceding year, the original City of Athens abandoned its charter to form a unified government with Clarke County, referred to jointly as Athens–Clarke County, where it is the county seat.
Places to visit in Athens
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University of Georgia North Campus
HistoricThe oldest part of the university features stately columned buildings, shady quads and the iconic cast iron Arch facing downtown, making for a pleasant walk through one of the country's oldest public universities.
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Downtown Athens
NeighborhoodA lively college-town center of restaurants, bookshops and bars, famed for the music scene that produced bands like R.E.M. and the B-52's, with venues such as the 40 Watt Club.
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State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Park · 4 mi from centreWooded trails along the Middle Oconee River lead through themed gardens and a tropical conservatory, with a children's garden, native plant collections and seasonal blooms worth a relaxed morning visit.
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Georgia Museum of Art
Museum · 1 mi from centreThe official state art museum, on the university's East Campus, displays American paintings, European works and Southern decorative arts, with changing exhibitions and generally free general admission.
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Tree That Owns Itself
LandmarkA charming local curiosity: a white oak that, according to legend, was deeded ownership of itself and the land around it, now protected by a small fence and marker in a residential neighborhood.
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Double-barreled cannon
HistoricDisplayed on the City Hall lawn, this Civil War era experimental cannon was designed to fire two balls linked by a chain at once, an idea that failed spectacularly during testing.
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Sanford Stadium
EntertainmentHome of the Georgia Bulldogs football team, known for the privet hedges lining the field; on autumn game days the whole town fills with red-and-black clad fans and tailgate parties.
Where to stay in Athens
Popular hotels in Athens, out of 45 properties you can book.
Wingate by Wyndham Athens Near Downtown
From $103 per night
Holiday Inn Express Athens University Area
From $195 per night
Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown
From $312 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Athens Downtown
From $406 per night
Hampton Inn Athens
From $364 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Athens Downtown Univers
From $275 per night
Sleep Inn & Suites Athens South
From $92 per night
Candlewood Suites Athens
From $218 per night
The University Of Georgia Center For Continuing Ed
From $265 per night
Springhill Suites Athens Downtown University Area
From $408 per night
Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown Univ Area
From $329 per night
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Athens
From $99 per night
Best time to visit Athens
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Athens is October, when average daytime highs are around 73°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Athens weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 74° 43° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 78° 49° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 74° 48° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 70° 48° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 71° 45° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 74° 45° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Athens
These are the airports closest to central Athens. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- AHN Athens Ben Epps Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Athens
The UGA Bus lines offer very frequent service between campus, downtown, and Milledge Ave.
On foot
The downtown area and UGA campus are very pedestrian-friendly, while the rest of the city is not at all pedestrian-friendly.
By bike
Most major roads in Athens, especially near and on UGA campus, have dedicated unprotected bike lanes.
Athens travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Athens?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Athens is October, when average daytime highs are around 73°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Athens?
July is usually the warmest month in Athens, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 34°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 130 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Athens?
Athens Ben Epps Airport (AHN) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Athens.
What time zone is Athens in?
Athens uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Athens?
The UGA Bus lines offer very frequent service between campus, downtown, and Milledge Ave.
What are the best places to visit in Athens?
Top sights in Athens include University of Georgia North Campus, Downtown Athens, State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Georgia Museum of Art. The oldest part of the university features stately columned buildings, shady quads and the iconic cast iron Arch facing downtown, making for a pleasant walk through one of the country's oldest public universities.
Where should I stay in Athens?
Popular areas for hotels in Athens include Athens Area. Well-reviewed options include Wingate by Wyndham Athens Near Downtown and Holiday Inn Express Athens University Area.
How many hotels can I book in Athens?
Destina Holidays currently lists 45 properties in and around Athens, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
