Start with the free stuff
Savannah's best sights cost nothing. The squares in the Historic District are shaded by live oaks, open all day, and close enough together that you can string several into one walk. Wear flat shoes, since the sidewalks are uneven.
Forsyth Park is the other free anchor. Bring a blanket and make it a picnic afternoon.
- Chippewa SquareFree, shaded square; walk on to Wright and Madison Squares.
- Forsyth ParkPark · 4.8 ★
- Monterey SquareOne of the prettiest squares, steps from the park.
Picnic in Forsyth Park instead of a second sit-down meal
Brunch for a big group is worth booking ahead; the plan suggests 3-4 weeks for the 8-top. For lunch, grab cheese, baguettes and snacks on the park's edge and split the bill. Spread out near the 1858 fountain and the afternoon costs almost nothing.
Praline samples are free too, and a quick stop before dinner skips the weekend line.
- Brighter Day Natural FoodsCheap picnic groceries right on Forsyth's edge.
- Savannah's Candy KitchenFree praline samples; go before dinner to beat the line.
The to-go cup rule, and how it saves money
Within the Historic District you can carry one drink per person, up to 16 ounces, in a paper or plastic cup. Cans, bottles and glass are not allowed. Ask any bar for a to-go cup when you leave.
The savings come from the walking. Order one drink, take it along on a River Street stroll, and skip paying for a seat at every stop. Carry your drink only inside the district boundaries, and check the city's open container map if you're unsure where they fall.
- East River StreetCobblestones, lights and legal to-go cups; mind your heels.
- Top Deck BarBudget-friendly rooftop view; walk in before 7 PM for a group table.
Stay walkable, skip the cars
A stay in the Historic District means you can walk to the squares, River Street and most restaurants, so you won't spend on rides. Starland, on the far side of Forsyth Park, is another option, a bit farther from River Street.
For the few longer hops, two free options help. The dot Express Shuttle runs two downtown loops, stopping every 10 minutes at 18 Historic District stops, seven days a week. The Savannah Belles Ferry links the Riverwalk with Hutchinson Island every 10 minutes, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, also free.
Paid extras that are worth it
Pick one paid tour and one paid outing. A candlelit ghost tour runs about $25-35 each and doubles as a walk through the squares. Book ahead for a big group and confirm the meeting point.
A Tybee Island beach afternoon is the other good spend. Rideshare runs about $30-45 per car each way, so split two cars of four. The beach and pier stroll are free, and a casual dockside meal on the way back avoids downtown markups.
Dueling pianos are a fun late-night add-on at roughly $10-20 cover; arrive early before it climbs.
- Wright SquareGhost tour meeting spot; the one paid tour worth booking.
- Tybee Beach Pier and PavilionBroad free beach and a pier stroll.
- The WyldFried shrimp and fish tacos without downtown prices.
What to skip
Skip a second paid tour; the squares are free and a trolley loop adds little once you've walked them. Skip big rooftop tabs: have one signature cocktail, then move to cheaper pubs. Skip booking a car for downtown, since the free shuttle and your feet cover it.
Our day-by-day plan puts these pieces in order, and the Savannah guide has more on the city. Forsyth Park has its own page too: Forsyth Park.
Frequently asked questions
How much can you carry in a to-go cup in Savannah?
One drink per person, up to 16 ounces, in a paper or plastic cup, inside the Historic District. Cans, bottles and glass aren't allowed.
What is free in Savannah for a bachelorette group?
The squares, Forsyth Park, praline samples, the dot Express Shuttle, the Savannah Belles Ferry, and the beach itself at Tybee.
Is a Savannah ghost tour worth it?
For a group, yes. At about $25-35 each it's the one paid tour worth booking, and it walks you through the squares. Book ahead and confirm the meeting point.
How do we get to Tybee Island cheaply?
Split two rideshares among eight people. Expect about $30-45 per car each way.
