Welcome to the Savannah Tour
Discover the heart of the oldest city in Georgia with this self-guided Savannah walking tour! Stroll along cobblestoned streets and past all kinds of cute shops and restaurants on the beautiful riverfront. Admire beautifully preserved historic architecture. Get to know Savannah’s most influential residents of days past. And, of course, dig into the complex history of the city, from the Native tribes who once occupied the region to the battle between enslavers and abolitionists and beyond.
About the Tour
Your Savannah tours experience begins at the Visitor Center. From there, you’ll stroll toward the waterfront. On your way, you’ll hear about Savannah’s pre-colonization history.
The first landmark you’ll see is the Ships of the Sea museum, which offers a chance to learn more about how maritime trade shaped Savannah. Then there’s the First African Baptist Church, dating back to 1773!
You won’t be able to resist snapping some photos when you arrive at the riverfront, especially since it looks like a slice of the past! As you walk along these cobbled streets, you’ll hear about the struggle between enslavers and abolitionists.
Next on this Savannah, Georgia tours journey, you’ll stop at Factor’s Walk, an old brick building that was once one of the biggest export hubs of cotton in the world. After that, you’ll pass Emmet Park and discover why Irish history is such a big deal in Savannah.
Your route takes you next to the Olde Pink House, which dates back to 1771 and has seen just about every significant era of Savannah’s history firsthand. But the next stop, Johnson Square, is even older, with origins in 1734!
Next, you’ll pass a market that has been through wars, hurricanes, and even fires. Just beyond that is Telfair Academy, the oldest art museum in the southern US.
At the Owens-Thomas House, next, you’ll get a good look at some of Savannah’s most striking historic architectural trends. Then you’ll stop by the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of America!
After that, you’ll find yourself at the Harper Fowlkes House, a Greek Revival structure exemplifying the lavish wealth of antebellum Savannah. Next, take a breather on a bench in Chippewa Square, where a famous scene from Forrest Gump was filmed!
Then, check out the Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah, built to look just like the one commissioned by King George II.
Savannah Theatre is up next, a still-active theatre that has been putting on performances since 1818! Then you’ll stop at Savannah’s first Roman Catholic church and learn its unexpected origins.
Next, you’ll see Madison Square and relive the bloody battle that played out there in 1779. Then, take a moment to admire the Sorrel Weed House, the largest residential property in the entire city.
Hear about General Sherman’s march on Savannah as you continue your tour, then pause by a lavish piazza once owned by Savannah’s wealthiest resident.
Literary buffs won’t want to miss the next stop—the childhood home of famous author Flannery O’Connor! That’s followed by Calhoun Square, a pleasant park with a dark past. Then there’s the lush Forsyth Park, the city’s oldest park and the perfect place for a picnic.
Next, swing by the site of a grisly murder that was made infamous by the 1994 novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Finally, you’ll arrive at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. Your tour concludes here.
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Savannah Walking Tour Map
Where To Start?
Starting Point Address: Savannah Visitor Center
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Savannah Welcome Center
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Tomochichi Meets Oglethorpe
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Coosaponakeesa
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Ships of the Sea
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First African Baptist Church
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Port City
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Abolitionist Voices
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The Middle Passage
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Factor's Walk
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Emmet Park
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Saint Paddy's Day in Savannah
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Reynolds Square
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The Olde Pink House
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Johnson Square
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A City Built on Mulberries
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City Market
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Savannah's Ill-Fated Laws
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Telfair Academy
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Wright Square
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Owens-Thomas House
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Ghostbusting Paint
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Olaudah Equinao's Story
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Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
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Harper Fowlkes House
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Chippewa Square
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The Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah
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Savannah Theatre
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The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
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The Siege of Savannah
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Sorrel Weed House
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Sherman Takes Savannah
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The Oglethorpe Plan
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Andrew Low House
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Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home
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Calhoun Square
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Massie Heritage Center
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Forsyth Park
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The "Battle" of Monterey
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Murder at the Mercer Williams House
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Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Yes, Savannah is a great walking city with its historic squares, cobblestone streets, and charming neighborhoods that are perfect for leisurely strolls.
Savannah is famous for its well-preserved historic district, picturesque squares, southern hospitality, and its role in American history, including being one of the first planned cities in the United States.
Spending 2-3 days in Savannah is usually enough to explore its historic sites, museums, riverfront, and enjoy its unique atmosphere.
People love Savannah for its enchanting historic architecture, lush parks, vibrant arts scene, delicious cuisine, and warm southern charm.
Yes, there’s a Pulaski exhibit at the Georgia Historical Society in Savannah, honoring Count Casimir Pulaski’s contributions to American history.
You can see ships along the Savannah River at River Street and also at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center.
The First African Baptist Church is the famous black church in Savannah, Georgia. It has a rich history and played a significant role in the African American community.
Factors Walk in Savannah is a historic area along the riverfront where cotton brokers and factors used to conduct business in the 19th century.
Savannah is often nicknamed the “Hostess City of the South” due to its warm hospitality.
The Olde Pink House is known for its historical significance, Southern-style cuisine, and being one of the oldest buildings in Savannah.
The Olde Pink House has a rich history and was originally built as a private residence for James Habersham Jr., one of Savannah’s colonial leaders.
The best months to visit Savannah are typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant.
Generally, the winter months of December and January tend to be less crowded and more affordable for visiting Savannah.
Savannah has a warm and humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild with occasional colder spells.