Savannah, Georgia, is the perfect place to spend a weekend. It’s a small city, so you can travel through the city on foot and easily get to its top sights. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a girl’s trip, Savannah offers something for everyone.
You might ask yourself if two days in Savannah is enough. In my opinion, while you won’t be able to see everything, it’s perfect for a weekend vacation. The city is small enough to squeeze in your top “must-do’s” before you leave.
The city? Charming.
The vibes? Immaculate.
After all, there’s a reason why there are so many bachelorette parties in Savannah every weekend. Seriously, I invite you to keep a log of how many you see. And say hi to them! They’re all incredibly friendly.
To learn how much I spend during my long weekend in Savannah, check out my post, How Much I Spent: 3 Days in Savannah.
Now, on to the itinerary.
Before your Weekend in Savannah
Arrive Friday afternoon or evening, if you can. Get a good night’s rest so you have plenty of energy for a fun weekend ahead!
If you have some time to spare Friday evening, check out a low-key spot like Vinnie Van GoGo’s or Common Restaurant. Lulu’s Chocolate Bar is another lowkey spot for Savannah’s best desserts and a full bar.
Day 1 in Savannah
On your first day of your weekend in Savannah, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. There’s so much you can see by foot in one day.
Morning
Start your day off with a delicious breakfast/brunch (depending what time you like to get your day started) at Little Duck Diner. The chic, vintage vibes of the diner bring it to life.
This spot is everything it’s quacked (ha – get it?) up to be. This retro diner comes with a twist, too. Their drinks come with a little rubber duck! Try one of their mimosas or bellinis, and take home the duck as a souvenir.
Once you’ve had your fill, take some time to explore the atmospheric streets and squares. From Franklin Square to Ellis Square to Johnson Square, there’s a lot to take in.
Have a sweet tooth? Check out Byrd’s Famous Cookies for their signature thin cookies. You can even get free samples!
You’ll find a few craft shops in this area too for souvenirs and gifts. If you like art, there are a lot of galleries in this area too, like the A. T. Hun Art Gallery or Signature Gallery of Savannah.
Afternoon
The next activity on this day is a free walking tour at 1 p.m. with Free Savannah Tours. You’ll meet your tour guide in Johnson Square, and you’ll spend the next 1.5 hours learning the history and culture of Savannah. The tour has a few stops but ends in Forsyth Park. Don’t forget to leave a tip! That’s how the guides make their money.
Before you link up with your tour guide, why not get a beverage for the tour? If you didn’t know, Savannah is open container, which means you can carry an alcoholic beverage with you (no glass). There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area that will make you a drink to-go.
Don’t drink alcohol? No problem. There’s lots of coffee and tea options in the area. If you had an early breakfast, grab a snack, too.
There’ll be lots of activity at Forsyth Park in the afternoon. Browse the local artists who are posted in the park. This historic area is gorgeous. Don’t forget a camera for pictures by the fountain!
If you’re a Forest Gump fan, I have some unfortunate news to share. The famous bench was recently moved from Chippewa Square. It was donated to the city and moved into the Savannah History Museum.
For all my book lovers, I have to recommend checking out E. Shaver Books. It is the cutest bookstore. Not to mention, four cats live there.
Evening
In the evening, find a spot for dinner on the waterfront. Today’s your day to see the waterfront by night. For a high-up view, grab a table at Electric Moon Skytop Lounge + The Moon Deck.
If you’re looking for a nicer restaurant, head to Vic’s on the River.
After dinner, you must partake in a ghost tour of your choice. Ghosts and Gravestones Savannah is a trolley that explores the dark side of Savannah’s history. There’s a few hop-off points. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll see a spirit.
By this point, you might be exhausted and ready for a good night’s sleep.
The night is still young for those who wish to keep it going, though. There are a lot of bars in Savannah to head to based on your vibe of choice.
The Alley Cat Lounge is a hip basement bar, perfect for those looking for a tasty cocktail. Be warned, you may have to walk through a dark alley to get here, but it’s worth it.
Day 2 in Savannah
Morning
On your second day in Savannah, wake up with a delicious breakfast at Collin’s Quarter. Don’t miss the spiced lavender mocha. Important note: In Savannah, they don’t serve alcoholic beverages until 11am on Sundays. If you’re in the restaurant, they’ll play loud music to let you know it’s time!
After breakfast, it’s time for shopping. Broughton Street is great to wander for its eclectic mix of shops. Be sure to check out the Savannah Bee Company for its array of honey and Nourish for its bath bombs. The Paris Market and Brocante also houses two floors of vintage treasures and curiosities sourced from all over the world.
Afternoon
If you’re dying to try one of, if not the, most popular restaurant in Savannah, this might be the time. The Olde Pink House is notoriously difficult to find a reservation for, but you may have better luck with lunch over dinner. Pro tip: Check the reservations often a few days before your trip and snag a cancellation.
Later, stop for a scoop at Leopold’s Ice Cream. It’s one of the top 10 ice cream parlors in the world, and after visiting, I see why! There are a lot of flavors to choose from and they are all delicious.
To continue your shopping spree, waltz down the waterfront for some more browsing.
For a change of pace, head over to the American Prohibition Museum, the only prohibition museum in the U.S. It’s only fitting that this museum is in Savannah. As you can guess, the museum does have a speakeasy, so get ready to toast to the ratification of the 21st Amendment.
Evening
Your two days in Savannah will go by in a flash, so cap off your weekend with dinner and drinks. While Savannah is home to fancy restaurants such as Husk, you can also find more affordable but still popular options such as The Pirate’s House.
Where to Stay for a Weekend in Savannah
You’ll find plenty of hotels, AirBnbs, and bed and breakfasts in Savannah. The final decision will have to come down to pricing and location.
Some great choices not too far from the riverfront include:
Getting Around Savannah
Unlike many cities in the U.S., Savannah is very easy to get around on foot. There are also lots of tours that will take you through the city by trolley, bike or horse-drawn carriage. You can drive through the city, but it likely won’t be necessary unless you want to get really off the beaten path.
Top Restaurants to Try in Savannah
While it’s difficult to rank top restaurants as everyone has different preferences, here are commonly recommended restaurants you may want to consider visiting.
Set in a historic mansion, Husk Savannah is a top restaurant for those who like to experience the finer things. They’re known for a rotating menu of local, fresh ingredients.
Southern-style cooking with a twist. Don’t miss out on their yummy cocktails. Their reservation list fills up, so be sure to plan in advance.
Known for eclectic Southern dining, this restaurant also features a seasonal menu that utilizes farm-fresh ingredients.
Located in an old cotton warehouse overlooking the Savannah River and Historic River Street, this restaurant embodies dinner with a view.
Take a chance to have dinner in a 1938 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal that they restored to its original luster.
Tips for a Weekend Trip to Savannah
- Understand that Savannah is a party destination. That doesn’t mean you have to be into partying or drinking to enjoy the city, but you will inevitably run into a lot of people who are there for that reason. This leads me to…
- Savannah is an open container city. This means that you can carry open containers of alcohol (no glass). You can walk into a bar or restaurant and ask for your drink to-go!
- Bring your walking shoes and sunscreen. Maybe an umbrella depending on the weather.
2 comments
[…] For recommendations on what you should see and do in Savannah, check out my post, A Weekend in Savannah: 2-Day Itinerary. […]
I love a walkable city! We’ve actually considered Savannah for a girls trip for years and ALWAYS decided on something else, but it’s still on the list!