Savannah Travel Guide: Best Things To Do, See, and Eat

💰 Click here to see Georgia Budget Breakdown

💰 Prices updated: May 2026. Budget figures are estimates — always verify before travel.

Exchange Rate: $1 USD = ₾2.68

Daily Budget (per person)

Shoestring: ₾80.00 – ₾135.00 ($29.85 – $50.37)

Mid-range: ₾134.00 – ₾300.00 ($50.00 – $111.94)

Comfortable: ₾300.00 – ₾600.00 ($111.94 – $223.88)

Accommodation (per night)

Hostel/guesthouse: ₾16.00 – ₾40.00 ($5.97 – $14.93)

Mid-range hotel: ₾145.00 – ₾200.00 ($54.10 – $74.63)

Food (per meal)

Budget meal: ₾20.00 ($7.46)

Mid-range meal: ₾60.00 ($22.39)

Upscale meal: ₾120.00 ($44.78)

Transport

Single metro/bus trip: ₾1.00 ($0.37)

Monthly transport pass: ₾50.00 ($18.66)

A quick note before we dive in: this guide covers Savannah, Georgia — the coastal city in the southeastern United States, not a destination in the country of Georgia in the Caucasus. GeorgiaJourneys.com covers both: the nation of Georgia and the American state. Savannah sits in the US state of Georgia, about 5 hours southeast of Atlanta, and in 2026 it remains one of the most visited cities in the American South. If you’ve been searching for the country of Georgia travel content, our Tbilisi and Batumi guides are right here on the site. If Savannah, USA is your destination — read on, because this city rewards travelers who take it slowly.

A City That Refuses to Rush

Savannah doesn’t operate on your schedule. Spanish moss hangs from live oaks like it has nowhere to be. Horse-drawn carriages clop across cobblestones at the same pace they did a century ago. The city’s famous grid of 22 public squares — most of them still intact — was designed in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, and walking them still feels like the intended way to understand this place.

In 2026, Savannah is navigating a familiar tension: it has become genuinely popular, with tourism numbers climbing every year since 2022, yet its slower-paced identity keeps holding. The Historic District gets crowded on weekends and near-impossible during St. Patrick’s Day in March, but wander two blocks off Broughton Street at 8am on a Tuesday and you’ll find yourself completely alone under a canopy of oaks with nothing but birdsong and the smell of jasmine. That contrast is exactly why people keep coming back.

Savannah is walkable, atmospheric, and built for wandering. It’s also a serious food city, a live music city, and a city where cemeteries are considered a legitimate tourist attraction — and rightfully so.

The Neighborhoods Worth Knowing

Savannah’s geography is compact enough that most visitors stick to a handful of distinct areas. Each has a different tempo.

Historic District

This is the core — the squares, the antebellum mansions, River Street along the Savannah River, and most of the major hotels. It’s beautiful, well-maintained, and yes, touristy. Most first-time visitors stay here and that’s a reasonable choice. Broughton Street is the main commercial spine.

Victorian District

Immediately south of the Historic District, the Victorian District has ornate 19th-century homes, a quieter residential feel, and proximity to Forsyth Park. It suits travelers who want to stay near the action without being in the middle of it. Some excellent B&Bs are clustered here.

Starland District

This is Savannah’s creative neighborhood — roughly centered on Bull Street between 38th and 41st Streets. Independent coffee shops, vintage clothing stores, murals, and small galleries dominate. The Starland Café and surrounding blocks feel genuinely local. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Forsyth Park’s south end.

Thomas Square

Adjacent to Starland, Thomas Square is one of Savannah’s most rapidly changing areas. New restaurants have opened here since 2023, and it now has a clutch of bars and eateries that locals actually frequent. Less polished than Broughton Street, more interesting for it.

What to See: The Unmissable and the Overlooked

Forsyth Park

The 10-acre park anchors the southern end of the Historic District. The cast-iron fountain at its north end is one of the most photographed spots in the city. On Saturday mornings the farmers market sets up here and the park fills with locals — one of the best free experiences Savannah offers. The smell of roasting coffee and warm biscuits drifts across the grass while dogs chase each other around the fountain. Come early; the market runs from about 9am and the good vendors sell out by noon.

Bonaventure Cemetery

This is not a morbid suggestion. Bonaventure is one of the most beautiful Victorian cemeteries in the United States — live oaks draped in moss shading Confederate generals, poets, and Savannah’s old families. It became famous after the 1994 book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, but it deserves a visit entirely on its own terms. Go in the late afternoon when low light cuts through the oaks and the shadows are dramatic. It’s about 8 kilometres east of downtown; ride-share takes about 12 minutes.

The Squares

There are 22 of them, each with a monument, benches, and mature trees. Chippewa Square, Madison Square, and Monterey Square are among the most architecturally striking. They’re not attractions in the conventional sense — you’re not buying a ticket. You’re just standing in them, noticing the details of the surrounding buildings, and feeling the scale of what Oglethorpe designed.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

On Lafayette Square, this French Gothic cathedral completed in the 1870s has stained glass and painted interior vaults that justify the stop. Free to enter; donations appreciated. Arrive outside of Sunday services.

SCAD Museum of Art

The Savannah College of Art and Design operates one of the South’s better contemporary art museums in a restored building on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Free on certain days; worth checking the current schedule. The 2025–2026 rotating exhibitions have focused on Black Southern artists and sustainable design.

Where to Eat and Drink

Savannah’s food scene in 2026 is stronger than it has any right to be for a city of 150,000 people. The concentration of good restaurants is high, and the range goes from old-school Southern cafeteria food to serious farm-to-table cooking.

Broughton Street and Surrounds

The main commercial street has several reliable spots for breakfast and lunch. Clary’s Cafe on Abercorn Street has been a neighborhood institution for decades — booths, eggs, and strong coffee in a diner setting that feels completely unperformed. A few blocks away, The Collins Quarter on Bull Street draws lines for weekend brunch; the lavender latte and the poached eggs with chili relish are why.

City Market

The four-block open-air complex near the riverfront has a mix of tourist-facing spots and a few genuinely good options. The covered courtyard area fills up on weekend evenings. Paula Deen’s restaurant is here if that’s what you’re after; so are several seafood-focused places worth exploring for fresh Georgia shrimp.

Jones Street Area

Often called one of the most beautiful streets in America — narrow, brick-paved, oak-shaded — Jones Street and its immediate surrounds have a few restaurants that benefit from the setting. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room on West Jones Street is a Savannah institution: long lines, communal tables, and Southern food served family-style. Fried chicken, collard greens, squash casserole, biscuits. Cash only; the line starts forming well before the 11am opening.

Forsyth Farmers Market

Saturday mornings only. Local honey, fresh produce, tamales, baked goods, and prepared food vendors. This is where Savannah residents actually shop. Bring cash — most vendors prefer it.

Thomas Square and Starland

For dinner outside the tourist orbit, the restaurants clustered around Bull Street in Starland and Thomas Square offer the most interesting options. Husk Savannah (if it’s still operating in its current form in 2026 — confirm before visiting) has been one of the most acclaimed tables in the South. The area around 37th Street has several bars with food worth staying for.

Getting Around Savannah

The good news: the Historic District is genuinely walkable. The squares were designed as pedestrian waypoints and the grid makes navigation intuitive. Most of the top attractions sit within a 2-kilometre radius of Forsyth Park.

DOT Shuttle

The free Downtown Savannah DOT shuttle runs along a loop covering the Historic District and connects to the Savannah Visitors Center on MLK Jr. Boulevard. In 2026 it continues to operate, though frequency varies. It’s useful for getting back to your hotel after River Street without walking uphill on the ramps.

Ride-Share

Uber and Lyft both operate reliably in Savannah. For distances like Bonaventure Cemetery or the beaches, this is the practical choice. Surge pricing applies during St. Patrick’s Day and festival weekends — sometimes dramatically.

Parking

If you’ve driven in, use the parking garages rather than hunting street spots. The Bryan Street Garage and the Liberty Street Garage are central and reasonably priced. The ParkSavannah app handles payment at city garages and meters. Avoid leaving anything visible in your car in any garage.

Ferry

A free passenger ferry crosses the Savannah River between River Street and Hutchinson Island. Useful if you’re staying near the convention center or simply want a river view for a few minutes.

Day Trips Worth the Drive

Tybee Island — 30 minutes east

Savannah’s beach. About 24 kilometres from downtown, Tybee is a small barrier island with a laid-back, slightly scruffy charm. The lighthouse is worth climbing. The beach is fine for swimming from late May through September. Not glamorous, but genuine. Go on a weekday to avoid Atlanta weekend traffic backing up on US-80.

Beaufort, South Carolina — 75 minutes north

A smaller, less visited version of Savannah with similar antebellum architecture, waterfront charm, and excellent seafood. The Gullah Geechee cultural heritage is more visible and accessible here than almost anywhere in the region. Cross the state line on US-17 and you’re there.

Cumberland Island, Georgia — 2 hours south

A National Seashore accessible only by ferry from St. Marys. Wild horses roam ruins of Gilded Age mansions overtaken by vegetation. The beach stretches 26 kilometres with almost no other people on it. Book the ferry months in advance — capacity is deliberately limited and slots disappear fast, especially in 2026 when demand has continued climbing.

Jekyll Island — 1.5 hours south

Another Georgia barrier island, quieter than Tybee, with a different feel entirely. The Jekyll Island Club resort and the surrounding Millionaires Village recall the Gilded Age in a way that’s well-preserved. Good cycling infrastructure; bike rentals available on island.

Okefenokee Swamp — 2.5 hours southwest

One of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in the US. Canoe rentals, guided boat tours, and a landscape unlike anything else in the Southeast. Alligators are a certainty, not a possibility. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge entrance near Folkston is the most accessible entry point from Savannah.

Nightlife and Evening Entertainment

Savannah has a genuine nightlife culture, partly fueled by the open-container law that allows drinking in the streets within the Historic District — one of very few American cities where this is legal. The result is a lively but sometimes rowdy weekend atmosphere, particularly on River Street.

River Street

The cobblestone strip along the riverfront is the most tourist-concentrated bar scene. Loud, crowded on weekends, fun if you’re in the right mood. Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub has live traditional music most nights. The Distillery is a reliable sports bar. Not the place for a quiet drink — the place for jumping in.

Congress Street and City Market

One block in from River Street, Congress Street has a slightly more local mix of bars. The Congress Street Social Club and a few surrounding spots attract a younger Savannah College of Art and Design crowd. Jazz Corner on Whitaker Street hosts live jazz most evenings and is one of the better live music rooms in the city.

Rooftop Bars

The rooftop at Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront remains one of the best sunset perches in the city, looking north across the Savannah River. Expect a wait on weekend evenings. The rooftop at Perry Lane Hotel on Perry Street is another option with a different view over the Historic District’s tree canopy.

Shopping in Savannah

Broughton Street

The main shopping corridor has national retailers alongside independent shops. The bookstore E. Shaver Booksellers on Bull Street is a Savannah institution with strong local history and Southern literature sections. Civvies vintage clothing on Broughton is worth a browse.

City Market Craft Vendors

The open-air stalls in City Market’s courtyard have local artists selling prints, jewelry, and ceramics. Quality varies; the better work is usually found deeper in the market, away from the entrance.

Starland District

The most interesting independent retail in Savannah is concentrated here. Antique and vintage shops, record stores, small galleries selling original work from SCAD students and graduates. Bull Street from about 35th Street southward is the main stretch. Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore on Habersham Street sometimes has genuine architectural salvage finds worth checking.

Where to Stay

Historic District (Mid-Range to Luxury)

Staying inside the squares puts you within walking distance of everything. The Mansion on Forsyth Park, the Perry Lane Hotel, and the Bohemian are the consistent top performers. Expect $200–$400 per night at weekends in peak season. B&Bs on East Jones Street and Gaston Street offer a smaller-scale alternative with more character at slightly lower price points.

Victorian District (Budget to Mid-Range)

The B&Bs and small inns along Huntingdon Street and Hall Street offer real value — often $120–$180 per night — with a 10-minute walk to Forsyth Park. The neighborhood is quiet and residential. This is the smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want to feel embedded in a historic part of the city.

South of Forsyth / Midtown (Budget)

Motels and budget chains along Abercorn Street south of Anderson Street offer the cheapest options, typically $70–$110 per night. You’ll need a car or ride-share to get into the Historic District easily. Functional, not atmospheric.

When to Go

Spring (March through May) is the most visually spectacular time. The azaleas bloom through April, the squares are at their most verdant, and temperatures are comfortable — typically 18–24°C. The catch: St. Patrick’s Day (mid-March) turns the city into a chaotic, heavily-booked festival that’s either exactly what you want or the opposite. In 2026 the St. Patrick’s Day parade continues to draw over a million visitors to a city of 150,000, so book months ahead or avoid the week entirely.

Fall (October and November) is the local favorite. Heat and humidity have dropped, the light goes golden in the late afternoons, and crowds thin considerably after Labor Day. Temperatures hover between 15–22°C.

Summer (June through August) is hot and extremely humid — often 33–35°C with high moisture. It’s manageable but tiring. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Hotel rates drop significantly and the city is less crowded.

Winter (December through February) is mild by most standards — rarely below 5°C — but some outdoor dining and boat tours operate reduced schedules. Christmas in the squares is atmospheric; January is genuinely quiet.

Practical Tips for Visiting Savannah

• Safety: The Historic District and Victorian District are safe for walking day and night. Exercise standard urban awareness. Some areas south and west of the Starland District transition quickly into higher-crime neighborhoods — check your map before wandering far from the tourist zone at night.
• Heat: From June through September, carry water constantly. The humidity is serious. Schedule outdoor walks for early morning or late afternoon.
• Tipping: Standard US norms apply — 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars. Carriage tour drivers and ghost tour guides appreciate tips.
• Ghost Tours: Savannah’s self-promotion as “America’s Most Haunted City” has created a ghost tour industry. Some tours are well-researched and historically interesting. Many are theatrical performances aimed at bachelorette parties. Read reviews specifically for historical content if that’s what you want.
• Water: Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city.
• SIM Cards: Standard US carriers — AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon — all have solid coverage. Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or any convenience store.
• Open Container Law: Legal in the Historic District in cups of 16 oz or less. Not in glass bottles or cans directly. Most bars sell “to-go cups” for exactly this purpose.

Daily Budget Reality in 2026

Note: Savannah is in the United States. All prices are in USD.

• Budget traveler: $80–$110 per day. Staying in a Victorian District B&B, eating at Forsyth Farmers Market and diner-style spots, using the free DOT shuttle, skipping paid tours.
• Mid-range traveler: $160–$250 per day. A Historic District inn, lunches at Broughton Street spots, dinners at Thomas Square or Starland restaurants, one carriage or walking tour, occasional ride-share.
• Comfortable traveler: $300–$500+ per day. Boutique hotel in the Historic District, restaurant dinners, private tours, day trip to Cumberland Island, rooftop cocktails.

Specific costs to note in 2026: a sit-down restaurant lunch typically runs $15–$22 per person before tip; a dinner entrée at a mid-range restaurant $24–$38; a craft cocktail $14–$18; a carriage tour of the Historic District $28–$35 per person; the free DOT shuttle $0; Bonaventure Cemetery entrance free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Savannah?

Two full days covers the Historic District, Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the main eating and drinking areas comfortably. Three days lets you add a day trip to Tybee Island or Beaufort and explore Starland more thoroughly. Four days is a relaxed pace that suits the city’s character without running out of things to do.

Is Savannah worth visiting in summer?

Yes, with caveats. July and August bring intense heat and humidity — typically 33–35°C — and afternoon thunderstorms. Hotel rates drop noticeably and the city is less crowded. If you plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings, and treat the middle of the day as downtime, summer works. Not the ideal season, but far from impossible.

What is Savannah most famous for?

The 22 historic squares, live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, Bonaventure Cemetery, the book and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, its St. Patrick’s Day celebration (one of the largest in the US), and its food scene anchored by old-school Southern cooking alongside newer farm-to-table restaurants.

Is Savannah safe for tourists?

The Historic District and Victorian District see millions of tourists annually and are generally very safe. Savannah has higher crime rates in neighborhoods further from the tourist zone — standard urban awareness applies. Stick to well-lit, populated streets after midnight and you’ll have no issues in the areas covered by this guide.

How do you get from Atlanta to Savannah?

By car on I-16 East from Macon — about 4 to 4.5 hours from Atlanta depending on traffic. Greyhound buses run the route with limited frequency. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) has direct flights from Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson) taking about 1 hour; in 2026 Delta and American both operate multiple daily departures. The airport is about 20 kilometres from downtown.

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📷 Featured image by ibuki Tsubo on Unsplash.