Things to Do in City Market, Savannah
The fear of missing out can be exhausting when you visit a new place. When you don’t have time to see it all, choosing the best museums, historic landmarks, parks and restaurants can cause decision overload. Start with a visit to the Savannah City Market, and explore a little bit of everything all in one place! You’ll be within easy walking distance of great restaurants, boutique shops, fun attractions and more at this Savannah landmark.
What Is the Savannah City Market?
The Savannah City Market has been a part of Savannah’s history for many long years: It dates all the way back to the 1700s, before even the Civil War. Much like the historical city it is a part of, the Savannah City Market has weathered changes throughout the years and arrived on the other side with its charm.
The City Market Savannah site was originally home to a seafood market and horseshoeing business. Nowadays, visitors flock to the market for award-winning restaurants, handcrafted jewelry and boutique shopping. Art lovers can find one-of-a-kind pieces at the galleries and watch artists at work at the upstairs Art Center.
At the heart of the Savannah City Market is the American Prohibition Museum, the only museum of its kind in America. Visitors can explore the world of moonshine, flapper girls, rumrunning and more. The on-site speakeasy serves authentic Prohibition-style cocktails. They even offer classes in cocktail making led by experienced bartenders.
Explore the City Market
Visit the Art Center
Savannah City Market’s Art Center is in a 19,000-square-foot loft above the market. This impressive gallery is home to a variety of exhibits from local artists, ranging in genre from fine photography to colorful Gullah Geechee paintings. Over a dozen artists show their work here. Stop by at the right time and you might even get to see the artists at work!
Peruse the Shops
The shops at the Savannah City Market offer an eclectic mix of unique retail stores in a charming setting. Shoppers can enjoy a little retail therapy and window shopping in a beautiful outdoor setting. Cozy tasting rooms boast fantastic local wines and beers. Prohibition-style cocktails are available at an authentic speakeasy, and candy stores offer free praline samples, a Southern favorite.
As you enjoy a stroll around the market, you are welcome to purchase a cocktail and carry it with you. The City Market is located in Savannah’s Historic District, where open containers are not only allowed, they are encouraged! Step into one of the great bars in the market to grab a beer, a frozen daiquiri or any adult beverage you choose, and head to the lively courtyard.
You will love Savannah City Market’s selection when shopping for gifts. Over a dozen unique shops are available, selling an eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind gifts. Quaint boutiques sell beautiful handcrafted jewelry. For those hard-to-shop-for people, there is specialty beef jerky, fantastic art pieces, candy, silks and more.
The shops at City Market occupy some of Savannah’s restored historic storefronts and warehouses. At one time, the area was the gathering place for patrons shopping for groceries and home goods. After the hurricane of 1896, the market slowly fell into disrepair. Thanks to Savannah’s preservation movement, the area has been revitalized, and the market is a thriving gathering place once again.
Experience the Cuisine
Visitors to the City Market Savannah, Georgia can enjoy some of the finest cuisines from elegant fine dining to casual pub fare and everything in between. Savannah’s close proximity to the ocean makes this a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, you can enjoy a craft beer with a casual meal or take your beer in a to-go cup and enjoy it in the courtyard.
Attend an Event
City Market Savannah, Georgia is event central, where people gather to eat, drink, shop and spend time with friends. For over 200 years, people have gathered at the same spot in the Historic District to shop and catch up on the latest local news. Today the market is still a gathering place, with an active event schedule throughout the year.
If there’s an event happening in Savannah, you can expect the City Market to be at the center of it. Many iconic traditional events happen throughout the year, such as the annual Savannah City Market Vow Renewal Ceremony. During the holiday season, the market glows with luminaria and festive decorations. Live music events are scheduled in the courtyard throughout the year.
American Prohibition Museum and Speakeasy
Stop by the American Prohibition Museum. It’s one of the best things to do at the Savannah City Market. From the moment you step inside and see the Model T beer truck, you’ll know this is no dry, stuffy museum. Devoted to the history of Prohibition, this is the only museum of its kind. The museum is interactive, with exhibits that include vintage cars, an antique still and costumed guides. Guests experience a time when flapper girls, southern rumrunners and moonshine makers were all the rage. You’ll see authentic flapper girl attire and learn how to dance the Charleston.
The museum’s highlight is an authentic 1920s speakeasy called Congress Street Up. The decor is straight out of the Roaring Twenties with a tin punch ceiling, parquet floors, period-appropriate music and costumed bartenders. Guests find this swanky oasis towards the end of their museum tour. There, they have the opportunity to purchase a cocktail made using recipes from a century ago.
Nearby Places to Visit
The Little Crown by the Pie Society
Experience a taste of Britain at The Little Crown by Pie Society, where cozy ambiance and delightful flavors await you in the heart of City Market Savannah. Originally known as Pie Society in Pooler, The Little Crown expanded to Savannah, offering a delightful menu of comfort foods. Try their savory pies like a chicken with thyme or the classic steak and kidney. Indulge in Southern favorites like Key lime and American apple pie, and don’t miss out on their famous British Banoffee pie — a sweet delight with bananas, toffee, and cream custard.
Step into The Little Crown, and transport yourself to a charming British pub, complete with warm hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere!
Vinnie Van Go-Go’s
Vinnie Van Go-Go’s serves a family favorite and an undisputable member of the fifth food group, pizza. Guests can partake in pizza served as a single giant slice or a whole pie.
The pizzas are New York style and made in only one size, large. The thin crust is a hearty Neapolitan style, made daily with fresh dough. Sauce choices available are a traditional red, pesto or white. Unique gourmet toppings include broccoli, feta cheese, artichoke, salami, anchovies and spicy Italian sausage. For pizza purists, the usual toppings are also on the menu.
The indoor seating is limited, but there are plenty of seats outside in the lovely Savannah City Market courtyard.
Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
No trip to downtown Savannah would be complete without enjoying a praline candy, a southern staple. One of the best places to indulge your sweet tooth is Savannah’s Candy Kitchen in the City Market. The Candy Kitchen also has a location down on River Street, but the City Market location tends to be cozier, less crowded and more tucked away. But, the same great sweets are there!
As you step through the door, you are greeted with a smile and a free praline sample. Watch as the big machine twists taffy. Wander the shop looking at every kind of candy imaginable. Some of the most popular items here are their signature candy apples, homemade peanut butter cups, and of course, the fantastic pralines. Beautiful layer cakes in flavors such as red velvet, pecan pie and banana pudding are also available.
Nightlife at City Market
City Market Savannah, GA is aptly dubbed the “Art and Soul of Savannah.” Days at the market are a lively mix of shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying a day with friends. At night, they kick things up a notch, and the atmosphere becomes a vibrant party scene.
Partygoers are met with a mix of bars, pubs and live music venues. Adult beverages can be enjoyed indoors or served in a plastic, 16-ounce to-go cup to take outside. Savannah’s liberal open container policy allows people to carry open drinks within the limits of the Historic District.
Visit Pour Larry’s and hear stories of paranormal activity in this fun bar with a haunted reputation. The Savannah hotspot, proudly claims the title of being the birthplace of beer pong in town. While the game itself was born in Dartmouth, Pour Larry’s is where the fun and excitement of this classic drinking game caught on locally.
FAQs
What else is there to do near City Market?
For added enjoyment, stop at nearby art galleries such as A.T. Hun or Signature. Have a wine flight at the Georgia Tasting Room. The Tree House offers cocktails, shots and drink bombs in a super fun venue.
What are the most popular things to do near City Market?
The most popular activities near the City Market include enjoying great food, tasty drinks and live music. The market is an easy walk to River Street with a great view of the activity on the Savannah River. Enjoy people watching and see the colorful boats as they float by.
