Charleston vs Savannah: Which City to Visit in 2024

Wormsloe State Historic Site Driveway Live Oak Tree Tunnel Savannah
You’ll find plenty of live oaks in both Savannah and Charleston! Savannah’s Wormsloe State Historic Site features this 1.5-mile-long live oak tree tunnel entrance.

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of visiting Charleston vs Savannah, you’ve come to the right post!

Just 2.5 hours away from each other, both cities are known for their beauty, Southern charm, and history. But there’s so much that makes each one unique! While you can visit both on a road trip (here’s an itinerary for that!), you might want to dedicate an entire trip to just one of these locations. That’s where this post comes in!

Before I dive into the details below, you can get a sense of how these cities differ from the videos I made from my trips to each location.

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Here’s my Charleston video:

And here is my Savannah video:

Charleston vs Savannah: Overall Vibe

One of the biggest ways that Charleston and Savannah differ is in their overall vibe. I’ll cover this section first so that you can get a good idea of what to expect overall in each city.

Charleston

Colorful houses line the streets in Charleston’s South of Broad neighborhood.

Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the country. It was established all the way back in 1670! Yup, this city has been around for over three and a half centuries. That means that there is so much to explore here. Travel and Leisure has also named it one of the top cities to visit for several years, so it’s certainly somewhere to think about visiting! 

Charleston has a friendly atmosphere where you’ll be able to experience true southern hospitality. It also has a laid-back vibe by the beach and can be a bit more fast-paced downtown. However, you’ll find that locals love their city and are happy to welcome tourists!

Savannah

Forsyth Park fountain Savannah
This gorgeous fountain is in Savannah’s Forsyth Park.

Savannah is also a much-loved city by tourists and locals alike. You’ll easily see why when you get here. It’s got a friendly community of people who are incredibly welcoming to tourists.

You’ll probably notice a sense of calm while you’re here. It’s very relaxed, and it seems like nobody is in too much of a rush! This is evident throughout the city, including downtown. In fact, you can see it in the way that downtown Savannah is set up, with 22 squares (ie. charming parks) within Savannah’s 1 square mile of downtown. That way, it’s easy to leisurely walk around town, stopping in one of the squares to admire the flowers or chat on a bench.

Another great way to experience Savannah’s community vibe is through its many local businesses. There is an abundance of businesses to shop at, dine in, and drink at all over the city. Whether you want to buy some unique souvenirs or presents for people at home or support mom-and-pop cafes, Savannah is the place!

Charleston and Savannah are both friendly cities with a lot of history and southern hospitality! Savannah is slightly more laid-back, so if you want to visit a busier city, Charleston is probably the place to go. For more relaxed vibes, visit Savannah. 

Charleston vs Savannah: Cost & Lodging

If you’re on a budget, one of the deciding factors of whether you visit Charleston or Savannah is cost. It’s no surprise that travel can get pricey! Here I’ll break down costs of the main things you’re likely to purchase. I’ll also cover transportation, as well.

Charleston

Cheersing with our cocktails at The Citrus Club in Charleston.

Charleston has a vast range of accommodation options from hostels to luxury hotels. Hostels are the most affordable, with dorms starting at around $60 per person. If you want a double hotel room, you’re looking at around $115. 

You can get a sense of travel-related costs from the Budget Your Trip widget below.

This widget aggregates data from real travelers to give you a ballpark estimate of what you might expect in each location.

Dinner costs around $15 per person with luxury restaurants costing more than budget diners, of course. And drinks start at about $5 each, though can get pretty pricey depending on where you’re drinking them. 

Charleston is less walkable than Savannah, so I’d recommend renting a car, even though parking can be tough and/or expensive. Of course, you can also opt for rideshare options or use the bus network if the distances are a little too far. 

Lodging

The charming entrance to the John Rutledge House Inn.

There is no shortage of stunning hotels in Charleston! It seems like more and more pop up each year!

On our last trip to Charleston, we chose the Francis Marion Hotel, a 3-star hotel located on King Street. We stayed here to save some money while still being in the middle of the action on King Street. (When we travel, we’re constantly out exploring, so it feels silly to spend a lot on lodging with our travel style!) While it felt pretty outdated, this historic hotel suited our needs just fine. If you’re on a budget, I would recommend it!

Here are some of Charleston’s most popular hotels in great locations:

Savannah

Husk Savannah
Husk Savannah serves delicious cuisine in Savannah.

Here is Budget Your Trip’s widget for Savannah.

Savannah is very budget-friendly. If you’re traveling there on the cheap, you can find hotel rooms for approximately $90 per night. A meal for one person costs around $15, and beer is roughly $4 for local brands – more for exported beer, and other beverages have higher prices. 

If you like walking, Savannah is a great place to get around just using your own two feet. And, of course, this is free! However there is also an extensive bus network, so you shouldn’t have to spend too much money on taxis. 

Both cities are fairly easy to do on a budget. But you’ll get a little more for your money in Savannah, and drinks are slightly cheaper. However, there are more budget accommodation and dining options in Charleston. 

(And if you’re interested in more city data related to Savannah and Charleston, check out Comparing Cities where you can see their populations, sizes, population density, and more!)

Lodging

The Mansion at Forsyth Park Savannah
The Mansion at Forsyth Parkis a gorgeous property to stay at in Savannah.

When we spent time in Savannah, we got an AirBNB since we turned it into a family trip with my husband’s sister. While there are fantastic AirBNB options, there are quite a number of great hotels here too!

If you want your pick of the litter, Charleston has more hotels to offer (and almost twice as many hotel rooms… roughly 4250 in Charleston vs 2250 in Savannah).

However, let’s not just look at quantity! Instead, let’s focus on quality. Here are a handful of the top hotels in Savannah:

Charleston vs Savannah: Top Downtown Attractions

While Charleston’s downtown area is larger than Savannah’s, both have plenty to see and do. You’ll probably spend most of your time exploring downtown, regardless of which city you visit. Here I’ll cover the main attractions for things to do in downtown Charleston and Savannah.

Charleston

The Pineapple Fountain at Ravenel Waterfront Park in Charleston.

One of the best things to do in Charleston is to visit the City Market. This is an authentic place to enjoy Charleston’s culture and celebrate its history at the same time! It is one of the oldest markets in the US, established in the late 18th century. Nowadays, it’s a great place to buy local goods. 

As you’d expect in such an old city, there are many historical buildings to visit in Charleston. For example, Exchange and Provost was a British colonial prison that now does guided tours.

Charleston is an extremely pleasant city to walk around, as well. There are lots of old buildings, as well as pastel-colored houses on Rainbow Row. This is the longest street of Georgian row houses in the country – and they’re great for Instagram pictures! You can check out the most Instagrammable places in Charleston here!

South of Broad and The Battery are great places to walk around in Charleston as well. You’ll love the remarkable houses here! Don’t miss the Pineapple Fountain at Ravenel Waterfront Park pictured above- it’s the perfect background for a selfie commemorating your Charleston trip.

You can join a walking tour to learn all about Charleston. Not a fan of walking? Learn about this historic city from your seat in a horse-drawn carriage on this tour!

While Savannah is more known for its ghost tours, Charleston has no shortage of ghost stories, too! This tour is great for learning about Charleston’s haunted past.

Savannah

drone shot of downtown Savannah
An aerial view of the Cathedral Basilica of St John the Baptist in Savannah.

Savannah’s range of fascinating attractions is just one thing that tourists love so much about the city. One of the best things to do here is to simply walk around and enjoy the city center with the 22 town squares I mentioned earlier.

These hark back all the way to 1733 when the city was first established, and to this day, tourists love to visit Savannah for this slice of nature within the city. If you’re a movie fan, head to Chippewa Square, which is where Forrest Gump waited for a bus and told passersby his story. (The Forrest Gump bench was a movie prop, so it is no longer there.)

You’ll love the historic architecture in Savannah. The Savannah Historic District has plenty of old buildings and churches- some dating back centuries. Various historic places are open for visitors, including the Green Meldrim House, where General Sherman lived during the Civil War, and the Savannah Theatre, one of the oldest theaters in the country. See a show there if you can! And be sure to stop into the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. It’s an incredibly beautiful church!

Between the charming streets and historic architecture, Savannah is incredibly photo-worthy. Check out the 38 most Instagrammable photo spots in Savannah here!

Savannah is also one of the most haunted places in the USA. You can do a candlelit ghost tour to learn more about this and see some supernatural places, or visit the Bonaventure Cemetery, where various Savannah residents have been buried. 

A guided walking tour or a hop-on hop-off trolley tour are great ways to learn about this city in-depth. If you’re also interested in a riverboat cruise, this tour combines a trolley tour with a river cruise.

There are so many things to do in both cities! If you’re into history, you’ll probably find a little more in Charleston, although there is so much in Savannah too – so it’s almost not worth comparing them on these grounds.

Charleston vs Savannah: Surrounding Area

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include a section purely about what there is to do outside of Charleston and Savannah’s downtown areas! These are some of the best reasons why you should pick one over the other based on what you’re looking for.

Charleston

Walking across the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

There are many plantations to visit around Charleston, like Boone Hall Plantation, where you can learn about this somber side of Southern history. Check out my full list of the best plantations around Charleston here!

You’ll also find so many incredible nature spots, like beaches (Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island Beach, and Isle of Palm Beach), parks (both in and out of the city), and even a cypress swamp! I’ll go more into detail in the “nature” section that’s up next in this post.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of my favorite places to visit in Charleston. If you don’t have a rental car, you can take a Lyft or Uber or join a guided tour that departs from Charleston.

There are also plenty of surrounding islands to visit, like Kiawah and Wadmalaw Island.

Savannah

Bonaventure Cemetery photo spots
Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah is covered with gorgeous live oaks and plants.

Savannah has fewer tourist destinations outside of downtown Savannah compared to Charleston, but they are still fantastic places.

The top four I’d recommend are:

  • Bonaventure Cemetery
  • Wormsloe State Historic Site
  • Tybee Island
  • Hilton Head Island

I mentioned Bonaventure Cemetery earlier, but in case you missed it, it’s a beautiful (and huge) cemetery just fifteen minutes away from downtown Savannah.

Wormsloe State Historic Site is an old plantation that now educates the public on the slave-era history here. Most people who are familiar with Savannah associate Wormsloe Plantation with its magnificent entryway: a 1.5-mile-long live oak tree tunnel. It is truly breathtaking!

If you don’t have a rental car, you can join this tour that departs from Savannah and goes to both the Bonaventure Cemetery and Wormsloe Plantation.

Tybee Island is an adorable beach town about 30 minutes from downtown Savannah. You’ll love it for its lighthouse, beach town vibes, and sandy beaches.

Head in the opposite direction from the previous three spots and you’ll reach Hilton Head Island. I visited Hilton Head with a friend’s family in high school for a week and had so much fun. While I wouldn’t recommend it for a ton of adventure, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, an upscale atmosphere, and 12 miles of pristine beaches.

Cross the border into South Carolina and you can also visit Daufuskie Island (which is actually a no-car island!).

Charleston vs Savannah: Nature

You’ll find some overlap with the “surrounding area” portion of this article right before this, but it’s worth talking about the natural beauty in Charleston and Savannah. Both places have stunning Spanish moss-covered live oak trees and access to beaches, but I’ll cover more specifics here.

Charleston

Enjoying golden hour at the Isle of Palms beach in Charleston.

Charleston is a coastal city – so you can easily drive to some of the suburbs and instantly be on gorgeous South Carolina sands! Folly Beach and Folly Island are probably the most popular places to enjoy this natural beauty, but you can also enjoy beaches right by Charleston Harbour. You can see the Isle of Palms beach pictured above.

There are also lots of parks in and around the city. The James Island County Park is coastal but encompasses around 600 acres both by the beach and inland. It’s great for cycling! Then there is Angel Oak Park, which features a 1500-year-old Angel Oak Tree. 

A little further afield, there’s Shem Creek Park which is an excellent place for watersports, and Edisto Island with marshes and a striking coastline (drive along Highway 174 to see what we mean!).

For stunning historical gardens, visit Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place. We visited in April when Magnolia Plantation’s azaleas were in full bloom, and they blew us away!

The cypress swamp at Cypress Gardens is my absolute favorite area of natural beauty around Charleston because of its extreme serenity and stunning nature as you rowboat through the trees. It’s actually where the boat scenes from The Notebook were filmed, so you know it’s beautiful!

Check out the best nature spots around Charleston here!

Savannah

Tybee Island Pier
An aerial view of the fishing pier on Tybee Island.

You’ll also love Savannah’s closeness to nature. We constantly felt like we were surrounded by nature just by walking around its tree-filled squares. But if you want to see some stunning Georgian natural beauty, there are plenty of places within easy reach of the city. 

Forsyth Park is very close to the historic district and spans over 30 acres, with lovely scenery and plenty of live oak trees! Don’t miss the gorgeous Forsyth Park fountain here as well.

If you don’t mind driving, visit the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, a delightful national park with lots of wild animals – including alligators!

Charleston is right by the beach – but Savannah is only a stone’s throw as well. To experience a slower pace of life (even slower than laid-back Savannah!) head to Tybee Island and Tybee beach. This beach has a pier and a beautiful historic lighthouse.  

Charleston definitely takes the crown when it comes to beaches since they are closer and easier to access! However, as long as you are prepared to travel, there are equally stunning beaches in Savannah.

Savannah also has a few more beautiful parks within the city boundaries and a short drive away, so if that’s what you travel for, this Georgian city may be a better option! 

Charleston vs Savannah: Food

How does food compare between Charleston and Savannah? Both Charleston and Savannah serve up coastal low-country cuisine as their specialty. But you’ll also find a wide array of restaurant types and styles in each city. Here we’ll get into the details of what you can expect.

Charleston

Felix’s Cocktails et Cuisine has the most charming decor!

In the Charleston vs Savannah food debate, Charleston is probably the winner! It’s famous for being one of the best foodie destinations in the whole country. Charleston pairs traditional Southern fare with international dishes, creating a distinct palate that you’ll want to try time and time again. 

Make sure that you try food like she-crab soup and shrimp and grits while you’re here! Many restaurants all over town do exquisite fried chicken too. 

There are so many fantastic restaurants in Charleston; it would take us days to list them all! Try Bertha’s Restaurant for delicious Southern-style comfort food, Butcher and Bee for Mediterranean – Southern fusion cuisine, Kwei Fei for authentic Sichuan-style food, and Le Farfalle for delectable pasta. 

You can’t go wrong with any of the food choices at F.I.G. and Husk! Enjoy afternoon tea in Camellia’s pink champagne bar, and appetizers and cocktails at the Citrus Club.

And, it’s worth noting: since Charleston is so popular, be sure to book reservations ahead of time!

Savannah

Mirabelle Savannah
Mirabelle’s is a great place to stop for coffee after visiting the Cathedral Basilica of St John the Baptist across the street.

Savannah isn’t necessarily famous for its food, but there’s still plenty of wholesome Southern food to try here, as well as lots of local restaurants. For starters, head to The Grey. This opened in a disused Greyhound bus station – how cool is that? Nowadays, it serves up Southern dishes with a modern twist and plenty of mouthwatering cocktails!

We also love The Collins Quarter for brunch and The Paris Market for coffee and croissants! Also stop into Vic’s on the River for a wonderful atmosphere and delicious authentic recipes, Cotton & Rye, located in a former bank, and Husk Savannah, which is in one of the city’s most haunted houses! 

Leopold’s Ice Cream is famous in Savannah- we waited in line for almost 45 minutes, and I think that made us truly savor every bite of our ice cream. For more sweets, stop at River Street Sweets along the river.

While Charleston has a more famous food scene, there’s plenty of food to try in Savannah, too. Savannah also has a huge variety of cocktail bars, making it a good place to sample different drinks. 

Charleston vs Savannah: Family-Friendliness

Both of these cities are family friendly with plenty of things to do for little ones. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each appealing for families:

Charleston

Hampton Park has great walking trails- perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

There’s plenty for kids of all ages to enjoy in Charleston. Start at The Charleston Museum, which has a Kidstory exhibit that’s tailored just for children. If your kids are interested in dinosaurs, make sure you go to the Natural History Gallery! Another museum that’s great for kids is the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. There’s a pirate ship, castle, and a large play space for them to enjoy! 

Then there’s the South Carolina Aquarium. This dynamic attraction has so many fish, sea turtles, and sharks to see, as well as a Lego Alive display. 

For something historical that is accessible for kids, consider going to the Fort Sumter National Monument. This is where the Civil War began, and it’s a fascinating place to visit – and even younger kids will enjoy exploring! 

And, if your kid loves trucks, boats, or planes, you could take them to either the North Charleston Fire Museum or Patriots Point, which has a huge display of historic warships and aircraft.

And, of course, you’ve got Charleston’s beaches as well.

If you want a vacation where your kids can learn something, you can enjoy some culture, and you can all relax on the beach, Charleston is a great option.

Savannah

The Savannah Theater
The Savannah Theater is one of the oldest theaters in the country!

As a safe, quiet, and laid-back city, Savannah is also great for families. Younger kids will love the Savannah Children’s Museum, while older children might be interested in the rich history of the city and museums like the interactive gallery at the Jepson Center. 

Savannah’s closeness to nature is another reason why it’s fantastic for families – especially those who love the outdoors! If you are in Savannah for a long vacation, you could spend some time in the city and the rest enjoying epic Georgian beaches and other Southern nature spots. 

There is a lot for families in both cities. Charleston probably has more attractions, but as a family, you’ll love the welcoming atmosphere of Savannah, as well as the range of nature spots on your doorstep. If you’re visiting with kids, both cities are good options! 

Charleston vs Savannah: Safety 

Lastly, let’s cover the safety topic. Whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, it’s always great to consider safety when visiting a new destination. Let’s take a look!

Charleston

Walking down the historic Philadelphia Alley in Charleston.

Charleston has a higher crime rate than the US average and relatively speaking, North Charleston is considered a more dangerous area. However, downtown is largely thought to be safe – that said, it’s a very busy area so you should be careful about pickpocketers. 

Savannah

The Paris Market Savannah
The Paris Market is one of my favorite shops in all of Savannah!

Savannah is largely a safe city, and nearly all visits are trouble-free. However, there are some things to bear in mind. The historic district is generally considered to be safe, but some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, and Savannah does have a higher crime rate than the US average. 

The crime rates are relatively high in both cities, but most tourists who visit both Savannah and Charleston have a completely trouble-free visit. To stay safe, make sure that you stay in secure accommodation, don’t walk around in areas you don’t know after dark, and don’t flaunt your valuables.

In conclusion…

Walking down Oak Avenue at Magnolia Plantation in Charleston.

I hope this post has helped you weigh the pros and cons of Charleston vs Savannah!

Long story short, if you’re looking for a bigger city with more to explore, Charleston is for you. However, that does make Charleston more popular and more touristy- so if you’re looking to relax and escape bigger crowds, Savannah is your best bet.

Both have an extensive history, beaches nearby, and plantations to visit (though Charleston has more beaches and more plantations). Savannah’s downtown is more walkable and feels immersed in nature. Charleston’s is bigger, so there’s more to do, but it’ll take much longer if you plan on walking.

So, when it comes down to it, I’d say their biggest differences are downtown size and overall vibe. Savannah is smaller and more relaxed; Charleston is bigger and busier.

So, what do you prefer? Let me know in the comments!

And if you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments as well!

Looking for more Savannah or Charleston articles? Check these out:

Safe travels!

Jasmine

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Jasmine Alley

Jasmine Alley

I'm a Dallas-based, full-time travel blogger with a serious case of wanderlust! Through my website and Instagram, I hope to help others plan picture-perfect trips to the most beautiful places in the world! When I travel, I like to emphasize nature, hidden gems, and unique places.
Jasmine Alley

Jasmine Alley

I'm a Dallas-based, full-time travel blogger with a serious case of wanderlust! Through my website and Instagram, I hope to help others plan picture-perfect trips to the most beautiful places in the world! When I travel, I like to emphasize nature, hidden gems, and unique places.

46 Responses

    1. My husband and I took all these photos and love them all, so I’m sorry to hear you think the Savannah ones are just alright. It was rainy for most of our Savannah trip, but we tried to capture as much as possible on the days that the sun came out! I love both cities so much, and I hope that was portrayed here!

    2. I agree I’ve lived in Savannah Georgia since 1979 and she didn’t pick the best locations photo spots and you don’t have to be a local to find them. My sister in law lives in Charleston it is a beautiful city, but stop favoring it. They is a lot more to do in Savannah they she points out.

      1. Hi Angela! I’m sorry you feel that way too! As I said, it rained the majority of our time in Savannah so we weren’t able to get as many photos as we would’ve wanted! We hope to capture more when we go back, though! It truly is a dreamy, beautiful city.

  1. I have to vote for Savannah! Not only do they have quality Cheap hotels in Savannah GA, but they have so many sights to see and stuff to do! I remember coming up across https://www.visitsavannah.com/hotels-motels when I was looking fore a place to have my vacation at! It didn’t disappoint and I had the time of my life and I make it a point to visit yearly!

  2. These are really awesome and instagram-able places in Savannah GA! Even the the hotels in the downtown area are really picture perfect! Thanks to https://www.visitsavannah.com/hotels-motels, I was able to find great hotels worth of sharing on my IG Account! Despite the cheap price, many of their hotels are really gorgeous there!

  3. I have to go with Savannah. As you say quieter, more parks, nature, slower vibe. I plan on hitting Tybee Beach my next trip. I was disappointed with Charleston not as GREEN walkable as you say also. However, I DID love Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island!

    1. Those are definitely great perks to Savannah! Tybee is a fun coastal town- I do hope you get to go on your next trip! And yes, downtown Charleston really isn’t as green as Savannah! That is a major thing Savannah has going for it- the dreamiest green parks/squares all throughout! Though I will say that to me, Charleston makes up for the lack of green with a ton of shops and restaurants, so I guess it just goes back to preference there 🙂 And I completely agree- we loved Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, too!

  4. I keep hearing about how Savannah is overrun with bachelorette parties now, the way Nashville is. How true is that?

    1. Hi Lauren! We didn’t really experience that at all, though I will say that we aren’t huge on going out at night, which is probably when the bachelorette parties are most noticeable! If any other readers have an opinion on this, feel free to jump in and comment!

    2. As a charleston local we are overrun with Bachelorette/Bachelor parties as well. My apartment is one of the only residential homes on my street – the rest are all airbnb’s. This time of year I hear the screaming and yelling of excited bride-to-be’s pretty much every night. Charleston is a tourist city and its entire infrastructure runs on it. That being said it is still a wonderful place, just be prepared for it here as well!

  5. What about night life. I know neither place will have crazy night life, but we are looking for a nice tavern or bar that will have some music for after dinner. Any of that in either Charleston or Savannah?

    1. I think that generally speaking, Charleston offers more opportunities for nightlife, though you can easily find it in both! Check out The Cocktail Club or The Commodore in Charleston, or Jazz’d Tapas Bar or Congress Street Up in Savannah!

    2. Hi, I know this comment is super late… but when it comes to nightlife Savannah is better as it caters to on-street drinking and there are a lot of rooftop bars as well that people never talk about. I live here and have lived in both areas.

  6. Live near both and I LOVE historic Savannah. Much more charm in Savannah compared to Charleston. Also Daufuskie is not in the Charleston area… closer to Savannah.

  7. We haven’t been to either place, but are considering both, so thoroughly enjoyed the overview you’ve provided. Many thanks!

    1. I’m so glad you found this helpful! I hope you’re able to visit both this year- they are amazing places! But no matter which you end up choosing, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time there!

  8. I have two teenage girls and trying to plan a family vacation on a budget for them and my husband and I. What things do you suggest for teenagers? Are there reasonable boutiques and stores for shopping and if so, which city is better? Which beach would be most like Florida beaches? Where should we stay? Any reasonable but unique options? Any other thoughts you have, I would love to hear them!

    1. Hi Courtney! I think that either location works for teenagers but I will say that the beaches around Charleston are much closer and easier to access! They’re also more like Florida beaches in appearance, though Tybee Island has more of a boardwalk scene. In general, Charleston will have more boutiques and stores for shopping. If you choose Charleston, we stayed at the historic Francis Marion hotel which was budget-friendly AND in the middle of the main shopping/dining street (though the interiors could do with an upgrade). And though I love both cities, I think the teenager version of myself would rather go to Charleston!

      1. I live here. There’s not much in Charleston for teens other than the beach. We complain about it all the time. And don’t get me started on the traffic downtown, especially in the summer. Hot as blue blazes and expensive shops and restaurants. We love Savannah!

  9. I was very happy to find this blog. My husband and I are going on a little road trip and both Charleston and Savannah are two of the stops we are planning to take. You have given me many things to do and I am sure we will have to make another trip to both cities.

  10. Hi Jasmine, which has better Artisan shopping, Charleston or Savanna? Thanku for your article on the two cities, it’s very helpful. Thanku Jill

  11. Thanks, this was a great explanation of the slight differences between these beautiful cities. My husband and I have visited both cities separately for about 5 days. Then on our next visit we decided to split the trip and do 3 days in each and it made for a wonderful vacation!

  12. Hi. Is it easy to get between the two cities if you don’t have a car? Is there cheap public transport? They don’t seem that far apart and I’d love to visit both cities from Australia. They both seem gorgeous.

  13. Very helpful article and the comments as well! Thank you for helping us decide! Think we may go with the quieter, more relaxed, less touristy Savannah 🙂

  14. This is tough but I would always have to go for Savannah and Tybee Island! It’s really just the complete package! The best hotels, delicious and delectable restaurants, and great landmarks, all of which are conveniently featured on many blogs and sites like https://visittybee.com/hotels-motels all make it the best first timers destination!

  15. Hilton Head Island, while much closer to Savannah, is in South Carolina (same for Beaufort). Savannah River, which runs generally forms SC-GA border.

    You mention HH in your “nearby” section on Savannah, but in next paragraph say then (i.e., “next”, “subsequently”) you crossed border into SC headed for Daufuskie Island. Both are in SC.

  16. I spent several weekends in Charleston’s historic district with a realtor as I planned to move there or Savannah. I did not find Charleston bigger or busier just a peninsula jammed with tourists and a few good restaurants all of which was over and dead by 7 pm every night. Arriving in Savannah was the best surprise I’d ever had. It’s like a combination of Charleston and New Orleans. SCAD holds films festivals, music, concerts and art abound, and there are restaurants and rooftop bars with either riverfront or inland views everywhere. The waterfront has expanded 30% on the west side alone. Its a museum lover’s paradise and the downtown historic district is much larger than Charleston because it just keeps on growing south with the gentrification and real estate explosion creating a healthy mix of locals and tourists. Your video was totally remiss in showing the gorgeous brick and limestone homes on Jones and every other street. Palatial to say the least. Other areas have a funkier vibe, but it’s all friendly and welcoming. Minutes from downtown are numerous neighborhoods and parks like Ardsley, with their own charm. Isle of Hope is one of the most stunning waterfront communities of homes handed down from generations you could find anywhere. You never mentioned any of the older famous restaurants like Elizabeth’s on 37th or the Pink House nor
    too many of the newer ones. It’s as if you did a drive by. Needless to say, I bought in Savannah because there was much more to do and five years ago it was still undervalued and more affordable than Charleston. Since then Savannah’s been discovered, so prices to purchase have doubled but it’s still very affordable to visit. I’ve had guests who said they were done with Charleston in two hours but could spend a week in Savannah. Your videos made them seem like the same place and you didn’t mention a single museum.

  17. You also forgot Savannah’s FREE Dot bus that runs north/south east/west in the historic district – yes totally FREE of charge for one and all to take a break from the weather, use as a tour guide bus or rest their legs.

    If it rained while you were in Savannah and that hampered your visit you should have included that information from the start to explain a potential bias rather than do what you did.

    1. This is great info, esp the dot bus. Thanks! My hubs and I are going to be in Savannah in a few weeks, let’s meet for cocktails! ;-D Seriously, thanks for adding to the article. This is all very helpful ~ we’ll plan 1 day in Charleston, 2 in Savannah!

  18. Thank you for this post! I’m in the middle of planning trips to fulfill my bucket list of visiting all 50 states in my lifetime – I think I have about 15 states left, including GA and SC.

    My parents owned a travel agency growing up, so I saw much of the US on a tour bus :), and instilled a love of travel, domestic and international! I live in Spain for a summer as a 17 year old and it opened my eyes to a big world out there. Now I’m married to a Chinese-Brit with family and friends around the world. My dream job would be to travel and eat my way around the world! We’re also big foodies. 🙂 That’s awesome you and your husband met at USC. My daughter is a Bruin. 🙂

    I love that you are a Christian, I am too, and try to glorify God in everything you do. Being able to travel, I’m in awe of God’s creation!!

    1. Hi Kathy!

      What a cool goal to visit all 50 states and what an interesting travel story you have! Thanks so much for commenting on my site. It means a lot and I’ll try not to hold it against you that your daughter is a Bruin 😉

      Much love!
      Jasmine

  19. We have visited both cities numerous times and I really can’t favor one over the other, they are both beautiful and unique in their own way. I would recommend, for anyone wanting to visit either city to do a tour of some kind to learn about the history, or do research on your own! These cities are full of beautiful, and dark, history and it really makes you appreciate them even more! Jasmine, thank you for this information and beautiful photos!

    1. Hi Rebecca! Thanks for the comment! It’s very true that they are both unique and beautiful in their own ways! Those are great tips, and I’m glad you enjoyed the article! 🙂

  20. This is all great info, esp the dot bus. Thanks! My hubs and I are going to be in Savannah in a few weeks, let’s meet for cocktails! ;-D Seriously, thanks for adding to the article. This is all very helpful ~ we’ll plan 1 day in Charleston, 2 in Savannah!

    1. Thanks for the comment! I’m glad you found the post helpful! Also- I wish I were still in Savannah in a few weeks- we actually just got back from another visit to both Savannah and Charleston! Have so much fun on your trip!

  21. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere thanks for the comprehensive and thorough information you have shared with me. Your attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure that I have the information I need is truly remarkable. I cannot thank you enough for your time and effort in providing me with such valuable insights. more information for visit my website – Can You Bring Solar Panels On A Plane? {2023}

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Hi, I’m Jasmine! I’m a nature-obsessed, beauty-finding, Jesus-loving dreamer with a serious case of wanderlust. I love to create photo-worthy travel content and hope to fill your travel plans with incredible beauty and breathtaking views! Thanks for following along on my adventures!

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