A Local Expert Shares What to Do in Savannah, Georgia — Where to Stay, Shop, and Eat

With its rich history, award-winning restaurants, and inimitable Southern hospitality, Savannah will leave you reinvigorated.

If you’ve seen photos of iconic Victorian mansions lining cobblestone streets and live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, you know Savannah, Georgia. This city, well-known for its 23 squares and easy-to-navigate grid, is steeped in history and dripping with Southern charm — but Savannah is so much more than meets the eye.

Despite being one of the oldest cities in the country, the culture here is surprisingly and refreshingly modern. The culinary scene is innovative, with a tapestry of cuisines ranging from coastal Mediterranean fare to local farm-to-table provisions. You could be dining in a restored home from the 19th century, an Art Deco Greyhound bus terminal, or a swanky hotel overlooking picturesque Forsyth Park. Great shopping, luxury hotels, and proximity to beaches and parks only add to Savannah’s allure — and that’s barely skimming the surface of this quintessential southern city.

Savannah is so beloved by its visitors that it’s earned a spot in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, ranking third in a list of notable cities and beating out other can’t-miss locations like Honolulu, Chicago, and New York City. Whether you’re coming for the rich history, the award-winning restaurants, or simply to experience the often-talked-about Southern hospitality, Savannah’s culture and people will leave you reinvigorated.

Savannah, Georgia

• Hotel Bardo: This mansion on Forsyth Park offers luxury amenities, sophisticated cuisine, and a striking, stylish aesthetic.

• Wormsloe State Historic Site: The breathtaking, Instagram-worthy entrance of 400 live oak trees gives way to historic ruins and monuments, perfect for history buffs and creatives alike.

• Common Thread: The thoughtfully curated farm-to-table dishes here are ever-changing, brought to life in a refined, beautifully restored 19th-century home.

• The Paris Market: This boutique feels plucked straight from France — and you’ll find both budget-friendly and splurge-worthy items ranging from candles, soaps, and jewelry to antique books, crowns, and coins.

• The Savannah Historic District: Hundreds of restaurants, countless museums and squares, and endless blocks of gorgeous 18th- and 19th-century homes will appeal to all five of your senses.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Bardo

The newly reimagined Hotel Bardo resides across from the city’s notable Forsyth Park and is jam-packed with luxuries. A stylishly appointed lobby and sophisticated furnishings throughout make this Southern Gothic mansion feel simultaneously welcoming and swanky. Amenities here include a swimming pool, the Saltgrass Spa, and cooking classes at the hotel’s highly regarded restaurant, Saint Bibiana.

JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

The JW Marriott sits inside a massive restored power plant now known as Plant Riverside District. “I always think, ‘What hotel’s got the best walkability? Who’s got great on-site dining?’, and the clear winner is JW Marriott,” says Samantha Culberson, a content creator and local influencer best known as Samantha in Savannah. “It’s a short walk from everything. It also has 11 restaurants and bars on-site, and the majority are open past 10 p.m. on weekends.”

Perry Lane Hotel

This intimate boutique hotel has extraordinary service and an eclectic eye for art and design. In the heart of the historic district, Perry Lane offers complimentary car service for trips within a two-mile radius. You won’t want to miss the sweeping views of its rooftop bar, Peregrin, either. Travel + Leisure readers regularly vote this hotel among the best in all of Savannah.

The Drayton Hotel

The Drayton Hotel sits on the corner of bustling Drayton and Bay Streets, and its playful colors and eye-catching furniture are welcoming to any visitors looking for a pleasant stay in the Historic District. The hotel’s restaurant, St. Neo’s Brasserie, offers tasty Southern seafood, while the Pendant Terrace and Bar has a fun, retro vibe to take in city views.

Thomspon Savannah

Thompson Savannah resides near River Street’s quieter Eastern edge. Here, there is a thriving community of art, culture, and cuisine, all within walking distance of this luxury hotel. “They’re really building up this area — everything is popping up — and thriving,” says Culberson. Pop into Bar Julian, the Thompson’s rooftop bar, or hit up the hotel’s swimming pool. “The pool is heated, so you can use it year-round, and they have cabanas that are free for guests,” says Culberson.

Related: The Best Hotels in Savannah, Georgia

Best Things to Do

Forsyth Park Farmers Market

Every Saturday year-round, local farmers and vendors are set up in Forsyth Park, providing items like produce, artisan cheeses, jams, and jellies. “It’s always very seasonal, with 30-plus vendors coming out each week,” says Culberson. Bring your appetite along with you, too, for snacks as you shop.

Plus, if you have kids with you, stop at the Youth Booth for free educational activities. “If you register, you get $5 per child to spend at the farmer’s market,” says Culberson.

Wormsloe State Historic Site

Ten miles from downtown, Wormsloe State Historic Site’s iconic avenue, lined with live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, simply needs to be seen to understand its magic. After revamping its visitor center, a trolley takes you down the 1.5-mile cascade of trees, where you can hop off and explore its historic tabby ruins and beautiful marsh views.

SCAD Museum of Art

The Savannah College of Art and Design is partly to thank for the city’s youthful, vibrant art scene — and the SCAD Museum is a great way to pay homage to its students and world-renowned artists. With an alumni gallery dedicated to highlighting SCAD graduates and exhibitions featuring established artists from all over the world, this museum highlights the talents of young and old artists.

Haunted Ghost Tours

Widely known as one of the most haunted cities in America, it would be remiss not to mention Savannah’s variety of ghost tours, ranging from tame historical walking tours to bone-chilling tales told while venturing downtown in a hearse. Depending on your preference, you can find a tour that speaks to your level of spook.

Related: 22 Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia

Best Shopping

Starland Strange & Bazaar

Located in the artsy Starland District, this quirky shop has offbeat apparel, funky accessories, and delicious treats like ice cream, bubble tea, and churros. The Instagram-worthy stairs and entryway leading up to this eclectic spot are painted by JULU, a highly regarded local muralist and Savannah native.

The Paris Market

Located on Broughton Street, one of Savannah’s busiest city streets, this shop contains multitudes. Its founders have sourced antique treasures and modern staples from all over the world, and the shop offers a bit of everything for every budget. You won’t want to miss the cozy café that serves a variety of coffees, teas, and delectable pastries.

Madison & 5th

Combining luxury with sustainability, this fashionable resale store has a phenomenal curated selection of designer names like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton for a fraction of the cost. Score quality clothes, shoes, and bags without emptying your bank account. The staff is knowledgeable, and their pre-loved items are all pristine.

E. Shaver, Bookseller

Considered a Savannah staple, this independent bookstore opened its doors in 1975 and has been loved by Savannahians ever since. New and vintage books line the walls, and items like stationary and tote bags are perfect to stash in your carry-on. You might spot the bookstore's cats roaming between the towering stacks if you're lucky.

Best Restaurants

Common Thread

Inspired by seasonal flavors and local ingredients, this farm-to-table restaurant is about quality food and guest dining experience. “It’s somewhat experimental,” says Culberson, “and it’s very modern American. You have to go into it with an open mind, but you will not be disappointed.”

The Grey

What was once a Greyhound bus terminal is now an award-winning restaurant with comforting yet unexpected dishes. Top-notch cocktails and a focus on hospitality only add to its charisma. Chef Mashama Bailey earned the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Southeast award in 2019 for her imaginative meals at this unique, can’t-miss spot.

Saint Bibiana

Located in the aforementioned Hotel Bardo, this restaurant “bridges the two realms of pasta and seafood,” Culberson says, strongly nodding to coastal Italian and Mediterranean fare. Its timeless, effortless aesthetic matches its thoughtfully curated menu of house-made pastas and specialty cocktails.

Brochu’s Family Tradition

Housed in a former 1930s-era grocery store, Culberson notes this Savannah staple is “Southern with a twist.” Spearheaded by Chef Andrew Brochu, who helped guide Chicago’s Roister to a Michelin star, this unfussy, uncomplicated spot offers fan-favorite classics like fried chicken, oysters, and wings. For a unique experience, attend the Sour Hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5–6 p.m. for pickled apps and inventive briny cocktails.

Dotties Market

If you’re looking for comfort food, Dottie’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This all-day cafe’s cozy space will make you feel right at home, whether you’re enjoying your meal at the chef’s counter, their banquette, or dining al fresco. Explore their market for local specialties and housewares to take back home.

Related: Where to Eat in Savannah, Georgia — According to a Local Chef

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Savannah is September through November because of the city’s mild temperatures, outdoor activities, and events. Several walking and bike tours around the city make for the perfect pastime while visiting, and the crowds are minimal during this time.

It’s also the perfect season to visit Savannah, thanks to the many festivals throughout the fall. The SCAD Savannah Film Festival has been running for over 25 years and is the largest university-run film festival in the world. Film lovers can enjoy over a week’s worth of film screenings, workshops, and award-winning guests. Meanwhile, Plant Riverside District’s Oktoberfest is perfect for those who want to celebrate the season with authentic German cuisine, spirits, and its most loved tradition: the Savannah Wiener Dog Races. The Savannah Jazz Festival, held in September, celebrates the history and culture of jazz music with acclaimed jazz artists and is free for the public to enjoy.

How to Get There

There are multiple ways to get to Savannah, but the most popular method is flying into the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), thanks to its proximity to downtown. You can take a bus, rental car, taxi, or rideshare from the airport, and in about 20 minutes, you’ll be downtown. Savannah is also easily accessible by car from the East Coast via I-95 or from the West by I-16.

Places Nearby to Visit

Tybee Island

A 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah will bring you to the laid-back Tybee Island, where there are several beaches to explore and plenty of restaurants, shops, and historic attractions. There’s a good chance you’ll spot dolphins on your trip, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Historic District

This district is the epitome of quintessential Savannah, with more than two miles of whimsical streets and squares to explore. The architecture here is striking, with a mix of restored 18th—and 19th-century homes, Victorian mansions with gingerbread accents, and buildings influenced by Greek and Gothic Revival. Stroll through any of its 22 squares and stop at the countless monuments throughout the district to learn more about Savannah’s centuries-old history.

Starland District

Close to the Historic District but not in look or feel, the Starland District is Savannah’s up-and-coming neighborhood where art, diversity, and a thriving food scene come together in a 35-block radius. Locals flock for coffee and cocktails and shop for vintage goods, vinyl records, and art supplies in this hip slice of the city.

How to Get Around

Buses

The DOT is a fare-free, ADA-accessible service to help visitors and residents get around downtown. This shuttle runs every 15 to 20 minutes and operates Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 6:30 pm on holidays including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. There is no Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day service. There are 20 stops around the Historic District and two routes you can choose from: Downtown and Forsyth Park. Learn more about the DOT here.

The Chatham Area Transit (CAT) has a network of public buses that connect various neighborhoods of Savannah and surrounding Chatham County. There are 16 routes. A one-way ticket costs $1.50, and a weekly (seven-day) pass costs $14. Check the schedule for a list of operating times for each route.

Rideshares

Uber and Lyft are prevalent throughout the city and are great means of transportation. Neither rideshare app has set prices, so check the Uber or Lyft app to determine your fare depending on your pick-up and drop-off location.

Taxis

Yellowcab Savannah is another great option if you’re looking for a car to get you from Point A to B. The company offers both standard sedans and minivans, depending on the size of your party. While they don’t have a handicap-accessible vehicle, they can load a wheelchair into the back of their taxi. These taxis are also pet-friendly if you’re traveling with your pet. If you’re traveling to or from the airport to the historic district, it’s a flat rate of $28, plus $5 per extra person. Other destinations on the meter are $2.94 per mile, and there is a $3 processing fee for credit cards.

Hop-On Hop-Off Trolleys

Old Town Trolley tours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and are closed only on Saint Patrick’s Day. Should you stay on the trolley for the entire trip, the tour itself is 90 minutes — but you can hop off at any of its 15 stops throughout the city. Trolleys arrive and depart approximately every 20 minutes. A one-day pass is $31 per person.

Old Savannah Tours run every day from 9 a.m.; the last tour leaves at 4:30 pm or 5:00 pm, depending on the season. The tour lasts about 100 minutes, but you can hop off at any 14 stops throughout the city. Trolleys arrive and depart approximately every 15 to 20 minutes. A ticket for adults 12 and up is $38, tickets for children aged 5–11 are $16, and children under 4 ride for free. Tours don’t operate on St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Savannah is an uncomplicated, walkable city that many can explore on foot. However, some areas of the city can be challenging to navigate due to their historical cobblestone sidewalks and steep staircases. Visitors with low mobility should check out these accessibility resources for navigation guidance.