Savannah is a city that knows how to leave an impression. From the unbeatable hospitality to the scores of independent bookshops, there’s something for everyone in this charming Southern town. Savannah’s haunted past pours out of the cobblestone streets and brick warehouse walls, telling the stories of the people who made the city what it is today. People come to Savannah for the stunning scenery, incredible food, and legendary hospitality, but they are left enriched by the city’s vibrant culture. Whether it’s your first or tenth time visiting Savannah, here are some top recommendations for things to do in this historic destination.

Bonaventure Cemetery

It’s curious how cemeteries can be some of the most beautiful and interesting places to explore. Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah happens to be an exceptional example of this. With its tree-lined roads, unique sculptures and architecture, and presumed paranormal activity, this cemetery has made quite a name for itself and with good reason. Aside from being featured in the novel and subsequent film adaptation of Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, Bonaventure Cemetery has been long known for its beauty contrasted with the haunting quality of the Spanish moss along with folklore, leading it to be considered one of the most haunted places in America.

Brunch at Collins Quarter in Forsyth Park

Collins Q uarter might have gained fame for being Insta-perfect - from a bright aesthetic to its photogenic menu - but this Aussie restaurant is worth all the recognition it receives. Owned by a Melbourne native, Collins Quarter is inspired by the Australian city’s famous cafe culture and is known for its welcoming Aussie hospitality. Enjoy a classic “brekkie” with toasts, eggs, and sammies, along with a comprehensive beverage menu from signature coffees to famous cocktails. Collins Quarter has an expansive patio looking into Forsyth Park, but the interior is just as bright and sunny. Collins Quarter does not accept reservations, and it is the place to be, so get there early to avoid a long wait.

Dinner in an Old Bus Station

The Grey is quite possibly the most famous restaurant in Savannah, and with good reason. Owned by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Mashma Bailey, The Grey is located in a renovated Greyhound Bus Station, which the concept’s designers paid homage to throughout the space. Bailey utilizes regional produce, seafood, and meats for a soulful, seasonal menu with dishes layered in complex flavors for a truly elevated food and drink experience. The Grey offers a three-course prix fixe menu with a rotating selection of items. The beverage program offers craft and vintage cocktails and a carefully curated European wine selection for the perfect complements. Reservations are necessary for The Grey, but grabbing a drink at the bar is often a last-minute option for more spontaneous travelers.

First African Baptist Church

Savannah’s rich Black history is chronicled well throughout the city, and part of that is due to the First African Baptist Church, the oldest Black church in North America. The congregation has done incredible work preserving the church’s history, from conserving original elements like stained-glass windows, wooden pews, and light fixtures to telling the story of how the church worked as part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. The church offers weekday tours that take people through its 250-year history and share its impact on Savannah’s story.

Forsyth Park

The most photographed place in Savannah, Forsyth Park is the largest and oldest park in the city. Located away from the main downtown area, Forsyth Park is known for its iconic fountain, which is actually one of many. Similar designs can be found in other cities worldwide, but none are surrounded by trees covered in Spanish moss for that beautifully haunted feel that only Savannah is capable of. Forsyth Park takes up 30 acres in the center of the Victorian neighborhood with walking and bike paths, a weekly Farmers’ Market, and more. While strolling through, check out the artists showcasing their work.

Indie Bookshops

Savannah has several independent bookstores worth discovering, but there are two in particular you don’t want to miss. Books on Bay is a small used bookstore in the Historic District offering thousands of vintage books that date back centuries. This delightful shop immediately greets customers with the musky scent of old books as they browse tomes like The Great Gatsby and Shakespeare’s King Henry IV. Another literary treat, E. Shaver Booksellers, comes with feline hosts. Located in a space built by a female architect in 1842, E. Shaver is the kind of bookstore with twists and turns and hidden alcoves that reel you in the more you browse. Check out the latest new releases or flip through special editions of classics. E. Shaver carries it all. One of the things customers look forward to is typing a message on a typewriter and leaving it on the wall for future book lovers to read.

Paris Market

The Paris Market is a true Savannah treasure inspired by open-air French markets. Part market, part cafe, The Paris Market is located in an old 19th-century grocery where the owners have embraced old-world charm for a truly unique experience. Stop by the cafe for a cafe au lait and fresh pastry or sandwich before browsing and grab a seat overlooking Broughton Street to watch people come and go. The market features items for sale sourced from across the globe. Find French-milled soaps, kitchen tools found in hidden corners of European markets, books devoted to culture, nostalgic knick-knacks, luxury novelties, and more. The Paris Market has so many unique finds it’ll keep you busy browsing for hours.

River Street

Over three centuries old, River Street is where Savannah was originally established. Cobblestone streets still in use today were paved using stones from around the world, and the first buildings were mainly warehouses to store goods moving in and out of the city. Many consider River Street to be haunted, and this is primarily because of its gruesome history with the slave trade. Enslaved people were held in the warehouses along River Street, and many were forced to participate in dangerous, hard labor that led to severe injury and death. Remnants of this time can still be seen in the old buildings as a reminder of the city’s unsavory history. Today, River Street is the heart of Savannah’s nightlife and party scene, popular with bachelor and bachelorette parties. It’s also the location of large celebrations like the city’s famous St. Patrick’s Day parade and various restaurants, bars, shops, and more.

SCAD Museum of Art

Savannah is known for its lively art scene, much of which can be attributed to the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). The SCAD Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum showcasing rotating exhibitions from new, upcoming, and highly acclaimed artists from around the world. The museum also features several permanent collections, including photography, African American Art, and modern and contemporary art. The SCAD Museum is a must-see for locals and tourists and is a fantastic option for spending a rainy afternoon.

Shop Along Broughton Street

Founded in 1733, Broughton Street is Savannah's historic “Main Street”. Broughton Street has been the center of shopping and culture since the city was founded and was considered the Hollywood of the South at one point. Many businesses call Broughton Street home, including boutique shops like The Paris Market, family-owned restaurants like Dottie’s Market, and old creameries like Leopold’s Ice Cream. It’s also the home of The Marshall House, one of the most haunted sites in Savannah.

*The Marshall House on Broughton Street*

Stay at The Marshall House

For those who have “stay in a haunted hotel” on their bucket list, consider it checked off when checking in to The Marshall House. One of the oldest hotels in Savannah, The Marshall House is famously haunted due to acting as a hospital during the end of the Civil War and two yellow fever epidemics. The historic building opened in 1851 on Broughton Street, and according to the lore, the 4th floor is where guests experience the most paranormal activity - supposedly because this is where soldiers were taken to treat the more severe injuries so that people couldn’t hear them on the street. Aside from potential hauntings, The Marshall House pays tribute to its past with historical artifacts on display and parts of the original building still in use or visible. Regardless, it’s a unique hotel to stay in and will surely provide a few good tales to share upon returning home.

Take a Ghost Tour

It wouldn’t be a trip to Savannah without a ghost story. Considered one of the most haunted cities in the US, Savannah regularly fights New Orleans for the top spot. The Georgian city has seen a lot of the darkest moments in American history, from slavery to the Civil War, disease epidemics, and more. Bottom line: there’s been a lot of death and suffering, and much of it from violence. That’s bound to leave a mark.

Take Yourself on a Cafe Crawl

One of Savannah’s lesser-known charms is its strong cafe culture. With dozens of coffee shops and casual cafes on every street, it’s easy to embark on a self-guided cafe crawl. Cafe M and Le Cafe Gourmet offer European-inspired experiences, with Le Cafe Gourmet serving baked goods using imported French ingredients. Stop by Savannah’s oldest coffee shop, The Gallery Espresso, off of the famous Chippewa Square, for a wide selection of coffee, espresso, and tea, including Turkish Coffee and Iced Thai Coffee. For an option that provides the perfect Instagram-friendly aesthetic, head to Flora + Fauna - coffee house and bakery by day, dinner club by night.

The Bird Girl Statue at Telfair Academy

Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil is responsible for several visual representations of Savannah. Still, the most famous is probably the Bird Girl Statue featured on the cover of John Berendt’s novel. She was originally located in Bonaventure Cemetery but moved to the Telfair Academy of Arts & Sciences for preservation. The statue was created by Chicago sculptor Sylvia Shaw Judson and was meant to function as a fountain. Telfair Academy has plenty to see other than just the Bird Girl Statue. Completed in 1819, the mansion is an architectural gem holding several art galleries.

The Olde Pink House

A popular tourist destination, The Olde Pink House is one of the most recognizable sites in Savannah. Known for its upscale dinner menu, the restaurant is in an old Colonial mansion known for its pink color - thus the name. The Olde Pink House has a long history with significant events, such as its being used as a secret meeting place when the colonies were working to gain independence from Britain. The Olde Pink House is one of the many supposed haunted locations around Savannah, so don’t be surprised by a little ghostly mischief. Reservations are highly recommended due to its high demand, but the Arches Bar offers a menu of quick bites for last-minute planners. The lunch menu is also an excellent opportunity to experience dining at this Savannah institution for a more approachable price.

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