Savannah Historic District Walking Tour with Local Stories

Summary

Walk Savannah’s storied squares with a local and taste the city’s layered past

You’ll walk Savannah’s most famous squares with a local guide who shares real stories behind monuments and historic homes. Pause at First African Baptist Church, stroll through City Market for food tips, and take a quick cafe break before lunch. Expect moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how quiet Madison Square felt that morning — just us and the slow sweep of sunlight through old oaks, Spanish moss dangling like it had all the time in the world. Our guide, Marcus (he grew up here), pointed at a monument and started in on Mary Telfair. I didn’t know much about her before — turns out she did more for Savannah than half the men with statues. The city smells faintly sweet in the morning, maybe from all those blooming gardenias? Or maybe it’s just the way humidity hangs onto everything.

We zigzagged between squares, listening to stories about the Haitian regiment (I’d honestly never heard that part of Revolutionary history) and then stopped by First African Baptist Church. Marcus lowered his voice when he talked about it — you could tell he felt something for this place. There was a moment where everyone just stood there, not really talking. Sometimes you feel history more than you hear it, I guess.

City Market was already waking up — clatter from delivery trucks, someone laughing behind a bakery window. Marcus rattled off recommendations for lunch spots (I scribbled down two and promptly lost my note). He explained how City Market vanished for decades and then came back — sort of like the city itself, stubborn and full of odd little comebacks. We took a break at a small café; I grabbed an iced tea because, well, Georgia heat is no joke even before noon.

By the time we reached Chippewa Square, I was half-listening to Oglethorpe’s story and half-watching a kid chase pigeons around Pulaski’s monument. There was something nice about that mix — old stories and everyday life blending together. I still think about how Marcus described Savannah: “It’s not just what happened here, it’s who remembers.” Makes you want to stay a little longer, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Savannah's historic landmarks

• Hear about Mary Telfair and Telfair Museum
• See Haitian monument and First African Baptist Church
• Stroll through Savannah's City Market neighborhood
• Learn history of City Market and African American contributions
• View Nathanael Greene monument and hear his widow's story
• View railroad magnate and Native American chief monuments
• Take break at local cafe
• Hear about James Oglethorpe, Savannah's founder
• View Jasper monument, Sorrel-Weed and Green-Meldrim Houses
• Enjoy view of favorite square and Casimir Pulaski monument

Top questions

How long is the Savannah Historic District walking tour?

The tour takes place in the morning and finishes before lunch.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Transportation options are also accessible.

Does the tour include stops for food or drinks?

There is a brief stop at a local cafe where guests can pick up refreshments.

What topics does the tour cover?

The tour covers historic homes, African American history, important women in Savannah's past, Civil War events, and Revolutionary War stories.

Which attractions are visited during the tour?

The tour includes Madison Square, Chippewa Square, City Market, First African Baptist Church, monuments to Nathanael Greene and Casimir Pulaski, among others.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests join the group in the morning after breakfast.

Are infants or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; guests should dress appropriately.

What’s included

Your morning includes guided walks through Savannah’s historic squares with a born-and-raised local guide sharing personal stories; there’s also a stop at a neighborhood cafe for refreshments before finishing up around lunchtime so you’re set for exploring more on your own afterward.