Savannah 3 Day Itinerary: A Practical Guide

Savannah is a city built on a grid of squares and Spanish moss, making it easy to navigate on foot. To avoid spending your trip in a car, you should cluster your activities by neighborhood. The best time to visit is between April and May or September and October to ensure warm, dry weather [Source: travellersworldwide.com]. If you prefer lower costs, January offers rooms in the Historic District for under $150 a night.

Day 1: The Historic Core

Focus your first day on the Historic District to get a feel for the city's architecture and layout.

Morning

45 min is all you need for the Savannah History Museum. This museum offers free admission and provides a foundation for the city's founding and the Civil War. After the museum, walk through the 22 historic squares, including Chippewa Square.

Noon

$25 to $30 per person is the average cost at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. You will share fried chicken and collard greens at communal tables. Note that they do not take reservations, so you must arrive early to secure a spot. 1.5 hr is the typical duration for this family-style meal.

Evening

For dinner, visit The Grey for upscale Southern fare. You can try the shrimp and grits with a side of collard greens. End the night at The Jigger, a speakeasy-style bar on West Broughton. $12 to $14 is the price for a “Southern Belle” gin fizz. 1 hr is enough time to enjoy the low-lit atmosphere.

What to skip: Skip the photo op at the Forrest Gump bench in Chippewa Square. It is a tourist cliché that adds little value to your trip.

Day 2: Waterfront and Commerce

Spend your second day moving between the shopping district and the river.

Morning

$12 to $15 is the cost for avocado toast and a flat white at The Collins Quarter. This spot is located on Broughton Street and is ideal for a quick 45 min brunch.

Noon

1 hr is the recommended time for the River Street Savannah Waterfront Walk. This area is free and allows you to watch ships unload cargo and browse the shops.

Evening

For a seafood dinner, go to Belford's Savannah. Afterward, spend time in the French Quarter to see the iron-work balconies and 1800s architecture.

What to skip: Skip the overpriced pralines and souvenir shops on River Street. Most of these items are generic and overpriced for tourists.

Day 3: Parks and Outskirts

Use your final day to leave the city center and see the natural side of Savannah.

Morning

30 min is the typical time spent at the Forsyth Park Fountain & Walk. The entry is free, and the paths are lined with oaks.

Noon

Since you will be moving toward the outskirts, pack a light lunch or find a casual neighborhood cafe near the park.

Afternoon

$10 is the cost for a map to explore Bonaventure Cemetery. 1 hr is the average time spent wandering among the tombstones and moss-draped oaks. Alternatively, if you prefer biking, the 5-mile loop at Skidaway Island State Park takes about 2 hr, and parking costs $5.

Evening

90 min is the suggested time to walk through the Savannah Victorian Historic District. Look for the gingerbread trim on the homes before you head to dinner.

What to skip: Skip the expensive guided ghost tours. The city is atmospheric enough that a self-guided walk through the squares at dusk is more rewarding.

Logistics and Budget

15 mi east of downtown is where you will find Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV). If you stay in the Historic District, you can walk to most sites.

Estimated 3-Day Budget (Per Person)

The Final Verdict

Savannah is a city for slow movement. While the temptation is to check every museum off a list, the real value is in the walking. Stay in the Historic District to avoid the need for a rental car, and prioritize the squares over the tourist traps on River Street. If you visit in the winter, you save money, but you miss the bloom of the parks. For the best balance of weather and crowds, target the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.