Self-Guided ‘Old Squares of Savannah’ Solo Walking Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Savannah and want an authentic way to soak in the city’s charm, this self-guided ‘Old Squares of Savannah’ tour might catch your eye. Priced at just under $10, it offers an affordable and flexible way to explore Savannah’s historic squares at your own pace, all via your smartphone.

While it won’t replace a personal guide, it comes surprisingly close—giving you a chance to learn about the city’s history, architecture, and even some Hollywood fame without straining your budget.

What makes this tour particularly attractive? First, it’s entirely flexible—you can start whenever you want, pause whenever needed, and spend as much time as you like. Second, the personalized experience means you’re not stuck with a big group or rigid schedule.

Instead, you get a curated narrative, delivering insights into Savannah’s antebellum splendor and its famous film connections, all in about 55 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes of walking.

The potential snag? Some users have found the directions and narration a bit uneven. If you’re expecting a polished, professionally narrated experience, you might find parts of this tour a little rough around the edges. But for independent explorers eager to chart their own course and learn as they go, it offers genuine value.

This tour suits those who enjoy self-paced exploration, are interested in historic architecture, or want a quick but meaningful introduction to Savannah’s squares. It’s also perfect for budget-conscious travelers who appreciate a low-cost, on-demand experience that doesn’t sacrifice authenticity.

Key Points

• Flexible and self-guided: You control the pace, start time, and stops.
• Affordable: At under $10 per person, it offers good value for a personalized experience.
• Rich content: Learn about Savannah’s history, architecture, and filming locations, including the Forest Gump bench.
• Limited group size: Only your group participates, making the experience more intimate.
• Includes virtual options: After the walk, you can continue exploring with a virtual tour.
• Some user complaints: Difficult directions and uneven narration have been noted, so patience may be needed.

In-Depth Look at the Tour

Introduction and Starting Point: Johnson Square

The tour begins at Johnson Square, a central spot in Savannah. Here, you can download your mobile ticket, which is easy to access, and start whenever you like. The fact that it’s a virtual tour means you’re not tied to a specific time, and you can jump in during a quiet moment—ideal for spontaneous plans or flexible schedules.

Reynolds Square: The Spooky Charm

Your first stop is Reynolds Square, just a quick three-minute walk from Johnson Square. Here, you’ll hear stories about the Olde Pink House, one of Savannah’s most famous historic buildings, and tales of victims who died of malaria in the square. The narrative is a mix of historic facts and ghostly legends, making it slightly spooky but fascinating. Several reviews highlight this stop as a good introduction—though some found the narration not particularly engaging, it still offers a glimpse into Savannah’s layered past.

Lucas Theatre: A Glimpse into Savannah’s Cultural Scene

Next, a brief stop by the Lucas Theatre provides a quick history lesson about this beautifully restored venue that hosts movies, plays, and concerts. Though just a short visit, it adds flavor to the tour by highlighting Savannah’s vibrant arts scene.

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

Moving on, you’ll stop outside the Owens-Thomas House, a key example of Savannah’s antebellum architecture. The story of the house and the nearby slave quarters is told from the outside, giving context about the city’s complex history. While the tour doesn’t include entry, it’s a good way to understand some of Savannah’s social history. A couple of reviews note that while the info is interesting, a visit inside the house would deepen your understanding—something you might consider if you’re particularly interested.

Davenport House Museum & Colombia Square

Your next stop is outside the Davenport House, one of Savannah’s oldest preserved homes. The narration recounts its history, and afterward, you’ll stroll into Colombia Square to see the historic fountain. The house is not included in the tour fee, but the outside view and story add to your grasp of Savannah’s preservation efforts. Some visitors mention that the tour could benefit from more detailed historical insights, but overall, it provides a good flavor.

Wright Square & the Legacy of Tomochichi

Wright Square is a highlight, especially because it tells the story of Tomochichi, the Native American chief who helped establish Savannah. You’ll learn about his grave and see the statue dedicated to him, which several reviews found especially meaningful. Since the narration here is part of the included experience, it’s one of the more substantial stops.

Wright Square’s Vintage & Retro Mall

A brief detour into Wright Square Vintage & Retro Mall gives a peek into Georgia’s booming film industry. Savannah has become a popular filming location—many blockbuster movies shot here, especially in the Georgia film hub. Many reviews found this stop fun and insightful, especially for movie buffs, and highlight it as a unique aspect of the tour.

Telfair Square & Museum

The tour continues to Telfair Square, home to the Telfair Museum, the oldest art museum in the South. While entry isn’t included, the story about its founding and the five statues out front adds a cultural dimension to the walk. Several users appreciate learning about Savannah’s artistic side here, although some felt the narration could be more detailed.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

Your final stop is outside the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, known as the founder of the Girl Scouts. A quick photo opportunity and story complete the tour. It’s a fitting end, tying Savannah’s history to a figure of national importance.

End Point: Chippewa Square

The tour wraps up at Chippewa Square, famously known for the bench scene with Forrest Gump. The square’s beauty and cinematic fame make it a satisfying finale, especially for movie fans. The tour’s flexibility allows you to linger or explore further on your own.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour’s main draw is the WalknTours smartphone app, which delivers narration as you walk through the squares. It’s a standalone experience, so no in-person guide or additional tickets are included. The price is very reasonable, but you’ll need to pay separately for any museum entries or food.

An added bonus is the virtual tour available afterward—an excellent option if you want to revisit or share the experience with friends.

Practical Considerations

• The tour is best suited for independently minded travelers comfortable with using a smartphone and managing their own timing.
• It’s accessible near public transportation and can be adapted to your schedule.
• Some reviews mention issues with directions or app interface, so allowing location permissions and following the instructions carefully will make your experience smoother.
• The tour is private—only your group participates—so you won’t be rushed or crowded.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

A common theme among users is the value for money—many find that for under $10, it’s a good, informative introduction to Savannah. James S. appreciated the stories about how Savannah grew, and Lucille R. called it “very worthwhile,” wishing there had been more time.

However, some critiques are worth noting: directional challenges have been encountered, and the narration can sometimes feel uneven. Tracy H pointed out that some comments, like those about Irish drinking, aren’t appropriate, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity.

Despite these minor flaws, many travelers find the scenic squares, historic homes, and the story of Tomochichi particularly memorable, giving the experience a personal touch that simple walking through the streets wouldn’t provide.

Final Thoughts

This self-guided tour offers a practical, budget-friendly way to discover Savannah’s historic squares, especially if you enjoy learning on your own terms. Its flexibility means you can enjoy the city’s charm at your own pace, with the added bonus of hearing stories and insights that deepen your understanding.

It’s particularly well-suited for independent travelers, history buffs, and movie fans eager to see where Forest Gump was filmed or learn about Savannah’s native and colonial past without the pressure of a group or scheduled tour.

While it’s not perfect—some users note tricky directions and uneven narration—it remains a valuable tool, especially given its affordability and convenience. If you’re looking for an authentic, flexible, and economical way to explore Savannah’s historic squares, this tour is worth considering.

FAQs

How do I start the tour?
You download the tour via your smartphone, and it’s ready whenever you are—there’s no fixed start time. Just open the app and begin at Johnson Square.

Does the tour include museum admissions?
No, the tour only provides external views and stories. If you want to visit the Owens-Thomas House, Davenport House, or Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, those are ticketed separately.

How long does the tour take?
It typically lasts about 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, but you can pause or extend your visit at any point.

Can I do this tour with a group?
Yes, the tour is limited to just your group, making it more personalized. It’s a private experience, which many find more comfortable.

Is there an option to revisit the tour later?
Absolutely. The tour includes a virtual follow-up walk, so you can explore the squares again on your own time.

Will the narration work if I don’t have good internet?
Since the narration is delivered through the app, a good internet connection is recommended for seamless playback. Be sure to allow location permissions for best results.

What if I encounter technical problems?
Contact the supplier, WalknTours, via their email or phone. Many issues can be resolved with permissions or app updates.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, though some historical stories and spooky tales may be more engaging for older kids.

Overall, the ‘Old Squares of Savannah’ self-guided tour offers a cost-effective, flexible way to enjoy some of Savannah’s most picturesque landmarks. It’s perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace, learn about the city’s history and film connections, and avoid the crowds and schedules of traditional tours. If you’re comfortable with smartphones and looking for a quick yet meaningful introduction to Savannah’s squares, this tour is worth a try.