Making the most of Savannah
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Your ship docks beside River Street, within walking distance of every major site.
Few, if any, cruise ships dock here, although plans are under way to turn Savannah into a genuine cruise destination.
A printable map to take with you.
Southerners joke that Atlanta locals first ask your business, Charleston locals ask your mother’s maiden name, and Savannah locals ask what you would like to drink.
From Savannah cruise port, begin a Savannah tour along River Street, a lovely spot for watching ships arrive from around the world.
In the Historic District’s north-west corner, City Market is a mixed use project. Rehabilitation of this four block area began in 1985, producing a physical facility that could not economically be replicated today.
Getting around
Savannah’s Historic District is well suited to daytime exploration on foot.
Several private bus tours weave through the Historic District with running commentaries; find them at the Visitors' Center and at numerous other locations across the Historic District.
In the Downtown Historic District, the River Street Streetcar is a historic line 1 mile long, enjoyed by tourists, locals and train fans alike.
Food and shopping
Popular River Street, a cobblestone road running one way east along the Savannah River’s south bank, has numerous shops and restaurants aimed at tourists. The Waving Girl sculpture stands near its eastern end. The remainder of the Historic District occupies the bluff above the riverfront, linked to River Street by stairs and ramps.
Money
The United States dollar, with symbol $, is the official U.S. currency, and ATM’s are everywhere.