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Overview
Savannah is one of the American South's most distinctive cities, laid out in 1733 as the first city of the colony of Georgia by James Oglethorpe. Its famous grid of 22 surviving public squares — shaded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss — gives the city an unhurried, almost theatrical quality that sets it apart from most US urban centers.
The city sits at the mouth of the Savannah River, which forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina. Its Historic District, one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the country, is compact and largely walkable, filled with Federal, Regency, and Victorian townhouses alongside independent restaurants, galleries, and bars.
Savannah is also a college town — the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) enrolls thousands of students and has meaningfully shaped the city's creative and culinary culture over the past four decades. Visitors arrive for history, architecture, food, ghost tours, and the relaxed pace that locals call the "Savannah Slow."
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Savannah is in the United States. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance, and verify current requirements with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or the official immigration authority of your home country well before travel.
Climate
Savannah has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, with temperatures frequently above 90°F (32°C) and afternoon thunderstorms common. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Winters are mild by national standards but can see occasional cold snaps. Hurricane season runs June through November; while direct hits are rare, tropical storms can bring heavy rain.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for summer visits
- A light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and shops
- Comfortable walking shoes — the historic district has uneven brick sidewalks
- Insect repellent for evening time near the squares and waterfront
- An umbrella or packable rain jacket any time of year
Getting There
By Air
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is located approximately 10 miles west of the Historic District and receives nonstop service from a range of US cities. Verify current routes and schedules with airlines or booking platforms, as service changes seasonally. Taxis, rideshares, and car rentals are available at the airport.
By Car
Savannah sits at the intersection of I-95 (the East Coast corridor) and I-16, making it easily accessible by road from Atlanta (roughly 4 hours), Charleston, SC (about 2 hours), and Jacksonville, FL (about 2 hours). Parking in the Historic District can be challenging; several public garages and metered lots are available, but verify locations and current rates locally.
By Train and Bus
Amtrak's Palmetto and Silver service routes stop at Savannah's station, connecting the city to New York and Miami on the East Coast corridor. Greyhound and Flixbus also serve Savannah. Confirm current schedules and fares directly with the operators.
Getting Around
On Foot
The Historic District is best explored on foot. Most major squares, landmarks, and restaurants are within a walkable area of roughly 2.5 square miles. Brick sidewalks can be uneven, so sturdy footwear matters.
Dot Bus and Shuttle
The City of Savannah operates a free dot (Department of Transportation) shuttle called the Free Dot that loops through the Historic District. Local buses also connect broader neighborhoods. Verify current routes and any service changes on the City of Savannah's official transportation pages or at local visitor centers.
Rideshare and Taxis
Uber and Lyft operate in Savannah. Traditional taxi service is also available, particularly at the airport and larger hotels.
Bicycles and Scooters
Bike rentals and dockless scooters are available from several local operators; availability and pricing change — check locally on arrival. The flat terrain of the Historic District makes cycling practical.
Pedicabs
Pedicabs (cycle rickshaws) operate in the Historic District, especially in the evenings, and can be a convenient way to cover a few blocks with luggage or after a long day of walking.
Things to See & Do
Historic Squares and Green Spaces
Savannah's 22 surviving squares are the city's most defining feature. Each has its own name, character, and surrounding architecture. Forsyth Park, anchored by its iconic 1858 fountain, is the city's largest green space and hosts regular markets, events, and picnickers.
Architecture and Historic Homes
Several historic house museums are open to the public, including the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters (one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in the US), the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (founder of Girl Scouts of the USA), and the Mercer Williams House, made widely known by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Hours and admission fees vary — verify before visiting.
Waterfront and River Street
The cobblestone River Street runs along the Savannah River and is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars housed in converted cotton warehouses. The nearby Factors Walk connects the riverfront to Bay Street via iron bridges and ramps.
Museums
The Savannah History Museum, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, and the SCAD Museum of Art are among the more substantive museum options. The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum documents the local civil rights movement.
Ghost Tours and Evening Entertainment
Savannah has a well-established ghost tour industry, with walking and hearse tours departing nightly. The city also allows open-container drinking in designated areas of the Historic District, which shapes its evening atmosphere. Live music venues, bars, and jazz clubs are concentrated in City Market and along Congress Street.
Day Trips
Tybee Island, about 18 miles east, is Savannah's closest beach and a popular half-day or full-day excursion.
Food & Drink
Savannah's food scene draws on deep Southern culinary traditions — shrimp and grits, fried chicken, collard greens, peach cobbler — while a younger generation of chefs influenced by SCAD's creative culture has introduced broader influences. The city punches above its weight for a metro of its size.
What to Eat
- Shrimp and grits: A Lowcountry staple found on menus across the city, made with locally sourced shrimp when in season
- Fried chicken and biscuits: A comfort food cornerstone in local diners and sit-down restaurants alike
- Boiled peanuts: A roadside and market snack unique to the Deep South
- Pecan pie and pralines: Available at candy shops and bakeries throughout the Historic District
- Seafood: The proximity to the Georgia coast means fresh oysters, blue crab, and fish feature prominently
Neighborhoods for Eating
Restaurants are concentrated in the Historic District, around the squares, and along Broughton Street (the main retail and dining corridor). The Thomas Square and Starland District neighborhoods have a growing cluster of independent restaurants and coffee shops popular with locals.
Drinking
Savannah has a notable cocktail bar scene, several craft beer establishments, and a handful of local distilleries. The city's open-container policy (within designated areas) means drinks are often carried between bars and venues — confirm current boundaries locally.
Shopping
Broughton Street is Savannah's primary retail corridor, with a mix of national brands, local boutiques, and bookshops. The City Market area has gift shops, galleries, and artisan stalls in a pedestrian-friendly setting.
SCAD's influence is visible in the number of independent art galleries and design-forward shops throughout the Historic District. The school operates its own shop selling student and alumni work. For antiques and vintage, several dealers are clustered around Bull Street and in neighborhoods just south of the Historic District.
The weekend Forsyth Farmers Market (verify current schedule) is a reliable source of local produce, honey, preserves, and small-batch food products made in the region.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice in the US. Restaurants: 18–20% of the pre-tax bill is customary. Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of tab. Hotel housekeeping: $2–5 per night is appreciated. Rideshare and taxi drivers: 15–20%.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants. US SIM cards and prepaid plans are available at major carriers' stores and some convenience retailers.
Accessibility
The Historic District's uneven brick sidewalks and some older buildings can present challenges for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The City of Savannah publishes accessibility information — verify specific sites before visiting. Many newer venues and museums have made accessibility improvements.
Tourist Information
The Savannah Visitor Center is located in a restored train station on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and is a practical first stop for maps, event listings, and tour bookings. Verify current hours before visiting.
Safety
Savannah's Historic District and River Street areas are heavily visited and generally considered safe during daylight hours and well into the evening. As in any city, situational awareness is advisable, particularly late at night or in less-trafficked areas away from the Historic District core.
The neighborhoods immediately surrounding the Historic District vary in character. If exploring beyond the central tourist area on foot at night, it is worth checking with your accommodation for current local advice.
Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist zones — keep bags secured and avoid leaving valuables visible in parked vehicles. The ghost tour crowds and open-container culture mean late evenings on River Street and City Market can be lively; exercise normal judgment in crowded bar settings.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Savannah's culture is shaped by its age, its role in American history, and its position in the Deep South. The city was a significant port in the antebellum cotton economy, and the history of slavery and its legacy are present throughout — at historic sites, in the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, and in ongoing community discussions. Visitors engaging with the city's history honestly will find it more meaningful than a surface-level architectural tour.
The Gullah Geechee culture — the traditions of African-descended communities along the Georgia and South Carolina coast — has roots in and around Savannah. Several cultural organizations and tours work to preserve and share this heritage.
SCAD has brought an international student population and a creative energy that coexists with the city's older, more traditional Southern character. St. Patrick's Day is Savannah's largest annual celebration, drawing very large crowds — plan accommodation and logistics well in advance if visiting in mid-March. The Savannah Music Festival and SCAD's Savannah Film Festival are among the more substantive annual cultural events.
