Nightlife · Savannah · United States
Savannah nightlife
Where the evenings happen in Savannah, from early drinks to late nights.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ---=XEON=---, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
Savannah's open-container rules make evenings unusually relaxed: you can carry a drink in a plastic cup between bars in the historic district. Nightlife centres on River Street, the City Market and cocktail bars on Broughton and Whitaker streets, with ghost tours and live music filling earlier evenings. The main areas are River Street, City Market, Broughton and Whitaker streets and Starland District.
Key facts
- Nightlife areas
- 4
- Stay near the action
- North Historic District
- Local drink
- Chatham Artillery Punch
Where to go out
River Street
Bars and live music in converted cotton warehouses, plus rooftop venues at Plant Riverside.
City Market
Live music on outdoor stages and bars with patios around the market courtyards.
Broughton and Whitaker streets
Cocktail bars, a historic theatre and late-night restaurants.
Starland District
Breweries and casual bars popular with students and locals.
Nightlife tips
- Drinks in plastic cups up to a set size are permitted in the designated historic district area; never in glass.
- Ghost tours run nightly; book ahead for October weekends.
- Use ride-hailing or the shuttle rather than walking alone to quiet areas outside the historic district late at night.
Evening sights
Waterfront · River Street and Plant Riverside
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
What to drink
- Chatham Artillery Punch — A potent historic punch of brandy, rum, whiskey, tea and Champagne linked to the city's militia, still mixed by some bars. Savannah also allows to-go drinks in plastic cups in parts of the historic district.
Evenings through the year
Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. July has the warmest evenings, with lows around 23°C (73°F).
| Month | Sunset (15th) | Overnight low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 17:42 | 5°C (41°F) | 9 |
| April | About 19:53 | 13°C (55°F) | 6 |
| July | About 20:32 | 23°C (73°F) | 13 |
| October | About 18:52 | 14°C (57°F) | 6 |
Getting home late
- Walking — The stairs between Bay Street and River Street are very steep; use the ramps or elevators at hotels if you have heavy bags or a stroller.
- Bus — Chatham Area Transit runs city buses and a free downtown shuttle that loops the historic district, linking the visitor centre, City Market and Forsyth Park area.
- Ferry — The free Savannah Belles Ferry crosses the river between River Street and Hutchinson Island every few minutes during the day and evening.
- Ride-hailing — Uber, Lyft and pedicabs are easy downtown; ride-hailing is the usual way to reach Bonaventure or the airport without a car.
Late-night bites
- Fried green tomatoes — Brunch spots and Southern restaurants downtown.
Staying safe at night
The historic district is generally comfortable to walk, but use normal city precautions at night, keep to busier streets and lock valuables out of sight in cars. Summer heat and humidity are a real risk on long walks, and Tybee has rip currents and strong tidal flows near the river mouth. Follow official guidance during hurricane season.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Where to stay for nightlife
$$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife, food lovers and shopping
North Historic District
The northern half of the historic district, between Bay Street and Oglethorpe Avenue, holds the City Market, Ellis Square, Johnson Square and Broughton Street's shopping strip. It has the largest choice of hotels and restaurants and is a five-minute walk down to River Street. Evenings are lively with to-go cups, ghost tours and live music around the market.
- Good
- Most central base; Many restaurants and bars within a few blocks; Free downtown shuttle stops nearby
- Watch out
- Busy and noisy at night around the market; Hotel parking is expensive
- Nearby
- City Market, Ellis Square, Broughton Street, River Street
Questions travellers ask
+Where is the best nightlife in Savannah?
River Street, City Market and Broughton and Whitaker streets. Bars and live music in converted cotton warehouses, plus rooftop venues at Plant Riverside.
+Which area of Savannah is best for nightlife?
North Historic District: City Market, Ellis Square and the shops of Broughton Street.