How I Visit Savannah on a Budget

Visiting Savannah on a budget is totally doable – and I’m here to prove it! I absolutely adore Savannah. It’s one of my favorite spots on the Georgia coast, and I find myself there constantly.

But let’s be real – between the fancy restaurants, historic house tours, and all those tempting shops on River Street, your wallet can take a serious hit if you’re not careful.

The good news is you don’t have to blow your entire budget to experience the magic of this gorgeous Southern city. I’ve spent enough time in Savannah to know exactly where you can save money without missing out on the good stuff. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, this guide will help you experience all that Savannah charm without the financial stress.

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Most Affordable Places to Stay in Savannah

It’s no surprise that Savannah can be a pretty expensive place to stay, but it’s so worth the visit!

Holiday Inn Express Savannah-Historic District

You won’t find a better location than this on a budget in Savannah. It’s right across Bay Street (that’s the first one up on street level from River Street) and they have a parking garage right next door. The view from the pool deck is great, too! This is one of my favorite budget friendly options.

Staybridge Suites Savannah Historic District

This is another budget option just off Bay Street. This historic building has been reimagined into a warm, inviting space that’s perfect for anyone traveling to Savannah on a budget.

TRYP by Wyndam Savannah

You’ll find this hotel right in the historic district, within walking distance of all the best things to do in Savannah. It’s very convenient to the SCAD Museum of Art and only an 8 minute walk from Forsyth Park with its famous fountain!

Getting Around Savannah

With no fare required, the Savannah DOT buses are a great option for navigating the city. Of course, Savannah is very walkable and you’ll want to walk from spot to spot when you can. But, when your plan is to get from one area of downtown to another, this is the way to go. We use the DOT system frequently!

Pro Tip: If you visit on Saturdays for an overnight, street parking in much of the Historic District is free after 6 pm and then free all day Sunday.

Free Things to Do in Savannah

There are so many things to do in Savannah, but many of them will cost a pretty penny. That’s why we put together a whole list of free things to do in Savannah! You’ll find the full list in the article, but here are some highlights:

Wander through Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure is absolutely stunning with those massive live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and the monuments are like outdoor sculptures. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and completely free to explore. If you want to splurge a little, the golf cart tours are super affordable and will save your feet!

Stroll along Historic River Street

This waterfront strip is the heartbeat of Savannah, and walking it won’t cost you a thing. Watch the massive cargo ships glide by, check out the historic cotton warehouses, and people-watch to your heart’s content. If you want to treat yourself later, the rooftop bars at the Cotton Sail Hotel or The Bohemian have incredible views.

Relax in one of Savannah’s 22 Historic Squares

These little green spaces are scattered throughout the historic district, and each one has its own personality. Bring a book, pack a picnic from the grocery store, or just sit on a bench and soak in that slow Southern vibe. My favorite is Chippewa Square – yes, the Forrest Gump bench spot!

Hop aboard the Free Savannah Belles Ferry

Did you know you can take a free boat ride in Savannah? These little ferries shuttle you across the Savannah River and give you gorgeous views of the city skyline. The ride’s only about 5 minutes, but it’s especially magical at sunset.

If you want a longer experience on the water, there are riverboat cruises available, but honestly? This free ferry is pretty darn perfect.

Explore Fort Pulaski National Monument

While there’s usually an entrance fee, national parks (including Fort Pulaski) offer several free admission days throughout the year. Plan your trip around Memorial Day, Independence Day weekend, Veterans Day, or one of the other free days, and you can explore this Civil War fort without spending a dime.

Even if you’re not a huge history person, the salt marshes around the fort are beautiful and full of wildlife!

Savannah Tours on a Budget

We have tons of Savannah tours we love (check out our top 8 Savannah tours here!), but these are the ones that are the easiest on the wallet and give you the most bang for your buck:

• Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour – We love this one because it doubles as your transportation for the day!
• Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour – You can’t visit the most haunted city in America without a ghost tour!
• Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl – This is for those who want to combine a ghost tour with a night of partying! I did this tour while on a Savannah bachelorette weekend and we had a blast!
• Genteel and Bard’s Savannah History Walking Tour – If you’re more of a boots-on-the-ground sort of traveler, this is a great alternative to the trolley tours.

Cheap Eats in Savannah

Okay, so we’ve covered where to stay and what to do when visiting Savannah on a budget – now let’s talk about the fun part: eating!

Savannah’s food scene is incredible, but you don’t have to drop $50 on dinner to eat well. Some of my favorite meals have been at hole-in-the-wall spots where the locals actually eat. Here are my go-to places for affordable eats in Savannah:

Crystal Beer Parlor

If you ask a local in Savannah where they’d eat on a budget, this is going to be their answer. Crystal Beer Parlor is located inside a historic grocery store and is known for menu items like crab stew, duck wingettes, shrimp and grits, and sweets like fried poundcake and peach cobbler.

You’ll find Crystal Beer Parlor on W. Jones Street near Pulaski Square.

Spudnik

This is another local favorite for cheap eats in Savannah’s historic district! Their specialty is baked potato bowls – try the BBQ Porktato, the Sunrise with a fried egg (I like to add bacon to this one!) or the Athenian with feta and olives. Be sure to pair them with a salad and a beer from one of Savannah’s local breweries!

Spudnik is on W Broughton Street near City Market.

Vinnie Van GoGo’s

If you’re walking through City Market on the weekend, you’ll probably notice Vinnie’s by the people waiting for their seat, but I promise it’s worth it! They also take to-go orders, which is perfect if you want to just take your pizza to a nearby square or eat it on one of the benches in City Market.

Get a whole pizza or try it by the slice, piled high with the sauce and toppings you love.

Sly’s Sliders & Fries

This one might be a bit off the beaten path for some tourists, but it’s super convenient if you’re using the Savannah DOT bus to get around or are headed toward the Starland District for the night.

A couple of sliders are enough for most people and they’ll cost less than $4 a piece. You’ can get a huge variety’ll find a great variety here, from traditional cheeseburger sliders to creative versions with smoked bisket or falafel.

Another great option is the loaded fries, which can be topped with pulled pork, jerk chicken, and a bunch of other options for about $5.

Al Salaam Deli

In the same area as Sly’s (toward Midtown near the Starland District) you’ll find this MIddle Eastern market that locals swear by. The gyros are delicious, fast, and great for portable eats while you continue on your Savannah adventures.

The Green Truck

This spot made it onto our list of the best burgers in Savannah, and for good reason! Go for a more traditional version with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and homemade pickles, or go crazy with the Rustico with goat cheese and balsamic caramelized onions.

They also have other options if burgers aren’t your thing, like chili, an amazing hot ham and swiss sandwich, and the farm truck salad with gorgonzola and spiced pecans//walnuts.

E-Tang

If you’re looking for great Chinese food in Savannah, this is your spot! The pork soup pumplings are to die for, and you can’t go wrong with any of the usual dishes like orange chicken, sesame chicken, or kung pao.

Look for E-Tang on E Oglethorpe, just down the street from Colonial Park Cemetery.

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