Free things to do · Savannah · United States
7 free things to do in Savannah
Savannah without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: John Muir, Public domain
Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Savannah without paying an entry fee: Forsyth Park, The historic squares, River Street and Factor's Walk and Bonaventure Cemetery are all free. Use the free downtown shuttle and the free Savannah Belles Ferry instead of taxis.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 7
- Low-cost extras
- 8
- Cost level
- Moderately priced
- Lowest hotel prices
- January and August–September
Free sights and experiences
Park · Victorian District and Forsyth Park
1.Forsyth Park
Walk down Bull Street through Chippewa, Madison and Monterey squares to reach the fountain; it is the classic Savannah route.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Neighbourhood · South Historic District
2.The historic squares
Walk the full length of Bull Street, then return on Abercorn or Barnard to see different squares.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Waterfront · River Street and Plant Riverside
3.River Street and Factor's Walk
Watch for the Waving Girl statue at the eastern end, then take the free ferry for the best view back at the bluff.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- After dark
- Food
- Views
Historic site · Thunderbolt
4.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.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Religious site · South Historic District
5.Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Visit on a sunny morning when light comes through the windows, and dress respectfully.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Rainy day
- History
Experience · River Street and Plant Riverside
6.Savannah Belles Ferry
Ride across and straight back at sunset for a free harbour view, and watch for large container ships.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Views
- Couples
Historic site · North Historic District
7.Colonial Park Cemetery
Visit by day for the inscriptions; at night the gates close and tours stop outside.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Outdoors
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Victorian District and Forsyth Park | Forsyth Park | 1 hour |
| South Historic District | The historic squares and Cathedral of St. John the Baptist | 2–3 hours + 30 minutes |
| River Street and Plant Riverside | River Street and Factor's Walk and Savannah Belles Ferry | 1–2 hours + 30 minutes |
| Thunderbolt | Bonaventure Cemetery | 1.5–2 hours |
| North Historic District | Colonial Park Cemetery | 30 minutes |
Worth a small ticket
Religious site · North Historic District
First African Baptist Church
Book a tour time in advance and allow a little extra for questions; guides are knowledgeable about the congregation's history.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Museum · Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum
Combine it with First African Baptist Church for a half-day on Black history in Savannah.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
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Historic site · Isle of Hope
Wormsloe State Historic Site
Arrive early in the morning for the oak avenue with soft light and no cars in the frame.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Photo spot
- History
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Couples
Historic site · Cockspur Island
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Stop on the way to Tybee Island and check the schedule for ranger talks and cannon-firing demonstrations.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Kids
- Outdoors
Landmark · Tybee Island
Tybee Island Light Station
Climb it before heading to the beach; the stairs get hot and busy on summer afternoons.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Kids
- History
Gallery · North Historic District
SCAD Museum of Art
Check what is on before you go; exhibitions change often and range from fashion to large-scale installations.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Museum · North Historic District
Georgia State Railroad Museum
Combine it with the Savannah History Museum and the Battlefield Memorial Park across the street.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- History
- Rainy day
Museum · Pin Point
Pin Point Heritage Museum
Pair it with Wormsloe, about 15 minutes away, for a half-day south of town.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Nature
More ways to save
- Use the free downtown shuttle and the free Savannah Belles Ferry instead of taxis.
- The squares, Forsyth Park, River Street, Bonaventure Cemetery and Colonial Park Cemetery are all free.
- Hotel rates spike around St. Patrick's Day and spring weekends; January and August are usually lowest.
- Hotels near the airport or on the Southside cost far less than downtown, but add parking or ride-hailing costs.
- A Telfair combination ticket is cheaper than visiting its three sites separately.
- Eat your main meal at lunch, when Southern restaurants offer lower-priced plates.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Savannah expensive to visit?
Savannah is moderately priced for most visitors, but 7 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Savannah?
Forsyth Park: Walk down Bull Street through Chippewa, Madison and Monterey squares to reach the fountain; it is the classic Savannah route.