Savannah for First-Time Visitors: The Ultimate Guide

If you're visiting Savannah for the first time, you may be simply blown away by how truly historical this place is. There's so much to see, but unlike most city breaks in the US, it won't be all glitz and glam with vibrant lights and towering skyscrapers. Instead, a visit to Savannah is like stepping back in time - In the best way possible!

There's still something here that everyone will enjoy, be it the food, or how you choose to spend your first visit here, so without further ado, let's take a look at all the best hotels, restaurants, and activities in Savannah, Georgia.

Best Hotels in Savannah

Savannah's selection of hotels is truly fabulous. Thanks to its being somewhat of a smaller city, most of them are conveniently located right in the heart of the action, in the midst of the historic district.

Thanks to this, many of them boast a unique historic charm and are converted from former fossil fuel plants, warehouses, and homes. So whether you're looking for a truly unique, sprawling resort, or a cozy historic bed and breakfast inside a traditional-style home, here are the best hotel choices when you're visiting Savannah for the first time.

The Cotton Sail Hotel, North Historic District, Savannah

Overlooking the Savannah River, this little laid-back hotel boasts a gorgeous, historical red-brick exterior and sits within a two-minute walk of the Rousakis Riverfront Plaza and within a 15-minute walk of Emmet Park, Savannah Civic Center, and Savannah History Museum.

This stunning hotel's design pays homage to the city's riverside commerce through historical details. It offers plenty to take in. Great on-site facilities include a fitness center and a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city. This upmarket hotel is housed in an 1800s refurbished cotton warehouse and boasts a high level of personal service. Guests can also make use of the on-site business center, convenience store, 24-hour front desk, and ATM.

The 56 rooms at this small hotel each boast free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen cable TV, and a desk. Some even feature jaw-dropping views across the river or city from their balconies

Perry Lane Hotel, North Historic District, Savannah

Situated inside two buildings sitting opposite each other across Perry Lane, this aptly named hotel is a stunning new build that blends in seamlessly with the surrounding historic architecture. Located on the southern side of the historic district, it sits by many major attractions, including the design district, Forsyth Park, and the Mercer Williams House.

The hotel is home to a great selection of upscale facilities, including a stunning library, complete with plantation shutters, leather chairs, a stunning piano, and an expansive art collection. If this wasn’t impressive enough, there’s also a stunning rooftop bar and pool that boasts some of the most beautiful views of the downtown area. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, free bicycle rental, a restaurant, a fitness center, a business center, and even evening entertainment held in the shared lounge area.

Each of the rooms is air-conditioned and comes well equipped with a flat-screen TV. Many rooms even boast gorgeous city views.

JW Marriott Savannah Plant, North Historic District,Savannah

This resort-style hotel is located right in the heart of the action and is located well within walking distance of many of Savannah’s major attractions. With major attractions sich as the River Street Train Museum, City Market, and Franklin Square right on the doorstep, there’s no wonder why this hotel is such a popular choice.

Not only is its location great, but due to its huge size, there’s more than enough on offer here that you may not even need to leave the hotel! With huge dinosaur replicas in the lobby, it feels more like a museum than a hotel when you step through the door, but this is all in good taste as it pays homage to its history as a fossil fuel plant through its decor. With a collection of 12 outstanding restaurants on-site, a 24-hour front desk, a bar, free Wi-Fi throughout, and a choice of both Continental and American breakfast options to choose from, there’s plenty on offer here.

Each of the rooms at this vast hotel boasts air-conditioning, a desk, a wardrobe, a terrace, and a flat-screen TV.

The Kimpton Brice Hotel, North Historic District, Savannah

Situated near the river in Savannah’s historic district, The Kimpton Brice Hotel is located next to Washington Square and is within close proximity to the famous Forsyth Park.
 
Housed inside an old building with a gray brick exterior, this hotel is nothing short of bright as soon as you step inside. It has gorgeous contemporary decor and an artsy, youthful feel. As with any Kimpton hotel, it is fun, dynamic, and complete with great amenities and fantastic service. The Kimpton Brice boasts a courtyard, on-site Italian restaurant ‘Pacci’, Wi-Fi access, a fitness center, a tour desk, luggage storage, and even free bicycle rental.

Each of the rooms includes a 40-inch flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a complimentary yoga mat, and select rooms even boast their own balcony or sofa bed

Hamilton Turner Inn, South Historic District, Savannah

This grand Victorian mansion sits on the southeast corner of the popular Lafayette Square and dates all the way back to 1873. This outstanding location makes it a great choice if you’d like to take a carriage tour of the surrounding Historic district, and there are plenty of other great attractions nearby, such as the popular Tybee Island, just a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

With stunning tall windows and intricate ironwork balconies, this building’s exterior has a grand and elegant look that is somewhat reminiscent of Italy. Once you step inside, you’ll be pleased to note that the interior is equally as beautiful, with an elegant parlor and dining rooms located nearby. There are many houses like this one in the historic district of Savannah, and many are privately owned, meaning that staying in one as grand and as beautiful as this is a true rarity. This bed and breakfast boasts a full Southern breakfast, full concierge services, afternoon beverages and snacks, and even wine and h’ors d’oeuvres available on an evening in the parlor.

Despite its old-fashioned appearance, the guest rooms are fitted with excellent modern technology, including free Wi-Fi, and MP3 docking stations.

Best Restaurants in Savannah

Savannah's dining scene is just as cozy and historically centered as the city itself. With a great range of both traditional and contemporary choices, there's a huge selection of great spots to try out during your visit.

Whether you're looking for a well-loved spot that serves up excellent family-style southern dining, or a unique spot that combines French cooking styles with Pakistani influence., there's the perfect spot for everyone here!

Common Thread, Thomas Square, Savannah

Built inside a historic Georgian house with a gorgeous wrap-around porch, this restaurant is the place to be if you're on the hunt for a true Southern experience. With a menu focused on seasonal dishes, you can expect to find plenty of locally sourced fresh produce, freshly caught seafood, and beef and pork straight from the farm.

Many of the dishes on offer here are prepared in unique and innovative ways, such as chicken (served with a piri piri marinade) or asparagus with tahini and a jammy egg, both of which have been recommended by diners.

This is also a great choice of restaurant if you don't eat meat, as they offer up a completely separate and unique vegetarian menu too!

Lili’s Restaurant and Bar, Wilmington Island, Savannah

Head out of the city center and onto Wilmington Island, where you can find this truly unique spot! Tucked away behind a dentist's office, and led by a French-trained Pakistani chef, you can enjoy delicious cuisine that combines French cooking techniques with traditional flavors from his home country in Southern-inspired dishes.

Some guest favorites are the oyster po' boy with sriracha aioli, curried crab and shrimp cake, and tandoori chicken and waffle.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, South Historic District, Savannah

If it's your first time visiting Savannah, there's no better place to put at the top of your list when it comes to dining than Mrs. Wilkes. As one of the oldest restaurants in the whole city, this place is the best of the best when it comes to southern dining and hospitality.

Meals are served up family style at large tables of ten, and you can dig into an assortment of hearty, comfort foods from their daily changing menu. From fried chicken to cornbread, there's everything here you need for a classic Southern dining experience.

Olympia Cafe, North Historic District, Savannah

Conveniently located in the North Historic District area, Olympia Cafe has sat along the Riverfront as a notable spot for decades. A popular spot with visitors and locals alike, it's a hot spot with celebrities that come to the city too thanks to its mouthwatering traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine on offer.

From seafood dishes to moussaka, and from spanakopita to saganaki, there's so much on offer here. Be sure to sample one of the delicious Gyros if you get a chance to visit though!

The Wyld Dock Bar, Bona Bella, Savannah

Situated on the outskirts of the city, The Wyld Dock Bar (often referred to simply as The Wyld) is a great pit stop for anyone venturing out to the Herb River area and surrounding salt marshes. Perched right on the edge of the river, it provides gorgeous views from both of its outdoor bars, where you can sit and look out while enjoying tunes from a live musician.

The menu boasts a great range of southern cuisine, from scallop corn fritters with habanero butter to huge off-menu steamed prawns, there's something for everyone here.

Best Things to Do in Savannah

Savannah is probably best known for its rich history and great, unspoiled architecture, and as such, this is reflected in all the best things to see and do here, especially for those visiting for the first time.

From unique museums to peaceful parks, there's a huge range of places that every new visitor simply must see!

Jepson Center, North Historic District, Savannah

If it's your first time in Savannah, and you have a keen interest in art, you should stop by the Jepson Center. This modern art and interactive museum boasts a contemporary collection of various traveling exhibits, so you can see something new and interesting every single year. You'll have the chance to see artworks from both international and local artists as well as the various sculpture terraces, education studios, and even live performances at the 220-seat auditorium. This center is also home to an interactive children's museum.

This museum is small enough that you can squeeze it into a short trip, but if you have a bit more time to spend here, be sure to visit the gift shop and their new on-site Wildflower Cafe.

Admission to the Jepson Center also covers access to the Owens-Thomas House and Telfair Academy across a seven-day period, making this a great deal at just $25 for adults, $17.50 for students, and just $10 for children. The center is open daily between 10 am and 5 pm.

Historic Savannah Theater, North Historic District, Savannah

First opening its doors to the public in 1818, and again in 1950 after a huge art-deco renovation, this historic theater stands today exactly the same as it did 70 years ago. Step inside the lobby, where you can find a unique display of artifacts, articles, and photographs from the theater's history, but worry not, it's not just a museum, it's actually still active as a theater!

Take a look to see what's taking place during your visit, and be sure to snag some tickets for a live show during your stay in Savannah, whether it's a musical, a comedy show, or even a unique and intriguing paranormal investigation experience, there's something for everyone here. If you're visiting during the winter period though, be sure to visit for the annual Christmas show, it's a huge favorite amongst locals and tourists alike.

Savannah Trolley Tour, Historic District, Savannah

Choose from 1 or 2-day tickets for this Savannah hop-on hop-off trolley tour, and see everything this unique and historical city has to offer from one of its stunning historical trolleys!

During this tour you'll get to stop at various landmarks and attractions, making it the perfect pass for getting to all the major sites if it's your first time visiting Savannah. From Reynolds Square to the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, there's a spot on the list for everyone, with 15 different conveniently located stops. 

The discovery of the city doesn't stop while you're traveling either, with the conductors providing fascination information about this historic city as you drive around it.

Mercer Williams House, South Historic District, Savannah

We've mentioned the Mercer-Williams House museum already, and for good reason, as this museum is a must-see on any trip to Savannah. Originally commissioned by Gen. Hugh W. Mercer, the house is actually more famous for being owned by Jim Williams, who was both a noted antique dealer and the main character in John Berendt's best-selling book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," which was written about the shooting that took place in this very house back in 1981.

Though the upstairs area is off-limits, guests can stroll around the ground floor, which is decorated with 18th- and 19th-century furnishings, Chinese porcelain, and stunning portraits that date back to the 1700s and is still lived in by members of the family (something to keep in mind during your visit).

No photography is allowed inside the garden or the house, so please also keep this in mind when spending time here.

Forsyth Park, South Historic District, Savannah

Arguably the most popular thing to do on any trip to Savannah is to visit Forsyth Park. Stretching for 30 acres, it's the perfect place for a relaxing stroll amongst fountains, flowers, and iconic old Oak trees. There's a great range of historical sites right on the edge of the park as well, such as the aforementioned Mercer-Williams House Museum and the Sorrel Weed House, making it a great spot to visit in between sightseeing!

It has a great cosmopolitan feel and is a hit with both locals and tourists alike. It is home to a great Farmers Market every Saturday morning, where you can find great local produce, snacks, and homemade items.

The park is also home to a free weeklong Savannah Jazz Festival during the fall, where you can find a range of local vendors and food trucks, as well as, of course, great music!