48 Hours in Savannah, GA

Savannah, also known as the Hostess City of the South, is located in Chatham County, Georgia, and is one of the most historic and visited cities in the state. The city is famous for its rich history, haunted past, twenty-two iconic squares, southern charm, moss-covered oak trees, green spaces, and world-renowned attractions. Spending 48 hours here will feel like stepping into a city where history, culture, and adventure intersect.

From the beauty of Forsyth Park and its iconic fountain to City Market, bursting with art, cuisine, and southern charm, to River Street, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and breathtaking views of the Savannah River, the city offers experiences at every turn. Colonial Park Cemetery provides a haunting glimpse into Savannah’s past, while the local food scene reflects the city’s diversity with flavors from all around the world.

Are you ready to explore this charming city? Below is your ultimate 48-hour itinerary to make your visit unforgettable. Wear your most comfortable shoes and get ready to stroll through historic streets—and don’t be surprised if Savannah beckons you back for more.

Start your first day at Le Café Gourmet, located on Montgomery Street in downtown Savannah. This French bakery uses imported French flour, butter, and organic ingredients to craft its delicious menu. Options include crepes, croissants, baguettes, scrambled eggs, and sandwiches. Breakfast is served daily starting at 8:00 AM, making it the perfect way to begin your day.

pend the morning exploring Savannah City Market, a historic district filled with shops, art galleries, local culture, and dining options. Popular stores include:

• Twinkle– Souvenirs
• Charleston Show Company– Footwear
• Silver Silk & Beads– Handcrafted jewelry
• The Mess Hall– Personalized headwear
• Sea Bags Maine– Recycled sail bags

Art lovers will enjoy galleries such as Signature Gallery, A.T. Hun Gallery, Stephan Kasun Gallery, and Alix Baptiste Art Gallery, featuring pieces from international artists. Don’t forget a sweet treat from Byrd’s Cookie Company, offering salted caramel, key lime coolers, scotch oatmeal, and Georgia peach cookies.

Visit the First African Baptist Church, a National Historic Landmark with hand-carved pews, historic light fixtures, and a rich history tied to the Underground Railroad. Tours are available on weekdays. Nearby, explore the Marshall House, built in 1851 as a hospital during the Civil War and yellow fever outbreaks. It is considered one of Savannah’s most haunted locations, with many visitors reporting eerie experiences.

Dine at The Olde Pink House, an 18th-century home in downtown Savannah known for its pink exterior and classic southern charm. Menu highlights include:

• Country-Fried Chicken
• Buffalo Shrimp Tacos
• Blue Crab Beignets
• Shrimp and Grits
• Fried Green Tomatoes

Reservations are recommended. For a lighter lunch without a reservation, visit the Arches Bar inside the restaurant.

After lunch, stroll along River Street, a historic waterfront over 300 years old. The cobblestone streets, imported from Europe, are lined with warehouse shops, eateries, monuments, and attractions, including:

• Waving Girl Statue
• Olympic Cauldron
• World War II Monument
• African American Monument

Browse outdoor markets and stores like Cinnamon Bear and Gallery 209. River Street is known for its haunted history, connected to the slave trade and dangerous labor conditions. Consider a Savannah Riverboat excursion for scenic views.

Experience dinner at The Grey, run by James Beard-winning chef Mashama Bailey, located in a restored Greyhound bus station. The restaurant offers a seasonal three-course prix fixe menu featuring seafood, meats, and vegetarian dishes. Highlights include:

• Starters: Savannah Red Rice, Roasted Oysters, Beef Carpaccio, Baba Ghanoush
• Main Courses: Chicken Roulade, Deep-Fried Quail, Stewed Field Peas, Okra, Dayboat Catch

Pair your meal with their house or vintage cocktails. Reservations are strongly recommended.

End the evening with a sweet treat at Leopold’s Ice Cream, established in 1919. Traditional recipes offer floats, milkshakes, brownie sundaes, banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, ice cream sodas, fruit drinks, ice cream sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, and homemade cookies.

Conclude day one with a Savannah ghost tour. Options include:

• Sixth Sense Savannah– Tales of poltergeists and shadow figures
• America’s Most Haunted City Tour– 90-minute tour from pre-colonial times to the present
• Original Haunted Savannah Tour– Based on authentic historical records

Begin your second day at Collins Quarter, located near Forsyth Park. This café brings Melbourne’s famous café culture to Savannah, serving all-day brunch and specialty coffee. Menu favorites:

• OG Breakfast Sandwich (fried egg & smoked pork shoulder)
• Eggs Benedict
• Smothered Breakfast Burrito
• Leo’s Big Brekkie (pork chops, bacon, mushrooms, chicken sausages, bread)

Enjoy indoor seating or a terrace overlooking Forsyth Park.

Forsyth Park is one of Savannah’s oldest and most photographed locations. Its 1858 fountain, shaded pathways, tennis and basketball courts, walking and biking trails, and the Garden of Fragrance make it a must-visit. On Saturdays, the park hosts a farmers’ market with fresh produce and organic goods. The adjacent Victorian District features historic mansions, now luxury lodgings.

12:00 PM – Explore Savannah’s Squares and Bookstores
Savannah is famous for its 22 historic squares, green gathering spots surrounded by moss-covered trees and historic architecture. Suggested route:

1. Monterey Square– Home to the Casimir Pulaski statue
2. Taylor Square– Features a charming Methodist church
3. Madison Square– Surrounded by 19th-century buildings

Savannah also has notable bookstores:

• Books on Bay– Vintage books and classics
• Shaver Booksellers– Romance, horror, antique typewriters, and literary gifts
• The Book Lady– Rare, out-of-print, new, and used books with a Georgia/South focus

Stop by Expresso Café for coffee and visit Chippewa Square, famously featured in Forrest Gump.

Enjoy lunch at Hitch, located on Liberty Street. This vibrant spot combines beach-meets-saloon decor with creative Southern cuisine. Highlights:

• Fish and Chips
• Chicken Pancake Tacos
• Grilled Apple Pie Sandwich with Chicken
• Miyagi Beef Tacos

For dessert, try Fried Oreos or Bourbon Pecan Pie, paired with specialty drinks like the Tire Swing or Cherry Cola.

Visit Colonial Park Cemetery, built around 1750 and covering six acres. Here lie notable figures such as Button Gwinnett, victims of the 1820 yellow fever outbreak, and other historical residents. For more haunted charm, visit Bonaventure Cemetery, famous for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, tree-lined paths, and striking sculptures.

7:00 PM – Dinner at Vault Kitchen or Common Thread
Two dinner options:

• Vault Kitchen & Market(Starland District) – Asian cuisine in a restored bank building. Menu highlights: Miso Soup, Pork Dumplings, Curry Fish, Miso Salmon, Spicy Korean BBQ Tacos, Teller Chicken Tacos
• Common Thread(Historic Mansion on Millionaire’s Row) – Low-country, farm-to-table cuisine. Menu highlights: Wood-Fired Chicken, She-Crab Soup, Carolina Gold Rice Risotto, Local Fish with Garden Vegetables

Both restaurants offer cozy atmospheres and southern hospitality.

Make the most of your 48 hours in Savannah by staying at the Savannah Garden Hotel, just minutes from River Street, Forsyth Park, and City Market. Enjoy comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and southern hospitality in the heart of the city.