There’s no escaping the past in Savannah. Every street, stone, and building seems to have a story spanning generations, but it doesn’t keep locals from continuing to push forward into the future. They simply do so while holding a deep respect for the past. Keeping this in mind, for anyone willing to break out of the party atmosphere along River Street, Savannah is a cultural hub waiting to be explored. From a church that acted as a stop on the Underground Railroad to cemeteries with active residents, each site provides a window into the past. Between paranormally charged hotspots, Savannah’s culinary scene provides bold flavors in unique settings, from an old bus station to renovated mansions. Nothing fades in time in Savannah. Instead, the city ties the past and present together so that no matter what, it’s impossible to forget where it all began.

Two days is plenty of time to discover Savannah for the first time. With an agenda in mind and comfortable shoes to take on the cobblestone streets, there’s plenty to see, do, and eat in the Georgian city. Keep reading for a guide on how to spend a quick 48 hours in Savannah. Don’t be surprised if the city leaves you wanting to return for more!

Day 1: City Market → River Street → Dinner at The Grey → Ghost Tour!

Start the day with a quiet breakfast at Le Cafe Gourmet, a French bakery near City Market that uses organic fresh produce and imported ingredients like French flour and butter for an authentic experience. After indulging in sweet and savory treats, use that energy to take in the City Market, where samples are aplenty at Byrd’s Cookies, to help decide which are worth precious cargo space to take home. Venture down the bustling Broughton Street, the heart of shopping in Savannah, to browse boutique shops like The Paris Market. Inspired by open-air French markets, this gem calls a 19th-century grocery home with plenty of old-world charm, selling everything from nostalgic knick-knacks to luxurious novelties usually found in hidden corners of European markets.

Take a tour of the First African Baptist Church (FABC) - only available on weekdays - and catch glimpses of historic (and haunted) sites like the Marshall House. The FABC is a National Historic Landmark with details that date back to the original church, including light fixtures and pews, and a history with the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. The Marshall House, built in 1851, was used as a hospital for Civil War soldiers and also for two yellow fever epidemics. This building is known for ghostly confrontations, which hotel guests can experience firsthand.

Take a break for lunch and grab a casual bite at Dottie’s Market on Broughton Street, a Black-owned business serving recipes passed down from generations of grandmothers and selling goods from local artisans. Another great option that saves a few dollars is the Olde Pink House, a restaurant in an old Colonial mansion known for its color. The Olde Pink House is more popular as an upscale dinner experience, but lunch is an excellent opportunity to dine without the higher price tag. For something even more casual (and great if you forgot to make a reservation), Arches Bar in the Olde Pink House has a substantial menu for a quick bite.

After lunch, head down to River Street, the busiest area of Savannah. The afternoon is a great time to visit this hotspot since it’s after the lunch rush before everyone starts to come out for dinner and nightlife. Over 300 years old, River Street is where Savannah was initially settled. Cobblestone streets were paved using stones from around the world, and the first buildings were mainly warehouses to store goods since it was a key port city for the region. Another of Savannah’s many haunted sites, River Street, is thought to be paranormally charged due to the number of fatalities the port saw from dangerous labor and participation in the slave trade. Even with this sordid beginning, River Street is the heart of the city’s spirit today and is a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, pub tours, ghost tours, and more. River Street has many restaurants, shops, historic landmarks, alleys, nooks, and crannies, all waiting to be discovered.

Before winding down for the day, don’t forget to cool down with a scoop of ice cream at Leopold’s, and around the corner, grab a box of traditional French macarons from Marche de Macarons. For dinner, make sure to book a reservation in advance for The Grey in the Historic Downtown District. From James Beard Award-Winning Chef Mashma Bailey, The Grey is located in a renovated Greyhound bus station, serving an unparalleled hospitality experience. Bailey utilizes regional produce, seafood, and meats for a soulful, seasonal menu featuring dishes layered in complex flavors. Enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu structured around seasonal ingredients found in the surrounding region with curated wine pairings for the ultimate culinary adventure.

For the final feature of day one, embrace being a tourist and hop on a ghost tour. Savannah is known for its haunted history, and the best ghost stories are told under the cover of darkness. There are plenty of tours to choose from - some on foot and others by bus. When indulging in ghost tours, it’s best to read reviews thoroughly to see what others have said. This will help find tour guides that prioritize stories around historical facts and events, and others that are more just providing an entertaining experience. It’s important to remember that many historical landmarks should be respected. So, while ghost stories are fun tales to take home and share with friends, understanding the tragedy that comes with the territory is also essential.

*Spanish Moss draped over a walking path in Forsyth Park leading to the famous fountain.*

Day 2: Collins Quarter & Forsyth Park → Books! → A Haunting Finish

It’s hard to believe the trip is half over, but there’s still lots to see, taste, and do! Start with a delicious Aussie-inspired breakfast at Collins Quarter in Forsyth Park. Owned by a Melbourne native, Collin’s Quarter is modeled after the city’s famous cafe culture, which serves up classic Australian “brekkie” with a selection of toasts, eggs, and sammies. If the weather is nice, opt for a patio table overlooking Forsyth Park. If not, the restaurant is bright and airy with a cheerful staff.

After breakfast, enjoy a stroll through Forsyth Park, the most photographed place in the city. Forsyth Park is Savannah’s largest and oldest park, famously identified by its iconic fountain. It is surrounded by the Victorian District, a residential area with old mansions turned into restaurants and boutique hotels. Spanning thirty acres, the park holds tennis and basketball courts, walking and bike paths, a weekly Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, and the Garden of Fragrance. Exit the north side of Forsyth Park to hit up three of Savannah’s famous bookstores. While doing so, take your time walking through Savannah’s squares. When founded, Savannah was intended to be built in a series of neighborhoods, each connected by squares. Squares were meant to serve as a space for gathering with greenery and shaded areas to relax and enjoy the company of neighbors. Savannah’s 22 remaining squares are known for their beauty and strong historical significance.

Exiting the north end of Forsyth Park, take Bull Street into Monterey Square. A monument to Casimir Pulaski is at the center of Monterey Square, and sweeping Spanish moss is present throughout. Enjoy a quiet moment before walking east toward Taylor Square, which is surrounded by old townhomes and a beautiful Methodist church. Exit Taylor Square north to take Abercorn Street and find Books on Bay, a small shop offering thousands of vintage books that date back centuries. From Hemingway’s entire collection to old children’s books, this is a true gem in the heart of Savannah. Browse old spines and delicate pages while breathing in the delightful scent of old books.

After Books on Bay, head towards Madison Square, surrounded by buildings from 19th century Savannah in Greek revival, Gothic, and Romanesque architecture. Across the street from Madison Square on Bull Street, find E. Shaver Booksellers. E. Shaver is the kind of bookstore with nooks and crannies to encourage browsing for days. With tomes in every genre, from romance to classic literature, horror to spiritual, this shop offers more than just books. They also sell items from small businesses, like candles and book accessories, and guests are encouraged to share a message using a typewriter with words of encouragement.

The third shop is tucked away in an entrance that could be easily missed. The Book Lady is a full-service independent bookstore that opened in the ‘70s, offering new, gently used, rare, and out-of-print books. They’re known for an extensive collection of work with ties to Georgia and the South. All books are hand-picked by staff in a thoughtful, reverent manner thanks to a deep appreciation for literature. Once all book browsing needs have been satisfied, grab an afternoon cuppa from The Gallery Espresso before finding a bench in Chippewa Square to read one of your new finds. Chippewa Square is arguably the most famous for practically being a paid actor in Forrest Gump. Live oaks with more Spanish moss drape the Square for a shady retreat, and a statute of Savannah’s founder is at the center.

*Home across from one of Savannah’s squares*

Grab a quick lunch at Hitch on Liberty Street between book browsing. This fun spot has a cool, whimsical vibe – almost beachy – with a menu filled with unique flavors like the Grilled Apple Pie Sandwich with Chicken and Miyagi Beef Tacos, which were particularly delicious. Continue the day in the same leisurely fashion that it began by taking in old cemeteries. Within walking distance is Colonial Park Cemetery, which has graves from the 18th & 19th centuries. If you still have time and didn’t cover it on a ghost tour the night before, head to Bonaventure Cemetery. Made famous by the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, Bonaventure is as haunting as it is beautiful, with tree-lined roads, unique sculptures and architecture, and paranormal activity.

End this whirlwind getaway with a dinner to remember. The Vault, a little off the beaten path from the main downtown area, is located in a renovated local bank and is worth the trip. Another restaurant that honors its predecessor through design, The Vault, serves Asian fusion cuisine with a wide range of dishes, from a hearty Chicken Claypot to its famous Tuxedo Cake. For more traditional fare, head to Common Thread, located in an old mansion on the old MIllionaire’s Row, serving elevated low-country cuisine from Chef Brandon Carter. Savannah loves its local produce, which takes center stage on Chef Carter’s menu for an authentic farm-to-table experience showcasing only the season's best flavors. Bringing us full circle to Savannah’s famous southern hospitality, Common Thread was designed to feel like you’re dining in someone’s home, with rooms offering a light-filled space and comfortable, elegant seating.

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