Apart from its heat and humidity, I dearly love the South and its Southern hospitality. It has so many beautiful and exciting cities and I have to say Savannah, Georgia ranks among my favorites - not only for its rich history, thriving art scene and restaurants but because it's one of the most haunted cities in America. (Love that spooky stuff!)
I also love that there are so many different ways to see Savannah - free walking tours, guided tours, hop on hop off trolleys, bus, segway, bicycle, riverboat...and because it's laid out in a 24 section grid pattern it's super easy to negotiate your way around the city and very compact.
Free Savannah Walking Tours
Savannah offers engaging free walking tours that allow you to explore the city's rich history and beautiful architecture, operating on a tip-only basis.These free walking tours are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Savannah's charm and history while enjoying the company of knowledgeable guides.
Free Walking Tour Savannah is the best way to explore the charming coastal city of Savannah, located in the state of Georgia, known for its historic architecture. The city is home to many popular tourist attractions, such as the historic district, Forsyth Park and the Savannah History Museum. Book here
Free Savannah Tours is the second free walking tour Savannah has to offer. Book at the previous link.
Savannah's Transportation System
These free transportation options are particularly beneficial for tourists, allowing easy access to Savannah's historic sites without the hassle of parking. For more information about routes and schedules, you can visit the official DOT website or check local visitor information resources. This free transportation system is an excellent way to explore Savannah while saving on travel costs.
Free Shuttle Buses: The DOT system operates fare-free shuttle buses that connect key points of interest
Ferry Service: The Savannah Belles Ferry provides free transportation between River Street and Hutchinson Island. This service is a scenic way to travel and is ADA-accessible.
Other Ways To See Savannah
Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tours: Although not free, Savannah has a few hop on hop off trolley tours that are a great way to see the city. You can see them here.
Savannah On Wheels: On your trip to Savannah, add renting a bike or taking a guided bike tour from Savannah On Wheels to your list of things to do in Savannah! (I brought my own bike along)
Photo credit: Savannah On Wheels
If you're a Yank like me and not accustomed to the South's heat and humidity, biking is an easier and less inexpensive way to see Savannah rather than exhausting yourself walking. That heat and humidity do take a toll on you.
The bike tours are 2-hours long with typically 4-6 stops along the leisurely ride. Now when you book a guided bicycle tour, you get the bike for the entire day — included. That’s right! After the tour, keep your bike for the rest of the day and explore at your own pace — no extra charge.
Schedule: Sunday – Friday at 10:30am (and 1:30pm seasonally)
Saturday at 9:30am and 12:00pm
You can rent either a traditional bike (tour included) $49 per person or you can rent an Ebike (tour included) for $79 per person.
Savannah For Morons Tour: If you don't do a single thing else while you're in Savannah you MUST take the Savannah For Morons tour! This is a trolley tour but it's a comedy/historical tour on wheels. Travelers reviews nearly all gave it a 5 star rating and most said it was the best tour they'd ever taken. I couldn't agree more! You will laugh your butt off from start to finish at the antics of the Moron Twins, Danny and Dannie. Not only that, their improvisational skills are bar none and they remember every single little detail they learn about each of the passengers aboard the trolley!
They even sang, danced and did costume changes!
The tour lasts 90 minutes and there's one short stop for drinks and a restroom break.
No children under 13 are allowed on the tour, nor can the trolley handle wheelchairs.
Although the tour is a bit pricey at $52.25 per person, it's worth every penny. It's so funny and unique I'd gladly pay twice that amount to do it again having now experienced it. Buy tickets here
Accommodations
There's a whole array of accommodations in Savannah in every price range from old mansions converted into B&B's to budget establishments. I decided on a budget accommodation, Hilton Garden Inn in the Historic District. $138 per night and I used my Hilton Honors Discount to further reduce that cost. (I didn't plan on doing much but sleeping in my hotel room.)
Savannah Hilton Garden Inn is the perfect place to enjoy the nightlife in Savannah, located within walking distance of historic River Street and the best bars and restaurants. You have access to a wide variety of relaxing amenities, including on-site dining options, a concierge desk in the hotel where you can ask for tips on the best attractions, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
The rooms were very clean and quiet.
Budget Accommodations (Up to $210 per night)
Mid Range Accommodations ($210 - $270 per night)
Luxury Accommodations ($270+ per night)
Money $aving Tip:
I'm going to give you a 6 night, 7 day itinerary so that if you're a first time visitor to Savannah you'll hit the best places to visit without missing anything.
Itinerary - Day 1
Morning: Arrive in Savannah and get settled into your accommodations.
Take your choice of a tour (guided, self guided, etc.) to familiarize yourself with Savannah. I highly recommend the Savannah for Morons tour as it's definitely a DON'T MISS!
Afternoon: Explore the Historical District and Forsythe Park. Don't miss the photo op at its fountain! It's the landmark Savannah is noted for.
Within Forsyth Park, you'll find a cafe, a visitor information center, two memorials, a Fragrant Garden for the Blind and two playgrounds to accommodate children of all ages. On Saturday mornings, a lively Farmer's Market takes over the south end of the park.
Savannah's Historic District is unparalled. Not only is it absolutely beautiful, with it's spanish moss trees, cobblestone roads, and gorgeous homes, but I found the unique layout of the city to be most appealing. The historic district was built in a 'grid-like' pattern broken up by numerous (24) squares throughout the city, each one different but all so pretty. This layout made the city very easy to navigate and the entire area is within walking distance. There is so much to see and do between touring historic homes, gardens and other notable sites.
Photo credit: Visit Savannah
If you're in Savannah in April, be sure to take their annual Homes & Gardens Tour where you can go inside these beautiful old homes and gardens. (Think Natchez mansion tour, they're very similar)
Be sure to check out the Owens Thomas House & Slave Quarters while you're in the Historic District.
This was the original slave quarters designed to house the enslaved men, women and children who maintained it. The tour includes an exploration of the lives and complicated relationships of the most and least powerful people in 19th century Savannah—such as the wealthy Owens family who owned the property for 121 years and the many enslaved people who labored to support and maintain the household. It includes a a formal parterre garden and an original carriage house.
The tour also provides an exploration of the home’s remarkable features, including Savannah’s earliest system of indoor plumbing, an indoor bridge and more.
Tours of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters are given daily at fifteen-minute intervals. The last tour begins at 4:00 pm.
The Grey is an old Greyhound bus station turned art deco restaurant serving southern food. They serve 2 different options: A 3 course prix fixe dinner for $85 per person or you can elect to eat in the diner vs. the main dining room. The diner has its own separate menu. They also serve brunch.
Day 2
Morning: If breakfast isn't included with your accommodations, give Clary's Cafe a try - 404 Abercorn St, Savannah. $
(Clint Eastwood filmed one of his movies there, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil")
Be prepared to wait for a table unless you get there when the cafe opens as there's usually a line out the door, especially on Sundays. Great homemade breakfast fare.
Continue exploring the Historic District. Visit the home/museum of Juliette Gordon Lowe, founder of the Girl Scouts. 10 East Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah.
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace offers guided tours exploring the fascinating life and world-changing legacy of Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of the Girls Scouts, through stories, art, and artifacts held in her childhood home. Learn more about what you'll see on the tour.
I strongly recommend that you purchase tickets online in advance of your visit as this tour sells out quickly especially during June and July.
$15 for adults, $12 for seniors and others, $10 for active Girl Scouts and adult troop leaders.
They also offer self guided tours on select days after 3 pm.
Audio tours can be downloaded to your personal device, with volume control for a customizable listening experience.
Photo credit: Juliette Gordon Lowe House & Museum
Prices are the same as the guided tours.
Open 7 days a week, 10am-5pm with limited tour hours on Wednesdays.
Afternoon: Stroll along cobblestoned River Street for views of the Savannah River.
Have lunch aboard a narrated riverboat cruise.
The lunch buffet features signature Savannah Shrimp & Grits, the best Southern Fried Chicken in the South, Chef’s Specialty Station, Creamy Macaroni and Cheese, Southern Greens, Seasonal Vegetables, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Fresh Fruit, Coleslaw, Cornbread, Dessert and more.
(The food is pretty darned good!)
Advance reservations are recommended.
Saturdays in March & November; Monday – Saturday from April – October
Boarding at 12:00 p.m., Sailing at 1:00 p.m., Returning at 2:30 p.m.
2025 Monday- Friday: Adults $56.95* each | Children( 5-12) $30.95* each Children 4 & under are complimentary
2025 Saturday and Holidays: Adults: $60.95* each Children (5-12) $33.95* each Children 4 & under are complimentary
* Prices do not include state tax, local tax, port fees, or service charges. Service charge applies for groups of 10 or more.
Money $aving Tip: If you don't want to do the luncheon cruise, take the regular sightseeing tour which is much cheaper. FULL BAR AND GRILL AVAILABLE! ORDER DELICIOUS DRINKS, APPETIZERS, SALADS, SANDWICHES, ENTREES & MORE so you can still grab some lunch aboard.
2025 Adults $37.95 each | Children( 5-12) $24.95 each Children 4 & under are complimentary.
Boarding at 12:30 p.m., Sailing at 1:00 p.m., Returning at 2:30 p.m.
Evening: Have dinner at River House Seafood, 125 W River St The Cotton Sail Hotel, Savannah.
River House's atmosphere is upscale and relaxing, noted for its seafood and Southern classics like fried green tomatoes.
I had the fried catfish on a bed of rice over shrimp and andouille creole sauce with Lowcountry cornbread and it was delicious. $23
And their peach cobbler is out of this world! $12
They have a nice variety of dishes on their menu and the service was excellent.
Sunday - Thursday:11am – 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Fried catfish on a bed of etouffee
Later in the evening take one of the city's ghost tours.
What I love most about Savannah is it's one of America's most haunted cities. The city's ghostly reputation may be related to the bloody Civil War, the yellow fever epidemics of 1820 and 1876 or the numerous murders that took place throughout its history. These chilling tales make the haunted city of Savannah the perfect backdrop for a ghost tour.
Below, you'll find the top Savannah ghost tours, compiled using both expert input and traveler sentiment. These haunting tours cater to all crowds, from families with kids to those who need a little liquid courage before seeking out the paranormal.
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Best Overall: Genteel & Bard – Savannah Dark History & Ghost Encounter Tour
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Best High-Tech: Savannah Ghost Walker – The Savannah Ghostwalker Tour and Ghost Hunt
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Best Pub Crawl: Ghost City Tours – Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl
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Best Trolley: Ghost & Gravestones of Savannah – Ghost & Gravestones Trolley Tour
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Best Storytelling: Shannon Scott Tours & Events – Bonaventure Cemetery After Hours Tour
Parents: The best of these ghost tours for kids is the Blue Orb Tours.
Price: Adults from $25; kids from $10
Duration: 1.5 hours
Blue Orb's Savannah Shadows tour is based on the book of the same name written by the company's founder, Tobias McGriff. This tour is suitable for all ages and stops at locations known for their paranormal activity, such as the Hanging Square (generally known as Wright Square). Many reviewers comment that the tour offers the right mix of history and storytelling, along with chilling details. Others say that though the tales are spooky, they aren't too scary for kids.
Tours are typically offered Wednesday through Sunday at 8 p.m. For a real thrill, the company offers an adults-only Zombie Tour that focuses on the Voodoo concept of the walking undead.
Day 3
Morning: Have breakfast at Huey's On the River, 115 E River Street.
This popular spot is located along River Street, and it has a very New Orleans type of vibe.
I’m thoroughly convinced they have the best beignets east of Louisiana! They’re fried perfectly, with a slightly crispy, light brown outer shell, and then dipped in just the right amount (read: way too much) powdered sugar.
Photo credit: Savannah First Timer
I’m drooling just thinking about them! They serve them nice and warm, too, so they practically melt in your mouth.
Morning & Afternoon: Once you've had your fill of beignets, visit Tricentennial Park.
Tricentennial Park is home to three museums that bring Savannah to life – past and present. Savannah History Museum, Battlefield Memorial Park, Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum are all located conveniently in downtown Savannah by the Visitor Information Center.
Georgia State Railroad Museum
Photo credit: 44nngc.vom
Located in the former Central of Georgia Railway Repair Shops Complex and Terminal Facilities, this Georgia State Railroad Museum offers family-friendly fun with interactive experiences including a working handcar, walking through historic railcars, and taking guided tours by train. The site features the oldest railroad repair facility buildings in the United States.
Open seven days a week from 9:00am to 4:00pm. 655 Louisville Road, Savannah
Admission:
$18 per adult
$10 per child (ages 3-12)
Savannah History Museum
Located in the former Central of Georgia Railway Passenger Depot, this museum takes you on a journey through time from Savannah’s earliest days to the present, with unique exhibits and interactive experiences for the family. xhibits include an early 20th-century steam locomotive, archaeological finds from Savannah’s Revolutionary War history, and most recently, The Savannah Jazz Exhibit. Guided programs, including Loyalists & Liberty Battlefield Tours, are included in museum admission.
Open seven days a week from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Admission:
$12 per adult
$8 per child (ages 3-12)
303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Savannah
Savannah Childrens Museum
This outdoor museum experience for families to explore and enjoy includes an exploration maze, a puppet theater, an art maker space, a sensory garden, a nature kitchen, and more! Museum Educators offer themed programming daily, including STEAM programs, storytime, and activities including the museum’s resident mascots, Tippy the Tortoise and Pogo the Turtle.
655 Louisville Road, Savannah
Admission:
$12 per person (ages 18mos. and up)
Evening: Have dinner at Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room, 107 West Jones St., Savannah.
Photo credit: Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room
The doors no sooner open to Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room than there's a line waiting to get in and the crowd finds seats at one of the large tables-for-ten shared by strangers. Tabletops are crowded with platters of fried chicken and cornbread dressing, sweet potato souffle, black-eyed peas, okra gumbo, corn muffins and biscuits. The menu changes daily so regulars can have something different every day.
The guests sit at the table and pass the dishes around to one another like a family.
This is a great way to meet fellow travelers and pick up tips on what to see and do in Savannah while enjoying genuine Southern cooking at a reasonable price.
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is open Monday through Friday, from 11am–2pm.
$35 per person, 13 and older (tax included)
$17.50 per person, 12 and under (tax included)
Day 4
Morning: Have breakfast at the Collins Quarter, 151 Bull Street, Savannah.
The Collins Quarter has two locations. Their original one is located on Bull Street and the newer one is in the center of Forsyth Park. Each location has a slightly different menu.
I love the Raspberry French Toast (Forsyth Park location).
Drive to Tybee Island (about 30 minutes). Spend time at the beach or visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum.
The island has five different beaches. With over three miles of sandy shores to choose from, each beach offers its own unique atmosphere. You can take a quiz here to find which beach best suits you.
On the North Beach, explore Tybee Light Station & Museum.
Tybee Island’s Lighthouse is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia. You can climb all 178 steps and take photos overlooking the entire island.
Mon: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Tues: CLOSED
Wed: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Thu: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Fri: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Sat: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Sun: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Prices
Adults: $14
Seniors (62+): $12
Children (6-17): $12
Children (5 and under): Free
Groups (10 people or more) with a reservation: $12
Military (Must present ID): $12
Coast Guard (Must present ID): Free
Afternoon: Have lunch at North Beach Bar & Grill, 33 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA
Enjoy a flavorful lunch and dinner menu inspired by Caribbean and Southern coastal cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, burgers, tacos, and vegetarian options. Check out their daily specials.
After lunch head for Fort Pulaski to explore it.
Attendees can witness the exhilarating experience of cannon firings by Rangers who have completed rigorous National Park Service weapons training.
Although the fort has been rebuilt and restored, check out the southeast corner of the fort where you can still see the craters from Union cannon fire.
Rooms housed within the forts are preserved with period furnishings.
Complete with old lanterns, chests, cast iron frying pans and quilts, the rooms look as though soldiers had left them only minutes before you arrived.
Take the North Trail to visit the Contraband Camp.
101 Fort Pulaski Road, Savannah. The admission fee is $10 per person.
Money $aving Tip: The park offers free admission days. Go on one of their free admission days to pay nothing to visit the fort.
Return to Savannah after exploring Tybee Island.
Evening: Have dinner at Brochue's Family Tradition. You can't leave Savannah without having southern fried chicken and in my opinion, Brochue's is the best in Savannah.
I tucked into their half chicken dinner, a tray packed with fried thighs brined in chamomile tea, charred breast, chicken salad, biscuits and gravy, with housemade sunchoke hot sauce and pickles. I was hooked.
2400 Bull Street Suite 8, Savannah
WED-THURS-SUN 5-9 pm FRI-SAT 5-10 pm
Enjoy a relaxing evening at your accommodation.
Day 5
Morning: Have breakfast at The Collins Quarter.
Try their Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict!
Chippewa Square is one of the most known squares in all of Savannah, right in the center of everything. Forrest Gump made Chippewa Square famous with its bench scenes, where Forrest waited for the bus. They actually used at least four fiberglass benches while filming these scenes on the square. One of those benches now sits in Savannah History Museum. The bench was located on the north side of the square facing Bull Street, where there is now a garden.
But this square dates back long before Forrest visited. The Battle of Chippewa was an important skirmish in the War of 1812. This square took its name from this battle. The centerpiece for this beautiful square is a Statue of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony of Georgia.
Around this square is the Savannah Theatre, which opened in 1818.
222 Bull Street, Savannah.
You can still see shows at this theater.
Like many places in Savannah, it too is reportedly haunted. Every evening at 10:30 there's a Haunting Investigation of the theater.
The Historic Savannah Theatre boasts over 200 years of hauntings from shadowy figures to unexplained sounds that still baffle visitors and staff alike. Guests are armed with authentic ghost hunting equipment, including EMF detectors, spirit boxes, infrared thermometers, and dowsing rods, allowing you to engage directly with the supernatural world. Guides will share chilling stories, local legends, and firsthand accounts from previous investigations. Book now if you dare!
Afternoon: Explore the Savannah Botannical Garden, 388 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah.
The garden includes both formal and naturalistic plantings as well as a two acre pond, amphitheater, nature trails, archaeological exhibit and the historic Reinhard House.
Mon - Sat: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Sun: 8:00 am - 8:45 pm
Access to all public areas of the garden is FREE.
Evening: Have dinner at Cotton & Rye, 1801 Habersham St., Savannah
Cotton & Rye offers a creative twist on classic comfort food, with fresh ingredients and friendly service. The casual atmosphere and inventive menu make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Guests often praise the flavorful dishes and attentive staff, while some mention wait times during busy hours. Overall, it's a great choice for a relaxed meal with quality food and a welcoming vibe.
HOURS
TUES-SAT: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
SUN & MON: Closed
Day 6
Morning: Have breakfast at B Matthews, 325 E Bay St, Savannah.
Matthew’s Eatery is a one-of-a-kind bistro serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch in a renovated historic building in Savannah’s Historic Landmark District.
Their signature Fried Green Tomato & Crab Cake Benny if out of this world - blue crab cake, hand-breaded fried green tomato, poached egg*, homemade buttermilk biscuit, mornay sauce, goat cheese over mixed greens | served with choice of fresh fruit/stone-ground grits/breakfast potatoes.
$18
Hours
Open 7 days a week at 8am!
Serving Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch
*Daily 8am - 3pm
Serving Dinner
*Tuesday - Thursday
5pm - 9pm
*Friday & Saturday
5pm - 10pm
Both kids and adults will love the Savannah Pirates Museum, 209 W. St. Julian Street, Lower
Savannah.
Set sail on a self-guided journey through the real world of pirates. Discover authentic artifacts, captivating stories, and the hidden history of a Golden Era of maritime past.
For a museum, this place was a blast. And unlike most pirate exhibits these pirate artifacts have been certified as being pirate genuine.
The interactive elements were fantastic as well and really brought the museum to life.
Open Everyday: 10am to 6pm with final entry at 5:15pm.
Note for parents: There is only one exhibit not suitable for children, that covers medicinal practices and punishment on the high seas. There is a convenient bypass to ensure only those who wish to experience this exhibit enter into the gallery.
Afternoon: Right upstairs from the pirate museum is the Museum of Prohibition. 209 W. St. Julian Street, Savannah. The front doors are located in the courtyard of City Market closest to Ellis Square, between Wexford Irish Pub and Byrd’s Cookies.
Photo credit: Museum of Prohibition
Discover how the battle over booze changed the country forever through our interactive displays and real artifacts. From antique cars and moonshine stills to unique flasks and real flapper dresses, our exhibits bring the excitement of the era to life.
I couldn't imagine how one could put together an interesting Prohibition museum but they did quite a good job of it!
You can even experience the Roaring Twenties at Congress Street Up, a 1920s speakeasy. Enjoy jazz, cocktails, history, and a drink with authentic Prohibition-era recipes! They even offer mixology classes in making 1920's style cocktails at the speakeasy.
Guided tours of the American Prohibition Museum are offered daily. To see the schedule and buy tickets, click here.
Money $aving Tips: Right now Groupon has an offer on admittance to the Prohibition Museum:
Museum Admission, Guided Tour and Cocktail from $37
Museum Admission, Guided tour and Cocktail making experience from $58
Also, if you're visiting the Pirate Museum, you have the option of bundling your ticket to both the Pirate Museum and the Prohibition Museum for $31, saving yourself $3.44 per admission.
Buy the bundled tickets here
Evening: Since it's a piratey kind of day, take yourself and the kids to dinner at the Pirate's House
at 20 E Broad St, Savannah.
Photo credit: Pirates' House
The Herb House portion of the Pirates’ House is one of the oldest structures in the entire state of Georgia. The building was first established in the early 1750s as an inn and tavern.
It’s also one of the most haunted restaurants in Savannah.
Some of their dishes are really tasty, and the pirate theme isn’t too cutesy or over-the-top. It's one of those “do it once for the kids and experience type of places.”
Thanks to the pirate theme, it’s a very memorable spot for kids. Go to enjoy the historic aspect of the restaurant and to make the kids happy.
Try their award-winning Honey Pecan Fried Chicken: Their Signature Honey Pecan Sauce drizzled over perfectly marinated Fried Chicken, served with Sautéed Vegetables & Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
I highly suggest touring the building while you’re there to check out the historic memorabilia throughout the restaurant. Your server will offer to take you on this tour before you are seated and it is free.
For the rest of the evening just relax. Maybe take a walk through one of the districts.
Day 7
Say goodbye to Savannah and depart for home.
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