Ready to sneak away on a quick Southern getaway that offers warm sunshine, rich history and culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food? If so, you might be deciding between New Orleans and Savannah: two of the South’s most popular vacation destinations!
New Orleans and Savannah are both can’t-miss travel destinations in the South for a reason, but each of these historic cities has its own key attractions (and unique vibe) that might lead you to prefer one over the other. Below, we’ll share the key similarities and differences between Savannah and New Orleans to help you determine which iconic Southern spot is the perfect match for your travel style!
Key Takeaways
- Savannah and New Orleans have a lot in common: a rich and fascinating history, photo-worthy historic buildings and architecture, a walkable city layout, and mouthwatering Southern cuisine.
- New Orleans has a big-city, fast-paced, buzzy, metropolis vibe, which makes it better for tourists eager to see the sights (and party — New Orleans has a legendary nightlife scene).
- Savannah offers picturesque scenery and a quaint, charming, small-town feel. It’s better suited to a slow-paced trip, such as a romantic getaway or a laid-back family vacation.
Best Times to Visit New Orleans and Savannah
Savannah
The best time to visit Savannah is spring (March – May), when the azaleas are in bloom (this is Savannah’s peak season!), and fall (September – November) for pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
Savannah also attracts many tourists for its popular holidays and events, especially St. Patrick’s Day (the city hosts the third-largest St. Paddy’s Day Parade in the country!) and Halloween, as Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States.
New Orleans
The best times to visit New Orleans are the same as Savannah: spring (March – May) and fall (October and November) to escape hurricane season and the oppressive summer humidity.
The peak travel seasons in New Orleans revolve around the city’s jam-packed event calendar. Music festivals such as Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and Oktoberfest attract tourists from across the country. Of course, Mardi Gras is the city’s biggest draw, bringing over a million people to New Orleans each February.
Top Attractions in Savannah and New Orleans
Savannah
Savannah’s most iconic attractions and best things to do include:
- Embarking on a ghost tour in Savannah’s Historic District to see the haunted hotels, houses, cemeteries, and other spooky sites in one of the country’s most haunted cities!
- Touring one of Savannah’s many historic houses, including the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, where the Founder of the Girl Scouts was born, and the Mercer Williams House, famous from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
- Visiting some of Savannah’s most popular art and history museums, including the SCAD Museum of Art, the Georgia State Railroad Museum (great for kids!), and the American Prohibition Museum (complete with a secret speakeasy, of course!).
- Exploring the local shops and restaurants on River Street and boarding the Georgia Queen for a steamboat journey down the Savannah River.
New Orleans
You can’t miss the following iconic attractions and things to do in New Orleans:
- Walking around the French Quarter to admire the stunning architecture, strolling around Jackson Square, and experiencing the world-famous nightlife scene on Bourbon Street.
- Touring the world-class museums in New Orleans, including The National WWII Museum (perfect for history lovers!) and the New Orleans Museum of Art (great for art aficionados!).
- Marveling at the stunning homes, shops, and restaurants in the Garden District, home to Italianate and Greek Revival architecture and picture-perfect 19th-century mansions.
Dining Scene in New Orleans vs. Savannah
Savannah
Both Savannah and New Orleans are “foodie” cities, but each spot offers its own culinary flair and flavors. Savannah’s cuisine focuses on Southern dishes and Lowcountry staples, and the dining scene offers a good mix of refined restaurants for upscale meals and laid-back spots for brunch or casual dining.
The most iconic dishes to try in Savannah are shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and peach cobbler. While in Savannah, grab reservations for The Olde Pink House, and be sure to try Collins Quarter, The Grey, and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (some of Savannah’s most famous restaurants!).
New Orleans
New Orleans is a cultural melting pot, with a blend of French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, German, and Italian influences that are reflected not only in the city’s culture but also in its food!
New Orleans is known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, with dishes such as gumbo (made with local seafood), jambalaya, red beans and rice, and po’ boys often featured on restaurant menus. You also can’t visit New Orleans without trying sugar-dusted beignets from Cafe du Monde!
Natural Beauty in Savannah and New Orleans
Savannah
Historic Downtown Savannah is filled with places to experience the city’s natural beauty, including dozens of charming squares with oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and Forsyth Park, a popular spot for picnics, farmers’ markets, sports matches, and other community events.
However, when it comes to natural beauty on day trips from the city, Savannah (definitely!) has an edge on New Orleans. Drive to Wormsloe State Historic Site to see the iconic oak-lined pathway, head to Tybee Island for a laid-back day on the beach (or head further north to visit Hilton Head Island in South Carolina), or hike or bike in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge for up-close views of local plants and wildlife, such as birds and alligators!
New Orleans
For a break from city noise and high-rise buildings in New Orleans, head to City Park or Audubon Park for urban green spaces and trails, filled with lagoons, walking paths, and moss-draped oaks.
If you want to explore the bayous and swamps that Louisiana is famous for, take a day trip from New Orleans to Jean Lafitte National Historic Park & Preserve. This is one of many popular spots to go on an airboat tour, where you can see alligators, snakes, and other “swamp dwellers” up close!
Nightlife in New Orleans vs. Savannah
Savannah
Compared to New Orleans, Savannah’s nightlife scene is tame, but it’s still a lot of fun! Savannah’s nightlife is more sophisticated than The Big Easy, with an emphasis on high-end cocktail lounges, scenic rooftop bars, and laid-back live-music venues rather than boisterous clubs or bars.
Savannah also has an open-container policy, so you can sip on your drink while strolling through the Historic District, and many restaurants and bars will make your drink “to-go.”
New Orleans
New Orleans is world-renowned for its raucous nightlife scene (especially during Mardi Gras).
New Orleans is a fantastic destination to visit if you want to party all night long. However, the “wild side” of New Orleans is largely confined to Bourbon Street. If you’d rather sit down for a craft cocktail at a historic bar or enjoy live music (especially jazz and blues!), New Orleans also has you covered!
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