How to Spend a Weekend in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is the perfect southern city to explore for a weekend! The hostess city of the south is the ultimate destination for a girls trip, romantic weekend getaway, or just a great place to visit if you love southern food and history. You could spend endless weekends in Savannah, but 48 hours is a great start for getting a taste of this beautiful city!

Where to Stay in Savannah

Hamilton-Turner Inn

Located in the heart of the historic district, the Hamilton-Turner Inn is an elegant bed-and-breakfast perfect for those who love charm and history. Built in 1876, this inn offers luxurious accommodations and an inviting atmosphere complete with daily happy hour, southern-style breakfast, and friendly service. It’s a great place to stay for a weekend in Savannah. This hotel is also located on one of the cutest squares in historic downtown, and just minutes from great restaurants and shops.

Airbnbs in Downtown Historic District

If you’re looking for a more independent stay, consider booking an Airbnb in the downtown historic district for your weekend in Savannah. We booked a cute Airbnb for a girls weekend, and we had plenty of room while also being close to all of the action. Definitely book ahead on busy weekends, and try to stay as close to the historic district as possible so you can take advantage of walking most places!

Where to Eat in Savannah

Husk

Known for its reinvented Southern cuisine, Husk is a must-visit for food lovers. With a menu that changes daily based on local ingredients, you’ll savor every bite. I definitely recommend ordering the pimento cheese and one of their local main dishes! This is a great option for lunch or dinner during your weekend in Savannah.

Olde Pink House

This historic restaurant offers a true taste of Savannah’s charm, located in an 18th-century mansion. The Olde Pink House serves Southern classics like buttery biscuits and fried green tomatoes, all in the heart of historical Savannah. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or happy hour, so no pressure if you can’t snag a dinner reservation!

Elizabeth on 37th

Elizabeth on 37th is a fine dining restaurant located in a historic Victorian mansion. Their Chef’s tasting menu changes seasonally, and it is the perfect place to dine on a special evening during your weekend in Savannah. We went here with our friends from Champagne Laurent Perrier where we had their delicious champagne as well as other world class wines with our southern meal.

Saint Bibiana

This newer restaurant located in Hotel Bardo has a contemporary take on southern Italian food! At Saint Bibiana, we were greeted with warm house made focaccia, and the menu featured unique dishes that reminded me of Sicily. This restaurant has such a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a girls night or date night out!

Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar

If you’re craving fresh oysters and a relaxed vibe, Sorry Charlie’s is the place to be. With an extensive oyster and bar menu, you can enjoy delicious seafood while sipping some of their signature cocktails. You could pop in here for lunch or a happy hour. Their Bloody Mary was one of the best I’ve had, and of course we had to get one to go!

Collins Quarter

Collins Quarter is the ultimate brunch spot with two locations: one in Forsyth Park and the other in historic downtown. It has classic breakfast dishes such as avocado toast and eggs, and southern favorites like chicken and waffles! We had the best time sitting outside on the patio in the park, and loved the cold brew coffee with white chocolate cold foam.

Things to Do on a Weekend in Savannah

A huge reason why I love Savannah so much is because of how walkable it is. You can easily find Ubers if you need them, but walking around and looking at the charming home and historic squares is one of my favorite things to do! Having free time to roam, pop in shops, cafes, bars (grab a drink to-go), and galleries all part of the fun.

• Stroll the Squares. Each of Savannah’s 22 historic squares has its own unique charm, lined with majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss and monuments honoring Savannah’s past.
• Visit the Market by the Water. The Savannah Historic River Street Market offers a wide array of local crafts, art, and food. Definitely stop by here during your weekend in Savannah.
• Shopping in the Historic District. Savannah is a shopper’s paradise, with boutiques, book stores, antique shops, and artisan stores scattered throughout the historic district.
• Explore Forsyth Park. Take a stroll, visit local street vendors, people watch, admire the iconic Forsyth Fountain, or simply relax on a bench under the moss-draped oaks.
• Take a Ghost Tour. Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., so why not embrace the spooky side of its history? I have yet to do this, but I’ve heard it can be so much fun! There are plenty of ghost tours available that will take you through the city’s eerie spots.

Where to Grab a Drink in Savannah

• Artillery Bar. If you’re looking for craft cocktails in a low-lit upscale bar, this is the place! They make a perfect espresso martini with freshly brewed espresso from the coffee shop next door.
• Savoy Society. We popped in to this lively spot late one night and loved the vibe! They offer a unique cocktail list and it’s a great place for a young-adult crowd.

Tips for Your Weekend Trip to Savannah

• Getting Around: Savannah’s downtown area is very walkable, so bring comfortable shoes for exploring. Alternatively, you can hop on a trolley tour to get around with ease.
• Best Time to Visit: The spring and fall months offer the perfect weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing! I also visited in February and it was a little chilly, but it was still enjoyable to walk around outside. Be careful of visiting close to Saint Patrick’s Day… Savannah has one of the largest St. Pattie’s celebrations in the country and the crowds can be a lot!
• Flying there: The Savannah airport is small but super easy to fly in and out of. It’s about a 20 minute uber to historic downtown.
• What to Pack: Layers are essential, especially in the spring. As mentioned before, flat shoes are the best option for walking around! Most of Savannah has a pretty casual vibe to it, but you can also dress up for nicer dinners.

Savannah offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and modern charm. Whether you’re here for a weekend or longer, the city’s southern charm will undoubtedly make your visit unforgettable! For more weekend travel guides, check out my Weekend Guide to Charleston, Weekend Guide to Champagne, and my Guide to 48 Hours in Lake Como.