Savannah is the fifth largest city in Georgia, at the northern end of the state's coast. It's famous for having one of the largest historic districts in the country.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Savannah, the historic riverside birthplace of Georgia, was settled in 1733 by British colonists led by General James Oglethorpe and Colonel William Bull. In 1864, when General William Tecumseh Sherman and his Union Army marched in, the mayor of Savannah gave Sherman's men run of the city in exchange for leaving it untorched. As a result, Savannah is one of the few major cities in the South with antebellum charm and architecture remaining intact. Southerners joke that in Atlanta, the first thing locals ask you is your business; in Charleston, they ask your mother's maiden name; and in Savannah, they ask what you want to drink.
Chatham Area Transit (CAT) has bus services fanning out from an intermodal Transit Center downtown on W. Oglethorpe Ave. It also operates the free dot Shuttle (Route #5) that winds its way around the Historic District, the free Savannah Belles Ferry that runs across the Savannah River between the Historic District and Hutchinson Island where the Convention Center is, and a free streetcar along River Street on weekends. ConnectOnTheDot has information about fare-free transportation in downtown Savannah, comprising an express shuttle and the Savannah Belles Ferry. The major east-west street through the Historic District is Bay Street, and the major north-south street is Abercorn, which begi…
1 Bonaventure Cemetery. Fans of "The Book" will find Johnny Mercer's grave here, along with those of Conrad Aiken and other Southern notables. The view of the river is wonderful, and the Spanish moss creates a delightfully spooky atmosphere. 2 City Market. City Market is a mixed-use project in the northwest corner of the Historic District. The rehabilitation of the four-block area began in 1985. The result is a facility that economically could not be replicated today. City Market has established itself as a destination for entertainment, dining, and retailing in downtown Savannah.
Take a Riverboat Cruise on the Savannah River Queen or the Georgia Queen. Visit the Savannah Visitors Center and the Savannah History Museum. Ride the free Savannah Belles Ferry across the Savannah river to Hutchinson Island. Watch the show at Club One Jefferson (home of the Lady Chablis-Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) Walk the Bull Street corridor from City Hall (at Bay St.) to the fountain in Forsyth Park. Take a picture with a statue in one of the historic squares. Walk down River Street, see the Waving Girl, and shop in one of the local candy shops. Shop at City Market.
1 Saint Bibiana, 700 Drayton St, ☏ +1 912-238-5158. In the Savannah Bardo Hotel. A fine Italian cuisine restaurant and cocktail lounge located in historic downtown Savannah, adorned with chic artwork, stunning chandeliering, and the full restoration and artistic touches of the original 1888 Savannah Mansion. B&D Burgers. Local chain with excellent burgers. Four locations: two downtown, off of Ellis Sq and further west on Broughton; one near Southside on Abercorn; and one in Pooler in a heavy retail area. (updated Dec 2024) 2 B. Matthew's Eatery, 325 East Bay Street (on the bluff overlooking the River), ☏ +1 912-233-1319. 3 The Collins Quarter at Forsyth, 621 Drayton St.
Savannah is called the "Hostess City of the South" and as such, there are no shortages of watering holes; from hole-in-the wall joints to upscale bars. In downtown Savannah, it is legal to consume alcohol in public. Ask the bartender or doorman for a "go cup" (a "traveller" if you're a local) to pour your libation in. Churchill's Pub & Restaurant. Circa 1875, 48 Whitaker St. Lots of paneling and atmosphere, this beautiful and cozy bar with an extensive wine selection also mixes great drinks. Becoming the hangout for the intellectual set. Club One Jefferson, 1 Jefferson St. daily 5PM to 3AM. Shows are nightly at 10:30PM and 12:30AM.
Savannah's Historic District is safe for exploring the area during the day, with at least one other person - a normal safety precaution. Outside the historic district crime is prevalent. While exploring the Historic District, remember this is a tourist area and there are those who prey on tourists - be cautious, especially at night. Savannah-Chatham County Police patrol the downtown area frequently on horseback and in patrol cruisers. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is prominent throughout the downtown area.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Savannah typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 23 rainy days.
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