TranslateOverview
Savannah is Georgia's oldest city, founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe on a bluff above the Savannah River. Its unusually intact urban plan — built around a grid of 22 public squares shaded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss — has made it one of the most photographed cities in the American South.
The city's Historic District, a roughly 2.5-square-mile area, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains a dense concentration of Federal, Regency, and Victorian architecture. Unlike many Southern cities, Savannah was spared major destruction during the Civil War, preserving a streetscape that reads almost as a living museum.
Beyond its appearance, Savannah functions as a working port city — one of the busiest container ports in the United States — and is home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which infuses the city with galleries, design shops, and a younger creative population. The combination of deep history, culinary ambition, and walkable neighborhoods gives Savannah an appeal that extends well beyond nostalgia tourism.
Before You Go
Visas
Savannah is in the United States. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance, and verify your specific requirements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the official U.S. embassy or consulate in your country before booking.
Weather
Savannah has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F (32°C) and afternoon thunderstorms common. Winters are mild but can dip below freezing on occasion. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for walking the Historic District. Hurricane season runs June through November; tropical systems occasionally affect the area, so monitor forecasts if visiting in late summer or fall.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for travel to Savannah. Standard U.S. travel health advice applies. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in summer, particularly near marshes and waterways; bring repellent. Travel health insurance and understanding your coverage in the U.S. healthcare system is strongly recommended for international visitors, as medical costs can be high.
Practical Prep
- Comfortable, breathable clothing is essential in summer.
- The Historic District is very walkable, but summers can be exhausting on foot — plan outdoor activities for morning or evening.
- Savannah has an open-container law that allows drinking from plastic cups in designated areas of the Historic District; glass is not permitted on public streets.
Getting There
By Air
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is the primary gateway, located approximately 10 miles west of downtown. It handles nonstop flights from a number of major U.S. hubs including Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., Charlotte, and others. Check current routes and schedules directly with airlines, as service evolves. Taxis, rideshares, and car rentals are available at the airport; verify transport options and current fares locally.
By Car
Savannah sits at the intersection of I-95 (the main East Coast corridor) and I-16, which runs west to Macon and Atlanta. Driving is a common way to arrive, particularly for visitors from the Southeast. Parking in the Historic District is limited; the city operates several garages and metered street parking. Rates and availability should be verified locally.
By Train
Amtrak serves Savannah on its Palmetto and Silver Meteor routes, connecting the city to New York, Washington D.C., and Miami. The Amtrak station is located west of downtown. Verify current schedules and fares at amtrak.com.
By Bus
Greyhound and Flixbus serve Savannah with connections to Atlanta, Jacksonville, and other regional cities. Check current schedules and fares directly with operators.
Getting Around
On Foot
The Historic District is best explored on foot. The squares and major attractions — Forsyth Park, River Street, City Market, and most museums — are within reasonable walking distance of one another. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, though cobblestone streets near the riverfront can be uneven.
Bicycle
Savannah has a bike-share program; verify availability and pricing locally. The relatively flat terrain of the Historic District suits cycling, though traffic can be busy on major corridors.
Rideshare and Taxis
Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city and are a practical option for reaching neighborhoods outside the Historic District or for late-night travel.
Dot (Savannah's Public Transit)
Chatham Area Transit (CAT) operates local bus routes and a free downtown shuttle called the DOT (Downtown Savannah Transit). Routes and schedules should be confirmed at catchacat.org or locally, as service details change.
Trolleys and Tours
Multiple companies operate narrated trolley tours of the Historic District, which are a practical way to orient yourself on arrival and cover more ground. Old Town Trolley and Oglethorpe Trolley are among the established operators; verify current offerings and prices directly.
Where to Stay
Savannah's accommodation options range from large national chain hotels to small boutique inns and historic bed-and-breakfasts, many housed in restored antebellum townhouses. The Historic District is the most sought-after location for stays, putting guests within walking distance of the major squares, restaurants, and attractions.
Several of Savannah's most recognized properties occupy historic buildings — converted cotton warehouses, 19th-century mansions, and carriage houses — and the experience of staying in a period property is part of the appeal for many visitors. Rooms in these properties can be smaller than in modern hotels.
More affordable chain hotels are clustered near the airport, along Abercorn Street, and on the outskirts of town. The Savannah riverfront and City Market areas also have hotel options with convenient access to nightlife and dining. Book well in advance for St. Patrick's Day (mid-March), when the city hosts one of the largest celebrations in the country, and for major SCAD events. Verify current rates and availability on booking platforms or directly with properties.
Things to See & Do
The Squares
Savannah's 22 historic squares are the architectural heart of the city. Each has its own character, monuments, and surrounding buildings. Chippewa Square, Johnson Square, and Madison Square are among the most visited, but wandering between all of them is a rewarding way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Forsyth Park
The largest park in the Historic District, Forsyth Park is anchored by a well-known cast-iron fountain dating to the 1850s. The park hosts a Saturday farmers market and is a popular gathering space for locals and visitors alike.
River Street
The cobblestone waterfront strip along the Savannah River is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. The area has a lively, tourist-oriented atmosphere and offers views of large container ships navigating the river. The adjacent Factors Walk, a series of iron-bridged ramps and warehouses, reflects the city's cotton-trading past.
Museums
- Telfair Museums — A three-venue museum system comprising the Telfair Academy (one of the oldest art museums in the South), Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters (an important site for understanding the lives of enslaved people in antebellum Savannah), and Jepson Center for the Arts. Verify admission fees and hours at telfair.org.
- Savannah History Museum — Housed in a restored railway station, covering the city's history from colonial times onward.
- First African Baptist Church — One of the oldest African American congregations in North America, with documented history dating to 1773. Tours available; verify schedule locally.
- Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum — Dedicated to the civil rights history of Savannah and the broader African American community's role in that movement.
Bonaventure Cemetery
A Victorian-era cemetery on the eastern edge of the city, set among ancient live oaks. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the United States. Its fame was amplified by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1994). Open to the public; verify hours locally.
SCAD Galleries
The Savannah College of Art and Design maintains several free public galleries throughout the city, including the SCAD Museum of Art. These offer a contemporary counterpoint to the city's historic attractions.
Day Trips and Nature
Tybee Island (about 18 miles east) offers beaches, a historic lighthouse, and wildlife viewing. The Ogeechee River and surrounding coastal marshes provide kayaking and birdwatching opportunities.
Food & Drink
Savannah has a serious food culture rooted in Lowcountry and Southern traditions, increasingly supplemented by a broader range of restaurants serving everything from contemporary American to international cuisines.
Lowcountry and Southern Staples
Dishes to look for include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried chicken, collard greens, and biscuits. The city's proximity to the Georgia coast means fresh seafood — particularly shrimp and oysters — is a reliable menu feature. The Savannah area has its own culinary traditions that overlap with but differ subtly from broader Southern cooking.
Neighborhoods to Eat In
- Historic District and City Market — Dense concentration of restaurants, from casual to upscale.
- Starland District — A neighborhood south of Forsyth Park with a younger, more locally oriented dining scene including coffee shops, small restaurants, and food trucks.
- The Southside — More suburban, with a wider variety of everyday dining options frequented by locals.
Drinks
Savannah's open-container policy (plastic cups, designated areas) shapes its bar culture — to-go cocktails from bars along Congress Street and River Street are a local ritual. The craft beer scene has grown; several local breweries operate taprooms. Verify current hours and offerings locally.
Practical Notes
Popular restaurants can have significant waits on weekends and during peak season. Reservations are advisable for dinner at well-regarded spots. Tipping is standard practice in U.S. restaurants; 18–20% of the pre-tax bill is a typical baseline.
Shopping
Shopping in Savannah skews toward independent boutiques, antique dealers, art galleries, and locally made goods rather than major retail chains. The Historic District and Broughton Street (the main commercial corridor) are the primary shopping areas.
- Broughton Street hosts a mix of local boutiques, national brands, and specialty shops.
- City Market has a concentration of art galleries, gift shops, and craft vendors in a pedestrian-friendly setting.
- SCAD-affiliated shops and student pop-ups offer design-forward goods including fashion, illustration, and ceramics.
- Antique shops are scattered throughout the Historic District and in surrounding neighborhoods; Savannah has a well-regarded antiques market.
For everyday needs — groceries, pharmacies — you will find major chains on the outskirts of the Historic District and in the Southside area.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance.
Electricity
Standard U.S. outlets: 120V, 60Hz, Type A and B plugs. International visitors will likely need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for certain devices.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. U.S. cellular coverage (major carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) is strong throughout Savannah. International visitors should verify roaming costs with their carrier or consider a local SIM.
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice in the United States. Restaurant servers: 18–20% of pre-tax bill as a baseline. Hotel housekeeping, taxi drivers, and tour guides also customarily receive tips.
Accessibility
The Historic District's cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks can present challenges for wheelchair users and those with mobility limitations. Many major attractions have accessible entrances, but conditions vary; contact individual venues in advance to confirm.
Time Zone
Savannah observes Eastern Time (ET): UTC−5 in winter (EST), UTC−4 in summer (EDT) during Daylight Saving Time.
Safety
Savannah is a broadly safe destination for travelers, but like all cities of its size it has areas and situations that warrant awareness. The Historic District, Riverfront, and major tourist corridors are generally well-patrolled and heavily trafficked.
Exercise standard urban precautions: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and be cautious in less-trafficked areas after dark. Some neighborhoods adjacent to the Historic District have higher rates of property crime; local advice and current conditions are worth checking on arrival.
The summer heat in Savannah is a genuine physical concern. Heatstroke and dehydration are real risks during prolonged outdoor activity in July and August. Carry water, use sunscreen, and schedule midday breaks indoors.
Hurricane-related weather can bring flooding, particularly in low-lying areas near the river and marsh. Follow guidance from local authorities if a tropical system threatens during your visit.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Savannah occupies a complex cultural position, simultaneously a city proud of its built heritage and increasingly engaged with the more difficult aspects of that history — particularly slavery, which was central to the cotton economy that funded the architecture visitors come to admire. Sites like the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters and the First African Baptist Church offer important context. Visitors willing to engage with this fuller history will leave with a more complete understanding of the city.
The city's African American community has a deep and well-documented history here, from the colonial era through the civil rights movement. Savannah was the site of significant civil rights organizing in the early 1960s, led by figures including W.W. Law. The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum tells this story.
St. Patrick's Day is Savannah's largest annual event, drawing very large crowds and fundamentally changing the character of the Historic District for several days in mid-March. If you are not there for the festival, it is worth knowing what you are arriving into. The Savannah Music Festival (typically held in spring) and the SCAD Savannah Film Festival (autumn) are two other significant cultural events; verify dates and programming each year.
Locals are generally hospitable; Savannah has a strong tradition of informal sociability. A degree of courtesy and unhurried pace is culturally appropriate and will be reciprocated.
