Johnson Square to Independent Presbyterian: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Savannah

Discover Savannah with the Johnson Square to Independent Presbyterian Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you’re thinking about exploring Savannah’s charming streets and historic sights at your own pace, this self-guided audio tour from Johnson Square to the Independent Presbyterian Church might just be what you need. Designed for independent explorers who want flexibility without sacrificing insight, this tour offers a quick but enriching way to get familiar with the city’s best spots.

What we love about this experience is how easy and accessible it is—you can start and stop whenever you like, making it perfect for fitting into a busy day or customizing your visit around other plans. Plus, with recorded commentary from a history expert, it’s like having a friendly guide walking alongside you. The downside? While the price is quite reasonable, keep in mind you’ll need your own smartphone and headphones, and entrance fees to attractions aren’t included.

This tour is especially well-suited for travelers who value independence and want to explore at their own pace, whether you’re on a quick trip or prefer a leisurely stroll. It’s also a great option for those who like having a structured outline without being tied to a group.

Key Points

• Flexible Pacing: You set your own pace, with an approximate duration of 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Self-Guided Convenience: Access the tour anytime on your device, with offline maps and audio.
• In-Depth Commentary: Recorded insights from a history expert make the experience educational.
• Coverage of Savannah’s Highlights: From Johnson Square to the impressive Independent Presbyterian Church.
• Affordable and Easy Booking: Priced at just $9.99 per person, booked on average 6 days in advance.
• Ideal for Explorers: Perfect for those wanting a personalized, unhurried walk through the historic district.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Johnson Square

Your journey begins at Johnson Square, the oldest and one of the most significant squares in Savannah. Here, you’ll get a primer on the city’s early days and how the tour functions through the app. It’s a smart way to orient yourself, especially if you’re new to self-guided experiences. The app’s intuitive design earned praise in reviews, with Gabriella noting, “The app worked great and was intuitive to our location.”

Exploring Ellis Square and City Market

As you stroll through Ellis Square, you’ll pass one of Savannah’s original four squares, offering a glimpse into the city’s founding layout. The tour then guides you through City Market, a lively area once packed with local vendors and now a hub for shopping and dining. Walking through, you’ll imagine what this area might have been like in the past versus today.

Franklin Square and Telfair Sites

Next, the route takes you through Franklin Square, where the commentary delves into its specific history, enriching your walk. Approaching Telfair Academy, you’ll hear about the museum’s significance, which adds depth to your visit—though you’ll need to visit the museum separately. Nearby, Telfair Square surrounds you with historic buildings, adding to the visual appeal.

Wright, Oglethorpe, and Reynolds Squares

The tour continues through Wright Square, famed for its history and notable sites. Then, as you pass Oglethorpe Square, the guide shares stories that highlight the square’s importance in Savannah’s development. Reynolds Square follows, offering more insights into its past. These stops are about walking and listening, but the real charm is how the narration brings these spaces to life.

Theatres, Warnings, and Juliette Low

Passing by the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, you’ll learn a bit about Savannah’s vibrant arts scene. The tour then takes you through Warren and Columbia Squares, each with their own stories, culminating in the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace—an iconic site linked to the founder of Girl Scouts. Hearing about Juliette adds a personal touch to your walk, and the commentary makes it more memorable.

Ending at the Independent Presbyterian Church

The tour wraps up in front of the Independent Presbyterian Church, a beautiful historic building that perfectly caps off your exploration. Ending at this significant church provides a sense of closure while leaving you with a lasting impression of Savannah’s grace.

What It Means for You

This tour’s design to be self-paced is a huge plus. You can pause for photos, grab a snack, or take a lengthy look at particular squares that catch your eye. Peggy notes in her review, “We stopped a couple times for drinks along the way. Then resumed where we left off!” This flexibility makes for a relaxed and personalized experience.

The App and Accessibility

The VoiceMap App is available for both Android and iOS, offering lifetime access to the tour. The offline availability of audio, maps, and geodata means you don’t have to worry about spotty Wi-Fi—an important detail when exploring a city’s historic district.

Price and Value

At just $9.99 per person, this tour delivers notable value, especially considering the detailed narration and flexibility. When compared to guided group tours, it offers a more intimate, customizable experience without extra cost for transportation or guides. The reviews echo this sentiment, with Gabriella saying, “If time would have allowed, we definitely would have done part 2,” suggesting the content is both engaging and substantial.

Considerations

While the experience is broad and informative, it does require self-motivation and a smartphone with headphones. Also, entrance fees to attractions like museums are not included, so if you plan to go inside a specific site, budget for those separately.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This tour is especially ideal for travelers who enjoy exploring on their own terms. It suits those with a sense of adventure who want to learn about Savannah’s history in a laid-back manner. It’s also suitable for visitors who prefer to avoid large group tours or guided bus trips. People who appreciate history told by a knowledgeable voice will find the commentary engaging without feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a straightforward, flexible way to soak up Savannah’s historic atmosphere, this self-guided audio tour fits the bill. It strikes a good balance between educational content and personal pacing, making it a practical choice for curious explorers. You’ll love the ease of use, the insightful narration, and the chance to tailor your walk to your interests.

However, if you’re someone who prefers guided tours with live commentary or wants all entrance fees included, this might not fully meet your needs. Still, for a modest price and with the freedom to explore at your own speed, it offers a solid introduction to Savannah’s beautiful squares and landmarks.

In our experience, the combination of well-timed stops, expert commentary, and the flexibility to pause and explore makes this tour a smart option for independent travelers or those new to the city. Just remember to bring your phone charged, headphones, and a curious mind ready for a walk through history.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? This tour is primarily an audio walking experience designed for individual exploration. While there’s no explicit mention of family-friendliness, it’s suitable for anyone comfortable walking through historic areas and listening to guides.

Do I need to pay for entrance to museums or attractions? Yes, entrance fees to attractions like the Telfair Academy or the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace are not included, so plan for those separately if you wish to visit inside.

How long does the tour take? The tour lasts roughly between 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, but since it’s self-paced, you can take longer or shorter depending on your interest and stops.

What device do I need? You’ll need a smartphone compatible with the VoiceMap app, along with headphones. Offline access ensures you won’t need Wi-Fi during your walk.

Can I start and pause the tour whenever I want? Absolutely. The app allows you to pause and resume as needed, giving you full control over your experience.

Is it a group tour? No, this is a private, self-guided experience just for your group.

How do I book this tour? You can reserve it online through Viator, typically 6 days in advance, and it costs $9.99 per person.

What’s the best time of day to do the tour? Since the tour is flexible, you can do it whenever suits you, but mornings or late afternoons can add to the charm with softer light and fewer crowds.

Will I get a physical guide? No, all commentary is delivered through the app on your device.

If you’re planning a trip to Savannah and want to explore without the rush of guided tours, this self-guided option offers an excellent way to soak up the city’s historic ambiance at your own pace. Just download the app, hit the streets, and enjoy discovering the Hostess City.