Overview
About Savannah
Savannah, often called “the Hostess City of the South,” is a city of timeless elegance, where antebellum architecture drapes over cobblestone squares and Spanish moss curtains live oaks. Its historic district, one of the largest in the U.S., invites leisurely strolls past mansions, museums, and hidden gardens. The riverfront bustles with cotton warehouses turned into boutiques and restaurants, while the city’s culinary scene blends Lowcountry tradition with modern flair. Savannah’s pace is unhurried, its hospitality genuine, and its ghost stories legendary — a place where every corner feels like a scene from a novel.
What to see & do
Top attractions
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Savannah Historic DistrictFreeKid-friendlyHistoricalCulturalArchitecturalActiveArtisticScenicUnique
Savannah’s Historic District unfurls like a meticulously preserved stage set, where 22 squares—each a distinct green room framed by live oaks draped in Spanish moss—anchor a grid laid out by General James Oglethorpe in 1733. The architecture is a procession of elegance: Federal mansions with fanlit doorways, Greek Revival temples on Bull Street, Italianate villas with cast-iron balconies, and the occasional Gothic Revival surprise. But the district’s soul lives in its details—the gas lanterns flickering on Factors Walk, the wrought-iron fences forged in Philadelphia foundries, the tabby walls built from oyster shells and lime. River Street’s cobblestones, worn smooth by centuries of cotton bales and slave labor, now lead to rooftop bars and praline shops. Bonaventure Cemetery, just beyond the district’s edge, turns mourning into sculpture with its weeping angels and maritime forest. At dusk, ghost tours weave through Colonial Park Cemetery while jazz drifts from The Collins Quarter. Savannah does not merely display history; it invites you to inhabit it, one shaded bench at a time.
Logistics
Practical info
Getting there & around
Savannah’s historic district is best explored on foot or via the free dot (Downtown Transportation) shuttle. The CAT bus system covers the wider city, while rideshares and taxis are plentiful. For a scenic option, hop on the Savannah Belles Ferry across the river to Hutchinson Island.
Food & drink
Lowcountry cuisine reigns: think shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes. The city’s dining scene ranges from venerable institutions like The Grey and Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room to innovative farm-to-table spots. Don’t miss a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the Savannah River.
Stay aware
Safety considerations
Savannah is generally safe for visitors, especially in the well-trafficked historic district. Exercise standard urban caution after dark in less populated areas, and keep valuables secured. The riverfront and squares are well-patrolled.