Athens

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo by throwingsofas

Thousands of Ohio University students call this city home during the academic year, but its cultural offerings and scenic settings entertain visitors year-round. 

Located on the scenic Hocking River in southeast Ohio, Athens is a lively college town. Since it was established in 1804, Ohio University has called Athens home. Experience a bustling city full of cultural attractions and events. 

With just over 20,000 enrolled, Ohio University’s student body is almost as large as the population of Athens. Stroll among the brick buildings and manicured lawns on campus. The main entrance, which opens to the college green, is located at Court and Union streets. Explore the collections at the Kennedy Museum of Art, located on Ohio University’s campus. The museum hosts a variety of fascinating exhibits from all over the world. 

Court Street and its many cross streets make up the heart of downtown. Enjoy a coffee at a local café or eat dinner at one of many restaurants. Boutiques, antique shops and convenience stores line the streets. The area gets even busier after the sun goes down, when students fill restaurants and bars.

The National Arbor Day Foundation recognises Athens as a designated Tree City USA, which means the city is devoted to planting and caring for its plant life. Appreciate the greenery as you walk along Athen’s shady, tree-lined streets.

Visit Athens County Historical Museum. Photo essays, artifacts and various exhibits focus on Athens County through the 19th and 20th centuries. 

Go hiking, biking or running on the Athens Trail Network. Begin at Sells’ City Park and take one of the 12 trails that make up the network. Walk through the woods and end at Strouds Run State Park. Go boating on Dow Lake or try fishing at Sells Pond.

Visit Dairy Barn Arts Centre just south of downtown. This converted dairy barn hosts exhibits, events, programmes and more that promote the area’s artists. Check a calendar on the official Dairy Barn Arts Centre website to find out what’s on.

Athens is just over a 1-hour drive from Columbus, Ohio and just over a 3-hour drive to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Get around the city easily on foot. If you don’t want to walk, take a bus or rent a car.

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
3.5 out of 5
331 Richland Ave, Athens, OH
The price is S$163 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$163
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
"It was a good stay. Everything was nice and clean. Beds and pillows were comfortable. Walking distance to campus."

Reviewed on 11 Jul, 2025

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
Quality Inn
Quality Inn
2.5 out of 5
20 Home St, Athens, OH
The price is S$122 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$122
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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 breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Decent breakfast but limited gluten free options. Close to Bob Evans restaurant for evening meal."

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

Quality Inn
Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens
Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens
2.5 out of 5
924 East State Street, Athens, OH
The price is S$168 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$168
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, a health club, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (711 reviews)
Passing through town
"Stay here at least once a year otw to MI. Only issue was couldn't read the numbers on the thermostat, it needs to be replaced. Everything else was great as usual."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens
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.
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills
2 out of 5
38490 Todd Rd, Nelsonville, OH
Stay at this cabin in Nelsonville. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and patios. Popular attractions Nelsonville Brick Park and Robbins Crossing Historical ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
The Najor’s Hocking Hills Trip
"This was our first visit. My gosh… it was so quaint and romantic. The tiny home was the best, clean, bed comfortable, quiet, cozy romantic. The place had all the essentials plus things available for lighting a small fire pit . Waking up to a beautiful view of the woods….perfect for a couple. Plus ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills
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.

Popular places to visit