There are few cities in the U.S. that feel quite as romantic—or wonderfully haunting—as Savannah, Georgia. Between the Spanish moss-covered oak trees, historic homes, beautiful squares, independent bookstores, antique shops, and cozy cafés, the entire city feels frozen in another time. It’s truly an old-soul traveler’s dream and one of those places where simply wandering the streets is part of the experience.

But beneath all that Southern charm is a much darker history. Savannah is often called one of the most haunted cities in America. It’s shaped by centuries of war, devastating fires, yellow fever epidemics, and loss. Parts of the modern city were also built over or around former burial grounds, with human remains discovered during construction over the years. Only adding to the ghost stories and legends woven into Savannah’s history.

I recently spent two days exploring Savannah and quickly fell in love with its slower pace, beautiful architecture, and old-world charm. If you only have a weekend, this 2 day Savannah itinerary covers some of the best things to do in Savannah.

From Forsyth Park and the Historic District to bookstores, antique shops, beautiful restaurants, and historic sites, while still leaving plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the city. Savannah is also incredibly walkable, especially around the Historic District, so pack comfortable shoes and prepare to fall in love with one of the most charming cities in the South.

2 Days in Savannah Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Forsyth Park, Sunday Sunday, The Paris Market, Savannah Historic District, Mercer-Williams House, Franklin’s, E. Shaver Booksellers, Saint Bibiana, Leopold’s Ice Cream

Day 2: Savannah’s historic squares, Jones Street, Cathedral Basilica, Picker Joe’s, Bonaventure Cemetery, Wormsloe Historic Site, coffee, Savannah Riverfront, Ghost & Gravetones Tour

While all opinions and recommendations are my own, my content on this blog post contains affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support to continue offering free resources.

Day 1 in Savannah: Forsyth Park, Historic Savannah & Shopping

Morning: Walk Through Forsyth Park & Brunch

Start your Savannah weekend itinerary at one of the most iconic places in the city: Forsyth Park. Which truly feels like the heart and soul of the city. The park is lined with massive oak trees dripping in Spanish moss, creating the most beautiful promenade to wander beneath, especially first thing in the morning when everything feels a little quieter.

The main attraction is the iconic Forsyth Fountain, which honestly looks like it should have been plucked straight from a Parisian street. Between the fountain, moss-covered trees, and historic homes surrounding the park, this was easily one of my favorite places to take in the beauty of Savannah. It’s also one of the most photogenic places in the city, so I definitely recommend visiting earlier in the day before it gets busier.

After exploring Forsyth Park, head to Sunday Sunday for brunch before making your way deeper into Savannah’s Historic District. We ordered the Sunday Egg Rolls and the Sweet Sunday in Paris, and both were delicious. The egg rolls were definitely different from anything I would normally think to order for brunch, but they were surprisingly delicious and the perfect dish to share.

The Sweet Sunday in Paris was exactly my kind of brunch order and the perfect sweet balance to the savory egg rolls. From here, hop right across the street to The Paris Market. This gem is boasting with incredibly chic home goods and nick nacks. If you’re an old-soul like myself you definitely don’t want to miss this spot.

Afternoon: Explore Savannah’s Historic District

From there, head into Savannah’s Historic District, starting with the iconic Mercer-Williams House. This is a must-see, especially if you love historic homes or are a fan of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The Italianate mansion is one of the most recognizable homes in Savannah. Even if you don’t have time for a tour, it’s worth walking by while exploring this part of the city.

Afterward, spend a few hours wandering through the Historic District and popping into some of the shops along the way. Fellow book lovers absolutely need to stop at E. Shaver Booksellers. A cozy independent bookstore tucked inside a historic building that feels made for an afternoon in Savannah. And bonus: if you’re a fan of cats they have 3 roaming around.

From there, browse the vintage finds at Madison & Fifth and stop into Asher + Rye, another beautifully curated shop that is worth adding to your Savannah itinerary. This is one of those areas where I recommend leaving yourself extra time to wander—you’ll inevitably find a beautiful storefront, hidden square, or antique shop that makes you want to stop.

Finally, make your way to The Olde Pink House, one of the most recognizable historic buildings in Savannah. We walked inside simply to admire the interiors and immediately fell in love with the old-soul feel of the place. One of the servers kindly told us about the piano bar tucked away in the basement, where they typically have live music beginning around 7 p.m. most evenings. We didn’t get the chance to experience it this trip, but it immediately went on my list for next time.

Late Afternoon: Spa Afternoon at Hotel Bardo

After a full day of exploring, head back to Hotel Bardo for a slower afternoon—and trust me, you’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time to actually enjoy this hotel because it is an absolute dream. The interiors feel as though you’ve been transported straight into the Mad Men era, with vintage-inspired details, rich textures, and that effortlessly cool old-school glamour that makes you want to linger in every room.

Spend a few hours hanging out by the pool, curl up with a book in the dreamy solarium, or indulge in a treatment at the spa. May I recommend the lymphatic massage? It was exactly what I needed after a travel day and so relaxing. When you only have two days in Savannah, it can be tempting to pack every hour with sightseeing, but building in a little downtime is always worth it—especially when your hotel is this beautiful.

Evening: Dinner at Saint Bibiana & Leopold’s Ice Cream

For dinner, you don’t have to venture far—head to Saint Bibiana, located inside Hotel Bardo. The restaurant is just as dreamy as the rest of the hotel, with a beautiful, intimate atmosphere that feels perfect for ending a day in Savannah.

We started with the peach and burrata, which was easily one of the standout dishes of the night, followed by the Bibiana Pomodoro, another favorite that I would absolutely order again. Pair dinner with one of their cocktails and settle in for the evening. I definitely recommend making reservations ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting Savannah over a weekend or holiday week.

Finally, no first trip to Savannah would be complete without ice cream at Leopold’s—and it’s famous for a reason. Not only are the flavors plentiful and incredibly delicious, but I especially loved the old-school movie theme throughout the shop.

We came to find out there’s actually a reason behind it: one of the Leopold brothers, Peter, eventually moved to Hollywood to pursue his dream of working in the film industry—and did just that. The memorabilia and movie theme make so much more sense once you know the story. And it gives the entire place this nostalgic charm that, naturally, I loved. It’s the perfect sweet ending to your first day in Savannah.

Day 2 in Savannah: Beautiful Streets, Antiques & Historic Sites

Morning: Brunch in Savannah & Antique Shopping

Start your second day in Savannah with brunch at Strange Bird, a quirky little diner housed inside a converted Streamliner that immediately caught my attention. The retro setting alone is worth the visit, but the food absolutely lives up to it. It has that nostalgic, old-school roadside diner feel with a much more modern take on the menu.

After brunch, fellow vintage and antique lovers will want to make the drive to Picker Joe’s Antique Mall. It’s located a little outside the main Historic District, so I’d recommend this stop if you have a car and don’t mind venturing away from downtown for a bit.

The space is filled with booth after booth of vintage treasures, antiques, home décor, collectibles, and plenty of those wonderfully random finds that make antique shopping so much fun. I could easily spend hours wandering through a place like this, so give yourself at least an hour to explore—especially if you’re anything like me and need to inspect every single corner before leaving.

Afternoon: Visit Bonaventure Cemetery & Wormsloe

From there, make your way to Bonaventure Cemetery, one of the most beautiful and haunting places to visit in Savannah. The cemetery is filled with elaborate historic monuments, old gravestones, and massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss, giving it that quintessentially Savannah feeling that is equal parts beautiful and eerie.

I recommend giving yourself at least an hour to wander through the grounds and take in the history, but of course, remember that this is still an active cemetery and should be explored respectfully. Bonaventure is located a few miles outside of Savannah’s Historic District, so this is another stop where having a car makes things much easier.

Next, continue to Wormsloe State Historic Site, located about 15–20 minutes from downtown Savannah. You’ve probably seen photos of its famous entrance before—a seemingly endless avenue lined with more than 400 live oak trees covered in Spanish moss—and I can confirm it’s just as magical in person.

While the oak-lined drive is undoubtedly the star of the show, there’s more to Wormsloe than the entrance. Once inside, you can explore walking trails, learn about the history of the former colonial estate, and see the ruins of the original tabby house built on the property. I would give yourself around one to two hours here depending on how much you want to explore. There is an admission fee to enter, and I recommend arriving earlier in the day if you want to experience the grounds when they’re a little quieter.

Late Afternoon: Walk Savannah’s Most Beautiful Streets and Squares

One of my favorite things to do in a new city is simply wander. Because this city in particular truly feels like it was made for the old-soul girlies. Start with Jones Street, often considered one of the prettiest streets in Savannah, where historic homes, brick sidewalks, and massive oak trees dripping in Spanish moss make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. I felt as though I was in Brooklyn Heights.

From there, make your way toward Lafayette Square, one of Savannah’s many beautiful historic squares, and stop to admire the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. The architecture is absolutely breathtaking, so definitely take a few minutes to step inside if it’s open during your visit.

As you continue wandering through Savannah’s Historic District, don’t be afraid to get a little lost. Some of my favorite moments were simply walking from square to square, admiring the colorful historic homes, intricate ironwork, hidden gardens, and streets completely shaded by moss-covered oak trees.

You’ll also want to seek out the Gingerbread House, one of the most whimsical homes in Savannah and a perfect example of the incredible architecture found throughout the city. This is one destination where you really don’t need an attraction planned for every hour—the streets themselves are part of the experience.

Evening: End Your Savannah Weekend Along the River

Start your final evening in Savannah with dinner at St. Neo’s Brasserie, located right across from the riverfront and perfectly situated for everything you’ll want to do afterward. After dinner, make your way down to the Savannah Riverfront and spend some time wandering the cobblestone streets, popping into the shops, and soaking up the energy of this historic part of the city.

Of course, make a stop at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen for something sweet along the way. You really can’t visit Savannah without indulging in a little praline action.

And because we are in one of America’s most famously haunted cities, you have to end the trip with a ghost tour. We actually ended up taking the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour completely on a whim and it ended up being one of my favorite things we did in Savannah.

It was such a welcome surprise and the perfect mix of spooky, entertaining, and fascinating Savannah history. After spending two days walking past centuries-old homes, historic squares, cemeteries, and streets filled with ghost stories, there really is no better way to end your Savannah itinerary. Sometimes the things you don’t plan end up being the most memorable.

Where to Stay in Savannah

Hotel Bardo

If you’re wondering where to stay in Savannah, I cannot recommend Hotel Bardo enough. This hotel is an absolute dream. It sits directly across from Forsyth Park, making the location perfect for exploring Savannah’s Historic District. You can easily walk to many of the city’s best restaurants, shops, squares, and historic streets.

The interiors are what initially made me fall in love with Hotel Bardo. The entire property feels like you’ve been transported straight into the Mad Men era. Think vintage-inspired furniture, rich textures, warm tones, and effortlessly cool old-school glamour. The rooms continue that same aesthetic and feel luxurious without being overly stuffy.

The pool is another major highlight, especially during Savannah’s warmer months. Give yourself an afternoon to actually enjoy the hotel instead of filling every second with sightseeing. You can lounge by the pool or curl up with a book inside the beautiful solarium. There’s also a gorgeous spa when you need a little extra relaxation. I highly recommend the lymphatic massage after a long travel day.

You also don’t have to venture far for incredible food and drinks. Saint Bibiana is located inside the hotel and was one of my favorite meals in Savannah. The Green Room is perfect for cocktails and has that same moody, old-world feeling I love. Both are worth experiencing even if you aren’t staying at the hotel.

Hotel Bardo is perfect for couples, girls’ trips, or anyone who appreciates beautiful design and a little nostalgia. It’s especially perfect for my fellow old-soul travelers. The location, interiors, pool, spa, and restaurants make it feel like a destination within Savannah itself. Book your stay here!

Best Restaurants and Coffee Shops in Savannah

Savannah has no shortage of incredible places to eat, and Sunday Sunday is a great place to start for brunch. We ordered the Sunday Egg Rolls and Sweet Sunday in Paris, and both were delicious. The egg rolls were unexpected for brunch but surprisingly good and perfect for sharing.

For dinner, Saint Bibiana inside Hotel Bardo was one of my favorite meals of the trip. The peach and burrata was a standout, along with the Bibiana Pomodoro. I recommend making reservations, especially during weekends and holiday weeks. The Olde Pink House is another Savannah classic with all the historic charm you could ask for. Head downstairs in the evening for its cozy piano bar and live music. St. Neo’s Brasserie is another great dinner option, especially before exploring the Savannah Riverfront. It’s located right across from the river, making it an easy addition to your evening plans.

For coffee, Franklin’s is perfect for grabbing a coffee and pastry while wandering the Historic District. Origin Coffee Bar is another cozy spot worth adding to your Savannah itinerary. Gallery Espresso has more of that old-school coffeehouse feeling that fits Savannah perfectly. Corner Coffee is another great option when you need an afternoon pick-me-up between sightseeing stops.

And, of course, we need to talk about dessert. Leopold’s Ice Cream is famous for a reason, with countless flavors and the most charming old-school movie theme. Savannah’s Candy Kitchen is another quintessential stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. Grab a praline and enjoy it while wandering along the riverfront for the perfect Savannah moment.

2 Days in Savannah FAQ

Is 2 days enough in Savannah?

Yes, two days is enough time to experience many of the best things to do in Savannah. The Historic District is compact, so you can see quite a bit without feeling rushed. Two days gives you time for Forsyth Park, historic squares, restaurants, bookstores, shopping, and even a ghost tour. If you want to visit places outside downtown, I recommend planning those stops together on your second day.

Is Savannah a walkable city?

Yes! Savannah is incredibly walkable, especially if you stay within or near the Historic District. Many of the city’s best restaurants, shops, historic squares, and beautiful streets are within walking distance. I actually think walking is one of the best ways to experience Savannah. You notice so many little architectural details you would otherwise miss. Just wear comfortable shoes because some of those beautiful historic streets can be uneven.

What is the best area to stay in Savannah?

For a first visit, I recommend staying in or near Savannah’s Historic District. You’ll be within walking distance of many of the city’s best things to do. We stayed at Hotel Bardo across from Forsyth Park, and I loved the location. It was close enough to walk into the Historic District while still feeling slightly removed from the busiest areas. Plus, waking up across from Forsyth Park is pretty hard to beat.

Do you need a car in Savannah?

You don’t need a car if you plan to spend most of your trip exploring Savannah’s Historic District. However, I recommend having one if you want to visit places farther outside downtown. Bonaventure Cemetery, Wormsloe State Historic Site, and Picker Joe’s are much easier to reach by car. We grouped these stops together, which made exploring outside the Historic District much easier. Otherwise, you can walk and use rideshare services for most of your Savannah itinerary.

What is the prettiest street in Savannah?

Jones Street is often considered one of the prettiest streets in Savannah, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Picture historic homes, brick sidewalks, beautiful architecture, and enormous oak trees dripping in Spanish moss. It feels like you’ve stepped into another era. However, don’t limit yourself to one street. Some of my favorite moments in Savannah came from wandering through the Historic District and discovering beautiful streets and squares along the way.

What is the best time of year to visit Savannah?

Spring and fall are two of the best times to visit Savannah, especially if you plan on spending plenty of time outside. Spring brings beautiful blooms, while fall offers cooler temperatures and an extra dose of atmosphere in an already famously haunted city. Summer can be hot and humid, so keep that in mind when planning your days. Personally, I would love to experience Savannah during spooky season because the city already has such a hauntingly beautiful feel.

Is Savannah worth visiting for a weekend?

Absolutely. Savannah is one of those cities that works perfectly for a long weekend or quick getaway. It’s compact, walkable, beautiful, and packed with history. You can spend your days wandering beneath Spanish moss, browsing bookstores and antique shops, and admiring historic homes. Then spend your evenings eating incredible food and hearing Savannah’s ghost stories. For my fellow old souls, it truly checks all the boxes.

How far is Wormsloe from downtown Savannah?

Wormsloe State Historic Site is roughly a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah, depending on traffic and where you’re staying. I recommend pairing Wormsloe with Bonaventure Cemetery and other stops outside the Historic District. The famous oak-lined avenue alone makes it worth the drive. Give yourself around one to two hours if you want to explore beyond the entrance and learn more about the history of the property.

Savannah quickly became one of my favorite cities in the South. It’s romantic, historic, walkable, and filled with the kind of places I love most—beautiful bookstores, antique shops, historic architecture, cozy coffee shops, and streets that make you want to slow down and take everything in. If you’re an old-soul traveler like me, I have a feeling you’re going to fall in love with Savannah too.

XX,
Courtney