Draped in Spanish moss and steeped in American history, Savannah stands as one of the States’ most enchanting cities. This Georgian gem, with its perfectly preserved antebellum architecture, tree-canopied squares, and distinctly Southern charm, offers visitors a journey through time whilst maintaining a thoroughly modern pulse.
Whether you’re drawn to its haunted histories, innovative culinary scene, or simply its gracious Southern hospitality, Savannah promises a memorable weekend escape.
Day 1: Historic Haunts & Southern Flavours
Morning: Squares and Stories
Begin your Savannah sojourn at The Collins Quarter on Bull Street, where Australian café culture meets Southern charm. Their avocado smash with local crab meat and signature spiced lavender mocha provide the perfect fuel for exploration.
From here, join a walking tour with Savannah Walks, departing from nearby Chippewa Square (famous for its Forrest Gump scene). These expert-led tours provide fascinating insights into the city’s carefully planned layout of 22 historic squares, each telling its own story.
After your tour, stroll north along Bull Street, often called Savannah’s most beautiful thoroughfare. Take in the stunning architecture and pop into The Book Lady Bookstore, a charming independent bookshop housed in the basement of a historic building, where floor-to-ceiling shelves hold everything from rare first editions to contemporary bestsellers.
Midday: Market & Lunch
Fancy a slice of home? Pop into Six Pence Pub on Bull Street for a pint, pre-lunch. This quirky British-Style ale house has a cosy, congenial atmosphere that we love. Next, continue north to City Market, a four-block open-air market that has been the heart of Savannah since the 1700s. Today’s incarnation houses art galleries, boutiques, and eateries in restored warehouses. Stop by the Georgia Tasting Room to sample local wines, including the unique Muscadine varieties native to the region.
For lunch, walk east to The Olde Pink House, housed in an 18th-century mansion. Their crispy scored flounder with apricot shallot sauce and grits is legendary. Request a table in the cellar tavern for an atmospheric dining experience.
For dessert, head to Leopold’s Ice Cream which is arguably Savannah’s most popular place for something sweet. This vintage parlour was established in 1919 by the three Leopold brothers, emigrated from Greece. The shop featured malts, milkshakes, and handmade ice cream crafted from family recipes. Their renowned Tutti-Frutti flavour became a local favourite, even winning the admiration of Oscar-winning songwriter Johnny Mercer.
Afternoon: Cultural Quarter
After lunch, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the Telfair Museums, comprising three unique sites within walking distance. Start at the Telfair Academy, housed in a stunning Regency-style mansion, then move to the contemporary Jepson Center. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the nearby Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in America and a powerful testament to the city’s complex history.
Evening: Ghost Stories & Gastronomy
As dusk falls, Savannah transforms. Join a ghost tour with Sorrel Weed Ghost Tour, operating from one of America’s most haunted houses on Madison Square. Even sceptics will appreciate the atmospheric storytelling and architectural insights.
For dinner, head to The Grey, housed in a renovated 1938 Greyhound bus terminal on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Chef Mashama Bailey’s innovative take on Southern coastal cuisine has earned international acclaim. The smoked collards and foie gras and grits exemplify her sophisticated interpretation of regional flavours.
End your evening with a nightcap at Artillery, an elegant cocktail bar in a restored 1895 artillery store, conveniently located between your dinner spot and the historic district.
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Day 2: River Views & Southern Soul
Early Morning: Cemetery Sojourn
Start your day early with a visit to Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous by the book ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’. This hauntingly beautiful cemetery, with its Victorian monuments and ancient live oaks, offers peaceful morning exploration. Join the first tour with the Bonaventure Historical Society to fully appreciate its artistry and stories. By starting here, you’ll beat both the heat and the crowds.
Late Morning: Riverside Rambles
Return to the historic district and head to Clary’s Café, a local institution immortalised in the book. Their cornmeal pancakes, served with peach compote and local honey, make for a perfect second breakfast or early lunch. This beloved café sits just a few blocks from Savannah’s famous riverfront, making it the ideal starting point for exploring the city’s historic waterfront district.
From Clary’s, take a short walk north to River Street, the cobblestone heart of Savannah’s maritime history. Start at the eastern end, where historic cotton warehouses have been transformed into boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The cobblestones here are ballast stones, left by ships after collecting cotton cargo in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Continue west along the riverfront to the Plant Riverside District, a stunning transformation of a former power plant into Savannah’s most exciting entertainment destination. This architectural marvel houses an impressive array of restaurants, boutiques, and public spaces. Marvel at the chrome-dipped dinosaur fossils and geode installations in the grand lobby, or relax by the riverside fountains.
For an elevated lunch experience, try District Seafood for fresh shellfish, or enjoy casual dining with river views at Myrtle. The district’s numerous rooftop bars offer some of the best views in Savannah – the rooftop at Stone & Webster Chophouse provides particularly spectacular vistas of the Talmadge Bridge and river traffic.
Or, for a lighter lunch, it’s got to be Vinnie Van Go-Go’s – a casual pizza joint known for its generous slices and thin-crust pies.
Afternoon: Local Life
Head south to explore the Victorian District and Starland neighbourhood, where Savannah’s creative pulse beats strongest. Browse the vinyl collection at Graveface Records & Curiosities, then stop by Back in the Day Bakery for their famous ‘biscones’ – a clever hybrid of biscuit and scone.
Art enthusiasts should visit Sulfur Studios, a contemporary art space showcasing local talent. The adjacent Starland Yard offers a rotating selection of food trucks and pop-up vendors in a convivial outdoor setting – perfect for a casual late lunch.
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Evening: Sunset & Supper
Return to the historic district for your final evening. Begin at Peregrin, the rooftop lounge at Perry Lane Hotel, for sunset cocktails with views over Savannah’s spires and squares. Sorry Charlie’s Oyster bar is another good spot for sundowners. Their laid-back but lively rooftop offers another unique view of Savannah’s sunset. It’s also perfect for watching all the goings on in Congress St. and Ellis Square while you sip on a cold cocktail and slip down half a dozen oysters.
Follow this with dinner at Husk Savannah, where Chef Chris Hathcock creates sophisticated Southern dishes using strictly regional ingredients. The restaurant’s location in a beautifully restored mansion provides an appropriately gracious setting for your final dinner in the city. Their cornbread with bourbon-barrel aged butter is legendary, and the seasonal menu showcases the best of low-country cuisine.
End your night with a show at The Savannah Theatre, first opened in 1818. If it’s on when you visit, be sure to see Savannah Live – this two hour variety show showcases live music and dynamic performances that honour timeless classics from rock ‘n’ roll, Motown, and pop. The show tends to sell out so best to book your tickets well in advance.
Where To Stay
For historic charm, book a room at the Hamilton-Turner Inn, an 1873 Second Empire mansion offering period furnishings and modern luxuries. The Perry Lane Hotel provides contemporary luxury in the historic district, while the Marshall House, Savannah’s oldest hotel, offers a blend of history and comfort, complete with supposedly haunted corridors.
Getting There & Around
Fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, located 20 minutes from downtown. Most major US cities offer direct flights. Once in the city, walking is the best way to explore the historic district, though the free DOT shuttle connects major attractions. For ventures further afield, ride-sharing services are readily available.
A Few Savannah Tips
Your weekend break in Savannah will be a wholly more pleasant one if you bear the below in mind…
- Book popular restaurants in advance, especially for weekend dining.
- The city allows open containers in the historic district – ask for your cocktail “to go”.
- Many museums and homes are closed on Mondays.
- Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather.
- First-time visitors should consider the Savannah Tour Pass, which includes entry to many attractions.
- Ghost tours book up quickly – reserve in advance.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential – the historic cobblestones can be challenging.
The Bottom Line
Savannah’s allure lies in its ability to transport visitors to a distant past maintaining a vibrant contemporary culture. In 48 hours, you can experience its historic grandeur, innovative culinary scene, and distinctive Southern charm. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or simply seeking a unique city break, Savannah delivers an enchanting escape that lingers in the memory long after departure.