15 Savannah Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

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Every city has its quirks, and Savannah is no exception. From how to get around to what to pack, from what to do to what not to do, there are plenty of things you should know in advance. Before you head out on your first trip to The Hostess City, knowing these tips about Savannah will make your trip run more smoothly.

These are 15 helpful travel tips for your first trip to Savannah, Georgia.

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15 Savannah Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Tip #1: Pack an umbrella and bug spray.

Afternoon thunderstorms are pretty common in the South. A compact travel umbrella tucked away in your purse will probably come in handy at some point. If you do get caught in a shower, don’t worry, they typically pass quickly (unless it’s hurricane season…).

The southern heat doesn’t just bring thunderstorms – bugs also thrive here. Bring some insect repellant along to avoid these pesky buggers from getting in the way of your romantic stroll through the park.

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Tip #2: Bring your appetite.

It couldn’t be The Hostess City without offering its guests some great food and refreshments! The southern states are known for their incredible cooking, and Savannah is one of the best foodie cities in the South. From classic southern dishes to authentic global cuisine, Savannah has countless delicious choices.

Read More: The Best Places to Eat in Savannah

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Tip #3: Book your dinner reservations in advance.

Being a food-centric city, restaurants in Savannah are known to book up fast! Top dinner spots like The Grey, Husk, or The Olde Pink House can fill up months in advance. Be sure to plan ahead and make your reservations early to avoid being disappointed.

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Tip #4: Order your drink to-go.

Vegas gets all the hype for its open-container laws, but did you know Savannah has the same policy? Savannah is an open-container city which means you can legally consume alcohol in public spaces. Grab a bottle of wine for a picnic in the park or order your drink to go so you can sip and stroll.

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Tip #5: Visiting on a weekday versus a weekend can offer a totally different experience.

Savannah has a reputation for being a bit of a party town on the weekends. As both a college town and an open-container city, downtown Savannah can get a little rowdy from Thursday night through Saturday. If you’re planning a bachelorette party or celebration, this is the time to go. If you want a quieter trip, aim to either visit earlier in the week or avoid going downtown on weekend evenings.

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Tip #6: Book your stay in the Historic District.

The bulk of your Savannah adventure will take place right in the Historic District. By booking your stay here, you’ll avoid a lot of unnecessary driving and parking fees. Look for a place anywhere between River Street and Forsyth Park for the most convenient location.

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Tip #7: Leave the car behind when exploring the Historic District.

If you book your stay in the Historic District, there’s no need for a car to explore the city. One-ways and minimal parking can make driving in downtown Savannah a bit of a headache. Plus, Savannah is just so much better enjoyed via a stroll through the parks.

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Tip #8: If you have to drive, know how to navigate the park squares.

The Hostess City is home to 22 parks, all of which are located in downtown Savannah. Having a city park every few blocks makes Savannah a beautiful place to take a walk, but it can cause a bit of confusion for non-resident drivers. If you find yourself needing to drive around a park square, remember to treat it like a roundabout. Traffic is one-way, and those within the square have the right away. Drivers entering the square should yield.

Tip #9: Wear comfortable walking shoes.

With all the walking you’re bound to be doing, it’s important to pack comfortable, flat walking shoes. Not only will you be getting your steps in, but much of Savannah is paved with cobblestone or uneven pathways. Leave the heels behind and thank me later.

Tip #10: Use the free bus.

Even with your comfiest shoes, your feet are bound to get tired walking around Savannah. Luckily, Savannah offers a fare-free shuttle bus that will conveniently take you to some of the most popular tourist areas around the Historic District. To ride, find any of the 20 DOT bus stop signs and wait for the purple and green bus that arrives every 10 minutes (don’t confuse these with the regular CAT buses which require a paid fare).

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Tip #11: Rent a car versus using rideshare apps to visit outside of the Historic District.

While you definitely won’t need a car to get around Savannah’s Historic District, there are a few top spots where a set of wheels will come in handy. If you plan on heading to Tybee Island, for instance, a car rental is definitely your best option. Although it’s often called Savannah’s beach, Tybee Beach is actually about a 20-minute drive from the Historic District. Other top destinations you might want to visit, like Bonaventure Cemetery or Wormsloe Plantation, will require a drive as well. You could opt to use rideshare apps like Lyft or Uber, but it will likely be more cost effective to just rent a car for the day and visit all of these spots in one fell swoop.

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Tip #12: Learn about Savannah’s history before you visit.

For better or worse, there’s a lot of important history embedded in this city. Your experience will be much more meaningful if you take some time to research Savannah’s history and culture before your visit. For example, you may notice there are a significant number of homes with porch ceilings painted light blue. This particular shade of blue is called Haint Blue, and it’s used to ward off evil spirits. Gullah lore says that ghosts, or “haints”, can’t cross water, so this shade of blue was often painted at the entrance of homes to mimic water and trick the spirits into staying out.

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Tip #13: Prepare to be scared.

Why might the people of Savannah be so concerned with keeping spirits out, you ask? Well, because Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in America. Plagued by numerous yellow fever epidemics, frequented by pirates, and playing a significant role in the Civil War, it’s no wonder Savannah has earned itself a haunted history. Nearly every inch of Savannah has a ghost story associated with it. To delve more into Savannah’s haunted history, there are seemingly endless ghost tours offered up year-round.

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Tip #14: Talk to the locals.

Nicknamed The Hostess City, Southern hospitality runs strong in Savannah. The locals are exceedingly friendly, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with your waitress or that couple sitting next to you in the park. They’re often excited to share interesting tidbits about the city with you, and we got some of our best restaurant recommendations from talking to locals. Bonus: if they have any ghost stories, they’ll likely share those too.

Tip #15: Enjoy the slower pace of life in the South

Whether you’re strolling through a park under the Spanish moss or casually talking to a local as you sip a cocktail, it’s clear that life runs just a little more slowly in the South. Rather than rush to see all the sights and take all the photos, just embrace it. It’s one of the greatest parts about visiting Savannah, and one that you’ll want to take with you when you leave.

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Knowing a bit about what to expect can make all the difference in enjoying a stress-free trip. Having these tips in your back pocket will set you up for a well-planned visit to Savannah. This city truly is something special!

If you’ve already been to Savannah and have any more tips, be sure to leave them in the comments below!

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