Why Savannah Is Made for Self-Guided Tours
Savannah is one of the most walkable historic cities in the United States. Its grid of 22 historic squares, moss-draped oaks, colonial-era homes, and riverside atmosphere is easy to explore at your own pace.
A self-guided audio tour gives you structure without pressure: where to walk, what each square represents, and the stories behind the city's famous landmarks — without being rushed through a group schedule.
Start with a Savannah Self-Guided Audio Tour
A typical audio tour of Savannah includes:
- a clear starting point in the historic district
- stories behind Savannah's founders and layout
- explanations of each square's meaning and history
- architecture notes that are easy to miss on your own
- ghost legends, folklore, and notable real events
- freedom to pause, detour, and explore without stress
Browse available Savannah audio tours here:
How a Self-Guided Tour Works
Simple and flexible:
- Book online — receive the tour instructions by email.
- Download the audio or access it in an app.
- Start walking the route at any time.
- Pause or wander whenever something catches your eye.
You stay in complete control — perfect for hot days, photo stops, and spontaneous pastry detours.
Quick Facts About Savannah
- Location: Coastal Georgia, about 2 hours south of Charleston, SC
- Population: ~150,000 (historic downtown is walkable and compact)
- Founded: 1733 by James Oglethorpe
- Best for: History, architecture, walking, photography, local food
- Time needed: 2–4 hours for a full historic district visit
- Vibe: Calm, atmospheric, historic, charming, moss-draped oaks
What You'll See on a Typical Route
Every audio tour has its own structure, but most cover a mix of:
- Historic Squares — each with its own story, statue, or landmark
- Colonial & Victorian Homes
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
- Forsyth Park and its iconic fountain
- River Street — cobblestone waterfront with old warehouses
- Architecture details from Federal to Gothic Revival
- Ghost stories and local legends (optional, depending on the tour)
Savannah is layered — the audio tour helps you understand the meaning behind what you're seeing, instead of just walking past pretty streets without context.
If You Have Half a Day
You can comfortably:
- walk 6–8 squares
- visit one major landmark
- explore Forsyth Park
If You Have a Full Day
You can move slowly and add:
- additional squares
- more museum or house-museum stops
- extended time along River Street
- local cafés, bakeries, and historic taverns
Practical Tips for Visiting Savannah
- Pace: Savannah gets hot — mornings and evenings are ideal.
- Footwear: bring comfortable shoes; some sidewalks are uneven.
- Hydration: water stops matter more than people expect.
- Phone: charge fully before starting any audio tour.
- Noise: headphones help near traffic or busy River Street areas.
Book Your Self-Guided Tour
Booking ahead makes the day calmer — you arrive with a route ready, instead of scrambling to plan while standing in the heat.
Savannah Self-Guided Tour: Quick FAQ
Is Savannah easy to walk?
Yes — incredibly. The historic district was designed around walkable squares.
Is a self-guided tour better than a group tour?
If you like flexibility and calm pacing, absolutely. You can pause for shade, water, or photos anytime.
Are ghost stories included?
Some tours include ghost commentary; others focus strictly on history. You can choose based on your preference.
Do I need mobile data?
Most tours allow downloading in advance — check the instructions after booking.
Related Self-Guided Destinations
If you're interested in walkable historic cities with architectural significance, these destinations share similar characteristics:
- Saint Augustine — Another Southern historic city where colonial architecture and urban planning create a compact, walkable environment. Like Savannah, understanding the layout helps you appreciate the layers of history.
- Versailles — While grander in scale, Versailles shares Savannah's emphasis on planned architecture and historic preservation. Both require understanding timing and flow to avoid crowds.