24 Hours in Athens, GA: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

An Easy Getaway Just 1.5 Hours from Atlanta

Athens, GA is one of my favorite cities to explore in Georgia.

It's the kind of place that sneaks up on you. Yes, it's a famous college town (go dawgs!), but it also has a huge art scene, incredible food, rich history, shopping, free things to do, shows, and live events. It's also easy to get to and very walkable, which makes it great for a quick overnight getaway or a stress-free day trip from Atlanta. 

Before you go, make sure to check ahead for events at the Classic Center/Akins Ford Arena. I just got back from their annual Wine Weekend, where I attended the Amuse Bouche evening, and it was the perfect way to sample some of the best food in Athens!

If you’re planning your first visit—or coming back for another round—here’s how to spend a perfect 24 hours in Athens, GA.

Disclosure: This content was created in partnership with Visit Athens and The Classic Center/Akins Ford Arena. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting this page! 

Why Visit Athens, Georgia

• Walkable downtown

• Incredible local restaurants

• Live music capital of Georgia

• Easy 1.5-hour drive from Atlanta

• Year-round festivals and events

DAY ONE

Morning: Coffee + Downtown Wandering + Music Tour

Start with Coffee

Kick things off at 1000 Faces Coffee (510 N Thomas St.), a local favorite with delicious pastries, friendly service, and tons of charm. They always have creative themed drinks like the Bermuda Triangle if you’re feeling adventurous.  It’s like an espresso version of a dark and stormy, or classics like their take on a gingerbread latte (not too sweet, not too spicy).

1000 Faces Coffee in downtown Athens, GA

Walk & Shop Downtown Athens

Athens is a very walkable city, so I recommend parking (you’ll find metered parking throughout town) and spending your late morning wandering downtown, popping into locally owned shops and vintage stores along these main streets: N. Thomas Street, Clayton Street, Lumpkin Street, and E. Washington Street.

This area is packed with independent shops and vintage gems. Don’t miss:

• Community (260 N Jackson St.) for sustainable fashion and locally made products

• Dynamite Clothing (143 N Jackson St.) for vintage clothes

• Cillies (175 E Clayton St.) for resale apparel and vintage pieces

• Agora Vintage (279 E Broad St.) Luxury vintage boutique (open by appointment)

Dynamite Clothing, Agora Vintage, and Community in downtown Athens, GA

Athens Music Walk of Fame

Athens isn’t just a college town, it’s a music town! So, before lunch, make sure to download the Athens Music Walk of Fame app. It maps out a two-block walking experience that is a great way to learn about the city’s legendary music scene (and snap a few pictures of some iconic names like the B-52s and R.E.M.

Athens Music Walk of Fame

Mid-Afternoon: Five Points + Lunch

Explore Five Points

Next, head to Five Points, one of Athens’ most beloved neighborhoods, with some of my favorite places in Athens! Don’t leave without popping into:

• Independent Baking Co. (1625 S Lumpkin St.), see why Southern Living called this one of the best bakeries in the South

• Condor Chocolates (1658 S Lumpkin St.) don’t skip the hot chocolate

• Ghost (1662 Lumpkin St.) is thoughtfully curated, an absolute gem of a boutique

• Jittery Joe's (1230 S Milledge Ave.) is an Athens staple with multiple locations

Five Points in Athens, GA

Lunch at Cali N Tito’s

For lunch, grab a seat at Cali N Tito’s (1427 S Lumpkin St.), a casual indoor/outdoor spot with tons of character, places for kids to stretch their legs, and delicious Latin American-inspired food.  The Cubano is perfection -- there is a reason locals love this place so much.

Cali N Tito's near Five Points in Athens, GA

Late Afternoon: Check In + Recharge

Stay at The Athenian or Hotel Indigo

For a luxury stay, you can’t beat The Athenian (347 W. Hancock Ave.), a historical and beautifully designed hotel right in the heart of downtown. The rooms are all different with custom fabrics, wallpaper, and furnishings -- a truly Pinterest-worthy boutique property (keep your eyes open for Athens-inspired details). In addition, you’ll find common areas with complimentary drinks and snacks. I've stayed here twice, and loved it both times.

For another option, Hotel Indigo (500 College Ave.) is another favorite in a perfect location, especially if you're catching an event at the Classic City Center/Akins Ford Arena.

The Athenian and Hotel Indigo in downtown Athens, GA.

Evening: Dinner & A Show

Choose Your Own Dining Adventure

There are so many great places to eat in Athens. Here are a few places that have been recommended to me time and again.

I loved the cozy atmosphere and people-watching on the sidewalk at Bar Bruno. Baddies also has an incredible atmosphere in their Normaltown location (Prince Ave.), housed in a thoughtfully restored service station. I haven't had a chance to try out the other suggestions yet, but they are recommended to me all the time.

• Bar Bruno (1664 S Lumpkin St.) is perfect for snacks or a full meal with a cozy atmosphere

• Maepole (1021 N Chase St.) for Southern-inspired, seasonal comfort food

• Baddies (1591 S Lumpkin St. or 1307 Prince Ave.) for one of the best burgers in town

• The National (232 W Hancock Ave.) for Mediterranean-style fine dining

Bar Bruno, Baddies, and The National in Athens, GA.

See a Show or Attend an Event

Everybody knows that Athens has a football stadium, but did you know it has a theatre and an arena too? The Classic Center and Akins Ford Arena are both in the heart of downtown and need to be on your radar for Broadway shows, big concerts, live comedy, and more.

I went for the Athens Wine Weekend, but there is always something going on, so make sure to check the calendar and get tickets before you head to town!

The Akins Ford Arena, Classic Center, and scenes from the annual Athens Wine Weekend.

DAY TWO

Morning: Breakfast + A Stroll

Start with a Classic Breakfast

Athens has some classic (and beloved) breakfast spots. I would go as far as to say that if there is one meal you should not skip in Athens, it's breakfast! You can’t go wrong starting your morning at either Big City Bread Cafe (393 N Finley St.) or Mama's Boy (197 Oak St.).

I got the crab Benedict at Big City, and it was so good -- it made sense why there was a line out the door. Mama's Boy had the same busy energy! People in Athens love breakfast. I went for the Truck Stop Biscuits and Gravy, which came with perfectly seasoned fried chicken and a surprisingly fresh fruit bowl. They also have specials written on a chalkboard by the door -- make sure not to miss them.

Big City Bread Cafe and Mama's Boy in Athens, GA.

A Stroll

Before heading home, stretch your legs with a stroll through the UGA campus, or, if you have more time, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (2450 S. Milledge Ave.) is incredible. Both admission and parking are FREE! This is one of the best things to do in Athens.  You’ll find a children’s garden, trails, a conservatory, and so much more! In addition, they host a beautiful walk-through light show during the holiday season that I highly recommend!

TIP: If you're in town on a Saturday, check out the Athens Farmers Market at Bishop Park (705 Sunset Dr.) from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (March - December) or 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (January & February).

UGA Campus, State Botanical Gardens, and Athens Farmers Market.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of all there is to do in Athens, GA! There is so much more to do here, from incredible breweries and nightlife to parks, museums, and galleries!

I hope this 24-hour itinerary helps inspire you for your next easy getaway!

xoKerry