Savannah City Market
Savannah, Georgia · Accessibility score 0.8/5
Address: Savannah, GA
Phone: (180) 789-2469
About
Savannah City Market is a four-block open-air marketplace in the heart of Savannah's Historic District, stretching between Ellis Square and Franklin Square. It's one of the city's most popular gathering spots, blending local art, eclectic shopping, live music, and a wide range of dining options into a single walkable destination.
The market has deep roots in Savannah's history. It's been a center of commerce since the 1700s, and today's restored warehouses and storefronts carry that legacy forward with a modern energy. You'll find everything from local painters working in open-air studios to boutique shops selling handmade jewelry, pottery, and Savannah-themed gifts.
Food is a major draw. Restaurants range from casual spots serving Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits to upscale options like Belford's Savannah Seafood and Steaks. Grab a slice of pizza, sit down for fine dining, or pick up pralines from a candy shop. On weekends, live musicians and street performers add to the atmosphere.
For families, the market is an easy place to spend a few hours. Kids enjoy the open courtyards and the energy of the street performers, while adults can browse galleries or settle into a patio seat with a cold drink. The American Prohibition Museum, located within the market complex, offers an entertaining walk through the history of Prohibition with interactive exhibits and a speakeasy experience at the end.
City Market sits just steps from some of Savannah's most famous squares, making it a natural starting point or rest stop during a day of sightseeing. Ellis Square, directly adjacent, features a visitor center and public amenities. Parking garages and surface lots are nearby, and the free DOT shuttle has stops within easy reach.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely afternoon of art and shopping or an evening out with dinner and live music, City Market delivers a genuine taste of Savannah's character in one convenient, welcoming location.
Accessibility
Savannah City Market is widely recognized as one of the more accessible destinations in Savannah's Historic District. Nearly all businesses within the market are wheelchair accessible, and the open-air courtyard areas feature flat, paved surfaces that are generally easy to move through.
For multi-level buildings, elevators provide access to second-floor galleries and shops. Businesses that don't have permanent ramp access have been reported to keep portable ramps available on request, so visitors with mobility devices can still enter.
Belford's Savannah Seafood and Steaks, one of the market's most popular restaurants, offers a fully accessible entrance and accessible seating. The American Prohibition Museum, also located within the market, is fully wheelchair accessible with elevator access between floors and spacious exhibit areas.
Public restrooms are available both inside City Market and at nearby Ellis Square. Accessible parking can be found in nearby garages and surface lots.
The market's flat, open layout makes it easier to get around than some other parts of Savannah's historic core, where cobblestones and uneven sidewalks can present challenges. However, some surrounding streets do have older surfaces, so visitors may want to plan their route from parking areas.
Note that a few City Market businesses also operate locations on River Street, which is significantly less accessible due to steep cobblestone ramps and uneven terrain. If accessibility is a priority, the City Market locations of these businesses are the better choice.
Contact individual restaurants and shops for details on specific accommodations. For general visitor information, the Ellis Square visitor center is a helpful first stop.
More accessible places in Georgia
- Fort Pulaski National Monument (Savannah)
- Savannah Historic District & Tybee Island (Savannah)
- Bonaventure Cemetery (Savannah)
- High Museum of Art (Atlanta)
- Fox Theatre (Atlanta)
- Andersonville National Historic Site (Andersonville)