8 things to know before traveling to Savannah, Georgia

The Savannah of years past conjures images of grand homes and dramatic oak trees like those featured in the best-selling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. But these days, it's a welcoming and eclectic city where you'll find locals, art students and visitors all enjoying the same inviting places.

History lovers are drawn to Savannah's carefully preserved homes and museums, and foodies to its restaurant scene, influenced by a wide variety of cultures. It's easy to get around and relatively safe, making the Hostess City a popular escape for many travelers.

Here's what you need to know about Savannah before you go.

A statue of a figure with a hand on its chin; blurred greenery is in the background. — Bonaventure Cemetery. Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

1. Spend at least 3 days in Savannah

If it's your first time visiting, you'll need at least 3 days in Savannah to scratch the surface. Most travelers choose the weekend, arriving midday on Friday. This is a great time to get your bearings and explore without an agenda. Saturday is when you'll see most of the top attractions and museums. Don't expect many places to be open on Sunday until late, so get one last meal in before hitting the road.

If you have longer to spend in Savannah, plan on exploring beyond the historic district with day trips to the Starland District, Tybee Island and the Isle of Hope.

2. Use rideshares from the airport

If you arrive by plane to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, which serves the coastal areas of both Georgia and South Carolina, it should take anywhere from 20–40 minutes to get to the heart of downtown, varying wildly based on traffic.

Rideshare services are available, including Lyft and Uber. You can pick them up from the north entrance of baggage claim. Taxis can also be hailed from outside of the airport.

The city's local bus system, Chatham Area Transit, or CAT, stops at the airport on the West Chatham Route 3. It's not the fastest option but definitely the cheapest if you're on a budget.

Streetcar tracks over cobblestones pass restaurants and bars on one side and a park with benches on the other under cloudy skies at dusk. — River St. Sean Pavone/Getty Images

3. You probably don't need a car to get around Savannah

Just about every car rental company has a presence in Savannah, but for the most part, you won't need your own vehicle to get around the city. Savannah's historic district is walkable, with most destinations no more than a 20-minute stroll through the tree-lined squares. Having a car can be a hassle, especially when it comes parking.

The free DOT shuttle bus visits all of the city's top landmarks, including the Downtown Loop from Martin Luther King Jr Blvd to the Eastern Wharf and the Forsyth Loop, which goes from Johnson Sq to Victory Dr. The Savannah Belles ferry is also free, with a triangular route to the Westin hotel across the river, City Hall Landing at the eastern side of River St and the Waving Girl statue on the east side of River St. If you want to go further, the Token Transit app is an easy way to purchase a ticket in advance; all you have to do is show it to the driver when you board.

The only exception to a car-free trip is if you want to visit Tybee Island and the outer areas of the city. In that case, renting a car for a day might be prudent, as it can take around 25 minutes to get there, and the island is big enough that you'll want a way to get around. Just keep in mind that in many places, including beach access points, you'll have to pay to park.

4. Reservations are essential for the best restaurants

There are plenty of great restaurants in Savannah, including award winners from celebrity chefs, but you'll need to plan ahead if you want to go – especially during high season and events like St Patrick's Day or SCAD's graduation.

The Grey, Husk and Common Thread have some of the most sought-after tables that you can book in advance online. There's greater availability at more casual restaurants, for which you can often make a reservation if you're traveling with a group. Alternatively, go during happy hour or sit at the bar.

An aerial view of Savannah, Georgia, along the river; a few tall buildings and a building with a gold dome are visible in the distance, as is a suspension bridge. — Along the Savannah River. Mihai_Andritoiu/Shutterstock

5. The best neighborhood to stay in depends on your interests

River St and the historic district are the most popular neighborhoods to stay in, especially for first-time visitors. There's been a recent hotel boom, including the new JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District and Thompson Savannah. But things can get rowdy on weekends, and the incoming ships sound their horns at all hours – if sleep is what you're after, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Ellis Sq and Madison Sq areas are a nice alternative because you can still walk to River St, as well as the most beautiful areas in Savannah. The DeSoto and Andaz Savannah are well located with great amenities.

6. Yes, you can walk around Savannah with alcohol (with exceptions)

Visitors to Savannah tend to be surprised that the city's alcohol laws permit taking your drink with you, but there are exceptions. First and foremost, the drinking age in the USA is 21 years old, which is absolutely enforced in Savannah. You must have a legal ID that is up-to-date, such as a driver's license or passport.

The open-container policy applies to the historic district, from River St to Jones St. You can only carry a drink in a can or 16oz plastic cup, so ask for a "go cup" from a bar. You can hold just one drink at a time, and you can't have a drink in a motor vehicle. If you don't follow the rules, you may get arrested.

A couple walks in front of a building with a red awning that reads "River Street Sweets Candy Store." — River St. Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock

7. Pack light layers to handle the heat

While you might expect Savannah to be a very dressy city, most places are pretty casual. The only dress codes are in fine-dining restaurants, but otherwise, comfort is key. Light colors and layers are best, especially during the summer months (June through August) when the humidity is in full force.

Comfortable shoes are also important, especially if you're walking all over town. Bringing a hand fan can help you cool off if you're waiting in line to get into restaurants like Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room or just relaxing in one of the squares.

8. Savannah is a safe city

For the most part, Savannah is safer than other major cities in the US. The majority of crimes are car break-ins and petty theft. With that said, use common sense as you would anywhere else.

Walking alone at night is usually fine, but if you're feeling nervous, opt for a taxi or pedicab. Drink responsibly and watch where you walk, especially on River St, where the uneven pavers make it easy to trip. During the day, drink plenty of water to avoid overheating.