A complete, honest guide to Savannah, USA — where to go, what to eat, how to get around and the day trips worth your time. Spanish moss, antebellum mansions & the Deep South's most beau....
Savannah is a highlight of North America, and Savannah is the Deep South at its most atmospheric — moss-draped oak squares, antebellum mansions and Southern hospitality. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, this guide helps you plan a trip that balances the must-sees with the moments that make a place stick.
Top things to do in Savannah
These are the sights most first-time visitors build their trip around. Tap each one to add it to your shortlist — it saves as you browse.
Perfect 2–3 days in Savannah
A simple, unhurried plan you can shape around your own pace.
The essentials
Hit the headline sights first — Historic squares and Forsyth Park. Break for lunch and try shrimp and grits, then spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of Historic District.
Go deeper
Go beyond the highlights: see River Street and Bonaventure Cemetery, then explore River Street at a slower pace. Leave time to sit in a café, browse a market and eat where the locals do.
Beyond the city
With a third day, head out of town — Tybee Island (a relaxed beach and lighthouse) is the easy favourite, or swap in Charleston (another Southern beauty up the coast).
Ready to book? Turn your Savannah shortlist into reality
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and day trips for the sights you've saved — booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company). We may earn a commission.
Book Savannah experiences →Savannah on a budget — costs & money tips
Savannah is on the pricier side by global standards. Here’s roughly what to budget, per person per day, by travel style — these are indicative estimates to plan around, not fixed prices, and they exclude international flights. Use the currency selector near the top of the page to convert.
dorms/hostels, street food, public transport, mostly free sights
private room or 3★ hotel, a mix of cafes and restaurants, a few paid attractions
4★ hotel, restaurants, taxis when handy, tours and tickets
What things cost in Savannah
- Accommodation£35–£120 / night
- Food£20–£55 / day
- Local transport£6–£16 / day
- Typical attraction£12–£35 / entry
See how Savannah compares with 126 other cities →
Saving money in Savannah
- Stay slightly outside the centre near a fast transit line — nightly rates drop quickly a stop or two out.
- Free museum evenings/days and city passes can offset the high cost of paid attractions.
- Self-cater breakfast and lunch; this is where a comfortable budget is most easily trimmed.
Estimates assume mid-2020s prices and a typical exchange rate; high season, festivals and last-minute booking push costs toward the upper end.
Local intelligence — Savannah at a glance
A quick orientation for Savannah. Sunrise and sunset are live for today; connectivity and nomad-friendliness are Wander360 estimates to set expectations, not precise scores.
Staying safe in Savannah
Most visits are trouble-free. Use the same street sense you would in any busy city: keep an eye on belongings in crowds and on transport, use licensed taxis or a rideshare app, agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used, and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs or stations. For up-to-date, authoritative guidance always check your own government’s travel advisory (UK FCDO · US State Dept) before you travel.
For getting around Savannah specifically, see the Getting around section on this page.
Where to stay & neighbourhoods in Savannah
Savannah is really a collection of distinct districts, and where you base yourself shapes the whole trip. Here’s each main neighbourhood — what it’s like and who it suits:
Historic District
The squares and mansions.
River Street
Waterfront dining.
Starland District
Murals and indie cafés.
Once you’ve picked an area, you can book tours & tickets in Savannah further down the page.
Food & drink in Savannah
Lowcountry and Southern classics — shrimp and grits, fried chicken and pecan pie.
Build your Savannah food list — tap the dishes you want to try:
Getting around Savannah
The historic district is flat and very walkable; free shuttles help.
🚇 Public transport
Usually the fastest and cheapest way around Savannah. Grab a rechargeable travel card or use contactless where supported, and download the local transit app for live times.
🚶 On foot
The centre of Savannah is best explored on foot — it’s how you stumble on the small things. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a map app handy.
🚕 Taxis & rideshare
For late nights, luggage runs or awkward cross-town hops, ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper and clearer than flagging a cab. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
✈️ From the airport
Check the official airport transfer options before you land — there’s almost always a train or express bus into Savannah that beats a taxi on price.
Best time to visit Savannah
Spring (the azaleas) and autumn are loveliest; summers are hot and humid. Prices and crowds tend to follow the weather, so the shoulder seasons often give the best value.
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for visiting Savannah.
Day trips from Savannah
When you’re ready to venture beyond the city, these make for rewarding day trips:
- Tybee Island — a relaxed beach and lighthouse
- Charleston — another Southern beauty up the coast
Practical tips for Savannah
🧭 Where to base yourself
For a first visit, Historic District is a smart base — the squares and mansions. If that’s not your style, River Street works well too (waterfront dining).
🍽️ Eat like a local
Don’t leave Savannah without trying shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, fried chicken or pecan pie. Skip the obvious tourist spots and eat where you see locals queueing.
✨ Don’t miss
Make time for Historic squares and Forsyth Park. With a spare day, Tybee Island (a relaxed beach and lighthouse) is well worth the trip.
💰 Money & payments
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in Savannah, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Tell your bank you’re travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.
📶 Staying connected
A local eSIM or SIM is cheap and makes maps, transport and translation effortless across Savannah — set it up before you arrive or at the airport.
🛡️ Stay aware
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and on transport in Savannah, as you would in any busy city, and keep a digital copy of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Savannah?
Three to four days is enough for Savannah’s highlights — the main sights plus time to wander Historic District — with an extra day for a trip to Tybee Island if you can spare it.
What is the best time of year to visit Savannah?
Spring (the azaleas) and autumn are loveliest; summers are hot and humid.
What food is Savannah known for?
Lowcountry and Southern classics — shrimp and grits, fried chicken and pecan pie.
Where should I stay in Savannah?
Historic District is a great first-time base (the squares and mansions). River Street is another good option for waterfront dining.
What are the best day trips from Savannah?
Two rewarding day trips are Tybee Island (a relaxed beach and lighthouse) and Charleston (another Southern beauty up the coast).
How do you get around Savannah?
The historic district is flat and very walkable; free shuttles help.
