Savannah on a Budget
Twenty-two historic squares and a fountain that both cost nothing to visit, here’s how to keep the rest of a Savannah trip affordable too.
Savannah is genuinely one of the more affordable Southern cities to visit, several of its best sights, the squares, Forsyth Park, River Street’s atmosphere, cost nothing at all. Here’s how to keep the rest of the costs down without cutting the trip short.
The squares and Forsyth Park are free
Walking the historic squares and Forsyth Park costs nothing, only guided tours, museums and the riverboat cruise charge admission. Several of the city’s historic churches are free to step inside too.
Visit outside spring for lower prices
Spring brings Savannah’s highest hotel prices and heaviest crowds, azaleas and dogwoods drawing garden enthusiasts and St. Patrick’s Day drawing one of the largest celebrations in the country. Late summer or winter instead offer noticeably lower rates.
Walk the Historic District over renting a car
Savannah’s Historic District is genuinely compact and walkable, most sights sit within a comfortable stroll of each other. A car only becomes worthwhile for a Tybee Island or Bonaventure Cemetery day trip outside the city.
A praline shop or lunch counter beats a River Street tourist restaurant
She-crab soup and pralines from a proper local spot are widely Savannah staples, considerably cheaper than a sit-down restaurant right on River Street. A meat-and-three lunch counter remains one of the better cheap eats too, a proper Southern institution.
Consider staying a few blocks from River Street
Hotels right on River Street sit at the top of the price range given the location. A room a few blocks into the Historic District runs noticeably cheaper while staying an easy walk from the waterfront.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
