Practical Tips & Hacks: Savannah

Money-Saving Strategies

Travel need not be expensive. Savannah presents many ways to enjoy its charm on a budget.

Discount Cards & Passes

Consider a Savannah Tour Pass for multiple paid attractions.
Calculate if a pass yields savings compared to individual tickets.
Bundling can lead to considerable discounts.
Verify pass applicability for your specific itinerary.

Free Activities

Stroll the 22 Historic Squares for free.
Relax at Forsyth Park, featuring its iconic fountain.
Explore River Street and City Market on foot.
Self-guided tours of Bonaventure or Colonial Park Cemeteries.

Dining Deals

Look for happy hour specials (e.g., 4 PM - 7 PM weekdays).
Seek early bird specials for discounted meals.
Experience a restaurant at a lower cost during off-peak hours.
Broughton Street good for browsing and window shopping.

Transportation Savings

Savannah’s Historic District is walkable.
Utilize the fare-free Downtown Loop (DOT Shuttle).
Public bus for outer destinations ($1.50 per ride, $3.00 day pass).
The shuttle makes covering ground without cost simple.

Time-Saving Tips

Maximizing your time in Savannah means being strategic.

Efficient Sightseeing

Book popular tour tickets online to skip lines.
Visit Forsyth Park early for fewer crowds and photos.
Explore River Street weekday mornings for less activity.
Bonaventure Cemetery tranquil in early morning.

Dining & Navigation

Make dinner reservations, especially on weekends.
Dine earlier or later than peak hours.
Hop-on-hop-off trolley tours for efficient major sight seeing.
Taxis or ride-shares are quick for non-adjacent points.

Smart Planning

Group attractions geographically for less travel.
Explore northern squares and River Street together.
Explore southern squares and Forsyth Park together.
Savannah's grid layout simplifies routing.

Advance Booking

Secure accommodation well in advance.
Book popular dinner spots ahead.
Reserve must-do tours, especially during peak season.

Local Insights

A few local tips enrich your experience and side-step common tourist pitfalls.

Common Tourist Pitfalls

Not wearing comfortable Walking shoes on cobblestones.
Underestimating summer heat and humidity.
Not using the free DOT shuttle.
Forgetting insect repellent.

Beyond River Street

Venture into the squares and other districts.
Experience a more authentic Savannah.
Explore Broughton Street for window shopping.
Discover local boutiques and retailers.

Local Customs & Norms

Southern Hospitality: Expect friendliness and greetings.
Savannah's pace: A slightly slower rhythm.
Acknowledge greetings politely.
Embrace the relaxed atmosphere.

Phrases & Practices

Using 'Yes, ma'am' or 'No, sir' shows respect.
'Thank y'all' warms a group.
To-go cups for alcoholic beverages within the Historic District.
Strict parking enforcement; observe signs.

Traveler-Specific Advice

Travelers with different compositions have unique needs and opportunities.

Solo Traveler Advice

Savannah is generally safe; stick to populated areas.
Join guided tours or group cooking classes.
Many B&Bs welcome solo guests.

Family-Friendly Travel

Look for family-friendly tours.
Focus on outdoor activities: Forsyth Park, Tybee Island.
Visit the Savannah Children's Museum.
Vacation rentals with kitchens offer flexibility.

Group Travel Logistics

Book restaurant and tour reservations well in advance.
Private tours for flexibility and personalized experience.
Taxis/ride-shares for smaller groups; vans for larger.
Designate a point person for communications.

Accessibility Notes

Research specific venues for accessibility features.
Older historic buildings may have limited access.
Call ahead to confirm specific needs.
Cobblestone streets present challenging terrain.

Offline Maps

Download offline maps of Savannah before your trip. This helps with navigation even without cell service and conserves data.

Resources & References

From digital tools to print guides and emergency contacts, preparation aids navigation and confidence.

Digital Tools

Navigate efficiently with essential apps.

Print Guides

Physical maps and literature offer insights.

Emergency Info

Contacts and protocols.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

Google Maps / Apple Maps for navigation.
Uber / Lyft for ride-sharing.
Yelp / TripAdvisor for reviews.

Useful Websites

Visit Savannah for official tourism information.
Chatham Area Transit for public transportation.
NordVPN for secure online access.

Stay Informed

Follow official Savannah tourism accounts for real-time updates and local happenings.

Practical Tips & Hacks