Savannah is both a historic and charming city, filled to the brim with history, hearty food, and entertaining bars.
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The overall vibe of Savannah is refreshingly lax; you can equally enjoy ambling around the city or resting your legs in the many public squares, all with a cocktail in hand thanks to the open-container laws.
All of that and more makes Savannah a great spot for a weekend trip and also makes it one of the best places to visit in the US.
This post was updated to include new Savannah attractions and activities for 2023.
The Perfect Weekend in Savannah
Read on for a detailed look at how to spend a weekend in Savannah, Georgia.
Day 1 in Savannah
For your first day in Savannah, wear some comfortable walking shoes! The sights of Savannah are best seen on foot so you can absorb all of the stunning details of the city.
Morning
A walk on the riverfront is a great start to your weekend in Savannah.
Some of the best breakfast spots by the river include Cafe M and the Two Cracked Eggs Cafe. Fill up in either one, then head down one of many colonial-era staircases to the cobblestone streets along the waterfront.
The hand-laid cobblestone streets and converted brick warehouses provide a glimpse of what the city looked like back in 1733 when Savannah was founded.
Nowadays, you’ll find craft shops for unique souvenirs, charming brick facades, and plenty of historical plaques to read up on in the area.
Make sure to stop into the Savannah Bee Company, a local favorite for craft honeys and mead. After that, relax in a shaded area of the riverwalk and practice your people-watching skills.
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Afternoon
One of the joys of Savannah is simply walking through the city to enjoy the scenery.
A stroll down Bull Street, the divider between East and West Savannah, followed by a lap around Jones Street, (cited as the most beautiful street in the United States), is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Given it’s the city’s focal point, Bull Street is home to several iconic town squares. If you start at the intersection of Bull and Bay street, (closest to the river), you’ll pass through numerous manicured green areas that spot either side.
The first, Johnson Square, is a wide-open atrium with a central fountain that kids love to flock around. Later at night, Johnson Square is packed with bar hoppers, as people head to and from the main bar strip, Congress Street.
Passing further into the city on Bull Street will land you at Wright Square. Established in 1733 and named after Georgia’s last Royal Governor, James Wright, the square has an eerie past. Find out more about this popular stop on one of the various Ghost City walking tours of Savannah and learn about the public executions that took place in this spot.
If you need to break up your walk for lunch, I recommend The Collins Quarter for light fare and refreshing salads.
Your next stop is Chippewa Square. This square is the most photographed spot in all of Savannah due to it being home of the park bench where Forrest Gump told his life story from. Despite there being many benches in the park already, the bench in the movie was actually a prop.
In addition to its Hollywood fame, Chippewa Square is adorned with grand oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Even if it wasn’t the location for Forrest Gump, this square would still be a great stop for a photo-op.
Should you want to duck into some refreshing air conditioning, or just quickly grab a drink to go, (it is Savannah, after all), you can head into the Six Pence Pub. It’s right on Bull Street, and hard to miss given its bright red phone booth out front.
Your last square before Jones Street is Madison Square. The centerpiece of the area is a 15-foot bronze statue of Sergeant William Jasper, who died in the siege of Savannah on October 9th, 1779. Admire the stunning gothic revival architecture of the area by day, and keep an eye out for ghosts at night!
Continue just a few blocks down and you’ll end up at the middle point in Jones Street. Named after Major John Jones, who also fought in the siege of Savannah, this street is a historical and architectural landmark.
The charming residential homes that line the street are shaded in grand oak trees, creating countless picturesque views. Amble down the street, admire details big and small, and maybe even glance a peek into people’s lush gardens.
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Evening
As you may have gathered from your stroll about the city squares, Savannah is a supposedly haunted city. If you’re a bit afraid of scary stories, you don’t need to brave it alone. Take the True Crime Pub Crawl so you can face the spirits with a group of similar crime enthusiasts, all whilst taking advantage of Savannah’s open container laws.
On the tour, you’ll hit at least 4 bars: some outright haunted, and some just great stops in-between some sinister sites around downtown Savannah.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the famous crimes in Savannah, spanning from the colonial era to recent history. The stories range from the morbid to the salacious, making the tour equally eerie and entertaining – just like your favorite true crime shows.
The pub crawl costs $28 per person and drinks are not included.
Day 2 in Savannah
Having covered the city’s best outdoor sights during day one, it’s time to dive into the museums, restaurants, and rooftop bars that are scattered around the city.
Morning
First things first, you need to fuel up for day 2. Some great, centrally located options include:
- Goose Feather Cafe – quick service, cheap, and satisfying
- Maple Street Biscuit Company – hearty biscuits and sandwiches in a casual cafe
- Little Duck Diner – upscale diner fare without the price tag
Properly satiated, you’ll be ready to soak up some non-haunted history from the city’s numerous museums. The variety of museums to pick from will please most visitors’ palettes. Let’s go through a handful here so you can pick out which one(s) you’re most interested in.
The American Prohibition Museum
It’s fitting that a city that allows open containers of alcohol also hosts the American Prohibition Museum, the only prohibition museum in the US.
This fascinating spot pledges to “bring the roaring 20’s back to life” with compelling exhibitions on the run running gangsters of the era, and the rise of the “flappers”, (modern women challenging the societal standards of the time).
As I’m sure you’ve guessed, the museum does have a speakeasy, so make sure to bring your highest spirit, and toast to the ratification of the 21st Amendment.
The museum is open from 10 am – 5 pm, and is centrally located in the eclectic City Market.
Webb Military Museum
The Webb Military Museum is a collection of military artifacts ranging from the Civil War to Operation Desert Storm.
What makes the broad collection even more impressive is that it all belongs to one person – Gary Webb. Webb’s mission is to honor all Americans who have served in the armed forces.
Tickets are $10 for adults, (this price lowers depending on age and military status).
Telfair Academy
Shifting towards art and architecture, the Telfair Academy is a landmark building in Savannah.
Originally built for Alexander Telfair, the son of Revolutionary War hero and Georgia governor Edward Telfair, the academy is now home to ornate sculptures and vivid paintings.
Mixed into the works of art, is restored and original furniture that gives you a glimpse into the living style of the early 1800s.
SCAD Museum of Art
Looking for a more contemporary experience? The SCAD Museum of Art is a sure-win.
Both a showcase for SCAD’s student talent and globally established artists, this art museum covers an array of media and styles that are otherwise scarce in Savannah.
The museum is open from 10am – 5pm. Tickets top out at $10, and a guided tour will cost an additional $10.
As you can see, there’s a variety of museums ready and waiting for any interest. Visiting one, or many, is a great way to kick off your morning during your weekend trip to Savannah.
Afternoon
An afternoon zipping between shops, art galleries, and bars in the City Market is an afternoon well spent.
Labeled “the art & soul” of Savannah, City Market is a hub of activity in the already bustling downtown area.
Dining options range from the downright casual, like Vinnie Van Go-Go’s, to the refined fare at Belford’s Steak and Seafood. Eat indoors to beat the heat, or outdoors to top up your tan whilst scoping out the next place to hop into.
Between browsing the numerous art galleries and impressive shops of all kinds, (Beef Jerky Experience, anyone?), you can easily spend most of the afternoon in City Market.
Evening
Your two-day trip in Savannah will go by in a flash, so what better way to cap off the trip than enjoying a cocktail from a rooftop overlooking the city?
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of rooftops to choose from. Whether you opt for the riverfront’s famous Rocks on the Roof, or Peregrin’s by Chippewa Square, you’re in for a good night and some incredible sights.
With sweeping views of the city, you can recollect the trip as you gaze out at the streets and squares of Savannah from above. Perhaps you’ll debate the existence of ghosts, justify adding “y’all” to your vernacular, or just shamelessly indulge in some fried food before swearing to diet after you return.
However you decide to pass the time on the rooftops of Savannah, the setting alone is the perfect send-off.
Best Restaurants in Savannah
Rather than set a restaurant as an attraction for the two-day itinerary in Savannah, I wanted to list them out here. This way, you have more flexibility on when you’d visit these restaurants. So, without further ado, here are some of the best restaurants in Savannah.
1. Husk Savannah
Set in a historic mansion, Husk Savannah is an ideal way to embed yourself in the finer things – Southern style. This upscale restaurant is known for its rotating menu of local southern ingredients with a refined twist. Whether you’re dining out on the patio or sipping drinks amongst the vibrant pop-style artwork inside, Husk delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.
2. Alligator Soul Lounge
Another staple of Savannah which sticks to a local-ingredients-only tradition is Alligator Soul Lounge. Formerly used for grain storage in the late 19th century, this underground gem was remodeled with some Hollywood flair thanks to the owner’s late husband’s experience working on movie sets.
3. The Olde Pink House
The Olde Pink House is yet another Southern-style restaurant that turns Southern cooking on its head. Its menu is adorned with classic dishes like fried green tomatoes, and mac-and-cheese poppers, but there are plenty of options to pick from. Try the “Southern Sushi” (smoked shrimp & grits rolled in coconut-crusted nori). Once you’ve filled up on food, head to the cellar for some live music.
4. Circa 1875
Diverting away from the Southern-style cooking is Circa 1875– a French bistro with an impressive wine list thanks to its full cellar. From escargots to mille feuille, you can rest assured you’ll have a fine dining experience here.
5. The Grey
Fans of Chef’s Table will recognize The Grey on the perimeter of downtown Savannah. Set in a beautifully restored Greyhound bus station, this revitalized spot strikes the perfect balance of class and casual.
Its dinner menu is divided into 4 categories: Dirt, Water, Pasture, and Pantry, with each section offering dishes inspired by the categories themselves.
Eating at any one of these restaurants will surely create a unique dining experience for your weekend trip to Savannah. The only question is, which one sounds best to you?
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Tips for a Weekend Trip to Savannah
Here are some key tips for your trip to Savannah.
1. Download “Downtowner” for Free Taxi Rides
The Downtowner app in Savannah is a free ride-hailing app unique to the city. Ride anywhere within the apps service area, which covers much of downtown Savannah.
The app works much like Uber or Lyft, and operates between 5 pm and 5 am daily (except on major holidays). This service is provided by the city itself.
2. Open Containers Are Legal
In Savannah, you can carry open containers of alcohol (no glass, though). You can even stop into a bar or restaurant and order a drink to-go.
A weekend trip to Savannah is likely going to include some bar-hopping, so feel free to take one for the walk to your next spot.
3. Understand It’s a Party Town
Savannah is a popular destination for bachelor/bachelorette parties. The countless bars, lax open container laws, and good weather lends itself to partygoers.
If you’re not counting yourself amongst that group, be prepared. A relaxing dinner or quiet cocktail can easily be overrun with groups of people who have been drinking heavily.
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How to Get to Savannah
Traveling to Savannah is easy. Each major mode of public transport will get you within 20 minutes of the downtown, and drivers will relish the fact that it’s right off I-95.
By Air
Fly into the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport. With just one terminal, it’s easy to arrange pick-ups and drop-offs. It’s a quick 20-minute ride from downtown Savannah and the level of accessibility makes flying into Savannah a breeze.
Depending on when you land, cabs/Ubers into the city will cost anywhere from $20-45.
By Train
Savannah has an Amtrak station, which is very close to the downtown area. You’ll still need to take a cab into the city from here.
By Bus
The Savannah Bus Station is adjacent to the downtown area. It’s walkable, but you may want to take a cab if you’ve got a lot of luggage.
By Car
Savannah is conveniently located off of I-95 and I-16, so there are a few ways to get there by car. Once you’re in the city, you can park at your hotel, or pick one of the public parking options available. Weekend rates are pretty cheap, costing as little as $5 for 24 hours.
Where to Stay with 2 Days in Savannah
Between the free cab service and general walkability, you don’t have to stress much about where you stay in Savannah.
You’ll find a plethora of hotels on Bay Street, which is the last major road before the riverfront. Here are some options for hotels on Bay Street (both east and west) in Savannah:
As these hotels are mere blocks from one another, the choice really comes down to price. You’re close to all of the main attractions, so you won’t be sacrificing convenience if you go with the cheapest option. Click here to search for more accommodation options in Savannah.
FAQs About a Weekend Getaway in Savannah
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about a weekend trip to Savannah.
A weekend trip to Savannah is best spent by soaking up the charming residential streets, immersing yourself in the rich (and spooky) history, and eating some delicious southern cooking.
Two days in Savannah should be just enough time to cover the best activities and see all that the city has to offer. If you’re looking to head to Tybee Island, I recommend staying a little longer.
The best months to go to Savannah are April, May, September, and early October. This way, you can avoid the peak heat and humidity that southern summers bring. The city is very walkable, but even a short stroll in the heat of August will bring on a sweat.
If you’re in Savannah for a bachelor/bachelorette party, it’s probably best to stay right in the downtown area. There are plenty of hotels on Bay Street, which is the last major road before the riverfront.
If you enjoy walking, definitely not. Savannah’s historic district covers 2 square miles, making it walkable with plenty of things to see.
Enjoy Your Weekend Trip to Savannah
So, there you have it: the perfect two day itinerary in Savannah, Georgia.
Between haunted bar crawls and soaking up the scenery, both natural and architectural, Savannah is certainly going to leave an impression on you. Enjoy your trip!
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