Planning a walk through downtown Savannah is easier when you know how the streets and squares connect.
The Savannah Downtown Historic District follows a planned grid with squares placed throughout the area. You can walk from the riverfront through City Market and the central squares toward Forsyth Park without needing a car for the main sights.
This guide gives you three walking routes based on history, shopping, and parks. It also covers River Street, historic homes, museums, public transit, parking, walking conditions, and the best times to go. Use the route table below to choose a starting point before you set out.
Downtown Savannah Walking Routes at a Glance
Pick the route that matches what you want to see, then follow the expected durations below to plan your walk:
| Route | Best For | Starting Point | Ending Point | Time |
| Squares and Landmarks | First-time visitors | Franklin Square | Forsyth Park | 2 to 3 hours |
| Shopping and Local Finds | Shops and food | City Market | Bull Street | 2 to 4 hours |
| Forsyth Park and Side Streets | Homes and parks | Forsyth Park | Monterey Square | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
The walking times above are planning estimates and include time for short photo stops. Museum visits, meals, and shopping will add more time.
For an easy first visit, start near Franklin Square and walk south along the central streets. This lets you see several squares before reaching Forsyth Park.
How Savannah's Downtown Walking Grid Works
Savannah's downtown plan dates to 1733 and uses a grid of streets, wards, and public squares.
The Downtown Historic District extends from the Savannah River on the north toward Gwinnett Street on the south, with East Broad Street forming part of its eastern boundary.
Visit Savannah currently lists 22 squares in the historic downtown area.
The squares provide regular green spaces between blocks and make it easier to create a walking route without relying on one main road.
Many of the most visited squares sit along or near Bull Street, which gives visitors a simple north-to-south route through the center of the district.
For a first walk, use Bull Street as your main reference line. From there, you can turn toward nearby squares, historic homes, churches, shops, and museums without making large detours.
Which Savannah Squares Should You Walk First?
Savannah's squares are the main landmarks on a downtown walking map. You do not need to visit every square on your first day, so focus on clusters that fit your route.
Squares Near City Market
Franklin Square sits near City Market and makes a useful starting point for a north-to-south walk. Ellis Square is also close to City Market, while Reynolds Square sits farther east near the riverfront.
These squares work well at the start of a route because they put you close to restaurants, shops, River Street, and other downtown sights.
From this area, you can continue south toward Johnson Square and Chippewa Square.
Squares Along Bull Street
- Johnson Squareis the oldest and largest of Savannah's original squares.
- Chippewa Squaresits farther south and is known for its connection to the movie titledForrest Gump. The movie's bench was a prop and is now displayed at the Savannah History Museum.
- Madison Square is farther south and sits near several historic buildings.
Continue toward Monterey Square if you want to reach the southern part of the Historic District.
Squares Near Forsyth Park
- Monterey Square sits near the Mercer-Williams House and the Armstrong House.
- Lafayette Squareis close to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and the Andrew Low House.
Forsyth Park sits at the southern end of the main downtown area. It covers 30 acres and gives walkers a large open space after several blocks of historic streets.
How to Walk From River Street to Forsyth Park
- River Streetfollows the Savannah River and connects to the upper part of downtown through several stairways and access points.
- Factors Walkruns above and below parts of the riverfront and includes historic lanes, bridges, and older warehouse areas.
The riverfront route can be harder for people using wheelchairs or strollers because some connections include stairs and uneven surfaces. If you need a smoother route, use the main streets above River Street and consider the public elevator for access between levels.
A simple route is River Street to City Market, then south through the central squares toward Forsyth Park.
Which Historic Homes and Museums Fit the Route?
Downtown Savannah has several historic homes, churches, and museums that can be added without leaving the main walking area. Plan extra time if you want to go inside instead of viewing the buildings from the street.
Historic Homes Open for Tours
- The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters is at 124 Abercorn Street.Telfair Museums currently lists the site as open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guided tours available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- A short walk away,at 324 East State Street on the north side of Columbia Square, stands the Davenport House Museum, a Federal style home built in 1820 and run today by the Historic Savannah Foundation.
- Nearby,at 329 Abercorn Street facing Lafayette Square, is the Andrew Low House, built in 1849.
All three sites sit close together in Savannah's Historic District, which makes them easy to visit in a single outing.
Check each attraction's current schedule before visiting because opening days, tour times, and admission rules can change.
Churches and Historic Buildings
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist stands near Lafayette Squareand is one of the city's most recognizable religious buildings. Its interior includes stained glass, detailed stonework, and a large central nave.
First African Baptist Churchis another important historic site. Its history connects directly to Savannah's African American community and the city's long history of slavery and freedom.
Visitors should check the church's current tour schedule before planning a visit.
Museums Near the Walking Route
Telfair Museums operates three sites in downtown Savannah: Telfair Academy, Jepson Center, and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters.
The current museum schedule lists the three sites asopen from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Owens-Thomas guided tours running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Telfair Academy focuses on fine and decorative art, while Jepson Center focuses on modern and contemporary work.
The Jepson Center also includes the Telfair Children's Art Museum, which can make it a useful stop for families.
Which Self-Guided Savannah Route Fits Your Day?
The best route depends on what you want to see. Use one route for a short visit or combine parts of two routes if you have more time.
Squares and Landmarks Route
Start: Franklin SquareEnd: Forsyth ParkBest for: First-time visitorsTime: About 2 to 3 hours
Walk from Franklin Square toward Ellis Square and City Market. Continue toward Johnson Square, Chippewa Square, Madison Square, Lafayette Square, and Monterey Square before finishing at Forsyth Park.
This route gives you a broad view of downtown Savannah without requiring long side trips.Add a museum or historic home if you have extra time.
Shopping and Local Finds Route
Start: City MarketEnd: Bull StreetBest for: Shopping and foodTime: About 2 to 4 hours
Begin at City Market and continue toward Broughton Street for shops and restaurants. You can also visit stores such as The Paris Market, Savannah Bee Company, E. Shaver Booksellers, and Shop SCAD.
Allow more time if you plan to browse several stores. This route works better later in the morning after most shops have opened.
Forsyth Park and Side Streets Route
Start: Forsyth ParkEnd: Monterey SquareBest for: Parks, homes, and photosTime: About 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Start at the Forsyth Park fountain and walk north through the nearby residential streets. Jones Street is a good addition for visitors interested in historic homes and brick sidewalks. Continue toward Monterey Square and nearby landmarks.
This route works well in the morning or later in the afternoon when you want a slower walk.
Parking, Walking Tips, and the Best Route Downtown
Here's a quick guide to parking, walking, and planning your route downtown:
- Parking: Choose a garage near your starting point for a full day, or use street parking for short visits since spots change fast.
- Where to park: Park near the north end for River Street, or near the south end for Forsyth Park.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for brick sidewalks, uneven ground, and cobblestones on River Street and Factors Walk.
- Weather: Walk early in warm months to avoid heat and humidity. Spring and fall offer milder conditions, but check the forecast.
- Drink rules: Review the city's To-Go Cup Zone rules before carrying a drink outside an establishment.
- Best starting point: Begin near City Market and the central squares for easy access to shops, restaurants, and museums.
- Route option: Walk from River Street to Forsyth Park through the central squares, a distance of about one mile before extra stops.
- Time needed: Plan two hours for a short loop through the squares, or a few hours to a full day for a longer route with stops.
Conclusion
A walking map of downtown Savannah is easiest to use when you choose a clear starting point and route. The central squares connect City Market, River Street, historic homes, museums, and Forsyth Park within a compact area.
Start with the squares route if this is your first visit. Add River Street, a museum, or Forsyth Park based on your available time and walking pace.
Did this guide help you plan your trip? Share this post with a friend who loves to explore, and drop a comment below with your favorite square.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is downtown Savannah easy to explore on foot?
Yes. The central Historic District has a grid of streets and many squares, which makes it simple to create a walking route. Most major sights can be linked without using a car.
How far is River Street from Forsyth Park?
The distance is about one mile between River Street and Forsyth Park. Your total walk will be longer if you visit squares, shops, museums, or side streets along the way.
What is the best time to walk around Savannah?
Early morning is a good choice during hot and humid months. Late afternoon can also work well for visitors who prefer cooler conditions and softer light.
Can you walk from City Market to Forsyth Park?
Yes. City Market and Forsyth Park are connected by downtown streets and squares. Walking south through the central part of the Historic District lets you add landmarks such as Johnson Square, Chippewa Square, Madison Square, and Monterey Square along the way.
