Savannah Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Savannah epitomizes southern charm. The oldest city in Georgia, Savannah is known for its well-preserved historic core that offers visitors a chance to take a trip back in time. A city of historic mansions, charming parks, and old-world charm, Savannah receives millions of visitors every year looking to explore a slice of the past. And although Savannah has plenty of more modern attractions too, it's the history here that draws in most visitors.

No visit to Savannah would be complete without taking a stroll around the pedestrian-friendly old town. But the city is also home to many fascinating museums, a lively central market, and an up-and-coming waterfront district. Once you see everything the city has to offer, you may find yourself planning your next trip before the first has even ended.

A weekend in Savannah

Savannah isn’t short on attractions. But a large part of what draws people to the city is a little harder to define. It’s the atmosphere you get from walking the cobblestone streets of the old town without any particular goal in mind. So in a short visit to Savannah, make sure you make time to take it easy.

• The historic district of Savannah is the city’s main tourist draw. Cobblestone streets surrounded by 19th-century houses are the perfect place to wander and are home to many restaurants and bars where you can treat yourself to some refreshments. Grab an outside table and listen to the sound of horse-drawn carriages on the streets. You'll feel as though you've left the twenty-first century far behind.
• Forsyth Park is part of the city's historic district, and the thirty acres of green space are the ideal place to get some fresh air. Don't miss the famous fountain for those classic Savannah photos. Drop off your heavy bags at a Savannah luggage storage shop to make your visit easier.
• See the opulence of the old world at the Owens-Thomas house. Built in 1819, this mansion covers an entire city block and is one of Savannah's best-known and best-preserved National Historic Landmarks. The house provides a glimpse back into the unique culture of the old South, with its mixture of luxurious apartments for the rich and slave quarters for the much less fortunate.

Savannah city lockers

With an open layout that dates back to the 1700s, Savannah is a very walkable city. In fact, at least in the historic core, this is the best way to get around. Make things easier on yourself by leaving heavy bags at a suitcase storage locker in Savannah so that you're not carrying more than you need to. The lighter you travel, the more fun you'll have.

Off the beaten path in Savannah

Thanks to its unique historic charm, Savannah gets plenty of visitors. And in the busy summer season, the historic old town can seem overrun. However, if you look a little deeper, you'll find hidden gems in this old town that provide a deeper understanding of the city.

• See a true relic of the antebellum South at Bonaventure Cemetery. Oak trees draped in Spanish moss and stunning graveside sculptures make this an incredibly atmospheric place to visit. Made famous by the novel 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil', the cemetery is a peaceful place to visit where you will be free of the tourist crowds.
• Shop and dine at the Paris market. Both antique store and café, this unique location is stocked with curiosities from around the world. Upstairs, the Parisian café is a great place for baked goods and hot drinks. Drop off your heavy bags at a Savannah suitcase storage before exploring the cramped aisles of this interesting store.
• Learn more about a turbulent period of American history at the American Prohibition Museum. The only museum in the country dedicated to prohibition, this museum uses painstaking reconstructions to explain the story of prohibition. There's even a speakeasy, accessed with a password, that will serve you authentic cocktails from the 1920s.

What to do alone in Savannah

Savannah is a great place to explore by yourself. With a wealth of museums, old houses, restaurants, and bars, you'll find plenty to do in this charming city. Plus, classic Southern hospitality means you'll always feel welcome whether you're alone or with a companion.

• Take a tour to mingle with other visitors. Savanna has a variety of different tours where you can learn more about the town. Take a trolley tour, an architectural tour, a ghost tour, or even a pub crawl. However you like to explore, there's a tour for you.
• Go shopping at the River Street market. Located along the banks of the Savannah River, you'll find unique clothing, art galleries, and curio shops with items you won't find anywhere else.
• Visit Savannah's beach at Tybee Island. In the hot Southern summer, it's the ideal place to refresh yourself by taking a swim in the river or enjoying a cold drink. Drop off your bags at a Savannah luggage locker and enjoy the weather.

The best souvenirs in Savannah

Savannah is blessed with plenty of unique stores that offer intriguing souvenirs. For instance, you could pick up some coffee beans or a branded mug at Savannah coffee roasters. They even sell dog treats. Alternatively, you can browse a staggering range of sweet treats at Savannah's Candy Kitchen and take home some of your favorites. Or you can visit Salt Table and pick up cooking related gifts. The store offers an impressive range of salt blends and is also known for their pink salt cooking slabs.