walking tour of savannah historic district

Savannah Walking Tours

Discover the hidden history of savannah.

April 4, 2024

Katherine E

Stan Feagler

Heather Wieler

Stay48590893624

Patricia Croutch

Historical deep dive walking tours in savannah.

Welcome to Noble Jones Tours, purveyors of highly accurate, in-depth, engrossing Savannah walking tours. Discover this Southern jewel of a city, from her founding, her trials and triumphs, to her grace, beauty, and mysteries within. Noble Jones Tours offers daily walking excursions led by licensed, professional guides who enthrall guests with intriguing historical accounts of Georgia’s First City.

Satisfy your craving for Savannah’s alluring past and present. Book your tour or combination of tours today and find out how the unending pursuit of truth through knowledge is a Noble Jones.

Explore Savannah with our knowledgeable local historians beside you. We're no ordinary tour company! Your tour guide lives, breathes, and loves our local history, and can't wait to share it with you, your partner, family, or group today! One of the best walking tours for all ages, you walk away from the experience feeling happy, enriched, and knowledgeable about our historic city and what it's best known for worldwide.

The Best Excursions and Experiences

Explore our activities

Savannah Saunter

Discover the essence of Savannah through the fabric of its distinctive history. A comprehensive journey through the lens of James Oglethorpe’s dream of a Utopian Society.

Civil War Tour

Antebellum Savannah to the aftermath of reconstruction, from the first secessionist rally to Sherman’s March to the Sea.

Savannah Architect Tour

A tour for true connoisseurs of Architecture. This tour is an examination of Savannah’s architecture from 1817-1923. Enjoy a smaller, more intimate group (we cap this tour at 10 guests) giving you the opportunity to ask your guide in-depth questions.

Savannah Stroll

Enjoy a stroll through Savannah's Historic District while with a more intimate group (we cap these tours at 10 people!)

Noble Stroll Private Couple Tour

Enjoy an exclusive Savannah Saunter customized to your interests. Whether your interests are focused on the American Revolution, the Civil War, architecture, or religion, we will have the right guide for you.

Noble Stroll Private Group Tour

Enjoy an exclusive Savannah Saunter customized to your interests. Whether your interests are focused on the American Revolution, the Civil War, architecture, religion, we will have the right guide for you.

Fully customized 2 – 4 hour tour for our most discerning guests. Choose your guide, start time, and departure point within the Historic District.

Why choose us?

Local Historians With An Appreciation For Beauty And Learning.

Savannah walking tours with Noble Jones Tours provide entertainment, education, and a unique perspective of American history. Historic Savannah, complete with its historic squares and streets lined with Spanish Moss provides the backdrop for our storytelling. When you book a walking tour with us, you're in for an adventure! We offer a variety of walking tours to meet your needs including a Civil War Walking Tour and Savannah Architect Tour as well as customizable private tours to meet your specific interests.

A walking tour company that focuses on historical sites and locations. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who could provide information on the history of the area and the significance of the sites.

A walking tour company that focuses on providing a relaxing experience. Tours would likely be in scenic areas with beautiful views. The pace would be leisurely and there would be ample opportunity to stop and take in the surroundings.

A walking tour company that focuses on providing an engaging experience. Tours would be interactive, with opportunities for participants to ask questions and learn more about the sites. Our guides are passionate about the subject and able to share their knowledge in an engaging way.

Savannah, Georgia

Known as the oldest city in Georgia, Savannah has a lot to offer you. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or staying for an extended period, there are numerous sights to see, things to experience, and places to explore. For example, there's Forsyth Park to visit and the city market to discover. Savannah walking tours take you down historic streets and tell the tales that accompany the city's history. Witness firsthand what it's like to be led by passionate, licensed tour guides with a love for Savannah's history.

Revamped in the 1970s and 1980s, Historic River Street is one stop you won't want to miss! Walking tours in Savannah GA allow you to shop for fine art, antiques, and trinkets to take home to family and friends. A Savannah walking tour gives your visit long-lasting knowledge and appeals no matter how brief your stay may be in the city.

Frequently asked questions

What is noble jones tours.

Noble Jones Tours is a company that provides historic walking tours of Savannah, Georgia.

What kind of tours do you offer?

We offer a variety of tours. General overviews of the history of Savannah, Civil War tours, Architecture Tours, private group tours, and more. Please give us a call or send us a message if you are looking for customized tours tailored to your interests.

How long are the tours?

Public tours are two hours long.

How much do the tours cost?

Prices vary depending on the tour. Civil War tours are $35 per person Architect's Tour is $50 a person

Do you offer private tours?

We offer private tours for groups of all sizes. Please call the office for more information.

What is the maximum group size for a tour?

The city of Savannah caps tours at 30 people max. We like to keep our groups smaller than that. We also offer listen to talk technology so that you can hear your guide up to 150 feet away.

Do the tours operate in inclement weather?

Yes, the tours operate rain or shine. However, in the case of severe weather, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.

How do I book a tour?

You can book a tour on our website or by phone at 912-660-6468

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time will receive a full refund. Please call the office directly if you need a refund.

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A Complete One-Day Itinerary for a Walking Tour of Savannah, Georgia

Experience the best sights of the Historic District in this walking tour of Savannah!

The historic district in Savannah, Georgia is easily explored with one full day in the city. We have visited this area in every season and love walking through the squares and past the harbor. What keeps us coming back to this area year after year are the oak tree-lined streets dripping in Spanish moss, delicious southern-style food offerings, and the slower pace of the city. 

Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and has its share of some of the darker parts of our country’s history. This is a great town for ghost stories, along with St. Augustine, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina . But this area that was once steeped in historical battles is now filled with parks, cobblestone streets, and wide open spaces. Follow along on our one day walking tour of Savannah!

Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Savannah's Historic District

Even though the entire historic district is only two square miles in size, this walking tour of Savannah covers about 3 ½ miles and takes a good portion of the day depending on stops. You will reach your step goal with this one day itinerary but don’t fret, there are plenty of places to stop, sit, sip, eat, and relax. Savannah is nicknamed the “Hostess City of the South”, and the picturesque historic downtown is easily walkable.  

If you don’t want to spend the day walking through Savannah, another great way to see the city is with the hop-on hop-off trolley . We have done these tours in St. Augustine and in Key West, and they are a great way to see the best sights if you have mobility issues, if you are traveling with children who can’t walk very far, or if you would prefer a guided tour. 

Start your walking tour at Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is a huge 30-acre green space serving as the ultimate gathering spot for both locals and visitors. Offering wide open fields, meandering paved pathways, tennis and basketball courts, fragrant gardens, and even an amphitheater , the park is surrounded by towering live oaks and marks the beginning of Savannah’s historic district. While strolling through the park we encountered musicians, artisans, and exercise enthusiasts running, walking, and even doing yoga in the park. 

Tip : There is a convenient parking garage called the Liberty Parking Deck located at 301 W. Liberty Street. This is the perfect starting and ending point to this walking tour of Savannah, right in the middle of all of the best sights.

The fountain at Forsyth Park is one of the most photographed places in Savannah. Installed in 1858 in the northern section of the park and modeled after fountains found in Paris, this is the famous fountain that is dyed green during the city’s over-the-top St. Paddy’s Day celebrations .

Unfortunately when we visited the fountain was under repair. But honestly, we saw so many other beautifully ornate fountains on our walking tour that we weren’t too bummed! 

We happened upon several “picnic pop-ups”, where the Savannah Picnic Company sets up an elaborate picnic based on the guests’ preference- all you have to do is show up. They offer services from the typical basket and blanket picnic to a romantic full-service luxury picnic for two. And if you are boating for the day, they can drop off all the provisions you will need for a day on the boat delivered right to your dock.

Enjoy brunch at Collins Quarter

One of the things we love about visiting Savannah is that it sits in the “low country”, where things start a little later and the pace is a little slower. Because of this most restaurants don’t open very early, and some close between lunch and dinner.

Enjoying a good brunch is a great way to start your day, filling up before beginning your walking tour of Savannah.  Collins Quarter is located under the gorgeous old oak trees in Forsyth Park. This is just one of many unique restaurants in Savannah serving up absolutely delicious food in a cool setting!

Start walking north to Madison Square

Way back in 1733, the founder of the colony of Georgia General Oglethorpe was designing the layout of Savannah. He wanted a city that was easy to navigate and gave locals places to enjoy outdoors, but still allowing areas for the military to practice. The idea was to create a grid pattern with squares made for public use. There were originally 24 town squares in Savannah, of which 22 still remain.

One of the most iconic and enjoyed parts of Savannah, these squares often house elaborate fountains, memorials, grassy areas, and lush gardens.  Madison Square is one such section of the historic district that is picturesque, showcasing large memorials from the Revolutionary War. 

If you are a lover of the paranormal, stop by the Sorrel-Weed House on your walking tour of Savannah. Sitting unassumingly on the corner of Madison Square is one of the most haunted houses in Savannah! One of the largest houses in Savannah, the Sorrel-Weed house is a common stop amongst Savannah ghost tours and has been featured on multiple ghost-hunter TV shows. 

Continue on to Lafayette Square

Designed to honor the Marquis de Lafayette (any Hamilton fans know this name), Lafayette Square is probably most famous for the buildings that surround it. The Andrew Low House is on the southwest corner of the square, built for the father of the founder of the Girl Scouts.

The Hamilton Turner Inn in the square is one of the finest Bed & Breakfasts in Savannah. And you absolutely can’t miss the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist neighboring the square. 

Stop at the The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral of St. John is absolutely stunning and is a must-see landmark while on a Savannah walking tour. The most impressive building in Savannah from an architecture standpoint, the cathedral was the first building in Georgia constructed of brick. Built in 1859 and it is complete with 81 stained glass windows, 16 gargoyles, and stands 214 feet tall. At certain times during the day you can walk into the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and check it out. 

If you fancy a drink, head to Peregrin

The Peregrin rooftop lounge is, by far, our favorite rooftop bar we have visited. The views of Savannah’s historic district are unparalleled. The Peregrin is located on the rooftop of the Perry Lane Hotel on Perry Street, follow Abercorn north a few blocks after the Cathedral. 

Browse the upcoming shows at the Savannah Theater

After soaking in the views at the Peregrin, walk the two blocks towards Chippewa Square and make a stop at the Historic Savannah Theater . Famous names such as Oscar Wilde and Edwin Boothe (John Wilkes’ older brother) have performed here.

Opened in 1818, the theater was remodeled to an Art Deco style after a fire in 1948. Today, shows such as Mamma Mia, Elf: The Musical, and Grease are performed here and create a night to remember!

Check out Chippewa Square

If you have seen the movie Forrest Gump, you might recognize Chippewa Square. This is the setting where a good portion of the movie was filmed, with Forrest sitting on that familiar bench waiting for his bus. Chippewa Square is located just past the theater in the center of the downtown historic district.

The bench became such a popular tourist attraction due to the film that crowds started to block traffic, and has since been moved to the Savannah History Museum. Replicas however are still seen at the popular Bubba Gump restaurants. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Grab a bite to eat

From Chippewa Square, it is time to head towards the waterfront. Don’t miss a stop by  The Olde Pink House which serves classic southern-style food in a mansion that was built in 1771. This is a very popular establishment and reservations are highly recommended. 

Note : The restaurants located on River Street can be crowded and overpriced. We recommend eating before heading to River Street, or right after at the City Market.

Cool off with ice cream at Leopold's

Leopold’s Ice Cream prides itself on being “A Savannah Tradition”. Our cousin lived in Savannah attending SCAD and said she and friends visited Leopold’s more times than she can count. There is almost always a line, including when we visited in winter and it was 45 degrees outside. The line goes quickly and the ice cream is most definitely worth the wait.

Continue walking north to the Historic River Street Waterfront

Time to burn off some of those deep-fried calories! No one said southern food was healthy, but it sure is good. The historic River Street in Savannah boasts more than 70 shops, art galleries, restaurants, pubs and hotels along the waterfront.

This is the perfect place to shop for kitschy souvenirs and old-time candies, and is a great place to stay in Savannah’s historic district. Known as the “main strip” in the city, this row of antique cotton warehouses and old brick buildings is now a thriving tourist attraction.

Begin your trip to River Street at the Waving Girl Statue in Morrell Park. The statue was built as a tribute to Florence Martus, a Savannah local who greeted ships from 1887 to 1931 entering Savannah by waving a cloth from her family’s lighthouse on Cockspur Island. Continue meandering along the cobblestone street alongside a working harbor, ducking in and out of shops as you please. 

Tip : Savannah has a law that allows open containers of alcohol to be consumed within the historic district, most notably while walking along River Street. You will notice bars offering “to-go” or “takeaway” drinks, and as long as your beverage is in a 16-ounce plastic container, you are good to go.

Head west to Savannah's City Market

The Savannah City Market is an open-air market that has been operating since the 1700’s. A large courtyard settled between two town squares, this section of the historic district houses bistros and cafes, bars and restaurants, art galleries and local shops. More often than not bands and musicians are playing in the center of the market. This is a great spot to hop on a trolley or horse-drawn carriage ride through town.

The City Market is the perfect place to sit for a while, listen to some music, and end your walking tour of Savannah. You’ve earned yourself a cold drink and some rest!

Note : If you parked in the Liberty Parking Deck, it is just a ten minute walk from the City Market back to your car.

How to Get to Savannah, Georgia

If you are flying to Savannah, the best airport to fly into is the Savannah/Hilton Head Island International Airport , conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Savannah’s historic downtown. Alternatively, the Jacksonville International Airport is two hours south of Savannah and serves more airlines. 

Savannah is also relatively close to some other major cities by car. It is a 3.5 hour drive from Atlanta, two hours from another one of our favorite southern stops: Charleston, South Carolina, and about four hours from Orlando.

Where to Stay in Savannah

We recommend staying right in the heart of the historic district. From here you can walk to almost everything we have listed, making finding a parking spot a non-issue. Here are some highly rated hotel options:

• Marriott Savannah Riverfront
• Homewood Suites Historic District/Riverfront
• DoubleTree Historic Savannah
• Hampton Inn & Suites Savannah Historic District

For the more adventurous who prefer staying in the outdoors, a great place for RV or tent campers is at the nearby Fort McAllister State Park . We found this park extremely clean and quiet, with amazing sunset views and wildlife in abundance. There were deer padding through our campsite every day! There is also a great spot to launch your kayak or canoe onto Redbird Creek, and boat docks that are perfect for fishing.

The Best Time to Visit Savannah

The best time to visit Savannah is in the spring and early summer , March through June. With little humidity and flowering trees, shrubs, and plants blooming throughout the abundant parks, this is when the city really shines.

However since Savannah has a sub-tropical climate, visitors can enjoy walking through the historic district year-round. The winter months bring cooler weather with highs in the low-to-mid 60’s. Summer can be pretty warm, but there are plenty of lakes and beaches to cool off in the area!

Tip : Avoid booking a trip to Savannah during St. Patrick’s Day weekend in March, unless you love crowds. The city is flooded with party-goers and parades for the holiday and you won’t get a true feel or vibe of Savannah. We will say though, if joining in on the luck of the Irish is on your bucket list, Savannah does it big!

If You Have More Time

This one day itinerary was designed for visitors to see the most beautiful and well-known spots in the historic district. If you have a weekend or longer in the city, be sure to continue exploring the activities and other landscapes that Savannah has to offer! 

Visit Tybee Island

Tybee Island (pronounced “Tie-bee”) is a barrier island off the coast of Georgia, just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. Over three miles of wide sandy beaches and calm coastal waters create the perfect setting for a beach day or a family vacation.

Fishing piers, marinas for launching boats, kayaks and paddleboards, bike paths, parks and picnic pavilions dot the island. Tybee Island is a great place to stay if you prefer the beach life!

Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse sits along the coastline of Tybee Island and is one of the few light stations where visitors can climb to the top. The Tybee Island Lighthouse dates back to 1773, with the surrounding area and grounds encompassing a history from much earlier when indigenous peoples and pirates roamed the island. Take the 178 steps to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and to watch massive cargo ships navigating the waters of the Savannah River. 

Peruse the artwork at the SCAD Museum of Art

The Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) is a private art school in Savannah, with classrooms set in over 70 different historic buildings throughout the town. The SCAD Museum of Art displays contemporary pieces of art from emerging and established international artists, set inside a brick structure from 1853.

Along with rotating art galleries and exhibits, the museum features a small theater for film screenings and lectures from visiting artists as well as a café.

Enjoy a Savannah sunset riverboat cruise

While a boat tour any time of day is always a good idea, a sunset cruise on a riverboat is something not to be missed. Let the Savannah River Queen or the Georgia Queen take you out on a two hour cruise while you enjoy views from the top of the rooftop deck. This cruise has a full bar and grill, and operates every evening from April to October.

Stop for a Quick Photo at the Gingerbread House

A short stop on your way into town, the Gingerbread House is one of the most famous homes in the historic district. Built in 1899 the house provides an excellent example of “Steamboat Gothic” architecture. Available as a short term luxury vacation rental as well as for elevated, intimate weddings, the house is located at 1921 Bull Street.

Note: There is a similar gingerbread house we have visited in Mount Dora, FL, also falling into the Steamboat Gothic category. 

Whether you have one day, a weekend, or more to spend in Savannah, this walking tour of the historic district is a great place to begin your travels. Be sure to sign up below so you can continue to follow along with our journeys, we love sharing these itineraries with you!

More great one-day city itineraries:

• The Best Things to Do with One Day in Asheville
• A Day in San Francisco
• The 10 Best Things to Do Outdoors in St. Augustine, Florida
• One Amazing Day in Key West
• Our Favorite Things to Do in Mount Dora, Florida

Happy Travels!

10 thoughts on “ A Complete One-Day Itinerary for a Walking Tour of Savannah, Georgia ”

I keep seeing some Savannah content lately, maybe it’s a sign to book a trip there? I’ve been meaning to visit for a long time, so will save your itinerary. Thanks for mentioning certain weekends to avoid, as I didn’t realise St. Paddy’s Day was so big in Savannah.

You definitely need to book a trip there! 🙂

I recognise a lot of places in Savannah thanks to Forrest Gump! I’d love to visit one day to enjoy the icecream! And visit all the beautiful old buildings.

I have heard really good things about Savannah. If I ever make it across the pond in the near future it is defo going on the list of places to see! Thanks a lot for your really helpful guide

Savannah is one of the top cities in the south of the States that I’d love to see with my own eyes one day. It must feel so unique to walk around the parks and the streets of Savannah, as well as to enjoy the sunset in the riverboat cruise

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The Savannah Walks specializes in providing walking tours of Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District to tourists or groups of any size and any age. We can create customized tours for Girl Scout troupes, visiting schools, businesses and traveling tour groups. read more…

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One Day in Savannah: A Walking Tour Itinerary

Only 90 minutes north of the Georgia-Florida state line, Savannah’s exit signs get little more than a passing glance. Sadly, millions of travelers ignore this charming colonial-American city as they rush-rush-rush down I-95.

Maybe it’s an American thing: We tend to focus on getting to our destinations and forget to take the time to savor the journey. But let’s be honest: Way too many of our deadlines are self-imposed.

Guilty as charged: When we visited Charlotte, North Carolina for an event, we planned to drive straight home after lunch the next day. (We always share the driving, so 9-hour drives are no big deal to us.)

And then we thought about it. What’s the rush? Would the world really end if we were to get home later than we’d originally planned?

How many times over the years had we said “We should visit Savannah” as we sped along the interstate? When, if not now? It’s such a historic city and there are so many things to do and see. Couldn’t we spare at least one day in Savannah? Or was it all talk?

Here’s what happened when we did.

Why visit Savannah, Georgia

If you exit from the speeding interstate, you’ll find that Savannah is the antithesis of rush. This colonial Grande Dame is a slow, Southern drawl of a city. Stately trees drip miles of lacy Spanish moss from their branches, creating shady, canopied streets and squares. everywhere you go.

The Savannah historic district is renowned for its beauty, peppered every few blocks with a lush miniature park that just begs visitors to “set a spell.” Indeed, no one, local or visitor, seems to hurry from place to place here.

Each of the city’s squares (22 to be exact) is different, named for a notable person, and surrounded with historic homes that are just as unique and just as enchanting as the next. Some of the squares may have fountains, others may have statues, but they all have benches.

Plenty of people accept the benches’ unspoken invitation every day, enjoying the cool shade and watching frolicking children as birds chirp overhead and horses clop-clop around the square. We were no exception, and you won’t be either.

This is a long read, but Savannah is worth it. I’ll be your virtual tour guide on this Savannah walking tour itinerary and show you why.

How to visit Savannah in a day

One of the best places to get accurate information about a city is at its tourist center. Along with plenty of brochures and tips, they have a map of the main attractions. It’s almost always free of charge.

Get one. If you plan on touring Savannah Georgia, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with a city map before you begin your walking tour.

The Savannah Visitor Center is easy to get to from the interstate. We arrived at 10:30 on a Sunday morning – later than we had planned – and left our car in the parking lot. Then we went inside to get our map and use the restroom before setting out.

ⓘ TIP:  Visit Savannah on a weekend for less traffic and free parking.

What’s the best way to tour Savannah Historic District?

Savannah’s entire historic district fits into an area of less than one square mile. And even though Savannah’s Historic District is small, you could easily spend two or three days there and not see it all.

We find that guided tours are the best way to learn about a new city and make the most of limited time. And if you have a special interest, you can use sites like Get Your Guide and Viator to book everything from food tours to Civil War tours, to comedy and ghost tours . And while walking tours are the most popular, other options include trolley, bicycle, segway, and horse-drawn carriage tours. And as you might expect, there are Riverboat Sightseeing Cruises as well.

Or, maybe you simply want to explore on foot and soak up the city’s ambiance. For us, a self-guided walking tour of Savannah made the most sense.

We got a lot of exercise, but our feet got tired and hurt by the end of the day. If you plan to walk, wear good shoes. And consider resting your feet for a while by riding around on the hop-on/hop-off trolley.

Don’t make our mistake (please!)

Looking back, the biggest mistake we made in trying to see Savannah in one day was in not having a tour book ahead of time. Reading up on the Savannah attractions beforehand would have made our time there so much easier.

• For one thing, we could have reviewed the Savannah historic district map and not had to backtrack as much as we did, and
• for another, it would have helped us avoid stopping all the time to read about what we were seeing.

We found a walking tour booklet at the Visitor Center gift shop and chose an itinerary that promised to take us through half of the Historic District in an hour and a half.

Ha! Not in our case! In reality, it took longer because Dan had his camera and Savannah is chock full of beautiful things to see and photograph.

ⓘ TIP:  By reader request, here is the Amazon link to the book we used for this walking tour. The author has done her research and created walking tours for a variety of interests. She shares a whole lot more information than any single article could ever include.

One day Savannah walking tour

As a city, Savannah is one-of-a-kind. It was laid out in 1733 by General Oglethorpe. His basic idea was to set up an easily expandable grid system: four open squares, each surrounded by four residential blocks and four civic blocks.

Anyone who walks through the historic district will agree that the original plan (now known as the Oglethorpe Plan ) was absolutely brilliant.

History oozes from every well-planned block of this city. Most of Savannah’s squares were named in honor or in memory of a person, persons or historical event, and many contain monuments, memorials, statues, plaques and other historical mementos. Read on and you’ll see what I mean.

ⓘ TIP:  When you tour Savannah GA, be aware that most historic sites and museums charge admission fees to cover costs of upkeep. Budget roughly $10 per ticket. If you want to visit a few of Savannah’s homes or museums, ask about combination tickets; they can offer considerable savings. Be warned, though: photography inside these buildings is sometimes not allowed.

Orleans Square

Only a few short blocks away was our first stop: Orleans Square. It was laid out in 1815 and commemorates General Andrew Jackson’s victory in the Battle of New Orleans that year. The fountain in the center of the square honors early German immigrants to Savannah.

With four two-story-tall Corinthian columns in front, the Harper Fowlkes House (aka Cincinnati House) is hard to miss. Its dramatic portico was copied from the Temple of the Winds in Athens, Greece, which I’d guess is why many people consider it to be one of Savannah’s most unusual homes. It is now open to the public.

Chippewa Square

Chippewa Square was named for the Battle of Chippewa in the War of 1812 . In the corner of the square is a monument to James Oglethorpe, who founded Georgia in 1735 with the following rules: No hard liquor. No Catholics. No slaves. No lawyers. We’re glad those first three didn’t stick, but it’s rather a shame that last one didn’t, ha-ha.

Anyway, this square is known for its nightlife and entertainment, partly because of the historic Savannah Theatre. The Savannah Theatre is one of the oldest continually-operating theaters in the United States and still produces shows nightly.

Nearby is the First Baptist Church, the oldest church building in Savannah, which welcomed troops from both sides of the conflict during and after the Civil War.

For some people, though, Chippewa Square’s biggest claim to fame is that this is where Forrest Gump sat while eating his box of chocolates and telling his life story to anyone who would listen.

Fun fact: They changed the traffic pattern during filming, in order to have the characters step off the bus right in front of the bench.

The bench was located on the north edge of Chippewa Square Park, at the corner of Hull and Bull Streets.

ⓘ TIP:  Sorry, guys, but there’s no bench there now; it was just a film prop. If you want to see it, you’ll find it in the Savannah History Museum.

From Chippewa Square, we walked down Bull Street past Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace. The house was one of the first house museums in Savannah. We didn’t stop in, but having been there before we can say that if you’re interested in historic homes, it is well worth your time.

Also, if you were a Girl Scout, you should also visit the Andrew Low House , which is where she later lived.

ⓘ BUDGET TIP:  There’s a Savannah Pass that includes admission to over 30 of the city’s top tours, attractions, and historic sites. You can make advance reservations, use interactive maps, and find detailed attraction information with the handy mobile pass and guide.

Wright Square

We quickly arrived at Wright Square, the square where the courthouse has always stood. A simple granite memorial stands in one corner as a tribute to Tomochichi, chief of the Yamacraw tribe, who became a good friend of General Oglethorpe and offered peace and cooperation with the settlers. This was his original grave site, but sadly, his bones were removed in order to erect a statue to William W. Gordon.

You can see the statue in the center of the square. Gordon brought immense wealth to Savannah by constructing a railroad which brought cotton into Savannah’s wharves from distant plantations. William Gordon was grandfather of Juliette Gordon Low.

Oglethorpe Square

Turning onto York Street, we found Owens-Thomas House at the next square . Our guide book said that architectural historians consider the building to be one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in America.

If you visit, you can also see the slave quarters in the carriage house, which contains items that were constructed and used by slaves. If you don’t, you can still peek through a gate to see the home’s beautiful garden.

Colonial Park Cemetery

Nearby is Colonial Park Cemetery. Used from 1733-1850, it’s now a peaceful city park.

The most famous person buried at Colonial Park Cemetery is Button Gwinnett. He signed the Declaration of Independence.

A stack of headstones is piled along one wall. When General Sherman’s troops camped there during the Civil War the soldiers decided that it would be entertaining to alter and move gravestones. Most of the stones were replaced after they left, but that pile contains the ones they could not relocate afterward.

My tour book said that some of the dates show that someone had died before he was born!

Columbia Square

The next square on York is called Columbia Square. There’s a fountain in the center, which came from a nearby plantation that was owned by the wealthiest man in Georgia colony.

Kehoe House is a Renaissance Revival mansion that was built in 1892 and looks out over the square. It was built for William Kehoe, his wife Anne, and their ten children.

Mr. Kehoe ran an iron foundry, so many parts of the house were made of iron when it was built. It was beautifully fixed up, and now it’s a high-end bed and breakfast.

Another remarkable house on the square is the Davenport House, which is open to visitors. It boasts some of the finest wrought iron in town.

Even if you don’t go inside, look for the dolphin downspouts on each corner. Also check out the third step on the front staircase: there’s a boot scraper placed below a heart!

Greene Square

Laid out a short time after the Revolutionary War, this square was named to honor General Nathanael Greene, who was second in command to George Washington. (Greene, along with his son, is actually buried in Johnson Square. Go figure.)

Greene Square was once the center of Savannah’s African-American community. On one of the adjacent lots is Second African Baptist Church. It was here that General Sherman read the Emancipation Proclamation and promised the newly freed slaves “40 acres and a mule.” A century later, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood here as well, and practiced his famous “I had a dream” speech before delivering it in Washington, D.C.

Washington Square

They named it Washington Square to commemorate a visit from America’s first president.

This is where the Trustees’ Garden was, where they tried out different crops that could make money for the new colony. Most of these attempts, like growing mulberry (for silkworms), hemp, olives, and indigo, failed, but the peach trees did well. Yes, that’s how those well-known Georgia peaches got their start.

By the way, as you walk around town, you might notice the “tabby” material used to pave the streets. Roads and buildings were often made of tabby. It is a useful mixture of oyster shells, lime, sand, and water.

Pirate’s House

Walk to the end of Houston Street and look across Broad Street. The weathered building, known as Pirate’s House was once an inn for visiting seamen.

Now a restaurant, it has a shady history because, according to legend, a tunnel ran from the cellar to the river. Patrons of the tavern were given strong drinks and when they passed out they were carried, unconscious, to ships waiting in the harbor. When they awoke, they would find themselves at sea on a strange ship bound for a port half a world away.

Pirate’s House was an inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson as he wrote Treasure Island. Indeed, Savannah is mentioned in the book more than once.

Seems to me, though, that if there really is a tunnel under the city, there would be a tour or something. Wouldn’t you think?

Warren Square

Warren Square was named for General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War patriot. He had been President of the Provincial Government of Massachusetts and was killed in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Several of the homes there were completely restored in the 1900s, but not all. A double house on the south side of the square was built in 1998.

We followed St. Julian Street to get there. This street has some of the oldest houses in the Historic District (from the 1700s). You can tell it because the architecture is completely different.

Reynolds Square

This square was named for Capt. John Reynolds, governor of Georgia in the mid-1750s. The bronze statue in the middle honors John Wesley, founder of Methodism. Wesley spent a few years in Savannah (1735–1738), during which time he founded the first Sunday school in America. He is shown preaching outdoors, just as he did when leading services for Native Americans.

Had it been open, Dan and I would have stopped for lunch at the Olde Pink House. Thanks to surviving a devastating city fire in 1796, it is Savannah’s only surviving 18 th century mansion. It earned its name because the soft native brick began to bleed through the white plastered walls, and the Habersham house turned Jamaican pink.

Despite being closed, they kindly let us take a look around and shoot endless photos of the atmospheric dining rooms. I must say, I was surprised at how affordable the prices are, considering the incredible ambiance. The chef created a very well-thought-out menu, and best of all, he or she is very willing to work with people who need to avoid things like sugar or gluten. Brilliant!

Johnson Square

Remember Greene Square, named after Nathanael Greene? This is where his and his son’s remains are buried. The obelisk in the center of the square is a memorial to the general.

Also on Johnson Square are two fountains, as well as a sundial dedicated to Colonel William Bull, the namesake of Savannah’s Bull Street. Bull surveyed Savannah’s original street grid.

Time to take a break from Savannah square-seeing. Instead, we ambled over to Bay Street, where the hundred-year-old City Hall stands, its pretty gilt dome glittering in the noonday sun.

It wasn’t City Hall that interested us, though. Our goal was a close-up look at the historic Washington Guns.

Washington Guns

Sitting peacefully under an unassuming canopy near City Hall are two relatively nondescript “guns” (cannons?) that are fondly referred to as “George and Martha.” Tour guides will tell you that they were captured from the British during the American Revolutionary War and that they were a gift to the Chatham Artillery from George Washington when he visited in 1791.

Cotton Exchange

After checking out the historic weapons, we continued past the Exchange Fire Bell. Once upon a time, this old-fashioned method was how they used to alert citizens of fire.

The bell got its name because of its location: It’s near the old Cotton Exchange. Once upon a time, the world’s daily price of cotton was set in this very building. The men who negotiated the rate were known as Cotton Factors. I’ll tell you about that in a moment.

The fountain in front boasts a really nice-looking griffin in the center. Griffins are mythical beasts that were said to guard ancient treasure.

Factors Walk

The Cotton Exchange is not far from my favorite part of Savannah, Factors Row and Factors Walk, both of which sit atop a bluff along the Savannah River. Factors Row is a unique collection of huge red brick buildings, two or three stories tall, that were used in the cotton trade back in the day.

The top floors once contained the cotton factors’ offices, while the lower floors were used as warehouses and faced the river. A series of iron and concrete walkways, known as Factors Walk, connected the buildings to the bluff.

Look down between Bay Street and the Factors Walk, and you’ll see a cobbled street and ramps leading down to the river. Their cobblestones were used as ballast when the empty ships sailed here from England. They were abandoned on the riverbanks as the ships were loaded with cotton.

These picturesque iron walkways aren’t just photogenic, they have an interesting history. The Cotton Factors would stand on these bridges and bid on the loads, as wagons full of cotton passed underneath.

These days, these historic buildings are occupied by pricey antique shops, historic inns, cafes, and exclusive offices.

Ellis Square

Rested and refreshed, we were ready to tackle the rest of the city. Ellis Square marks one end of an area known as City Market. This has been an area for public marketing since 1755. The beautiful market building once located here was demolished in the 1950s so that they could build a parking garage on the site.

After years of complaints about its ugliness, Savannah finally caved and demolished it. The space is now a public square ABOVE an underground parking garage. The new public square features a bronze statue of songwriter-lyricist Johnny Mercer (“Moon River,” “Days of Wine and Roses”), and fittingly, has open spaces for public concerts.

There’s also a small tourist office, which was staffed when we were there. In good weather, children romp and play in a spot where water spurts from the ground in patterns. The fountain was still running, as were the kids, when we were there on a warm mid-October day.

City Market

Tucked between Ellis and Franklin Squares, there’s a pedestrian shopping area known as City Market. A shopper’s paradise!

Expect live music, cute boutiques, quirky art galleries, tempting sweet shops, trendy bars, and mom and pop restaurants to vie for your attention.

ⓘ TIP: This is also a good place to arrange for a bicycle taxi or horse-drawn carriage tour.

Franklin Square

Franklin Square was named for Benjamin Franklin, who had died the year before. In the middle of the square is a statue honoring the many Haitian soldiers who fought for America’s independence in the Revolutionary War. That Haitians had defended the Colonies was a surprise to me.

First African Baptist Church overlooks the square. This still-vibrant church is the oldest African American congregation in the U.S. Much of the building’s features are original.

As a part of the “Underground Railroad,” members would hide slaves in the church before their flight north to freedom. They hid them on a finished sub-floor four feet beneath the lower auditorium floor.

The church has a museum and offers tours. Check their website for details.

By this time we had worked up a good thirst from all our walking and the waterfront along River Street began to beckon us. What could be better than to enjoy the breezes along the water and a bit of refreshment as we rested our feet and watch the boats tooling along on Savannah River?

Telfair Square

By the way, I have no idea how I managed it (I was in charge of the map) but somehow we completely missed seeing Telfair Square. I only realized my error after we got home. (Dang, it was right nearby!)

I’m very disappointed actually, because Telfair Square contains tributes to the Girl Scouts of the USA, founded here in Savannah by Juliette Gordon Low. I have fond memories of my times as a Girl Scout, from Brownie to Senior.

Telfair Square was one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in early Savannah and it is the only square honoring a family rather than an individual. One of the original mansions on the square was owned by Mary Telfair. She deeded it to the city in her will and it opened as Telfair Academy in 1886.

I hope her kids weren’t too upset when the lawyer read her will.

Heading to River Street

Always suckers for cobbled streets we walked back along Bay Street to Factor’s Row and descended to the lower level. Now we were at the lower levels of the cotton warehouses, below Factor’s Walk.

Here’s a Choose Your Own Adventure decision:

• head down the cobbled ramp to the middle of River Street or
• follow the narrow street to the end?

Option #2 was a great idea in theory, but we quickly realized we’d have to pay attention to where we stepped. Those cobbles aren’t smooth and it would be so easy to take a nasty tumble!

The waving girl

As we approached the end or the street, a trolley passed us heading down to the water. We followed its path to a park with a statue that has long been a Savannah landmark. The sculpture portrays a woman waving to passing ships.

The real life woman, Florence Martus, had once lived on nearby Elba Island with her parents and brother. When their parents passed away, she became the housekeeper and her brother took over the duties as lighthouse keeper.

From the age of 19 until her death, Florence waved to every ship entering or leaving the harbor. She became known as the “waving girl.”

Now felt like a good time to give our feet a break. Heaven: A bottle of cold water and a table overlooking the river.

The blazing sun couldn’t reach us as we sat under an umbrella, and a cooling breeze wafted from the river. We watched the passersby and marveled at the variety of trinkets for sale in a nearby shop.

Why buy all that stuff? It was probably all made in China, I thought, cynically. Same worthless dust collectors as every other touristy place, just with a different city’s name stamped on the t-shirts.

Okay, so I was partially wrong.

Sure, they had a lot of knick-knacks, but the market had just as many craft stalls staffed by local artisans. One woman had some gorgeous silver earrings I almost succumbed to but (unfortunately) didn’t.

Serves me right, I suppose.

River Street

With the variety of unique nightspots, elegant inns and hotels, quaint brew pubs, and fabulous restaurants, I would imagine that River Street glitters after dark. By day, it’s the century-old cotton warehouses that tempt visitors, with all their antique shops, jewelry boutiques and galleries.

Actually, there is something for everyone along the cobbled street, including those made-in-China souvenirs. And of course, there is food galore, from grilled fish to cappuccinos to ice cream to hand-made pecan pralines.

Tell you what, I’d have liked to visit the honey tasting room we passed beneath the Hyatt Hotel. If it hadn’t been for our diet….

Cruising the Savannah River

If the tang of the ocean in the air gets too tempting, you can board a boat for a Savannah River cruise. It’s a popular option, with everything from a daytime tour to a dinner cruise with live entertainment.

That would be a nice way to end a day in Savannah.

The other half of Savannah’s historic district

Sigh. Time to leave the river.

Here it was, mid-afternoon, and we’d only seen half of the historic district! We hadn’t seen Forsyth Park or the eight squares on the other side of Liberty Street … but we didn’t think we could manage a whole ‘nother walking tour.

Nope, our feet were loudly complaining that they had had enough. So we found a way to finish our tour the energy-efficient way.

How about a pedicab?

Always eager for new experiences, we hired a pedicab at City Market. As soon as we learned that he could charge for a set amount of time we asked him to give us a half-hour tour so we could see the few squares we had missed that morning.

I told him he could take any route he wanted, but please make it a point to go around Lafayette Square and pass the fountain in Forsyth Park.

ⓘ TIP:  It really pays to check multiple resources before you start a trip. Aside from the Visitor Center, advice from locals, blog posts, and YouTube videos, try clicking “Images” in Google’s search results. That’s how we discovered that gorgeous fountain.

Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square is a “don’t miss” spot because it has three notable buildings on it:

• Andrew Low House, built by Juliette Gordon Low’s father-in-law, was where she spent most of her life and the site of the first Girl Scout headquarters.
• Hamilton Turner Mansion, which was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s famous “Haunted Mansion” and
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which rivals the sky with its brilliant blue steeples. Its stained glass windows were made in Austria and its wood carvings of the stations of the cross came from Bavaria.

Temple Mickve Israel

We also wanted to see Temple Mickve Israel on our tour. The temple is remarkable for two reasons:

• It is the only purely Gothic revival synagogue in the United States
• It has the oldest Torah in the country
• The congregation received a perpetual charter from Governor Telfair in 1790, which makes it the third-oldest congregation in the U.S.

Had it not been a weekend, we’d have liked to visit the temple. We understand that the tour is very interesting. (Tours are available from Monday-Friday 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm.)

If you visit and have more than one day, consider spending a while in Forsyth Park, too. It fills the space that two of Savannah’s squares should occupy. We rode past its dramatic fountain but unfortunately, Dan’s photos didn’t come out.

Before we knew it, our half-hour ride was over and we were back at the Visitor Center. Time to get out and cross the street to our car.

Bonaventure Cemetery

On the way out of town, we stopped by Bonaventure Cemetery. Three locals had recommended it so highly that we wanted to see why.

Once we got there, we understood.

We drove through its gates at 5 pm with the late afternoon sun slanting through the branches and Spanish moss overhead. Here and there the rays cast golden light onto grave markers, birds chirped and shadows grew long. It was quite peaceful, and not just because there were only two or three cars in the entire place.

All we knew when we entered its gates was that there’s a scenic bluff that overlooks the Wilmington River. We didn’t know who the famous people buried at Bonaventure Cemetery were … and we didn’t care to look for their resting places anyway. We just drove around as the mood took us, which was super fun. Besides, we didn’t have a map, haha.

It wasn’t long before we arrived at the bluff, where we found a convenient spot to park. We climbed out and found some dramatic grave markers nearby. It would have served us right if we were locked in overnight. After all, we had entered at closing time and the cemetery hours were clearly posted on the gate. Still, a little time is better than none at all; it was certainly worth just the few minutes we were able to spend there.

Most of our “one day” experiences include dinner and evening activities, but this time we had to cut our visit short. Time to head home to Florida. A shame that we had to, because Savannah is full of inviting places to enjoy an evening meal.

There are so many things to do in Savannah that one day is not enough.

Save this Savannah walking tour for later

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Where to stay in Savannah

The best historic hotels in Savannah include:

• The Suites at Bay offers four quaint apartment-style homes on the riverfront. Located in the Oglethorpe Lodge Building, a historic landmark dating from 1822.
• Kehoe House faces Columbia Square. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, each of its 13 guest rooms is appointed with elegant furnishings and antiques. Guests must be over 21 years old to stay there.
• Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District is a good option if you’re not into historic hotels. It’s conveniently located on Bay Street near Reynolds and Johnson Square, River Street Market Place Shopping Center and Owens-Thomas Museum.

Where to eat in Savannah

Welcome to the coastal South, where you can expect to find shellfish and pork on nearly every menu. Actually, some places don’t offer much else. If you’re not a fan, this is one place where it pays to inspect the menu beforehand.

Besides The Olde Pink House and the Pirate House (which we’ve already mentioned), two other well-known places to eat are:

• Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room (107 W. Jones St.) began as a boardinghouse in 1943 and now serves its food family style. Eating here means lining up outside, then sharing a table-for-ten with other hungry visitors. It may be hit-or-miss as to whether you’ll like what’s being served. Just like at home, they bring out the food in big dishes and soon your table will be crowded with traditional Southern specialties like fried chicken, meat loaf, cornbread dressing, sweet potato souffle, black-eyed peas, okra gumbo, corn muffins and biscuits.
• On the other end of the spectrum, The Lady and Sons (102 W. Congress St.) has no lines because it requires reservations. Savannah natives Paula Deen — celebrity chef from the Food Network — and her two sons offer a buffet of Southern dishes as well as a varied menu for those who’d prefer to eat something healthier. (If you have an allergy, be aware that they cook with peanut oil.)

For a fast and budget-friendly option, try Five Guys Burgers (on Bay Street near Ellis Square). Their burgers and hot dogs (Hebrew National brand) are prepared to order, and you can even get them served without a bun. Beware if you’re counting calories, though: One order of their fresh-cut French fries is more than enough for two people!

ⓘ TIP: If you want to try a variety of authentic Southern cuisine, book a culinary tour of Savannah. You’ll hear fun stories from Savannah’s past and visit some of the best foodie spots in the historic district. This tour sells out fast.

Savannah Southern Flavors Food, Pub Crawl, and History Combo Walking Tour

Plan your Savannah visit

For more photos of this beautiful city, see our Savannah photo gallery.

This walking tour was based on the book, A Self-Guided Tour of Savannah by Maryann Jurkofsky.

You can find advertised tours in travel brochures and magazines. They are available at Georgia Welcome Centers, many highway rest stops and Savannah Visitor Center. Some are discount coupons. If the one you want is booked, some ticket agents will honor competitors’ coupons.

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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24 thoughts on “one day in savannah: a walking tour itinerary”.

Thanks for this! I was really looking for places to visit at Savannah Georgia! Aside from our usual Downtown stroll, I think a beach trip to Tybee Island will be fantastic as well! Thanks for sharing!

So beautiful! I fell in love with Savannah the moment I stepped foot into that incredible city! Such an amazing town for foodies too, was fortunate to try so many amazing Savannah restaurants we found on https://www.visitsavannah.com/food-drink during our trip last Feb.

Visit Savannah has a lot of good information. And you’re spot on, it’s an amazing town for foodies! Do any of the restaurants in Savannah stand out in your memory?

Thank goodness Catholics are “allowed” now. Only mildly offensive writing there 😏

Yeah, and thank goodness hard liquor is allowed, too. 😉 I’ve reworded it; don’t want anyone to misunderstand what I was trying to say.

Still incredibly offensive writing there – you might want to check that, unless you mean to say you’re glad they finally allowed slaves

“…James Oglethorpe, who founded Georgia in 1735 with the following rules: No hard liquor. No Catholics. No slaves. No lawyers. We’re glad those first three didn’t stick, but it’s rather a shame that last one didn’t, ha-ha.” Wtf.

In case you’ve forgotten your history, slavery wasn’t abolished until 130 years later. Oglethorpe wouldn’t let slaves in town. Savannah didn’t let that stick. That’s a good thing.

If you want to read it another way, it’s only because you’re looking for a reason to be offended.

We have driven past that Savannah exit sign multiple times and said the same thing, “we should go there someday”. After reading your post I really need to make it happen. The architecture is so beautiful and it looks like such a fun place to go exploring.

We hope you do, Adree. You can see a lot, even in just 3-4 hours. Besides, all it takes is turning the steering wheel toward the exit.

Where is a good place to stay, we want to see 22sq, historicdistricts, riverwalk. We don’t like B&B and we are Wyndham hotel members, just thought I would ask. Our first time to Savannah thanks

DeAnna, we’d love to help but we don’t know of any Wyndham properties in Savannah’s historic district, just the ones along the highway. We suggest calling their 1-800 number and ask if they have any new hotels in the historic area. If they don’t have a property that fits your needs, you can check Booking.com and read the reviews. We’ve had good luck with that site – we use it a lot.

Do you remember the book you used… also how long would you allocate … i know it said an hour and half, but based on your experience would you allocate more?

Thanks for asking about the book, Lauralee. It was just the incentive I needed to seek it out and insert it into the story. I was happy to find it on Amazon…at the same price we had paid at the Visitor Center. We think it would be pushing it to expect to see everything in an hour and a half. I’d allocate at least 3-4 hours at a minimum, not counting break times for shop browsing, eating and resting your feet while people-watching. And of course, an hour or two of extra time if you decide to check out Savannah’s historical cemeteries; they’re quite beautiful and not at all depressing.

What a great review and guide! Thank you for taking the time to do such a thorough and interesting job on this!

Glad you enjoyed it, Jocelyn. Have you been to Savannah yet?

awesome pics of savannah it’s looking dream city

Regards shahid

Thank you. We agree: Savannah is beautiful. I don’t know of any other city quite like it. I hope you will be able to see it yourself some day, Shahid.

I haven’t been to Savannah in YEARS, but somehow it is still one of my favorite places. So much history, Spanish moss on all of those trees and so close to the ocean. You’ve inspired me to consider making a day trip myself. We actually might have a chance to even move there! 🙂

Move there? That would be totally amazing! Have you also visited Charleston and St. Augustine? Those are fascinating too!

I really enjoy Savannah, I opted for the walking tour. There is so much history and southern charm everywhere! Thank you for the wonderful article 🙂

We are also guilty of bypassing Savannah on our road trip in January. From your description though it sounds similar to Charleston, which we really enjoyed, but due to the polar vortex we froze and cut our visit a day short. Now that we’re based on the east coast, maybe we’ll get down south again and we’ll make a point of visiting Savannah. Have you read the book, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil?” It’s set in Savannah, a good read!

The statue on the cover of that book was a marker in Bonaventure Cemetery … I’ll cover our visit in Part 2 on Monday. Sadly, it’s been moved to a museum, so Dan wasn’t able to create his own dramatic shot of it while we were there.

Savannah looks like a charming town! Perfect place for strolling aimlessly and clicking pictures. 🙂

You’re very right. It’s the perfect place for wandering if you’re a photographer. Dan had a blast.

Comments are closed.

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Explore downtown Savannah from our newly renovated Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District hotel, situated one block from River Street, City Market and Broughton Street. This hotel is within easy access of the city’s vibrant night life, shopping, dining and entertainment.

River Street Inn – A Historic Riverfront Hotel

Riverfront Hospitality! The River Street Inn – A Historic Riverfront Hotel on Savannah’s Riverfront offers leisure and business travelers a preserved taste of yesterday.

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Walking Tour of Savannahs Historic District

Step into the rich tapestry of Savannah’s past as you stroll through its historic district on a guided walking tour. Discover the secrets hidden within the cobblestone streets and moss-draped oaks, where each corner holds a story waiting to be unveiled.

As the tour meanders through the heart of the city, you will be transported back in time, surrounded by the whispers of bygone eras and the echoes of a vibrant history.

Join this journey to unravel the mysteries and charm of Savannah’s captivating past, a tale that unfolds with each step taken.

• Immerse in Savannah’s historic district through a guided walking tour.
• Explore intricate Victorian and neoclassical architecture.
• Enjoy local cuisine and Southern dishes along the way.
• Benefit from a worry-free experience with hotel pickup, insightful commentary , and included gratuities .

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
• Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Savannah
• Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour
• Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

Tour Highlights

Discover the captivating charm of Savannah’s historic district through a guided walking tour that showcases its most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. The tour offers a unique opportunity for architecture appreciation , allowing visitors to marvel at the intricate details of the historic buildings that line the streets.

From the elegant designs of the Victorian homes to the grandeur of the neoclassical facades, every corner reveals a story of the city’s rich architectural heritage. On top of that, the tour also provides a chance for weather exploration , as participants can experience firsthand the subtropical climate of Savannah, with its warm breezes and occasional showers adding to the ambiance of the stroll through this charming district.

Inclusions and Logistics

As visitors explore the details of the walking tour’s inclusions and logistics, they’ll find a comprehensive package that ensures a seamless and enriching experience exploring Savannah’s historic district.

Key Inclusions and Logistics:

Professional Guidance: Benefit from a licensed and professional tour guide who’ll provide insightful commentary throughout the tour.

All-Inclusive: Enjoy the convenience of having all taxes, fees , and handling charges covered, as well as included gratuities .

Convenient Transportation: Take advantage of hotel pickup and drop-off services, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

These inclusions coverage and logistics coordination contribute to a worry-free and informative exploration of Savannah’s historic district.

Meeting Point and End Point

The designated meeting point for the walking tour of Savannah’s historic district is The Olde Pink House, where you will gather before embarking on their exploration. This iconic landmark not only serves as the starting point for the tour but also offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architectural beauty.

As the tour progresses, you will have the opportunity to visit sightseeing landmarks such as City Market, Broughton Street , and finally , the picturesque Forsyth Park Fountain, which marks the end point of the journey. Along the way, participants can enjoy the local cuisine, with options to stop and savor delicious Southern dishes that Savannah is renowned for.

The tour promises to be a delightful mix of history, culture , and gastronomic delights.

Cancellation Policy Details

Moving on from the meeting point and end point details, participants of the walking tour in Savannah’s historic district should be aware of the cancellation policy specifics.

Cancellation Policy Highlights:

• Refund Process: Full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Strict Guidelines: Changes within 24 hours not accepted for cancellations.
• Customer Satisfaction : Cut-off times based on local time to ensure smooth operations.

Understanding these key points is crucial for anyone planning to join the tour. The policy aims to balance the needs of the participants with the operational requirements of the tour.

Reviews and Feedback Analysis

Delving into the feedback provided by Viator travelers, insights into the walking tour of Savannah’s historic district offer valuable perspectives on the experience. The analysis summary of customer satisfaction is derived from 25 reviews, resulting in an impressive 4.5 overall rating. The reviews range from 5-star to 1-star ratings, showcasing a diverse range of opinions. Customers appreciate the knowledgeable and professional tour guide, included gratuities, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. The engaging stops at City Market, Broughton Street , and Forsyth Park Fountain are highlighted as tour highlights. Plus, responses from the tour host indicate a commitment to addressing and resolving customer concerns promptly.

Additional Information Provided

Exploring the additional information available enhances the understanding and preparation for the walking tour of Savannah’s historic district. Visitors can benefit from the following resources:

Viator Help Center : Access a wealth of information and FAQs to address any queries or concerns before embarking on the tour.

Tour Host Responses : Gain insight into the expertise and guidance provided by the tour host through their responses to traveler inquiries.

Product Code: 13856P4 : Use this code to easily identify and book the specific walking tour of Savannah’s historic district on Viator’s platform.

These resources, including the Viator Help Center and insights from tour hosts, can contribute significantly to a seamless and enjoyable tour experience.

Traveler Photos and Questions

As visitors navigate through the additional resources available, a peek into traveler photos and questions can provide valuable insights and perspectives for the upcoming walking tour of Savannah’s historic district. Traveler experiences captured through photos offer a real-life glimpse of the attractions and ambiance awaiting explorers. Plus, questions posed by fellow travelers can spark curiosity and highlight key points to consider when planning the itinerary. Whether seeking hidden gems, must-see spots , or local favorites , these shared insights can enhance the overall tour experience. Below is a table showcasing a sample of traveler photos and questions to inspire and guide future participants:

Pricing and Terms & Conditions

The pricing for the walking tour of Savannah’s Historic District starts from $35.00, with detailed Terms & Conditions provided by Viator

Pricing Details:

• Starting from $35.00 per person.
• All taxes, fees , and handling charges covered.
• Gratuities included in the tour price.

Viator’s refund policy states a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, with no changes accepted within 24 hours of the tour. It’s essential to adhere to the cut-off times based on local time to avoid any inconvenience.

For more information on pricing details and the complete set of Terms & Conditions, visitors can refer to Viator’s official website.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour
• Southern Flavors Food, Pub Crawl, and History Walking Tour
• 60-Minute Guided Segway History Tour of Savannah
• Bonaventure Cemetery Tours
• Narrated Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour
• Sixth Sense Savannah Ghost Tour

Common questions

Can i bring my pet on the walking tour.

Yes, guests can bring their pets on the walking tour. Savannah offers pet-friendly accommodations and animal-friendly cafes for convenience. Visitors can enjoy exploring the historic district with their furry companions while experiencing the city’s charm.

Are There Restrooms Available Along the Tour Route?

Restroom locations are available at convenient spots during the tour. Tour rest stops include designated places with clean facilities. Participants can enjoy the tour without worrying about restroom access, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Is There a Specific Dress Code for the Tour?

In considering the tour, it’s essential to dress comfortably due to weather variations in Savannah. Opt for casual, breathable attire and sturdy shoes for walking. Be prepared for the elements to fully enjoy the tour.

Are There Any Recommended Places to Eat or Drink During the Tour?

When exploring Savannah, visitors can savor local cuisine at eateries like The Grey or Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room. Specialty cocktails are a must-try at AlleyCat Lounge or Top Deck. These culinary delights add flavor to a historic tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Senior discounts and student discounts are available for this tour. Group rates and military discounts may also be offered. It’s recommended to check with the tour provider for specific pricing details and eligibility criteria.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Savannah Riverboat: Sunday Brunch Sightseeing Cruise
• Savannah: Historic District Guided Bike Tour
• Savannah Scooter and Trike Rental With Helmet
• Savannah Scavenger Hunt Adventure
• Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery After-Hours Tour
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• 2 Hours Dolphin Eco Tour
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Discover the beauty and history of Savannah’s historic district on a guided walking tour that promises an unforgettable experience.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, travelers can enjoy the city’s charm, from iconic landmarks to picturesque parks.

Take in the sights, learn about Savannah’s rich heritage, and create lasting memories on this captivating journey through one of the South’s most beloved cities.

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Wealth of Geeks

The Best Things To Do in Savannah, GA

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Last updated: February 20, 2024

Stepping into Savannah is like walking through the pages of history. It is touted as America’s first planned city, masterminded by General James Oglethorpe in 1733. It sets the stage for an enchanting vacation filled with public squares, a mix of historic buildings of different bygone eras, manicured parks, and horse-drawn carriages. It’s where every cobblestone whispers stories of the past, making it not just Georgia’s oldest city but also one of the most alluring destinations in the South. If you’re looking for things to do in Savannah, you have plenty of options.

Take a Historic District Tour

The best way to get a feel for the city is to book a walking tour of the Historic District. This area is known for its beautiful 18th and 19th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, and lush squares. Savannah holds one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the US. Most often, your guide will be a resident and knowledgeable about the area, being able to share stories about past residents and historical events. Guides can also recommend places to eat and what to see next.

If you’d rather have a more leisurely pace, try one of the trolley tours, which offer hop-on and hop-off service, and the driver acts as your tour guide.  Expect to pay around $30 per person for each of these tours.

Try Some Southern Cooking

Savannah is home to plenty of international cuisines and local favorites. However, if you are here for the Southern cooking, you’re in for a treat. Must-tries are local shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, fried chicken and waffles, and Savannah Red Rice. If you want to combine history, beer, and food in one location, check out The Crystal Beer Parlour. It has locally brewed beer, tasty Southern and American treats, and a restaurant operating since the early 1930s. 

For homestyle Southern cooking and hospitality, try Mrs Wilkes Dining Room . This eatery features large tables where guests can make new friends while dining with strangers. This is great for solo travelers who may feel awkward dining alone. The menu changes daily, but you can expect staples like fried chicken, okra and tomatoes, butter beans, and collard greens. 

Visit Mercer Williams House Museum and Monterey Square

Savannah has numerous beautiful squares, but this one stands out for a few unique reasons. Notably, it served as a backdrop in the 1997 film  Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , starring Kevin Spacey and John Cusack, an adaptation of John Berendt’s novel. Encircling the monument dedicated to Casimir Pulaski, the square features meticulously maintained gardens and serene oak trees adorned with Spanish moss. Additionally, the surrounding structures are among Savannah’s oldest, dating back to the 1800s, adding a historical charm to the area.

Mercer House, built in 1868, is now heavily associated with Berendt’s work. However, the strange stories surrounding the historic home are not fictional. This location has witnessed at least three premature deaths. These include the tragic incident in 1969 when 11-year-old Tommy Downs fell from the roof, the 1981 incident where Jim Williams—the current owner at the time—allegedly shot Danny Hansford, his employee, and the death of Williams himself of pneumonia and heart failure, a year after he was acquitted of the crime. Visitors can tour the house, and it’s the subject of many ghost tours in the area.

Walk Through Bonaventure Cemetery

When it comes to Gothic Southern beauty and charm, the Bonaventure Cemetery is the epitome of the aesthetic. Its captivating beauty and elaborate tombstones provide a glimpse into the historical heart of Savannah. Located three miles from the Savannah, it’s well worth the trip. Admission is free. 

The  Bonaventure Historical Society  offers free tours on the second Saturday of the month. You can also use the mobile app to tour by yourself. There is also a daily paid guided  tour  by an experienced guide where you can learn about the history of the 170-year-old cemetery and listen to associated haunted tales. It runs at 10 am and 2 pm daily and costs $30.

See Forsyth Park

For nature lovers, Forsyth Park is one of the top things to do in Savannah. This large city park covers 30 acres. It is famous for its winding walking paths, shady spots perfect for picnics beneath the majestic oaks, and the iconic fountain built in 1858. The fountain is meant to imitate the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. You’ll also find two children’s playgrounds and a fragrant garden created for blind people.

Try One of Its Water Tours

Summer in the south can be swelteringly hot, so one of the best ways to do things in Savannah is via the water. You have several choices. Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers two historic paddle steamers with various tour options, including traditional Southern fare at their brunch or dinner cruises, plus Gospel and sunset cruises. For a more modern option, Savannah Harbor Cruises offers a Dolphin Eco Tour and a Port Tour.

Walk Down River Street

Over a century ago, you would have seen cotton warehouses forming the vista of River Street. Today, these buildings have been converted into a fun mix of boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, breweries, and restaurants, creating a vibrant hub for locals and visitors.

Sitting in one of the eateries here, you can look out over the river on the warm summer nights and marvel at the paddle steamers or people-watch with a glass of cool iced tea.

Visit Savannah City Market

City Market spans four blocks and comprises nineteen refurbished warehouses. It is a unique center for social and commercial interactions in the core of Savannah’s Historic District. It embodies the Savannah experience, serving as downtown’s vibrant and historic hub, where commerce, creativity, and community converge.

Attend Some Ghost Tours

Like New Orleans , Savannah is one of the top haunted cities in the US. You can expect to hear the history and stories of the inhabitants who once lived here. You’ll find ghost tours in just about every city and town the world over, but in places steeped in history like Savannah, you can expect a lot of options. Therefore, it depends on what sort of tour you prefer.

Walking tours offer a more personal approach, but if you’re not a fan of walking or are limited on time, there’s the Haunted Hearse Tour and Haunted Trolley tours. The pros of the latter are that your group size is limited and you don’t have to crowd on pavements to hear someone speak. Some of the walking tours allow very large groups and will hand out earphones for you to listen to the guide. If you’d rather have a more personalized experience, try Travel Curious or Savannah Tours and Tales .

Check Out Savannah Theatre and Lucas Theatre

The Savannah Theatre dates to 1818 and lays claim to some famous performers, including Oscar Wilde and W. C. Fields.  In the ’50s, it was turned into a movie theater. Today, it still operates as a working theatre with stage productions such as Jersey Boys and Fiddler on the Roof.  Recently, it was featured on The Travel Channel’s paranormal show compliments of the ghostly activity in the building.  

The Lucas Theatre was built as a movie house in the 1920s. The exterior of the building is Spanish Baroque Revival, while the interior is a combination of Art Deco and Greek Revival. It was one of the first public buildings in the US to have air conditioning in 1926 — something that is very welcome in Savannah summers. In the ’70s, it was set to be demolished, but it was finally saved and restored in the ’80s by the newly formed Lucas Theatre for the Arts. Today, it is home to movies and many live performances. 

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