Savannah: True Crime Pub Crawl

If you’re looking for a way to see Savannah that’s a little different from the usual historic tours, the True Crime Pub Crawl promises a fascinating mix of stories, drinks, and local flair. This guided walking tour ropes you into the city’s darker past while taking you through some of its most popular bars and hotspots. It’s a unique way to combine history, storytelling, and nightlife—all in just 2 hours.

What we love about this experience is how it blends entertaining storytelling with a local pub scene, giving you both a taste of Savannah’s notorious side and its vibrant social life. The guide’s knowledge truly brings the stories to life, making each stop more than just a bar visit. One caveat? The tour is quite focused on the stories, so if you’re expecting a party atmosphere with lots of drinks included, you’ll need to plan to buy your own.

This experience is perfect for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Savannah’s darker stories who also wants to get a feel for the local nightlife. It’s also ideal for travelers on a tight schedule, given the short duration, but don’t expect a quiet, reflective history lesson—this is lively and storytelling-driven.

Key Points

• Engaging stories of Savannah’s infamous crimes bring local history alive.
• Visits to popular pubs offer a chance to experience Savannah’s nightlife.
• Knowledgeable guides make the stories and the city’s past compelling.
• Small group size ensures a more personal and interactive experience.
• Tour runs rain or shine, so dress comfortably and appropriately.
• Excluded drinks mean you’ll need to budget for your own beverages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Savannah True Crime Pub Crawl

What Is the Savannah True Crime Pub Crawl?

This 2-hour walking tour offers more than just a pub crawl—it’s a story-driven exploration of Savannah’s dark, sometimes gruesome history. Led by a local guide, you’ll visit a handful of Savannah’s most popular bars while listening to tales of murder, betrayal, and tragedy. The tour starts at the Dubs, A Public House, right at the foot of the infamous “Stairs of Death,” setting a fitting stage for tales of crime and intrigue.

The goal is to explore the city’s notorious past through its historic crime scenes and legendary watering holes, giving you a more authentic local experience. The tour covers stories that range from serial killers to tragic love stories, all narrated with enthusiasm and insight.

Starting Point: The “Stairs of Death” and Samuel Little

The tour kicks off at Dubs, where you’ll meet your guide at the base of the “Stairs of Death,” a dramatic entry point that sets the tone. Here, the guide recounts the story of Samuel Little, one of America’s most infamous serial killers, and how his crimes intersect with Savannah’s history. This opening sets a compelling context that hooks your interest right away.

Main Stops and Stories

Depending on the day and availability, you’ll visit some of Savannah’s best-known pubs like Pour Larrys, PS Tavern, Churchills, Tondees Tavern, or even the legendary Olde Pink House. Each stop isn’t just about grabbing a drink but about standing in the place where history happened—or at least where its stories are preserved.

For example, the Mercer-Williams House, famous for its connection to a tragic murder, is woven into the narrative. The guide shares the chilling tales of events that shook the city and helped shape its reputation. Such stories give a layer of authenticity and a sense of place, making it clear that Savannah’s past isn’t just in textbooks but in its streets and bars.

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What to Expect During the Tour

You’ll walk through Savannah’s charming historic district, stopping at some of its most popular pubs—your guide will fill you in on local legends and crime stories with lively narration. You won’t be served drinks as part of the tour, but you’re free to buy your own and enjoy them at your own pace.

The group is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience. Expect to walk for about 2 hours, mostly on flat, easy terrain, making it accessible even for casual walkers.

The Guide: Knowledge and Personality Matter

Reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and personable style—one reviewer praised Apollo for being personable and doing an “awesome job.” The ability of the guide to balance storytelling, humor, and historical detail makes a big difference. While some mentioned that the loud music at certain pubs can make it harder to hear, overall, the guide’s storytelling keeps the tour lively and engaging.

The Pubs’ Atmosphere and Experience

The stops are well-chosen to blend historic ambiance with local vibe. You might find yourself in lively taverns or refined historic eateries, each adding to the authentic Savannah experience. Some reviews suggest that more pub visits would enhance the tour, but given the limited time, the selected venues aim to give a good representative taste of Savannah’s bar scene.

Price and Value

At $35 per person, the tour offers solid value considering the storytelling, local insights, and exclusive access to some of Savannah’s favorite pubs. Remember, drinks are not included, so budget extra for your favorites. The tour’s compact size and rich narrative make it a worthwhile option for a short, memorable evening.

What the Reviews Say

While many appreciated the knowledgeable guides and entertaining stories, some found the experience a bit underwhelming in terms of “fun”—particularly if you’re expecting a lively party atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “It was just my husband and me, so it was kind of boring,” but this highlights the importance of joining a small group to get the full flavor of the tour.

Others praised the stories of grisly crimes and local legend, with comments like “the stories were great,” and singled out the guide’s personability. A few mentioned that loud music sometimes hampered their ability to hear, but overall, the storytelling’s quality shined through.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Come early to meet your guide at Dubs and get settled.
• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking through the historic district.
• Bring cash for drinks and tips.
• Bring a valid ID or passport; the tour emphasizes safety and verification.
• Rain or shine—dress appropriately for the weather.
• Prepare for a lively, story-filled walk—this isn’t a quiet history lecture, but a fun, atmospheric exploration.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour appeals most to adventure-seeking history lovers and nightlife explorers. If you’re fascinated by true crime stories or local legends, this is a perfect fit. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a small-group experience with a knowledgeable guide, rather than large bus tours or scripted excursions.

However, if you’re looking for a drinks-inclusive party or a detailed crime scene investigation at each location, this tour might not fulfill all expectations. It’s more about storytelling, ambiance, and local flavor than about drinking or intense crime scene analysis.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $35, you get an experience that’s well-paced, story-rich, and intimate. The combination of historical tales and visits to some of Savannah’s best pubs makes this tour a thoughtful way to spend an evening. It offers authentic local insights into Savannah’s darker stories that you might not find in standard sightseeing.

While it may not be for those craving lively drinks or party atmosphere, it’s perfect for story lovers who enjoy hidden histories and local legends. Attentive guides, a small group, and a focus on storytelling create a memorable, slightly spooky snapshot of Savannah’s past.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or under 21s?
No, the tour is not suitable for those under 21, as it involves visiting pubs and alcohol-related content.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a quick but immersive evening activity.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included; you’ll need to purchase your own beverages at the stops.

Where do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is at Dubs, A Public House, at the base of the “Stairs of Death.”

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, ID, cash for drinks or tips, and dress for the weather, since the tour takes place rain or shine.

What kind of stories will be told?
Expect stories of serial killers, murder plots, and tragic love stories that made Savannah infamous.

How many people are in each group?
The group is limited to 9 participants for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for last-minute changes.

In the end, the Savannah True Crime Pub Crawl offers a distinctive way to enjoy the city’s nightlife while learning about its darker chapters. It’s best suited for curious, storytelling-minded travelers who appreciate an intimate, narrative-driven experience. If you’re intrigued by Savannah’s mysterious past and want to explore it through local pubs with a knowledgeable guide, this tour could be just the ticket for an evening that’s both entertaining and enlightening.

You can check availability for your dates here: