Savannah

How many days: 3

Spend your first day exploring the historic squares, Forsyth Park and the surrounding residential streets. On the second, visit the riverfront, City Market and a museum or historic house. Allow time to sit in a square or café rather than treating the whole city as a checklist.

Use the third day for Bonaventure Cemetery, a deeper look at Savannah's history or a trip to Tybee Island if you want beach time. Three days is enough for the main highlights, while an extra day gives you more freedom to explore the coast.

What to do in Savannah

Walk through the historic squares

Explore Savannah's network of shaded public squares, each with its own layout and character. They make walking around the historic district unusually pleasant.

Relax in Forsyth Park

Visit the large park at the southern end of the historic district, known for its fountain and tree-lined paths. It is a natural place to rest or enjoy a morning walk.

Explore River Street

Walk along the Savannah River beside old warehouses, shops and restaurants. Watch the river traffic and take in the city's historic connection with shipping and trade.

Visit Bonaventure Cemetery

Explore the atmospheric cemetery with its historic monuments, mature trees and landscaped setting. Treat it as an active place of remembrance and follow visitor rules.

See the Cathedral Basilica of St John the Baptist

Admire the cathedral's twin spires and ornate interior. Check visiting arrangements and be respectful during religious services.

Explore the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters

Visit this historic property to learn about architecture, domestic life and the experiences of enslaved people. It offers a more complete perspective on Savannah's past.

Walk through the Victorian District

Explore streets south of the main historic core, where nineteenth-century houses display varied architectural details. It is a good area for a quieter walk.

Visit the Telfair Museums

Explore art and historic collections across the museum's sites. Choose the exhibitions that interest you and check official information for access arrangements.

Spend time at Tybee Island

Head to the nearby Atlantic coast for beaches, sea air and a change from city sightseeing. Check local beach rules, swimming conditions and transport before travelling.

Explore the Savannah History Museum

Learn about the city's development, transport connections and changing communities. It is a useful stop if you want context for the streets you have been walking.

What to eat and drink

Try shrimp and grits

Order shrimp served with creamy corn grits, often with a rich savoury sauce. It is a classic dish of the coastal South.

Eat Southern fried chicken

Try crisp fried chicken with traditional sides such as greens, biscuits or mashed potatoes. It is comforting food best enjoyed without rushing.

Sample a Lowcountry seafood dish

Look for local-style shrimp, fish or crab prepared with Southern seasonings. Coastal ingredients are an important part of Savannah's food culture.

Try biscuits and gravy

Order soft American biscuits with savoury gravy for a filling Southern breakfast. The biscuits are bread-like rather than sweet British biscuits.

Enjoy peach-based desserts

Try a fruit cobbler or another baked dessert featuring peaches when available. It is a familiar part of Georgia's food identity.

Explore Southern barbecue

Sample slow-cooked meat with regional sauces and traditional sides. Styles vary, so ask about the preparation rather than expecting one fixed version.

Getting around

Savannah's historic district is particularly well suited to walking because of its regular street layout and frequent squares. River Street sits below the level of parts of the historic centre, so some routes involve steep steps or sloping streets. Local transport and visitor-oriented services can help reduce walking, but many central sights are close together.

Ride-hailing and taxis are useful for the airport, Bonaventure Cemetery and places beyond the historic district. A hire car is convenient for Tybee Island and other coastal excursions, though central parking may require planning. Savannah itself is manageable without a car if you stay near the historic centre and focus on city sights.

Good to know

• Savannah's summers are hot and humid, and shaded streets do not remove the need for water and sun protection.
• Mosquitoes can be bothersome in warmer months, particularly near water and green spaces.
• The Atlantic hurricane season can affect the Georgia coast. Follow weather forecasts and official travel guidance.
• Tipping is customary in American restaurants, bars and many service settings. Check for included service charges.
• Historic streets and riverfront approaches can have uneven surfaces, steps and limited accessibility.
• Savannah has a strong ghost-story tourism tradition, but historical claims and entertainment should not be treated as the same thing.