savannah
travel guide
SAVANNAH
Wander this quaint Southern town filled with moss-draped squares and cobblestone streets, riverfront views and sweet the scent of flowering magnolias.
savannah
Feel the gentle breeze carry the scent of blooming azaleas and salt from the nearby river. The historic district’s cobblestone streets lead you past grand antebellum homes, hidden gardens, and bustling squares where ghost stories linger in the air. As the sun sets over the Savannah River, you sip a sweet tea cocktail on River Street, watching ships glide by against the backdrop of gas-lit lanterns and old-world charm.
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Hotel BARDO — A stylish urban resort and private club set in a transformed 1888 mansion overlooking Forsyth Park, blending Victorian-Romanesque architecture with contemporary design. Featuring 149 rooms, a coastal Italian restaurant, a holistic wellness spa, and a Mediterranean-inspired pool, it offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of the city.
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Collin’s Quarter — A vibrant café inspired by Melbourne’s coffee culture, serving expertly crafted espresso drinks alongside modern Southern cuisine. With its stylish décor and a menu featuring favorites like avocado toast and short rib hash, it offers a lively yet relaxed dining experience in the heart of the historic district or in Forsyth Park.
Café M — A French café offering authentic Parisian pastries, gourmet coffee, and classic breakfast fare. With its cozy ambiance and riverside location, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a buttery croissant and café au lait while soaking in the city's European charm.
The Coffee Fox — A lively, locally loved coffee shop known for its expertly crafted espresso drinks and signature horchata latte. With a cozy yet modern vibe, it’s the perfect spot to savor high-quality, locally roasted coffee while soaking in the city’s creative energy.
Dottie’s Market — A family-owned café, market, and bakery located in Savannah's Downtown Historic District, offering Southern-inspired dishes and a variety of grab-and-go items. Founded in 2023 by Ericka Phillips and Chef Chris Meenan, the establishment embodies the warmth and hospitality of its namesake, Ericka's great-grandmother Dottie.
Baker's Pride Bakery — Established in 1982 and renowned for its freshly baked goods, including specialty cakes, pastries, and breads. The bakery has become a local favorite, celebrated for its commitment to quality and its role in supplying various area restaurants and businesses.
Wildflower Café — A fresh, seasonal menu featuring dishes like roasted vegetable grain bowls and spicy peanut noodles, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. The café provides a bright, inviting atmosphere with expansive views of Telfair Square, enhancing the dining experience for both art enthusiasts and food lovers.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room — Serving up traditional Southern cuisine served family-style in a communal setting since 1943. The restaurant continues the legacy of founder Sema Wilkes by welcoming guests to share hearty dishes around large tables, fostering a sense of community and preserving a cherished dining tradition.
Pro tip: arrive by 11:00am to grab your spot in line!
The Grey — Co-owned by chef Mashama Bailey and Johno Morisano, is a celebrated Savannah restaurant housed in a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal. Known for its inventive take on Southern cuisine, it has earned national acclaim, including James Beard Awards for Chef Bailey.
The Olde Pink House — Built in 1771, this restaurant is known for its elegant Southern cuisine, housed in a Georgian mansion with a distinctive pink hue. Serving classics like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes, it offers a charming dining experience steeped in history.
Common Thread — An ingredient-focused neighborhood restaurant in Savannah's Victorian District, emphasizing seasonality and global culinary influences. Established by the team behind FARM Bluffton, it offers a dining experience rooted in locally sourced ingredients and community relationships.
Brochu's Family Tradition — A neighborhood restaurant in Savannah's Starland District, offering a menu inspired by chef Andrew Brochu's upbringing, featuring acclaimed fried chicken and fresh seafood. It has garnered national recognition, including being named one of Bon Appetit's 24 Best New Restaurants of 2023.
Elizabeth's on 37th — An elegant fine-dining restaurant in a historic 1900s mansion known for its Southern coastal cuisine and warm, personalized hospitality. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and an award-winning wine selection, it offers a refined yet inviting atmosphere that captures the charm of the city.
Starland Yard — A lively outdoor food truck park and entertainment venue in the Starland District, featuring a rotating selection of food trucks, a full bar, and live music. With its laid-back, colorful atmosphere and communal gathering spaces, it’s a favorite spot for casual dining, socializing, and enjoying local events.
Late Air — A cozy neighborhood restaurant and wine bar in Savannah, offering a curated selection of natural wines and a seasonally inspired à la carte menu by Chef Daniel Harthausen. Blending Korean influences with fresh, local ingredients, it provides an intimate and modern dining experience.
Peregrin Rooftop Bar — A stylish rooftop bar atop the Perry Lane Hotel, offering panoramic city views, craft cocktails, and a chic yet relaxed ambiance. With its lush greenery, comfortable seating, and seasonal drink menu, it’s a perfect spot for sunset drinks or a casual gathering in the heart of the historic district.
Moodright’s — A retro-inspired bar and duckpin bowling alley, offering a laid-back atmosphere with classic cocktails, cheap beers, and vintage arcade games. With its nostalgic charm and unpretentious vibe, it’s a favorite spot for locals to unwind, bowl a few frames, and enjoy late-night drinks.
Savoy City — A stylish yet unpretentious cocktail lounge, known for its expertly crafted drinks, eclectic décor, and lively atmosphere. With a menu featuring inventive cocktails and globally inspired small plates, it’s a go-to spot for both relaxed afternoons and vibrant nightlife.
Leopold's Ice Cream — A beloved Savannah institution, serving handcrafted, old-fashioned ice cream since 1919 in a charming retro soda shop setting. Known for its classic flavors, rich malts, and friendly service, it remains a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists looking for a sweet treat.
Starland Strange — A quirky boutique and vintage shop offering an eclectic mix of oddities, art, apparel, and home goods. With its whimsical atmosphere and ever-changing selection of unique finds, it’s a treasure trove for those seeking the unusual and unexpected.
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Trolley Ride — A charming, narrated tour through the city's historic streets, passing moss-draped oaks, stately mansions, and picturesque squares. With the option to hop on and off, it’s a relaxing way to explore landmarks like Forsyth Park, River Street, and Bonaventure Cemetery while learning about Savannah’s rich history and Southern charm.
SCAD Museum of Art — A contemporary art museum housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century railroad depot, blending historic architecture with cutting-edge design. Showcasing rotating exhibitions from international artists alongside student and alumni works, it offers an inspiring glimpse into the creative spirit of the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Rainbow Row — A stretch of historic homes on East Bryan Street, painted in soft pastel hues that brighten the city’s waterfront district. Often mistaken for Charleston’s more famous Rainbow Row, this picturesque row of townhouses adds a vibrant touch to Savannah’s colonial-era architecture and Southern charm.
Forsyth Park — A sprawling 30-acre green space in the heart of Savannah, known for its iconic fountain, shaded walkways, and lively atmosphere. A favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, it hosts farmers’ markets, festivals, and leisurely picnics beneath the city’s signature moss-draped oak trees.
Ghost Tour — Stroll through the city’s dimly lit streets, where haunted mansions, eerie cemeteries, and centuries-old squares set the stage for chilling tales of restless spirits. Led by storytellers in period costumes, these tours blend history and legend, making for a spine-tingling journey through one of America’s most haunted cities.
Wormsloe Historic Site — Best known for its breathtaking oak-lined avenue, where towering trees draped in Spanish moss create a stunning tunnel leading to the colonial estate ruins. As the oldest standing structure in Savannah, this former plantation offers a glimpse into Georgia’s early history through its museum, scenic trails, and living history demonstrations.
Bonaventure Cemetary — A hauntingly beautiful resting place, famous for its towering oaks, Spanish moss, and intricate Victorian-era tombstones. Made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this historic cemetery offers a peaceful yet eerie glimpse into Savannah’s past, blending art, history, and Southern Gothic charm.
Pro tip: download their app for a self-guided walking tour.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John — A breathtaking Gothic Revival church known for its towering spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and ornate interior. As one of the city's most iconic landmarks, it offers a serene and awe-inspiring glimpse into Savannah’s rich Catholic heritage and architectural grandeur.
Pounce Cat Café — A cozy, whimsical space where guests can sip wine, enjoy pastries, and mingle with adoptable cats. With its charming atmosphere and feline-friendly vibe, it’s the perfect spot for cat lovers to relax and maybe even find a new furry friend.
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The Paris Market — A charming, European-inspired boutique offering a curated selection of home décor, antiques, jewelry, and artisanal goods. Housed in a historic building on Broughton Street, it also features a cozy café serving French pastries and espresso, creating a perfect blend of Parisian elegance and Southern hospitality.
SCAD Store — A collection of artwork, home decor, and accessories created by students, alumni, and faculty of the Savannah College of Art and Design. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a unique selection of SCAD-branded merchandise and one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate creativity and innovation.
Madison & 5th Consignment — A stylish boutique offering a curated selection of high-end furniture, home decor, and designer accessories. With a focus on quality and timeless design, it provides a sophisticated shopping experience for those looking to find unique, pre-loved treasures.
Hannah E. — A mix of women’s fashion, accessories, and home decor with a focus on timeless elegance and modern design. Known for its curated selection of high-quality, unique pieces, it provides a stylish shopping experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Midge — A boutique that blends art, fashion, and home décor with a bold and eclectic aesthetic. Featuring a carefully curated selection of statement pieces, it offers a shopping experience that celebrates creativity, individuality, and modern design.
E. Shaver Books — An independent bookstore, known for its cozy atmosphere, curated selection of books, and resident shop cats. Tucked away on Madison Square, it offers a delightful mix of bestsellers, local interest titles, and rare finds, making it a beloved literary haven.
Savannah Bee Co — A specialty shop celebrating the beauty and benefits of honey, offering a variety of artisanal honey, skincare products, and mead. With a welcoming atmosphere and honey-tasting bar, it provides an immersive experience that showcases the craftsmanship and passion behind its sustainably sourced products.
Graveface Records & Curiosities — An offbeat shop offering a unique mix of vinyl records, vintage oddities, and eclectic collectibles. Known for its indie record label and love of the unusual, it’s a haven for music lovers and those drawn to the strange and macabre.
Books on Bay — A sweet bookstore specializing in rare, vintage, and collectible books, with a particular focus on classic children’s literature. Nestled in a historic setting, it offers a nostalgic browsing experience for book lovers and collectors alike.
Asher + Rye — A thoughtfully curated selection of home goods, gifts, and accessories with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. The shop features a blend of local artisans and carefully sourced brands, creating a refined shopping experience for those seeking unique and high-quality items.
The Indigo Cottage — A curated collection of vintage-inspired home decor, unique gifts, and handmade items. With a focus on Southern craftsmanship, it provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere where shoppers can discover distinctive, one-of-a-kind treasures.
