Savannah, Georgia has long been a city on my travel bucket list. Its reputation for Southern charm, rich history, and vibrant culture has always intrigued me. When I finally had the opportunity to visit in April for my birthday, it exceeded all expectations. With its cobblestone streets, historic squares, and lush gardens, Savannah is a true Southern gem. Then add in the nightlife culture and the cool bars and you’ve added in some spice for a perfect blend. April was the perfect time of year to visit because it wasn’t too hot and the humidity hadn’t kicked in yet. You’ll enjoy warm days and cool nights with a fresh breeze. Delightful!

I came on this trip with some goals in mind. See some art, explore some history and have some delicious southern food and drinks. After spending the day exploring or relaxing, I spent my evenings enjoying cocktails at trendy spots and live music along the Savannah River, taking in the city’s stunning skyline.

Are you ready to plan your Savannah getaway? Explore the suggestions and itinerary below:

WHERE TO STAY

For a modern luxury experience, the Thompson Savannah by Hyatt is a top choice, offering chic accommodations, on-site dining, a rooftop bar, and a pool and it’s easily accessible to get to River Street and all of it’s happenings. If you prefer a boutique hotel with a stylish vibe, the Kimpton Brice Hotel is a great option, located near the lively River Street as well and just around the corner from the Thompson Savannah. For a classic and reliable stay, the Drayton Hotel, a Hilton property, is a solid choice in the heart of the Historic District. It will provide walkability to everything on the east side of the city. If waterfront views are your priority, the JW Marriott Savannah Plan Riverside District offers luxurious accommodations and stunning river vistas. The area is much busier than the previous three spots and you will feel like you’re part of it all. For a unique and artistic experience, the Hotel Bardo is a trendy option with a focus on design and culture. It’s located by Forsyth Park and provides a quiet upscale respite with a modern and funky vibe.

Thompson Savannah by Hyatt, 201 Port St Savannah, GA 31401, hyatt.com
Kimpton Brice Hotel, 601 E Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401, bricehotel.com
Drayton Hotel, 7 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401, hilton.com
JW Marriott, Savannah Plan Riverside District, 500 W River St, Savannah, GA 31401, marriott.com
Hotel Bardo, 700 Drayton St, Savannah, GA, 31401, staybardo.com

DAY ONE ITINERARY: RIVERFRONT, HISTORIC LANDMARKS & SHOPPING

MORNING

Start your day with breakfast at Bar Julian in the Thompson Hotel, with rooftop views over the river, a stylish atmosphere, and fresh, seasonal breakfast options. After breakfast, take a stroll along the Savannah River to enjoy the views and watch ships pass by. Snap a photo at the “SAV” sign for the perfect shot.

Then wander River Street’s cobblestone paths to check out local shops and pick up praline samples. You’ll find plenty of unique boutiques and art galleries as you soak up the waterfront vibe.

Bar Julian, 201 Port St, Savanah, GA 31401, barjulian.com
AFTERNOON

Make your way to The Olde Pink House; a historic mansion-turned-restaurant and indulge in Lowcountry cuisine, such as crab soup, fried green tomatoes, or the classic shrimp and grits. A reservation is recommended for this popular spot, but I was able to walk in with minimal wait (10-min) as a single for a bar seat. 

Head to City Market for more local shops and artisan booths. Take time to explore the area’s art galleries, souvenirs, and live music, especially in the afternoons it’s lively. It seems to shut down fairly early. I assume it’s to keep the drinking culture at bay since this area of Savannah let’s you carry open containers!

Then stroll down Broughton Street, where you’ll find a variety of shops, including clothing boutiques, specialty stores, and art galleries. Stop at my favorite, The Paris Market, for its curated French-inspired finds and a cafe to grab a coffee and a tea as well as French baked goods. I had restraint in buying things, but I basically wanted the entire store!

The Olde Pink House, 23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401, theoldepinkhouserestaurant.com
City Market, 219 W Bryan Street, Savannah, GA 31401, savannahcitymarket.com
The Paris Market, 36 W Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401, theparismarket.com
EVENING

Dine at this award-winning restaurant The Grey; housed in a restored Greyhound bus station. Known for creative Southern-inspired dishes, The Grey is an essential Savannah dining experience. Make a reservation in advance. This spot was extra special since my college mascot are the Greyhounds and they even provided me with birthday wishes from the staff via card at my table. An extra special touch!

After dinner pop into Artillery Bar and Alley Cat Lounge and wrap up the night with cocktails at one (or more!) of Savannah’s atmospheric bars. Artillery’s upscale cocktails offers an elegant spot, while Alley Cat Lounge’s speakeasy vibe is perfect for a lowkey nightcap. 

The Grey, 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401, thegreyrestaurant.com
Artillery Bar, 307 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401, artillerybar.com
Alley Cat Lounge, 207 W Broughton Ln, Savannah, GA 31401, alleycatsavannah.com

DAY 2: ART, ARCHITECTURE & ICONIC SQUARES

MORNING

Start the day with breakfast and coffee at the Collins Quarter; this unique spot known for being styled after Melbourne Australia’s historic Collins Street and serves innovative Australian cuisine. 

After breakfast head to the SCAD Museum of Art for innovative and contemporary art exhibits. Spend time exploring the galleries, then visit the shopSCAD for artisan goods crafted by SCAD students and alumni. You can even go into an interactive exhibition called SCADStory, which tells the origins of the institution. Honestly, it feels a bit like a Disney-style ride in Epcot. Pretty impressive!

Then walk over to visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. This is a stunning cathedral with Gothic Revival architecture, stained glass, and breathtaking interiors. It was probably one of my favorite sites in Savannah. It’s a short walk from the SCAD Museum and worth the time to explore its serene beauty. Just steps from the cathedral, stroll through Lafayette Square, where Forrest Gump was filmed, and snap a photo at this scenic location. It’s also one of the more beautiful squares in the area. 

Collins Quarter, 151 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401, thecollinsquarter.com
SCAD Museum of Art, 602 Turner Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401, scadmoa.org
shopSCAD, 340 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31402, shopscad.com
SCADstory, 342 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401, scadstory.com
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, 222 E Harris St, Savannah, GA 31401, savannahcathedral.org

AFTERNOON

You can then either Uber or walk to Forsyth Park, Savannah’s most famous green space. Stroll around the fountain and relax on a bench or picnic area. You could grab to-go options or pre-pack something to enjoy a serene moment here. There is also a Collins Quarters in the park! An alternative option is to pop into nearby Saint Bibiana for lunch and an afternoon cocktail at Bar Bibi. The vibes are well worth it, trust me.

Then you should spend some time exploring Savannah’s beautiful squares and architecture on foot, such as Chippewa, Monterey, and Madison Squares, each with its own unique charm, historic monuments, and shaded seating. While you wander take in the beautiful historic homes that are quintessential Southern style. 

Forsyth Park, W Gaston St and Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401, savannahga.gov
Saint Bibiana, 700 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401, saint-bibiana.com
Bar Bibi, 700 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401, staybardo.com
EVENING

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Husk Savannah; located in a landmark mansion you will have Southern food with ingredients from Coastal Georgia. Then stroll down the riverfront off of River Street and take in the stunning views of the river, lively music, and passing ships as you unwind. You could even pop into Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos or into Club One for a drag show if you’re up to it.

Then end your evening with a nightcap at Arco or Pendant Terrace and Bar. At Arco you will immerse yourself in the timeless elegance, where soaring arches frame breathtaking river views, creating a magical atmosphere perfect evening. I was lucky enough to get a seat right by the fireplace and the window with a view of the river. Simply perfect! If you’re looking for some fresh air, then head to Pendant Terrace and Bar, where you’ll enjoy panoramic city views and sip on handcrafted cocktails on the rooftop.

Husk Savannah, 12 W Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401, husksavannah.com
Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos, 314 Williamson St, Savannah, GA 31401, smilespianos.com
Club One, 1 Jefferson St, Savannah, GA 31401, clubeone-online.com
Arco, 42 E Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401, arcolounge.com
Pendant Terrace and Bar, 7 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401, pendantrooftopbar.com

As I bid farewell to Savannah, it was an unforgettable experience. The city’s unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality left a lasting impression. It’s a little bit spicy and a little bit sweet. I hope you’ll enjoy a stroll through the historic squares, savoring delicious Southern cuisine, and soaking up the vibrant nightlife. I know I’ll definitely be back for another visit.

Until next time, Savannah.

Are you ready to plan your own trip to Savannah? Feel free to use my curated map guide here.

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