Downtown Athens

Athens

Athens, Georgia Townscape
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.

Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Downtown Athens

Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown

Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown

3 out of 5
412 North Thomas Street Athens GA
The price is P9,226 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P9,226
P10,901 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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! (1,002 reviews)
The stay was perfect! Breakfast fantastic! The staff was great!

Reviewed on Feb 4, 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 P9,343 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P9,343
P11,034 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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! (846 reviews)
Clean room and great staff.

Reviewed on Feb 1, 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
The price is P17,699 per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
P17,699
P20,643 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
This was the cutest boutique hotel!! Decor was lovely and very thoughtful amenities. Plus the location is perfect!!

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025

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 P7,677 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
P7,677
P9,119 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
This place was a wonderful surprise on a night when we arrived late and didn't have a plan of where to stay. Room suddenly showed up on Expedia that had not been there the night before that we booked. It was a lovely place right on campus. we were there to see a venue at the arena. Bed was comfy ...

Reviewed on Feb 12, 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
Fully refundable
The price is P6,615 per night from Mar 17 to Mar 18
P6,615
P7,898 total
Mar 17 - Mar 18
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
It was excellent!

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026

Holiday Inn Express Athens by IHG
Rivet House

Rivet House

4 out of 5
355 Oneta Street Athens GA
The price is P10,915 per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
P10,915
P12,842 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sanford Stadium and Athens Institute ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (328 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026

Rivet House
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

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

Well-liked for its live music and theaters, you might stop by 40 Watt Club and The Georgia Theatre while you're exploring Cobbham Historic District and the surrounding neighborhoods.

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 Ware-Lyndon House.

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