Walking Tours in Savannah, Georgia

As the first planned city in the United States, Savannah, Georgia is home to a wealth of history. However, it can be overwhelming to discover the mass of monuments, squares and attractions that line the city streets without a guide.

This is why a walking tour in Savannah, Georgia is the best way to explore the heritage of the city. From ghost tours to dog-friendly walks, there's an excursion for everyone.

Check out our traveler's guide on walking tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Savannah, Georgia.

What are the most popular walking tours in Savannah, Georgia?

Civil War walking tour in Savannah, Georgia

Gain insight into the events that shaped American history on a Civil War tour in Savannah, Georgia.

On this walking tour, you'll be thoroughly educated on the most notable generals who served in the Civil War, such as William Hardee. You visit several monuments associated with the war, including General Sherman's headquarters, where the soldier sent a telegram to President Lincoln, gifting the city to the chief executive.

Discover how the outcome of the Civil War changed the Savannah and the U.S. you can see today.

Walking ghost tour in Savannah, Georgia

One of the most popular ways to learn about the city's past and present is through the paranormal tours in Savannah.

Walking through the downtown area after the sun sets, you'll discover several of the city's spookiest spots. You'll travel to the Kehoe House, which has a history as a funeral home and is rumored to be the spot where a pair of twins died in the 19th century.

Explore the chilling halls of Davenport House, where many people claim to have seen creepy shadows in the dark and the ghost of a cat. See the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low — the founder of the American Girl Scouts — where the ghost of her mother, Nelly Gordon, has often been seen. While here, you'll also learn about the curse that followed Juliette from her wedding day onwards.

Another of the sights you'll see on this walking tour of Savannah, Georgia is Wright Square where it's rumored that Alice Riley — the Irish servant who killed her master after being abused — put a curse on the city before being hanged. Some claim to have seen the ghost of Alice and her infant child wandering the square from time to time.

Historic Savannah guided walking tour

Dive deep into the history of the first planned city in the U.S. on this guided walking tour through Savannah, Georgia.

Strolling through the Historic District of Savannah with your knowledgeable guide, you'll hear plenty of tales from the last 300 years. You'll walk among several of the city's numerous squares, discovering the monuments that remain from the colonial period.

You'll also explore mansions and houses, discover the different styles of architecture in Savannah and learn about the city's part in the Civil War. Finish your excursion at one of Savannah's pristine beaches, where you can listen to the lull of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dog walking tour in Savannah

There's no need to leave your floppy-eared friend at home on this tour designed specifically for dog walkers.

With your faithful companion by your side, you'll participate in a dog-friendly walking tour of the historic city of Savannah. This excursion is the perfect way to meet other dog lovers and allow your pet to make new friends.

Ambling along the city streets, you'll all learn about the history of Savannah, of which notable events include the Civil War and the founding of the American Girl Scouts.

Bonaventure Cemetery walking tour

Wander the tranquil grounds of Savannah's largest cemetery on this fascinating tour. Meeting in the city, you'll travel out to the Bonaventure Cemetery with a trained historian guide.

Embark on a fascinating walk around the 160 acres of the resting ground and admire the intricate designs of the cemetery's graves. You'll learn about the history of the grounds, which stretches over 170 years, as well as the famous figures who were buried here.

These include Georgia's first governor, Edward Telfair, as well as lyricist Johnny Mercer and writer and poet Conrad Aiken. Discover the history of Little Gracie Watson who was laid to rest at the tender age of 6 and who has become a notable figure in the community.

Culinary and cultural food walking tour

Let your taste buds lead you through this food tour in Savannah, Georgia. Working your way through the Historic District of Savannah, you'll admire the city's grand architecture as you travel to several celebrated eateries.

At these food outlets, you'll sample the best of southern cuisine, including shrimp and grits — a savory cornmeal porridge made with fresh seafood — as well as pork belly donut slides.

You'll also experience the different cultures that have influenced the city, including England and Scotland, by trying delicacies from the nations.

Along the way, you'll pass by Oglethorpe Square, named after the founder of Savannah, as well as Ellis Square and the American Prohibition Museum.

End your walking tour of Savannah, Georgia at the City Market — an open-air venue that opened in the 17th century and sells a wide range of goods, from seafood to artisanal jewelry.

Which places will you see?

Davenport House

The Davenport House was originally built in 1820 by Isaiah Davenport as a family home for his seven children, wife and nine slaves.

After Davenport's death, the mansion was transformed into a boarding house and eventually fell into disrepair. However, the home was restored to its full glory when the Historic Savannah Foundation opened a museum on site in 1963.

The purpose of this museum is to showcase the home and its artifacts salvaged from the 1800s to visitors. This site plays a crucial role in educating tourists on the history of slavery in the deep south.

Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery is the oldest graveyard in Savannah, covering over 160 acres of land. The cemetery rose to fame after it appeared in the 1994 non-fiction book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" and also the subsequent film of the same name.

Several notable figures have been buried here since 1846. However, the most famous grave belongs to Little Gracie Watson, a young girl who died from a disease at just 6 years old.

Over the years, a tradition has developed of leaving small gifts by her grave to wish the young child well in the afterlife. Gracie's grave is marked by a detailed sculpture of the child, which has undergone several repairs after students repeatedly rubbed the statue's nose for luck in school.

Wright Square

Wright Square is one of four original squares that were laid when the city was originally built in the early 18th century. It now numbers one of 22 historic squares within Savannah and its oldest building is the William Waring Property.

The square is known as a place of paranormal activity that relates to the death of Alice Riley. The servant killed her master after he impregnated her, and was sentenced to death for her crime.

Unfortunately, her infant died just two weeks after his mother and both were buried on a plot just off of Wright Square. Since that time, Alice's ghost has been seen walking around the square with her little one. However, some claim to have seen her spirit alone, tearing around the square screaming for her baby boy.

What are the prices for walking tours in Savannah, Georgia?

The majority of walking tours in Savannah, Georgia cost between US$20 and US$70 per person.

A walking tour delving into the history of the Civil War can start from US$20 per person, while ghost walking tours and historic Savannah walking tours start from about US$25 per person.

Dog-friendly walking tours can cost around US$30 per person, and a Bonaventure Cemetery walking tour costs about US$35 per person.

If you opt for a Savannah food tour, you can expect to pay approximately US$70 each.

What's included?

Walking tours in Savannah, Georgia always include a knowledgeable guide to lead you through the streets and fill you in on the history and culture that has shaped the city.

Culinary-themed excursions include food tastings at six different venues in the city, which amount to a filling meal, as well as samples of non-alcoholic beverages.

Where do they normally start?

Savannah walking excursions start at a variety of destinations across the city, all of which are easy to reach via public transportation.

The city has a free hop-on hop-off trolley system, which makes navigating its many districts simple. You can find out the starting location of each tour before booking so that you can arrange any necessary transportation in advance.

Aim to arrive at your location several minutes before the starting time of the tour to account for any missed connections or bad traffic en route.

Upon arrival at your pre-determined spot, you'll usually find your tour guide to be wearing or carrying something to make themselves easily recognizable, such as a clipboard or a colorful umbrella.

How long do they typically last?

Typically, walking tours in Savannah, Georgia last between 1.5 and 2 hours. However, if you're short on time, you'll find that some ghost tours and dog-walking excursions last just an hour.

Alternatively, you can opt for a combination walking tour and pub crawl or a food tour, both of which tend to last around 3 hours.

When should you do a walking tour in Savannah, Georgia?

You can participate in most Savannah walking tours at a time of your choosing throughout the day, making them easy to slot into every itinerary.

However, you'll find that ghost tours only take place at night, which enhances the spooky atmosphere. Pub crawls also take place after the sun sets and Savannah's bar scene comes to life.

A walking tour is one of the best ways to acquaint yourself with a new city, so consider booking your trip for the first or second day of your vacation.

Are there any combos available with walking tours in Savannah, Georgia?

Haunted pub crawl and walking tour in Savannah, Georgia

On this combination tour including a pub crawl in Savannah, you'll take to the streets in search of spooky ghouls and the best tipples around.

Visit the most haunted building in the city, which just so happens to be a brewery, where visitors claim to have encountered invisible forces.

Gain a little Dutch courage by downing a drink or two with your new-found friends as you roam the eeriest parts of the city, stopping at three of the most renowned bars.

Midnight in the Garden walking tours and pub crawl

This tour focuses on the critically-acclaimed novel-turned-Hollywood movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

You'll explore one of the most notorious murders of Savannah as you walk through the city learning about the true events of the book.

Dip into several bars along the way to wet your whistle with a brew, where your guide will enchant you with tales of exorcisms and psychics.

What other sightseeing tours can you join in Savannah, Georgia?

• Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Savannah, Georgia
• Segway tours in Savannah, Georgia
• Tybee Island tours in Savannah, Georgia
• Movie location tours in Savannah, Georgia
• City tours in Savannah, Georgia

Travel tips

• As walking tours take place on foot, you should ensure you're wearing flat and comfortable shoes.
• While ghost tours in Savannah, Georgia can be a little spooky, they are generally a family-friendly activity that children can participate in.
• The climate in Savannah is subtropical meaning that the days can be very hot but thunderstorms are also frequent. Be prepared with sun cream, a sun hat and a rain jacket.
• Walking tours in Savannah, Georgia are generally taken at a leisurely pace, meaning they are appropriate for most physical abilities.