Savannah, Georgia had been on my travel list for quite some time, and after finally spending several days exploring the city, I completely understand why people fall in love with it.
Savannah is one of those destinations where simply walking around feels like an activity. Spanish moss hangs from enormous live oak trees, historic homes line the streets, and beautiful public squares seem to appear around every corner. Then you add incredible restaurants, rooftop cocktails, ghost stories, shopping, museums and the Savannah River, and there is so much to experience without ever feeling like you need to rush.
During my recent media trip to Savannah, I stayed directly on the riverfront and spent my days exploring the Historic District, riding the trolley, visiting Savannah’s famous squares, taking a food tour, learning about pirates and Prohibition, eating plenty of Southern and coastal food and, of course, experiencing Savannah’s haunted side after dark.
If you’re planning your first trip, I’ve put together my Savannah, Georgia travel guide with my favorite things to do, where I stayed, where I ate and a few experiences I wouldn’t miss.
Where to Stay in Savannah, Georgia
Hotel Orielle
For this trip, I stayed at Hotel Orielle along Savannah’s historic riverfront, and the location was one of my favorite things about the hotel.
River Street is right outside, and you’re within walking distance or a short trolley ride of many of Savannah’s restaurants, shops and historic attractions. I loved being able to walk out of the hotel and immediately feel like I was in the middle of everything.
My room was also beautiful. Instead of feeling like a standard hotel room, it had an eclectic, artistic personality with interesting furnishings and details that seemed to fit Savannah perfectly. The bed was incredibly comfortable—which became especially important after spending hours walking around Savannah!
And then there was my view. My room overlooked the Savannah River, so I could watch the boats and activity along the water right from my window. It was such a peaceful way to start the morning and wind down after a long day of exploring.
Hotel Orielle is also home to Coastal 15 Fish House and Rocks on the Roof, so you don’t necessarily have to leave the hotel to have a great dinner or cocktail. If you’re looking for a Savannah hotel where the property itself feels like part of the trip, Hotel Orielle is definitely one I would consider.
Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia
There are so many things to do in Savannah that you could easily fill several days, but one of the things I loved most was that the city never felt like it required a rigid itinerary.
Some of my favorite moments happened simply while walking from one destination to another. Here are the experiences I recommend adding to your Savannah itinerary.
Take the Old Town Trolley Tour
If this is your first time visiting Savannah, I highly recommend starting with the Old Town Trolley Tour. This gave me a great introduction to Savannah’s Historic District and helped me understand how everything was laid out before I started exploring more on foot.
The tour is narrated, so you’re also learning about the buildings, neighborhoods and history you’re passing rather than simply sightseeing. Because it’s a hop-on, hop-off experience, you can use the trolley as transportation throughout the day and get off whenever something catches your attention.
At the Savannah Trolley Tour’s main pickup location, I also did a liquor tasting with Jeff featuring some creations from Old Savannah Distillery. It was a fun little bonus and a very Savannah way to start exploring the city!
Wander Through Savannah’s 22 Historic Squares
You really can’t visit Savannah without spending time exploring its famous squares. Savannah’s Historic District has 22 squares remaining today, and they’re one of the features that make the city feel unlike almost anywhere else in the United States.
These beautiful green spaces are surrounded by historic homes, churches and architecture, and each square has its own personality, monuments and landscaping. Instead of trying to check every square off a list, I recommend simply allowing yourself to wander.
Walking from square to square beneath the massive live oaks covered in Spanish moss was one of my favorite ways to experience Savannah. And if you love photography, you’ll have no shortage of beautiful places to stop for pictures.
Take a Savannah Food Tour
One of my favorite ways to explore a new destination is through its food, so I joined the Secrets Food Tour with Joshua Greer. A food tour is particularly fun in a city like Savannah because you’re getting a combination of food, history and sightseeing.
Instead of choosing one restaurant for lunch, you get to try several different flavors while hearing stories about the city and learning more about its culinary culture.
I also think taking a food tour toward the beginning of your trip is a great idea because you may discover restaurants, dishes or neighborhoods you want to return to later.
Shop Along Broughton Street
Leave a little room in your suitcase because Savannah has plenty of shopping. Broughton Street is one of the main shopping destinations downtown and has a combination of familiar retailers and local businesses.
Because it’s right in the Historic District, it’s easy to work a little shopping into your sightseeing rather than dedicating an entire day to it.
Explore City Market
City Market is another area I would make time for while visiting Savannah. It’s filled with restaurants, shops, galleries and entertainment, so it’s the kind of place where you can stop for lunch, browse a few stores, grab a cocktail and somehow realize several hours have passed.
It’s also home to two attractions I visited during my trip: the Pirates and Treasure Museum and American Prohibition Museum.
Visit the Pirates and Treasure Museum
I wasn’t expecting pirate history to become part of my Savannah trip, but this ended up being such a fun change from the traditional historic sites. The Pirates and Treasure Museum takes you into the Golden Age of Piracy through artifacts, pirate lore, and interactive exhibits.
You’ll learn about legendary pirates including Blackbeard, Anne Bonny and Calico Jack while seeing coins, navigational tools, weapons and other pieces associated with the era. There’s even an interactive experience where you can see if you’re capable of lifting a silver ingot. Afterward, you can stop at the Pirates’ Tavern for a pirate-themed drink surrounded by nautical décor.
If you’re traveling with older children or simply want something a little different from Savannah’s homes and squares, this is a fun addition to your itinerary.
Visit the American Prohibition Museum
Another fascinating stop in City Market is the American Prohibition Museum. The museum walks you through the temperance movement, the 18th Amendment, bootlegging, speakeasies, and eventually the repeal of Prohibition.
I liked that the exhibits were immersive and interactive rather than simply being objects displayed behind glass. And, appropriately enough, the experience incorporates the atmosphere of a Prohibition-era speakeasy.
Have a Cocktail at Peacock Lounge Speakeasy
If the Prohibition Museum leaves you wanting to continue the theme, head to Peacock Lounge Speakeasy for a cocktail. After spending the day sightseeing, I loved the intimate atmosphere here. It felt completely different from Savannah’s bright squares and bustling streets.
Savannah has plenty of places to grab a cocktail, but there’s something fun about disappearing into a moody speakeasy after exploring the city all day.
Walk Through Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is one of those Savannah landmarks you’ve probably seen in photographs even if you’ve never visited. The 30-acre park is famous for its beautiful fountain, which is definitely worth seeing—and photographing—but don’t just stop at the fountain.
Take some time to walk around. The live oaks, Spanish moss and green space give you a chance to experience a quieter side of Savannah away from some of the busier streets.
This is one place where I would deliberately avoid rushing. Grab a coffee, walk through the park and enjoy being in Savannah.
Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
One of the most beautiful places I visited in Savannah was the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. The Gothic Revival architecture makes the cathedral impressive before you even walk through the doors, but the interior is breathtaking. Between the stained-glass windows, artwork and intricate architectural details, there is so much to take in.
As a Catholic, visiting beautiful historic churches when I travel is something I especially enjoy, but you certainly don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate the history, architecture and beauty of this Savannah landmark.
Take a Savannah Ghost Tour
Savannah is frequently associated with ghost stories, so naturally I couldn’t visit without taking a ghost tour. I joined the Ghosts & Gravestones Ghost Tour after dark, and nighttime really does transform the feeling of Savannah.
The historic buildings and moss-covered streets that seem romantic during the day suddenly feel much more mysterious when you’re hearing stories about the city’s darker past. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy spooky stories and history, I think a ghost tour is one of those quintessential Savannah experiences you should do at least once.
Where to Eat in Savannah
Savannah’s food scene was a major highlight of this trip. I tried several restaurants ranging from rooftop spots to historic riverfront dining, and each offered a completely different experience.
The Collins Quarter
I visited The Collins Quarter for dinner and loved its Australian-influenced approach. We started with the charcuterie board and crab dip, followed by the summer pasta for my main course. Everything was delicious.
The restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, so this is also an easy restaurant to work into your Savannah itinerary depending on where you happen to be exploring that day.
Coastal 15 Fish House
Coastal 15 Fish House is located at Hotel Orielle, making this especially convenient if you’re staying at the hotel. The menu focuses on coastal cuisine with Southern influences, and I ordered the Pan-Roasted Verlasso Salmon, which I loved.
After spending an entire day exploring Savannah, there was also something very nice about being able to have a wonderful dinner without having to venture far from my room.
Rocks on the Roof
For sunset drinks and river views, head upstairs to Rocks on the Roof at Hotel Orielle. This rooftop restaurant and bar overlooks Savannah and the river, making the setting as much a part of the experience as the food and drinks. My recommendation? Order the Orielle Cocktail.
This is somewhere I would plan to visit around sunset so you can watch the light change over Savannah while enjoying a cocktail.
Vic’s on the River
One of my favorite meals of the entire trip was at Vic’s on the River. Located inside a historic building near the Savannah River, Vic’s combines Southern cuisine with the type of atmosphere you hope to find when visiting Savannah.
I had fresh oysters pulled right off the riverbank in Savannah paired with a lobster tail, and it was probably my favorite meal of the trip. Savannah does such a good job of combining food with history and atmosphere, and Vic’s was a perfect example of that.
The Grove
While exploring City Market, I stopped at The Grove for lunch. I ordered the bacon-wrapped shrimp with a Caesar salad, which was the perfect lunch after a morning spent walking around Savannah.
The rooftop setting overlooking the surrounding historic district also makes this a fun option if you want to stop for drinks or lunch without leaving City Market.
How Many Days Do You Need in Savannah?
I would give yourself at least three days in Savannah if you’re visiting for the first time. That gives you enough time to explore the Historic District and squares, experience River Street, visit a few museums, take a trolley or food tour, enjoy Savannah’s restaurant scene and still leave room for a ghost tour after dark.
If you have four days, even better. Savannah is a destination where part of the appeal is being able to slow down and wander, so I wouldn’t try to cram everything into one day.
Is Savannah Walkable?
One of the things I loved about Savannah was how walkable the Historic District felt.
Many of the major attractions, squares, restaurants and shopping areas are relatively close together. I found myself walking quite a bit during this trip, with the trolley filling in the gaps when I wanted to cover more ground.
That combination worked perfectly for me: use the trolley to get an overview of the city or travel farther distances, then explore individual neighborhoods and squares on foot.
And definitely pack comfortable shoes. Savannah’s beautiful historic streets are much more enjoyable when your feet aren’t hurting!
Is Savannah Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Savannah has that rare combination of being a destination where there is plenty to do without making you feel like you need to constantly be doing something.
You can spend your morning walking beneath Spanish moss and exploring centuries-old squares, have an incredible seafood lunch, browse the shops along Broughton Street, learn about pirates and Prohibition, have a rooftop cocktail overlooking the Savannah River and finish the night listening to ghost stories.
But some of my favorite Savannah memories were much simpler, looking out over the river from my room, walking beneath the live oaks, and discovering beautiful architecture while wandering between destinations. That’s really what makes Savannah special.
You can certainly arrive with an itinerary, and I recommend having a few experiences planned, but leave some empty space in your schedule too. Because in Savannah, sometimes the best thing to do is simply wander and see where those moss-covered streets take you.
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