3 days in Savannah

Day by day

1. Day 1: Forsyth Park and The historic squares

   Forsyth Park, The historic squares and River Street and Factor's Walk, then River Street in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Forsyth Park

      Savannah's largest park covers about 12 hectares at the southern edge of the historic district, with a white cast-iron fountain from 1858, live-oak paths, a Confederate memorial, playgrounds and a fragrant garden.

   2. Late morning

      The historic squares

      Walk the full length of Bull Street, then return on Abercorn or Barnard to see different squares.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Shrimp and grits

      Restaurants around the City Market, Broughton Street and River Street.

   4. Afternoon

      River Street and Factor's Walk

      A cobbled street along the Savannah River lined with 19th-century cotton warehouses, where cotton factors once graded and sold bales.

   5. Evening

      River Street

      Bars and live music in converted cotton warehouses, plus rooftop venues at Plant Riverside.

2. Day 2: Bonaventure Cemetery and Owens–Thomas House and Slave Quarters

   Bonaventure Cemetery, Owens–Thomas House and Slave Quarters and Telfair Academy and Jepson Center, then City Market in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Bonaventure Cemetery

      Pick up a map at the entrance or join a volunteer-led tour; the cemetery is large and the notable graves are spread out.

   2. Late morning

      Owens–Thomas House and Slave Quarters

      An English Regency villa on Oglethorpe Square designed by William Jay and completed in 1819, run by Telfair Museums.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Southern fried chicken, family style

      Long-running family-style dining rooms in the historic district, where queues form before opening.

   4. Afternoon

      Telfair Academy and Jepson Center

      Visit the Jepson for modern art and the children's gallery, then cross the square for the period rooms at the Academy.

   5. Evening

      City Market

      Live music on outdoor stages and bars with patios around the market courtyards.

3. Day 3: Mercer Williams House and Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

   Mercer Williams House, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and First African Baptist Church, then Broughton and Whitaker streets in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Mercer Williams House

      Designed for Hugh Mercer, great-grandfather of Johnny Mercer, this Italianate house on Monterey Square was later restored by antiques dealer Jim Williams and became the setting for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

   2. Late morning

      Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

      Visit on a sunny morning when light comes through the windows, and dress respectfully.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Lowcountry boil

      Seafood restaurants on Tybee Island, Thunderbolt and River Street.

   4. Afternoon

      First African Baptist Church

      On Franklin Square near the City Market, this congregation traces its roots to the 1770s, among the oldest Black congregations in North America.

   5. Evening

      Broughton and Whitaker streets

      Cocktail bars, a historic theatre and late-night restaurants.

Before you go

If it rains

• Swap in Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum (Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard): Combine it with First African Baptist Church for a half-day on Black history in Savannah.
• Swap in SCAD Museum of Art (North Historic District): Check what is on before you go; exhibitions change often and range from fashion to large-scale installations.
• Swap in Georgia State Railroad Museum (North Historic District): Combine it with the Savannah History Museum and the Battlefield Memorial Park across the street.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, North Historic District keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, South Historic District ($$$$) suits couples, quiet stays, luxury and culture. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 11–13 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.1 hours in December to 14.2 hours in June, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.

More or fewer days

• One day in Savannah
• 2 days in Savannah

Questions travellers ask