Here's Everything You'll Want To Do In Savannah, Georgia

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Savannah, Georgia — a city of small boutiques, spooky history, trees strewn with Spanish moss, and prohibition-era speakeasies where you enter a vodka soda lover and leave a (potent) Chatham Artillery Punch connoisseur.

cowboy boots with flowers inside

Allow me to take your hand and guide you through an itinerary best described as perfection, chronicling where to sleep, eat, walk, drink, and then eat some more.

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Upon entering The Alida Hotel, you'll be hit with luxury in the form of fresh-smelling (definitely expensive) candles — the scent perfectly captures the essence of the hotel itself, a brightly lit property with oversized bay windows and decor best described as "put-together person designs their room."

the hotel lobby
illustrated graphic with text "what to do"
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Drool over stunning historic homes with Architectural Savannah, the ideal way to stroll through cobblestone streets and cram your noggin with fun facts. Who regrets not studying architecture at SCAD now? Even though I barely passed high school geometry? Moi.

a home in Savannah

Telfair Academy is three levels of thought-provoking art housed in a converted historic mansion, my favorite piece being Cesare Laurenti's "La Parabola" that spans an entire wall. This is also where you can view the iconic bird girl from Midnight of the Garden of Good and Evil, moved here from Bonaventure Cemetery.

the bird girl

Address: 121 Barnard St. Savannah, GA 31401

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This city is very, very haunted — and what better way to feel slightly spooked without disrupting your inner scaredy cat than a comedy ghost tour? Hop on a party bus where a hysterical guide will have you ~die~ laughing about the ghouls that call Savannah home (especially with a drink in hand, which you stop for midway through the tour).

the comedy ghost tour

Of course, no getaway to Savannah would be complete without a coffee-in-hand stroll through Forsyth Park. Rows upon rows of mossy trees will have you googling “how to plant” before you even get to the piece de resistance of the 30-acre property, the iconic fountain.

the fountain

Address: 2 W Gaston St, Savannah, GA 31401

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Shopping in Savannah = truly a delight. The city is a celebration of local businesses and antique treasure troves, ignoring bigger chains in favor of small shops that span everything from trendy clothing and stationary boutiques to rows upon rows of vintage.

the antique shop

If velvet couches, intricate candles, chocolate tins, and vintage mirrors sound like your idea of heaven on earth, welcome to The Paris Market. Sit down for a cup of java and eat a colorful macaron before roaming both levels to shop. It’s a morsel of Paris in Savannah, which obviously works.

a piano with a statue on top

Address: 36 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401

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Bonaventure Cemetery is the first image that comes to mind when I think of Savannah (though I'm not sure if that's a shared experience because morbid is my middle name). Operating since the mid-1800s, this sprawling patch of 160 acres is dense with mossy trees and ornate tombs that evoke a rich slice of history.

the cemetery

Address: 330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt, GA 31404

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Enter the American Prohibition Museum a boring vodka soda drinker (I'm guilty) and leave a spirits expert. How? By taking a cocktail class at the authentic speakeasy housed inside — you'll be pouring iconic Savannah bitters and concoctions in no time, all while learning city history along the way.

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The cost feels steep upfront, but you'll walk away with professional bartending tools, a step-by-step guide for making one shaken and one stirred drink, plus two extra cocktails crafted specifically for you by an expert bartender.

The highlight was learning how to brew a delicious (and dangerous) batch of Chatham Artillery Punch, a Savannah staple consisting of rum, whisky, brandy, champagne, lemon, and sugar.

Ticket cost: $66.07

Dedicate at least a half day to Tybee Island, located only 20 minutes from the heart of historic Savannah. Grab a towel, soak up that UV, and stroll the boardwalk for a quick slice of summer. Too cold to swim? There's plenty of bars along the shore to keep you entertained.

the Tybee Island sign
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Savannah has open container laws, aka sunset walks accessorized with a Mint Julep (or several) are in your future. But if you're looking for a sit-down spot? Alley Cat Lounge is awesome — their bar menu is categorized by moods and spirits, plus the expert bartenders are chock-full of recs.

the bar

Savannah is jam-packed with awesome bars — other honorable "where to drink" mentions include Savoy Society, Peregrin Rooftop at The Perry Lane Hotel, Abe's on Lincoln, The Original Pinkie Masters, El-Rocko Lounge, and Bamboo Tiki Room.

a pink drink
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Dine in The Olde Pink House, a blessing for folks who love delicious cocktails and creative food, a curse for people already lusting over pastel homes they can’t afford. Pecan crusted chicken, shrimp and grits sushi, scallops seared to perfection…if the decor isn’t enough to win you over, the food is proof of love at first bite.

the pink house

Lunch reservations are a bit easier to come by (and walk-ins are welcome), but make dinner reservations way in advance! I overheard a couple saying they had to make their reservation a month prior.

Address: 23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401

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Little Duck Diner is known for cocktails garnished with a rubber duck, hence the name. I highly recommend the Lavender Bubble Bath Bellini, because it's not just for the Insta, folks — the drinks *taste* just as delightful as they look.

the duck drink

And the food is also very, very good! It's a classic diner menu, as the name would imply: burgers, fries, sandwiches, breakfast staples.

Address: 150 W Saint Julian Street, Savannah, GA 31401

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Chocolat by Adam Turoni did what I once thought was impossible: They improved chocolate. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted with unique ingredients that are far more luxurious than the [insert competitor brand bar] you stuff in pumpkin baskets on Halloween. Please look at the below PIECE OF CHOCOLATE that resembles Aslan from Narnia.

the lion chocolate

Circa 1875 will have you saying ~oui oui~ before the first bite even grazes your lips thanks to a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of, well, 1875. Buckle up for French cuisine that tastes delicious in a setting that doesn't feel pretentious.

the table

Address: 48 Whitaker St, Savannah, GA 31401

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The Collins Quarter houses delicious dinner staples and inventive cocktails in a cozy atmosphere (cozy in this context means candelabras at every table). Settle in for chorizo nacho starters, braised short rib mains, and a house-infused grapefruit mule.

the Collins Quarter

Grab quick and delicious vegan eats at Fox & Fig Cafe. With a choice of smoothies, meat alternative burgers, grain bowls, and pancakes dusted with espresso powder, there’s truly something for everyone. Every last bit of it delicious.

the pancakes

Address: 321 Habersham St, Savannah, GA 31401

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Desperate for morning carbs to counteract last night's rum punch? You need a brunch spot with a carb-loaded menu — you need B. Matthew's Eatery. Opt for coffee, a Bloody Mary, fried chicken and biscuits, or some classic shrimp and grits.

the inside of the restaurant

Address: 325 E Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401

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And with that, I bid you adieu — time to pack up your entire wardrobe and head on over to Savannah, Georgia, for the ideal weekend getaway. Have any more suggestions? Drop 'em in the comments below.