Savannah, Georgia makes you want to slow down and enjoy the city. maybe it is the ancient oak trees whose Spanish moss dances softly in the breeze. Or perhaps the lovely historic houses in pastel colours, the sound of hoofs on cobblestones, and the way each turn leads one to another enchanting square.
If you’re daydreaming of a weekend filled with charm, but not with heavy costs, Savannah makes the perfect minimalist lifestyle budget getaway. Here’s your ultimate go-to guide for enjoying what this charming Southern city has to offer without spending a lot and packing a lot.
Why Savannah Works for Minimalist Travel 🌿
Savannah was practically designed for intentional travel. The historic district is small and very walkable, so there is no need for taxis or rental cars. The city’s vibe is slow and steady…perfect for lingering in a café, wandering through shaded squares, and soaking it all in.
Minimalist travel does not involve doing less because you must do. It involves selecting the experiences that are the most significant and discarding the rest.
Getting There & Getting Around 🚗🚶♀️🛴
Arriving in Savannah
If you're driving from Charleston or Jacksonville, it's about a two-hour drive. From Atlanta, about four hours. Carpool to cut fuel costs.
You can also take the bus or the train. The silver service of Amtrak and Greyhound both stop here. If you book early, tickets can be under $40 one-way.
By Plane: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is just a short drive from downtown at 30 minutes. Watch for budget airline deals with Allegiant or Frontier.
💡 Budget Hack: Flying in? Look at flight cost to Savannah and Jacksonville airports. Sometimes, Jacksonville is cheaper and you can rent a car for less.
Getting Around Once You’re There
Walking is the best option as most of the attractions in the historic district are with a mile or two.
- Free DOT Shuttle: Loops around downtown every 10 to 20 minutes.
- Bikes rent for around $12/day, although many Airbnb hosts offer complementary bikes.
- Take a free ferry crossing to Old Savannah Town.
Got a secret for you! If you're staying outside of downtown, your best bet would be to park near the Visitor Information Center. They charge all-day rates there and you can either walk from there or pick the free shuttle.
Where to Stay Without Overspending 🛏️
Minimalist lodgings focus on comfort, location, and simplicity.
- Stay a few blocks out the main tourist areas outer-edge hotels find savings of 20-40%.
- Airbnb Private Rooms is $50–$80/night; usually with breakfast.
- January, August or early February usually offer the lowest rates!
- Make sure you stay in a high-reviewed area as the historic district is generally a safe area but sidestep dark areas at night.
48-hour Minimalist Savannah Itinerary 🗓️
Day 1: We will reach the evening glow local sightseeing.
- In the evening, arrive and check into your hotel and leisurely stroll to Chippewa Square.
- In the evening, enjoy sunset at River Street. The performance of street musicians and the golden light over the river provide free entertainment.
Day 2: we discovered some gems in the park
- Morning: Start with Forsyth Park. You can buy pastries and coffee from a local bakery for under $10, and enjoy it for breakfast.
- Take a stroll through the squares with a self-guided walking tour.
- Visit City Market to check out the arts. They also have fun street performances happening all day.
- In the evening, either pay for a ghost tour which will cost you around $15-$20 or use a free map from the internet for a ‘do-it-yourself’ version of this!
Day 3: Slow Farewell ☀️
- In the morning, take a stroll down Jones Street, said to be the prettiest street in America.
- Enjoy brunch and take a small souvenir (postcard, soap, or local honey).
15+ Must-see Minimalist Destinations 🗺️
- Forsyth Park – Iconic fountain & free green space.
- Chippewa Square – Forrest Gump fame.
- Jones Street – Perfect for morning strolls.
- City Market – Art, food stalls, and live music.
- Bonaventure Cemetery – Free and atmospheric.
- Entry is completely free in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
- Wright Square – Benches under oak trees.
- River Street – Cobblestone charm.
- Factors Walk – Hidden staircases and history.
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center – $5 entry.
- Emmet Park – Shady riverside spot.
- Telfair Academy – Free days for residents.
- Savannah Bee Company – Free honey tasting.
- Wormsloe Historic Site – $10 entry.
- Tybee Island – Free beach access.
Seasonal Minimalist Ideas 🌸☀️🍂❄️
Spring (march–may) 🌸
- Savannah Music Festival (~$25+ per show).
- SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival – free and colorful.
- Azalea blooms in Forsyth Park – late March peak.
- Historic Garden Tours (~$20 entry).
- First Saturday on the River – free entertainment.
Summer (june–august) ☀️
- Early Morning Walks to beat heat.
- Tybee Island Beach Day – pack lunch to save.
- Free Movies in the Park at Forsyth.
- Savannah Craft Brew Fest (late summer).
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center shady trails.
Fall (september–november) 🍂
- Savannah Jazz Festival – many free events.
- Oktoberfest on River Street – food stalls & music.
- Golden Hour Photography Tours – DIY with a map.
- Historic Home Tours ($25 average).
- Harvest Market – seasonal produce & crafts.
Winter (december–february) ❄️
- Holiday Lights on Broughton Street – free.
- Savannah Christmas Market – live music & treats.
- Off-season hotel deals – up to 50% off.
- Maritime Museum $5 days.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the River – free.
When traveling to budget-friendly places, carry a reusable water bottle plus food, so you spend $10-$20 less a day on food.
To see the beautiful sunset, don’t go to River Street. The wall on top of East Bay Street at the Hyatt is the most scenic spot to view the sunset.
Common Budget Mistakes in Savannah 💸🚫
You may fall into a few traps when you think like a minimalist.
- Eating exclusively in tourist areas—you’ll pay dearly for River Street views! Walk a few blocks inland for $5–$8 savings per meal.
- Inadequate discounts. Regular guided tours can be coupled with entry discounts, enabling travellers to save a neat sum of money.
- Try delaying souvenir purchases until your last day to avoid any impulse buys.
- Don't Take the Free DOT Shuttle: Save $10 - $20 Daily in Parking or Rides.
- Go to paid attractions during their discount days or free timings.
Sample Budget for a Minimalist Savannah Weekend 📊
Expense Cost Lodging (2 nights Airbnb private room) $120 Meals (picnic breakfasts + 2 dinners out) $60 Coffee & Snacks $20 Transportation (free shuttle + walking) $0 Attractions (ghost tour, museum entry) $35 Souvenir (postcard + local tea) $10 Total $245
Travel with a friend and split accommodation so that this is kept under $200.
Cheap Things to do in Savannah with Kids 👨👩👧👦
- Forsyth Park Playground – Huge, shaded, and free.
- All you need is towels, snacks and sunscreen for the beach day on Tybee.
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center – contains trails that are kid and pets friendly.
- Savannah Children’s Museum – $8 entry, all outdoors.
- SCAD Museum Family Days – Free activities occasionally.
- Splash Pads in Summer – Found in several city parks.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
When is the most affordable time of year to visit Savannah?
Can I bring pets on a budget-friendly Savannah weekend?
Is Savannah walkable for families with kids?
What’s the least expensive method to travel from the airport to downtown?
Are there free things to do in Savannah at night?
Final Thoughts 🌟
With Savannah, you can just take the trip with your partner with an average budget and a short itinerary.
When you slow down, choose experiences with meaning and learn a little budget hack, you will create memories that last way longer than any souvenir.
So pack light, plan smart, and get ready to enjoy a lovely low-cost minimalist weekend in Savannah, Georgia.
