River Street Marketplace Savannah: Visitor Guide, Shops, Hours & Tips 

River Street Marketplace Savannah is an open-air shopping center at 502 E River Street in Historic River Street in downtown Savannah, GA. It’s home to over 70 vendor spaces – independent merchants selling handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, souvenirs, gourmet foods, and specialty gifts. There are also scenic views of the Savannah River while walking along the waterfront. It’s one of the more popular places to be in the city, as it’s only steps from popular attractions like the Waving Girl Monument, Savannah Riverwalk, restaurants, and riverboat cruises. 

River Street Marketplace at a Glance 

*Hours are subject to change due to weather, holidays, or special events. Verify the latest schedule on the official River Street Marketplace website before visiting.

River Street Marketplace Savannah: What Makes It Worth Visiting?

River Street Marketplace Savannah only permanent open-air shopping marketplace. It takes a modern spin on the classic waterfront markets that were constructed in the 1800s. 

Dozens of independent vendor stalls selling:

• Handmade jewelry
• Artwork
• Local crafts
• Home décor
• Souvenirs
• Gourmet food products
• International gifts
• Specialty accessories

Each visit will be a little different as vendors are independent and merchandise changes often. 

A major draw of the market is its laid-back vibe. As one can watch cargo ships making their way down the Savannah River, visitors can browse shops that are unique to Savannah.

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Where Is River Street Marketplace Located?

Historic River Street is the area where the marketplace is located.

It is officially registered at:

502 E River Street

Savannah, Georgia 31401

It is in the vicinity of the Waving Girl Monument (Florence Martus Memorial), where the monument can be easily seen as one walks along the waterfront.

Nearby attractions include:

• Waving Girl Monument
• Savannah Riverwalk
• Riverboat cruise docks
• Historic Factors Walk
• Numerous waterfront restaurants
• Boutique hotels

This portion of the waterfront is an important stop on River Street because almost all visitors to the waterfront have to go through this. So, this is a part of the waterfront that is often the subject of walking tours of Savannah’s Historic District. 

Store Hours

Regular Hours: The official River Street Marketplace website states that regular hours of operation are:

The marketplace should point out that hours may be adjusted for extreme weather or special operating circumstances. 

What Can You Buy?

The diversity of locally owned vendor booths is one feature of River Street Marketplace that distinguishes it from conventional shopping places.

Visitors commonly find:

Handmade Crafts

Handmade goods by local artisans are sold, which often reflect Savannah’s coastal history and Southern culture.

Examples include:

• Wood crafts
• Pottery
• Decorative artwork
• Handmade ornaments

Jewelry

There are several stands dedicated to:

• Sterling silver
• Gemstone jewelry
• Handmade necklaces
• Bracelets
• Earrings

Selections are subject to change as they are independently managed. 

Souvenirs

Visitors can shop for unique Christmas presents:

• Savannah-themed merchandise
• Magnets
• Apparel
• Keychains
• Home decorations
• Riverfront artwork

Gourmet Foods

Food vendors often offer specialty products such as:

• Sauces
• Spices
• Gourmet seasonings
• Homemade preserves
• Candies
• Specialty snacks

Availability: Vendor participation. 

A Different Shopping Experience

River Street Marketplace invites visitors to take a stroll and explore.

Open-air walkways, historic-inspired architecture, river views, and chances to meet the artisans face-to-face make the marketplace a one-of-a-kind experience. The official website states that shoppers can visit over 70 vendor spaces from local and international vendors. 

This gives a sense more of a public market than a conventional retail outlet.

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Explore More Around River Street Marketplace

One advantage of visiting River Street Marketplace is that it’s surrounded by many of Savannah’s best attractions. Everything is within walking distance, so it’s very convenient to make a walk into a full day of sightseeing.

Waving Girl Monument

The Waving Girl Monument, in honour of Florence Martus, is located near the marketplace. Local history says that for decades Martus met passing ships from the bank waving, and became known as “The Waving Girl of Savannah. This monument is one of the most photographed sites in River Street. 

Savannah Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is a historic waterfront walk lined with cobblestone paths, seating, restaurants, candy shops, galleries, and views of the river. The city’s most iconic experiences are the large cargo ships passing by on a regular basis.

Riverboat Cruises

Several sightseeing and dinner cruises leave from docks nearby. These cruises allow you to see the city skyline of Savannah and get a history lesson on the city as well as what goes on in the port. Each operator has its own cruise schedule and cruise rates.

Historic District

They can be easily found within walking distance as you make your way into the famous public squares, preserved architecture, museums, churches, and tree-lined streets of Savannah’s Historic District. This makes River Street Market Place a great place to stop when you’re planning a self-guided walking tour. 

Dining Near River Street Market Place

There are restaurants and cafes available along River Street, catering to various tastes and budgets. They offer visitors the option to select from:

• Southern cuisine
• Fresh seafood
• Casual cafés
• Confectioneries and desserts stores
• Ice cream parlors
• Coffee shops
• Waterfront restaurants

Please check hours of operation or reserve ahead for weekends and holidays since restaurant availability is subject to change.

Parking Information

City-operated parking lots, parking garages, and metered spaces throughout downtown Savannah provide parking.

Several River Street parking lots are maintained by the City of Savannah. The designated River Street surface lots are priced at $2.00 an hour, Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (May vary for special events). Payment options include coin, bills, Visa and Mastercard. 

River Street is a popular tourist neighborhood during the summer months and can be easier to park in the mornings, especially on weekends, holidays, and festivals.

Accessibility

While there are areas of historic cobblestone within River Street, the City of Savannah is able to offer a number of features that make it easier for visitors to get to the water’s edge.

Public transportation options are available, such as:

• There is no charge for using the DOT Downtown Shuttle!
• River Street Streetcar
• Savannah Belles Ferry
• Accessible public parking
• Elevators between Bay and River Street.

These services are developed to enhance accessibility for a person with a disability who has mobility issues. 

Best Time to Visit

The market opens all year round; however, the whole experience is different throughout each season.

The mornings will be quieter to shop, and the evenings will be livelier by the waterfront. Seasonal festivals can also help to boost the number of visitors. 

River Street Market Place vs. City Market

Both destinations are popular with visitors, and many travelers explore both in a single day because they are within walking distance of each other. 

Visitor Tips

• Shop early in the day when it’s not quite as busy.
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes; ccobblestones onRiver Street.
• Pack a drinking mug in summer.
• Plan on spending at least one to two hours on the market.
• Make sure to check the forecast; the marketplace is outdoors.
• Shop locally for handmade products, if available.
• Enjoy the waterfront experience and combine with the surrounding area for additional activities. 

Conclusion

The one-of-a-kind shopping experience of River Street Marketplace is a blend of Savannah’s rich maritime history, waterfront views, and local craftsmanship. The marketplace offers a real-life experience; whether you’re shopping for handmade souvenirs, unique gifts, or taking a walk along the Savannah River, it’s unique compared to a traditional shopping center.

It is also easy to get to from the Waving Girl Monument, Riverwalk, restaurants, museums, and sightseeing cruises, making it a great place to start your tour of Savannah’s historic waterfront. Operated independently, vendors offer their goods for sale, and the open-air experience is highly inviting. River Street Marketplace remains one of the city’s favorite places for newcomers and locals alike. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is River Street Marketplace free to enter?

Yes. Admission is free. Visitors are free to wander through the marketplace, and each individual in the market is free to price his or her products.

Where is River Street Marketplace located?

It is at 502 E River Street, Savannah, GA 31401, on the east end of Historic River Street, adjacent to the Waving Girl Monument. 

What are the operating hours?

The marketplace is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Friday and Saturday. Due to extreme weather, hours may vary. 

Is parking available nearby?

Yes. Parking lots, garages, and metered parking are all within walking distance at the City. Availability may be restricted during festivals and during peak travel seasons. 

What can visitors buy?

Independent vendors offer handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, gifts, souvenirs, gourmet foods, home décor, and specialty products for shoppers to browse. Inventory varies throughout the year. 

Is River Street Market Place pet-friendly?

Yes. River Street Market Place is generally pet-friendly in the outdoor spaces; however, pets must be on a leash. But there may be varying policies from individual vendors, so it is best to check before you bring your animal into a booth.

How long should I spend at River Street Market Place?

The average visitor will spend 1 or 2 hours at the marketplace. If you also want to take the time to make it to other nearby sightseeing destinations such as the Savannah Riverwalk or the waterfront restaurants, expect to spend 3 to 4 hours.