The Bull Street Experience

If you’re visiting Savannah, a city famously layered with history, architecture, and Southern hospitality, then a guided walking tour along Bull Street offers a wonderful way to orient yourself and soak up the atmosphere. Priced at $35 per person and lasting about 2 hours, this tour is designed for those who want a leisurely stroll through the city’s most iconic sights, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Starting at Johnson Square and ending at Forsyth Fountain, it covers over 100 years of Savannah’s history, with stops at five historic squares, each with its own story.

What we really like about this experience is how it provides a relaxed pace and the chance to connect with Savannah’s past in a personal way. The guides are praised for their warm Southern hospitality and knowledgeable storytelling, making the history come alive. Plus, it’s an excellent primer for first-time visitors, helping you get your bearings and gather ideas for the rest of your visit.

A minor consideration is that, with only a few reviews, some travelers have experienced cancellation issues, so it’s wise to confirm your booking and keep an eye on communication. Also, the tour’s short duration means it’s perfect as an introduction, but if you’re craving in-depth exploration, you might want to supplement it with additional tours.

This experience appeals best to first-timers, history buffs, or anyone looking for a friendly, low-key introduction to Savannah’s downtown. If you enjoy small-group settings and want local insights, it could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Overview: Short, 2-hour walk covering five historic squares in Savannah.
• Highlights: Local stories, Southern hospitality, helpful visit recommendations, orientation for future exploring.
• Cost: $35 per person, with free booking cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Group Size: Small group, private tour feel.
• Tour Features: Begins at Johnson Square, ends at Forsyth Fountain, with stops at Wright Square, Chippewa Square, Madison Square, and Monterey Square.
• Reviews: Mixed, with praise for guides but some issues with late cancellations.

A Closer Look at The Bull Street Experience

Setting the Scene: Savannah’s Historic Squares

The tour kicks off at Johnson Square, the oldest of Savannah’s squares, established in the 1700s. Here, you’ll hear about Savannah’s founding and early settlement days—a great starting point to understand how the city grew from colonial roots. The guide’s storytelling makes these facts feel alive rather than just dates on a plaque.

Next, a walk to Wright Square offers more stories—this square was the site of the city’s first courthouse and is tied to both historic events and notable figures. The guide might share tidbits about the notorious “Wright Square Hangings” or other lively tales from the 1700s-1800s.

Chippewa Square is famous for its movie fame (remember “Forrest Gump”?), but on this tour, you’ll hear about its importance in the city’s development from the 1700s to today. Although the square is often crowded, your guide will point out the beautiful oak trees and historic monuments, making it a scenic stop.

Moving on, Madison Square continues the historic narrative, often featuring Victorian architecture and notable residents. The guide’s anecdotes about the people who shaped Savannah help paint a vivid picture of the city’s evolution.

Finally, the tour concludes at Monterey Square, home to the Historic District’s grand architecture and the Famous Forsyth Fountain. Here, you’ll get a sense of the city’s neoclassical charm and public spaces that define Savannah’s character.

The Experience: What’s It Like?

The small-group setting ensures a more intimate experience, which many reviews mention positively—“like a private tour,” as one traveler said. Our guide, Carry, receives praise for her warmth and knowledge, making the history engaging and accessible. She’s adept at weaving local stories into the facts, which keeps the tour lively.

The pace is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to listen, look around, and ask questions. For travelers unfamiliar with Savannah, this tour offers a valuable orientation—you’ll leave with a mental map of the downtown area and recommendations for further exploration.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour’s duration of about two hours makes it ideal for travelers wanting a quick yet insightful overview. It begins at Johnson Square and ends at Forsyth Fountain, conveniently located in the historic center, meaning you can easily continue exploring afterward.

At $35, the price is quite reasonable considering the personalized attention and local expertise. The ticket is mobile, so it’s easy to keep handy, and booking is typically done 15 days in advance, which is suitable for planning.

However, some travelers have experienced cancellations—notably, one reviewer received notice late in the morning that their tour was canceled due to a misunderstanding about a food allergy, which was frustrating. The provider responded with a full refund and communication, but it highlights the importance of confirmation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits first-time visitors who want a friendly, guided overview of Savannah’s core historic areas. It’s also great for those who prefer small groups and local guides to make the history more personal. If you enjoy casual, storytelling-style tours and are interested in Savannah’s squares and architecture, this is a good pick.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

The Bull Street Experience offers a relaxed, informative walk through Savannah’s iconic squares, perfect for those who appreciate local insights and a laid-back pace. Its affordable price and small-group setting make it accessible without sacrificing quality. If you’re new to Savannah or want a solid introduction to its history and layout, this tour could serve as a perfect starting point.

That said, keep in mind the potential for cancellation issues and the short duration—this isn’t an in-depth historical deep dive but a friendly overview. For history enthusiasts or those seeking more comprehensive tours, consider supplementing this experience with other options like a ghost tour or river cruise.

Overall, if you value guide expertise and want to enjoy Savannah’s squares without feeling rushed, this tour is worth considering. Just double-check your booking and enjoy the laid-back charm that makes Savannah unique.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
No, it’s a small-group tour, but it feels like a private experience because only your booked group participates.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, which provides a leisurely overview of Savannah’s historic squares.

What is the price?
$35 per person, including the guided experience. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Johnson Square and ends back at the same meeting point, near Forsyth Fountain.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

What happens if the tour is canceled?
You will be notified, and a full refund will be provided. Some reviewers experienced late cancellations, so confirm your booking early.

To sum it up, The Bull Street Experience offers an inviting, informative taste of Savannah’s historic district. It’s best suited for travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed introduction to the city’s squares, with guides who can bring local stories to life. Whether you’re a history lover or just want a friendly orientation, this tour can be the ideal starting point for your Savannah adventure.