A Perfect 24 Hours in Savannah, GA

Anthony Bourdain was one of my favorite personalities in the world of food and travel, and his “Layover" segments where he spent 24 hours in a city were always something I looked forward to. I often wish he had made his way to Savannah for one of them, but since he didn’t, I thought I’d take a small stab at imagining what a perfect 24 hours here might look like.

Savannah is perfect for a 24 hour trip. The historic district is compact, the streets are made for walking, and there’s something beautiful around nearly every corner. If you only have 24 hours in Savannah, the key in my opinion is to focus on gorgeous sites with meals that just do not miss.

Here’s how I would spend one perfect day in Savannah.

Morning: Coffee and a Walk Through the Squares

Start the day with coffee at The Coffee Fox, a small and lively café that’s perfect for easing into the morning. The space has a fun, slightly funky personality, and it’s a great place to grab a light bite before heading out to explore. Definitely recommend the horchata latte.

From there, begin wandering through Savannah’s historic squares. The city was designed around a grid of these leafy green spaces, and walking through them is one of the best ways to understand Savannah’s rhythm. Each square feels slightly different, with statues, fountains, and quiet benches under the shade of live oak trees.

Make your way to Forsyth Park, one of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks. The white fountain at the north end of the park is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Spend a little time walking the paths and admiring the historic homes that surround the park.

Before leaving the area, take a short detour down Jones Street, often called one of the most beautiful streets in America.

Lunch: A Savannah Staple

For lunch, head to Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room on Jones Street, one of the most beloved restaurants in the city. The meal is served family-style at long communal tables, where strangers pass bowls of fried chicken, vegetables, and Southern sides back and forth like a big shared dinner. It’s warm, welcoming, and a true Savannah experience.

Just be prepared for a bit of a line. People come from all over to eat here, and I promise it's worth it!

Afternoon: Savannah’s Icons and Hidden Gems

After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring a few of Savannah’s most fascinating landmarks, all within easy walking distance of one another.

Start with a stop at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the childhood home of the founder of the Girl Scouts. Known affectionately as “Daisy,” Juliette Gordon Low started the Girl Scouts in 1912, and the organization has had deep roots in Savannah ever since. Even if you don’t take the full tour, it’s worth pausing outside the house to see where one of the most influential youth movements in American history began.

From there, walk a few blocks to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, one of the most breathtaking buildings in Savannah. Visitors are welcome to step inside for free, and the interior is stunning. The soaring ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and detailed murals make it feel almost European in scale.

After taking in the cathedral, continue over to SCADstory, an interactive 4D exhibit that tells the story of the Savannah College of Art and Design. SCAD has played a huge role in preserving Savannah’s historic architecture and transforming the city into a global hub for art and design. The exhibit gives a fascinating look at how the university began and how its students and faculty helped revive many of the historic buildings you see throughout the city today.

By the time you finish these stops, you’ll have seen three very different sides of Savannah, its history, its beauty, and its creative future, all within a short walk.

A Savannah Dinner to Remember

After a full afternoon of exploring, head back to your hotel or Airbnb to freshen up before dinner.

Tonight’s reservation is at Elizabeth’s on 37th, one of Savannah’s most beloved fine dining restaurants. Located inside a beautifully restored Southern mansion, the restaurant feels both elegant and welcoming the moment you walk in.

Elizabeth’s is known for its refined Southern cuisine, and the menu changes frequently to highlight seasonal ingredients. Many of the dishes incorporate seafood and local coastal flavors, and the presentation is thoughtful without feeling overly formal.

It’s the perfect way to end a day spent exploring one of the most beautiful cities in the South.

Before calling it a night, make one last stop at Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Savannah institution that has been serving classic scoops since 1919. Even if there’s a bit of a line, embrace it - it moves fast, I promise. Grab a cone, step outside onto Broughton Street, and enjoy a final sweet moment in the city before heading back for the evening.