2 Days in Savannah: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

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Savannah’s charm, diverse food scene, great tourism infrastructure, and walkable historic center, all make it a perfect city for a short weekend escape. No doubt about it, Savannah is now one of my favorite cities in the United States. It’s a special destination.

Why else do I love Savannah so much? Well. It’s a pure delight to wander Savannah’s squares for hours. Not to mention, you will dine on excellent food (I know, I know, I’m obsessed with food), shop for books, tour beautiful old homes, learn about ghosts, and more.

You won’t even need a car which is rare in the United States! 

Unsurprisingly, as a traveler, I fell in love with this city after going on a very special winter solo trip to Savannah. 

Truthfully, I wish I had months to stay in Savannah. However, we all have limited vacation time, and need to wisely use it. 

Like I said, though, 2 days in Savannah is an excellent amount of time for an introduction to this southern city. You can always come back again in the future. 

In this itinerary, I am going to suggest how to spend 2 days in Savannah itself. I don’t include day trips, such as spooky afternoons in Bonaventure Cemetery or lazy beach visits to Tybee Island, but you can swap an afternoon for one of these destinations if your heart is set on them. 

2 Days in Savannah GA: My Top Travel Tips

For the first half of this post, I have my best (and practical) travel tips for visiting Savannah. I will also discuss packing essentials, as well as some great hotels to stay in. Of course, you will want to do even more of your own research, since every traveler is different. 

Is 2 Days in Savannah Enough Time?

You might be asking yourself if 2 days in Savannah is a enough time to see everything. No, no it’s not. 

While Savannah is walkable, I still feel like the streets are packed with so much history that it would take weeks to truly see everything that the city has to offer visitors. 

However, even though you won’t see it all, 2 days in Savannah is a great amount of time for a weekend escape. Plus you’ll have a good excuse to come back in the future. Not that you need an excuse, of course.

How to Get to Savannah

If you’re flying to Savannah, you will land at Savannah/Hilton Head Airport, which is actually one of the cutest airport that I’ve ever flown to. Taxis and rideshares are abundant if you land in the morning. Without traffic, it only takes about twenty minutes to reach the Historic District of Savannah. 

As you can see, getting to Savannah is a piece of cake if you’re flying in!

If you’re doing a road trip, then Savannah is roughly 20 minutes from I-95. Simple. I would suggest getting a valet to park your car, though, since driving around the Historic District is pointless if you’re staying there. 

Savannah Packing Essentials

• Bug Spray: Savannah has a lot of bugs depending on the time of year. Pack bug spray to keep those pests at bay. You don’t want to bring a bunch of bites home as souvenirs. 
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Savannah has lots of cobblestone streets, so you need sturdy walking shoes with a good grip on the soles. I saw quite a few tourists stumble in the rain. In hot weather, you’re welcome to wear open-toed shoes suitable for walking 10,000+ steps a day. 
• Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil: Haha, so I had to include this book in your packing list. Read Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil either on your trip or right beforehand. You’ll seriously want to move to Savannah, because the city is so fascinating. 
• Sunglasses: Be sure to protect your eyes from the warm Georgia sun! Pack a few pairs of fun sunglasses for your weekend vacation.
• Sunscreen: I don’t mess around with sunburn and you shouldn’t either, especially if you decide to visit Savannah in the summer. Bring sunscreen to keep your skin safe and generously reapply it. 

Where to Stay in Savannah

Savannah has a lot of very charming bed and breakfasts. Since my blog is geared toward solo travelers, I’ve written a lot about hotels, because I personally would feel awkward as a single person at a romantic bed and breakfast. 

However, for those of you who want a bed and breakfast experience, some of Savannah’s top rated places include Eliza Thompson House, The Gastonian, and Kehoe House. All these bed and breakfasts are fully refundable, which is amazing if your plans change. 

As for hotels, I have included three different options that cover all budgets. 

Accommodation Ideas

• Andaz Savannah: Right on Ellis Square, this trendy and sophisticated hotel has everything you could possibly need on your solo trip to Savannah GA. A little on the pricier side, but great if you want to splurge. See prices on Expedia.com | TripAdvisor.com | Booking.com.
• Hyatt Regency Savannah: I don’t normally stay at big Hyatt hotels, but the Regency on River Street was a delight. I was able to walk to everything, and staying in a larger hotel made me feel comfortable as a solo traveler. See prices on Expedia.com | TripAdvisor.com | Booking.com.
• Thunderbird Inn: Do you want to stay a reasonably priced accommodation with a fun retro twist? Look no further than Thunderbird Inn! I hear the cookies are outstanding too! See prices on Expedia.com | TripAdvisor.com | Booking.com.

2 Days in Savannah GA: An Overview

Day	Sights
1	River Street, River Sweets, Historic District and Squares, Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Historic House Tour, Fancy Dinner, Ghost Tour
2	Collins Quarter, Colonial Cemetery, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, Forsyth Park, Telfair Academy, Book Shopping, Cocktail Tour

2 Days in Savannah: Detailed Itinerary

Below, I’ve written a more detailed itinerary for how to spend 2 days in Savannah. 

Day 1 in Savannah

I hope you slept well, because for your first day in Savannah, you’ll walk a lot to savor the city’s unique atmosphere. I promise that you’ll enjoy every second of your adventure, though.

Walk Along River Street

River Street is one of the most popular tourist streets in all of Savannah. And it’s easy to see why. Savannah’s waterfront is beautiful especially on a sunny day. Sure, the souvenir shops are a little cheesy, but no doubt about it, River Street has fantastic “people watching” and is a wonderful introduction to the city. 

One of the most popular things to do on River Street is booking a Savannah Riverboat Cruise. While I personally didn’t do this, I’ve heard from others that this cruise is rather enjoyable, so I recommend seeing Savannah from the water if you have time! 

Oh, and come to River Street on an empty stomach, because … 

Pralines at River Street Sweets

Pralines are a yummy Savannah staple and shouldn’t be missed! River Street Sweets, which has been in business for 50 years, are known for their delicious homemade pralines. 

These sugary candies are made with cream and pecans. You can see them being made in-house and eat free samples. The free samples are still warm. Don’t miss them. I would literally show up here every hour for free samples if I thought I could get away with it, haha. 

Explore Savannah’s Historic District and Squares

Savannah’s Historic District is very walkable and easy to explore. You can honestly cover the whole Historic District in one afternoon if you’re truly motivated. 

However, with 2 days in Savannah, take your time as you enjoy the atmosphere of Spanish Moss, prominent historic homes, cobblestone streets, and gorgeous squares. 

Seriously, Savannah’s squares are a unique urban planning feature that help tourists fall in love with this city. My favorite squares include Chippewa Square (made famous by Forrest Gump), Monterey Square (which is close to the Mercer House), and Madison Square. Take plenty of pictures! 

See the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist 

This gorgeous basilica is one of the most famous buildings in all of Savannah. Inside, the stained glass is exceptional. Visitors are welcome, and while the basilica is free, a small donation is always appreciated. 

Keep in mind that the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist is an active place of worship, and you shouldn’t tour the church, even self-guided, if a Mass is taking place. Check the Mass schedule ahead of time to avoid potential conflicts. Pictures are also welcome, but again, not during services.  

Take a House Tour

Savannah has several wonderful homes where you’re able to take a guided tour. 

For example, Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters is a gorgeous neoclassical home that you can tour as part of a ticket package that includes the other Telfair Museums (more on that later!). You need to reserve a time in advance, but the guided tours are well worth the effort. You not only learn about the wealthy families who inhabited the home, but also the stories of the enslaved people who lived on the property, which shouldn’t be forgotten. 

Another option is Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. This home is iconic especially if you were part of the Girl Scouts. Juliette Gordon Low is a fascinating woman, and you’ll have a great time learning all about her on one of the guided tours. 

Without a doubt, you want to go to a historic home with 2 days in Savannah.  

Enjoy Dinner at an Upscale Restaurant 

Savannah has so many incredible restaurants to choose from. You could seriously dine out here every night for a month, and still have new places to discover and enjoy. Alas, we’re only limited to 2 days in Savannah.

One of my favorite places to go for an evening out is Husk Savannah. I went to Husk on my solo trip to Charleston, and wanted to try the Savannah location. I’m so happy that I did! The bar was buzzing and welcoming, and all the food was absolutely exquisite. I highly recommend it. 

As always, feel free to do your own research and find a place that “speaks” to you. Savannah has no shortage of great places for dinner.

Experience a Ghost Tour

Savannah’s supposedly the most haunted city in America. So you must take a ghost tour even if you don’t believe in the paranormal. On my trip, I went on Genteel and Bard’s Dark History Walking Tour, which was fantastic. The guide is a professional storyteller who gives you headsets as you wander through Savannah’s streets at night. 

Savannah has so, so, so many ghost tours, and all these options might feel overwhelming, especially since you only have 2 days in Savannah. Another thing I liked about Genteel and Bard’s Dark History Tour is that the company is locally owned, which means your money stays within the community. 

As far as safety is concerned, Savannah’s ghost tours are safe because you’re in a decently sized group. The Historic District is well-trafficked, but take a rideshare back to your hotel if you feel nervous about walking back at night.

Day 2 in Savannah 

On your second day in Savannah, you’ll enjoy independent bookstores, delicious Southern cuisine, and beautiful art. Excited yet? I know I would be. 

Have a Spiced Lavender Mocha for Breakfast

Oh man. So I am a huge coffee lover. I’m always trying independent coffee shops on my travels. Without a doubt, the Spiced Lavender Mocha at The Collins Quarter is one of the most delicious coffees I’ve ever tasted in my entire life. Not even kidding. 

Come early because Collins Quarter fills up and fast.

Take a Morning Walk in Colonial Cemetery 

Just because we’re not going to Bonaventure Cemetery in this itinerary doesn’t mean that we’re ignoring cemeteries altogether. This is Savannah, after all. 

This cemetery was established in 1750, and is open to visitors during the day, but shuts its gates after sunset. Feel free to walk around and read the headstones. Despite being in the middle of Savannah, Colonial Cemetery is very peaceful and picturesque. I actually walked through it twice, because I enjoyed admiring the tombstones so much. 

Afterwards, stretch your muscles and be prepared to stand in line, because you’re about to have a fantastic meal. 

Get in Line Early for Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room 

Are you ready for the meal of your life? I sure hope you wore stretchy pants, because now it’s time for Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room.

Travelers who do their research know that you need to wait in line ahead of time to eat at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. I waited for about an hour before I was seated. Don’t let this dissuade you, though. Waiting in line is part of the experience, and you will talk to other diners, which makes the time go by. 

After you’re seated, you’ll make friends with others at your table, since Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is strictly offers communal seating. The parade of food is never-ending – fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, mac and cheese, banana pudding – and you will leave feeling very, very, very happy indeed. 

Visit Forsyth Park

Alright, let’s burn off some calories. Take a stroll down to Forsyth Park, which is the most popular green space in all of Savannah. This gorgeous public park is Savannah’s oldest, and all the dripping Spanish Moss creates an absolutely breathtaking visit.

Not to mention, Forsyth Park is another perfect spot for people watching, so you don’t want to miss it!

Lastly, as an important side note, I felt very safe wandering Forsyth Park in the afternoon. However, I’ve read in numerous local forums and on Reddit that you shouldn’t walk through Forsyth Park alone at night. Yes, it’s a gorgeous park, but safety first. 

Enjoy Art at the Telfair Academy

Okay, I know I promised art for your second day in Savannah, and Telfair Academy delivers on that front. This small, beautiful art museum is home to the famous Bird Girl statue, which you may have seen on the book cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Aside from Bird Girl, Telfair Academy is simply a wonderful place to admire great art. It’s not overwhelming compared to larger museums, such as the Met in New York City. I especially liked sitting in The Rotunda Gallery and analyzing the pieces from the vantage point in the gallery’s center. 

If you’ve already gone to Owens-Thomas House, then admissions to Telfair Academy is already included in your ticket, which is nice. 

Explore Savannah’s Prettiest Book Stores

Do you love independent bookshops as much as I do? Then you’re in for a real treat, because Savannah has plenty of options! I personally spent waaay too much money on books in Savannah, haha. 

Even if you’re not reading anything new, Savannah’s bookstores are great places to relax and explore new titles. Their merchandise is a ton of fun too, and perfect for souvenirs, whether you’re shopping for yourself or friends and family. 

Savannah’s Best Bookstores

• Books on Bay located on 224 W. Bay Street. 
• The Book Lady Bookstore located on 6 E. Liberty Street. 
• E. Shaver Booksellers located on 326 Bull Street. 

Go on a Self-Guided Cocktail Tour

Savannah has a thriving cocktail scene. And yes, you can enjoy more than Chatham Artillery Punch on your trip. 

My favorite places to grab a drink include Artillery Bar, Bar Bubbly, and Savoy Society, although you’ll find plenty of other options on your adventure. 

Even if you don’t drink, the bartenders make some mean mocktails that I also loved. 

However, if you prefer to go out at night with other people, then Savannah has a ton of wonderful organized tours. For example, take a creepy nighttime pub crawl to learn about ghosts and enjoy a couple of drinks with new friends. 

Nibble on Appetizers at Alligator Soul

If you’re somehow still hungry, then I suggest going for appetizers at Alligator Soul. This is an upscale restaurant, but at the same time, the bar was casual and fun. 

The appetizers at Alligator Soul create a delicious evening snack. I personally was obsessed with the Alligator Tempura! If you’ve never tried alligator, this restaurant is the perfect place to go outside of your comfort zone and try it. 

Unfortunately, this is the end of your 2 days in Savannah, but if you’re like me, then you will fall in love with the city and return again in the near future. 

I hope you enjoyed reading my 2 Days in Savannah Itinerary. As always, feel free to reach out for travel planning services if you need additional help for your upcoming trip.