Picture cobblestone streets shaded by moss-draped oaks, historic homes painted in soft pastels, and the gentle clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages echoing through the square. Welcome to Savannah’s Historic District—one of the most enchanting and well-preserved city centers in America.
As the oldest city in Georgia, Savannah weaves together a rich blend of Southern hospitality, antebellum architecture, cultural heritage, and ghostly tales. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, a foodie, or simply a curious traveler, the Historic District has something unforgettable to offer.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the top attractions and things to do in Savannah’s Historic District, combining local insights, historical tidbits, and practical tips to help you make the most of your journey.
1. Stroll Through Savannah’s Iconic Squares
One of the first things you’ll notice about Savannah is its unique urban layout—a grid of 22 public squares that date back to the city’s founding in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe. These squares are not only aesthetically pleasing but serve as communal spaces filled with fountains, sculptures, benches, and gardens.
Must-See Squares:
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Chippewa Square: Famous for the Forrest Gump bench scene.
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Monterey Square: Home to the majestic Mercer-Williams House.
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Lafayette Square: Adorned with a beautiful fountain and surrounded by historic buildings.
Tip: Start your walk at Johnson Square (the oldest) and work your way through the district—each square has its own story.
2. Dive Into the City’s Past at Historic Homes and Museums
Savannah’s architecture is a living museum. Walking through the Historic District feels like stepping back in time, thanks to its well-preserved Federal, Georgian, and Gothic Revival homes.
Notable Historic Sites:
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Mercer-Williams House Museum: Famous from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this home combines history with mystery.
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Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters: A National Historic Landmark offering one of the most honest depictions of urban slavery in the South.
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Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace: Visit the home of the Girl Scouts’ founder and discover inspiring stories of women’s empowerment.
Pro Tip: Guided house tours often include photography tips and fascinating anecdotes you won’t find in books.
3. Wander Along River Street and the Savannah Riverfront
Once a bustling cotton exchange, River Street is now one of Savannah’s most vibrant stretches. The cobblestone pathway, lined with restored warehouses, now houses:
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Eclectic shops
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Art galleries
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Riverfront cafes
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Candy stores (try the pralines at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen)
Take a sunset river cruise on the Georgia Queen for spectacular views and a touch of romance.
Don’t Miss: River Street Market Place, a bazaar-style shopping experience where local artisans sell handcrafted goods.
4. Visit Forsyth Park: The Heart of Savannah
Spanning 30 acres, Forsyth Park is a beloved gathering spot and a picture-perfect destination for tourists. Its iconic white fountain, dating back to 1858, is perhaps the most photographed spot in Savannah.
Enjoy:
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Open-air concerts
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Saturday farmers markets
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Shady strolls beneath century-old oaks
Insider Tip: Visit in spring when the azaleas are in full bloom—it’s magical.
5. Experience Savannah’s Hauntingly Beautiful Ghost Tours
Savannah is often called "America’s Most Haunted City," and for good reason. Beneath its beauty lies a turbulent past of wars, fires, epidemics, and slavery.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a Savannah ghost tour offers a chilling, entertaining lens into the city’s shadowy history.
Popular Options:
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Genteel & Bard’s Savannah Ghost Encounter
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The Sorrel-Weed House Ghost Tour
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Hearse Ghost Tours (yes, you ride in a real hearse!)
Local Favorite: Bonaventure Cemetery—just outside the Historic District but worth the detour. The moss-laden trees and Gothic tombstones create a hauntingly poetic atmosphere.
6. Indulge in Savannah’s Culinary Scene
Food in Savannah is a serious affair. Here, Southern comfort meets coastal cuisine—think shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, Lowcountry boils, and peach cobbler.
Where to Eat:
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The Grey: Housed in a 1938 Greyhound Bus Terminal, this fine-dining restaurant is a James Beard Award winner.
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Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room: A local legend—communal Southern lunches served family-style.
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Leopold’s Ice Cream: An old-fashioned soda fountain serving up classic scoops since 1919.
Pro Tip: Make reservations for The Grey well in advance—it’s consistently ranked one of the top restaurants in the South.
7. Shop Local in City Market
Dating back to the 1700s, City Market is a four-block open-air market and arts district packed with:
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Local boutiques
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Art galleries
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Street performers
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Cafes and bars
It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, chat with local artists, or grab a drink and enjoy live music on a weekend night.
Hidden Gem: Visit the upstairs studios in the Art Center—they’re easy to miss but offer unique handmade treasures.
8. Explore the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
This awe-inspiring cathedral, completed in the late 1800s, features:
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Twin spires
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Elaborate stained-glass windows
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A soaring vaulted ceiling
It’s often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the South."
Tip: Entry is free, but donations are welcome. Don’t miss the Sunday morning organ practice—it’s ethereal.
9. Take a Historic Trolley or Carriage Tour
While walking is ideal for soaking in the charm, a trolley or carriage tour gives you a narrated overview with lots of juicy local legends.
Recommended Tours:
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Old Town Trolley Tours: Hop-on, hop-off style—great for first-time visitors.
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Carriage Tours of Savannah: Romantic and slow-paced, perfect for couples.
Pro Tip: Take a morning tour for smaller crowds and better photo ops.
10. Unwind in Savannah’s Boutique Hotels and Inns
The Historic District is home to dozens of charming bed-and-breakfasts, historic inns, and boutique hotels—many housed in restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings.
Top Picks:
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The Marshall House: Once a Civil War hospital, now a top-rated hotel (and haunted!).
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The Gastonian: Luxury B&B housed in two adjoining Regency-Italianate mansions.
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Eliza Thompson House: Quiet and romantic, perfect for a getaway.
Savvy Tip: Book well in advance during spring and fall, Savannah’s peak seasons.
11. Discover African American History in the District
Savannah played a significant role in African American history, from the days of slavery through the Civil Rights Movement.
Must-Visit:
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The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum: Located in the historic African American community, this museum honors local activists and the NAACP’s Savannah chapter.
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First African Baptist Church: Established in 1777, it's one of the oldest African American Baptist congregations in North America.
Cultural Insight: Take a walking tour focused on Black history—guides share powerful stories you won’t hear elsewhere.
Conclusion: Savannah’s Historic District—Where Every Step Tells a Story
Savannah’s Historic District is more than a collection of old buildings—it’s a living, breathing storybook. From moonlit ghost tales and soulful jazz echoing through the streets to Southern feasts and serene squares, this neighborhood invites you to slow down and savor every moment.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Savannah always has something new to uncover—and every visit feels like coming home.
