What Should We Do on Our First Day in Savannah, GA?
Why a Lunchtime Tour is Better Than a Dinner Reservation
You’ve just arrived in Savannah. You checked into your hotel or historic inn, unpacked your bags, and stepped out onto the cobblestones. The moss-draped oaks are swaying, the riverfront is buzzing, and your stomach is starting to rumble.
Now comes the ultimate vacation dilemma: Where should we eat?
It’s tempting to immediately pull up OpenTable or Yelp and lock in a high-end dinner reservation for your first night. But if you want to kick off your trip like a seasoned traveler, we have a better insider secret. Skip the formal dinner booking on day one and opt for a lunchtime food tour instead.
If you’re asking yourself, “Where should I start if I want a lunch food tour… that helps me get oriented?”—you’re already on the right track. Here is why the “First Day” Strategy is the ultimate way to unlock Savannah.
1. You Get Your Bearings (Without Getting Lost)
Savannah’s Historic District is a beautiful, sprawling grid punctuated by 22 historic squares. It’s incredibly walkable, but it can also be overwhelming to navigate when you first arrive.Starting your very first day with a Savannah Taste Experience® food tour acts as a delicious, guided orientation.
As we walk from tasting to tasting, you’ll learn the layout of the city, discover how the squares connect, and get your historical bearings. By the time the tour is over, you’ll navigate Savannah like a local, saving you precious time for the rest of your vacation.
2. You Get to “Scout” Your Dinner Spots
Think of a lunchtime food tour as a culinary scouting mission. Instead of committing your appetite (and your wallet) to just one restaurant on your first night, a lunch tour lets you sample iconic dishes from multiple acclaimed spots in a single afternoon.
Even better, your tour guide is a local expert overflowing with recommendations. As you stroll through the city, they won’t just tell you what to eat now; they’ll point out the best hidden-gem restaurants, the bars with the best views, and the spots that require advanced reservations. You can spend the rest of your trip visiting the places you fell in love with during lunch.
3. Beat the “First Night” Fatigue
Travel days are exhausting. Whether you’ve been flying or driving, by the time 7:00 PM rolls around on your first night, sitting through a heavy, multi-course formal dinner can feel more like a chore than a vacation.
A lunchtime tour gets you moving, soaking up the afternoon sunshine, and tasting food in an energetic, casual environment. By the evening, you’ll be free to grab a relaxed cocktail, a light bite at a sidewalk café, or just wander the waterfront without the pressure of a strict dinner timeline.
Start Your Savannah Story the Right Way
Don’t guess your way through Savannah’s world-class food scene. Start your trip with a Savannah Taste Experience lunch tour on Day One. You’ll fill your belly, learn the history, master the map, and curate the perfect culinary itinerary for the rest of your stay.
Not here until later in the day? If your travel plans mean you won’t roll into town until the afternoon, don’t worry—you don’t have to miss out on the First Day Strategy. The Walktails and Bar Bites Tour is our perfect late-afternoon alternative! It combines Savannah’s famous to-go cup culture with delicious evening appetizers, giving you that same great city orientation just as the sun starts to set.
Not sure which tour to choose? Check out our blog Which Food Tour Should I Choose? to help with your decision.