Why Savannah
THE BEST BAR CRAWLcity in America
Most cities make bar crawls awkward — you carry your drink to the door, finish it before you enter, or surrender it entirely. Savannah is different. The city's famous open container laws mean you can legally walk from bar to bar with your drink in hand, through some of the most architecturally stunning streets in the country. Spanish moss overhead, gas-lit squares on either side, a cold drink in your hand — it's an experience that genuinely can't be replicated anywhere else.
The Historic District is perfectly designed for it. The grid of squares — Chippewa, Madison, Pulaski, Telfair — connects the city's best bars within comfortable walking distance. A well-planned bar crawl moves through 4–6 venues over 3–4 hours without ever feeling rushed or over-stretched.
The most popular crawl corridor runs along and around Congress Street and City Market — a dense concentration of bars, live music venues, and restaurants that sustains a night out without needing to venture far. For something more atmospheric, a route through the squares toward Forsyth Park connects the bar scene to the city's more residential, Spanish moss–draped character.
Many groups combine a bar crawl with other Savannah experiences. The most popular combination is a daytime tattoo appointment at Drop Dead Tattoo or Savannah Ink Studio followed by a bar crawl in the evening — a natural progression from something permanent to something celebratory. See our bachelorette tattoo guide and bachelor party guide for full itineraries that combine both.
If you're looking for a guided group experience on wheels, our pedal pub guide covers the city's pedal-powered bar crawl tours in detail.
"Savannah didn't design itself for bar crawls. It designed itself for strolling, for lingering, for taking the long way home. The bar crawl just fits naturally into that."
Rules & Routes
HOW TO DO ITright in Savannah
16-OZ PLASTIC CUPS — KNOW THE RULE
Savannah's open container law requires to-go drinks in 16-oz or smaller plastic cups. No glass bottles, no cans on the street. Most bars will automatically give you a to-go cup — just ask if they don't.
THE CONGRESS STREET CORRIDOR IS YOUR ANCHOR
Congress Street and the surrounding City Market area has the densest concentration of bars. Start here and radiate outward as the night progresses.
PACE YOURSELF FOR THE SQUARES
The most memorable Savannah bar crawl moments happen between bars — in the squares, under the live oaks, in the quiet stretches of Bull Street. Don't rush the transitions.
COMBINE WITH A GHOST TOUR
One of Savannah's most popular evening formats: bar crawl first, ghost tour after. The city's ghost tour scene is genuinely excellent, and the combination of atmospheric bars and haunted history makes for an unforgettable night.
CHECK OUT THE SPEAKEASIES
Savannah has a handful of hidden bars and speakeasy-style venues that reward exploration. See our speakeasies guide for the best ones.
TATTOO IN THE AFTERNOON, CRAWL AT NIGHT
Getting tattooed earlier in the day and celebrating with a bar crawl in the evening is one of Savannah's best itineraries. Just keep your new ink covered and protected during the night out. See our aftercare guide for what to avoid in the first 24 hours.
Before the Crawl
GET A SAVANNAH TATTOO
The best Savannah nights start with something permanent. Let us match you with the right artist for your afternoon appointment.
Get Matched Now →FAQ
COMMON Questions
Is it legal to walk around with alcohol in Savannah?
Yes — Savannah's open container laws allow alcohol consumption on public streets within designated zones. Drinks must be in 16-oz or smaller plastic cups. No glass or cans.
What's the best bar crawl route in Savannah?
The Congress Street and City Market corridor is the most popular starting point. From there, routes through Chippewa Square toward Forsyth Park offer a more atmospheric experience.
Can I do a bar crawl in Savannah during St. Patrick's Day?
Yes — but plan carefully. St. Patrick's Day is Savannah's busiest week. See our St. Patrick's Day guide for how to navigate the crowds.
What's the difference between a bar crawl and a pedal pub in Savannah?
A bar crawl is self-guided on foot. A pedal pub is a guided, group-powered carriage tour that takes you to partner bars. See our pedal pub guide for the full breakdown.