Franklin Square - a rainy day in a large city with lots of buildings
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Franklin Square

4.6
·18 reviews·Savannah, United States

Historic Savannah square featuring the Haitian Monument and vibrant seasonal festivals like the Chinese Lantern Festival.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Franklin Square - a rainy day in a large city with lots of buildings

Franklin Square

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Savannah square featuring the Haitian Monument and vibrant seasonal festivals like the Chinese Lantern Festival.

4.6
(18 reviews)

"A pretty square with a significant historical monument, great for learning and enjoying seasonal events."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore with Respect

Appreciate the history, but be mindful of litter and potential solicitations.

📅 Check Event Schedules

Seasonal festivals like the Chinese Lantern Festival are a must-see!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Haitian Monument

Haitian Monument

Franklin Square

Honor courageous Haitian soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. A powerful tribute to their sacrifice.

TikTok
Chinese Lantern Festival

Chinese Lantern Festival

Franklin Square

Experience a magical display of illuminated lanterns during this popular seasonal event.

Instagram
First African Baptist Church

First African Baptist Church

Near Franklin Square

Visit one of the oldest African Baptist churches in the US, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Savannah's Historic Charm

Franklin Square in Savannah, Georgia, offers a glimpse into American Revolutionary War history with its Haitian Monument. While charming, be aware of potential litter and be prepared for friendly solicitations from tour operators. Reddit

Seasonal Spectacles

Beyond its historical significance, Franklin Square hosts vibrant seasonal events like the Chinese Lantern Festival. Check local listings for these popular attractions, which can draw significant crowds. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
During festivals
Why
Vibrant atmosphere, unique events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Haitian Monument at Franklin Square in Savannah, Ga. Dedicated to the courageous soldiers from Haiti who fought in the American Revolution. #africanamericanhistory #americanrevolutionarywar #americanrevolution #militaryhistory #visitsavannah #franklinsquare
@m_hdoc
3.7K likes • 35.6K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore with Respect

Appreciate the history, but be mindful of litter and potential solicitations. Reddit

📅 Check Event Schedules

Seasonal festivals like the Chinese Lantern Festival are a must-see! Instagram

Starting this June the Chinese Lantern Festival 🏮is back at Franklin Square ! Come enjoy this light festival with friends & family & find out about more cool things like this to do in Philly using the S’mores App - - #chineselanterns #lanternfestival #funthingstodo #funwithfriends #datenightideas #thingstodoinphilly #chineselanternfestival #philly #phillypa
_whoiselijahl
0 likes • 86.4K views
(CLOSED) GIVEAWAY! There’s officially 2 weeks left of the @chinese_lantern_festival at @franklinsquarephilly so in its honor I’m giving away a pair of 2 tickets to the festival!🏮💫 TO ENTER: Tag a friend below who you’d like to take with you for 1 entry per comment or share to your story for 5 entries ⭐️ ABOUT: The family & dog friendly the 2025 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will illumi...
jacquelinecity
0 likes • 1.4K views

📸 Capture the History

The Haitian Monument and surrounding historic sites offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

📍 Convenient Location

Franklin Square is close to City Market and River Street, perfect for a stroll. Reddit

reddit.com

A walk through Franklin Square today

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore with Respect

Appreciate the history, but be mindful of litter and potential solicitations. Reddit

📅 Check Event Schedules

Seasonal festivals like the Chinese Lantern Festival are a must-see! Instagram

📸 Capture the History

The Haitian Monument and surrounding historic sites offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

📍 Convenient Location

Franklin Square is close to City Market and River Street, perfect for a stroll. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(18 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Franklin Square is appreciated for its historical significance, particularly the Haitian Monument, and its role as a venue for vibrant seasonal events like the Chinese Lantern Festival. While some visitors note concerns about litter and solicitations, many find it a great place to soak in the atmosphere and explore nearby attractions. TikTokInstagramReddit

"This is a pretty square with a significant historical monument. Unfortunately there is a lots of litter and shady looking characters all around the place. We were approached twice for money while trying to enjoy the Haitian Monument of Revolutionary War assistance. Could be much nicer"

Louis and Elaine

"Another great place, so nice to learn about this historical place! The first black Baptist church in Savannah built in 1859. Very interesting. The men of African descent who fought for freedom in the Revolutionary War, they gave all."

Kelly Webb

"The park is awesome.

Has a huge statute.

Tour bus rides sold there.

Other small sales going on.

People were super nice.

Great place to chill and hang out."

Nicolas Waldron

What People Like

Historical significance
Haitian Monument
Seasonal festivals

What People Dislike

Litter
Solicitations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Franklin Square is centrally located in Savannah's Historic District, easily accessible by foot from River Street and City Market. Parking garages are available nearby if you're driving. Reddit

While there isn't a direct bus stop within the square itself, several bus routes service the surrounding Historic District, making it a convenient stop on a Savannah transit tour. Reddit

Yes, Franklin Square is a short and pleasant walk from River Street, offering scenic views of Savannah's historic architecture along the way. Reddit

Several public parking garages are located within a few blocks of Franklin Square, including the Bryan Street Garage and the Whitaker Street Garage. Reddit

Walking is highly recommended to fully appreciate the historic charm. Many tour buses also stop at or near Franklin Square. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Franklin Square itself is a public park and is free to enter. However, special events like the Chinese Lantern Festival may require tickets. Instagram

As a public park, Franklin Square is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific event hours will vary. Instagram

Yes, the Chinese Lantern Festival held at Franklin Square typically requires purchased tickets for entry. It's advisable to book in advance. Instagram+1

Yes, many Savannah history tours, including those focusing on African American history and the Revolutionary War, often include a stop at Franklin Square. TikTok

You might find tour operators selling tours directly at Franklin Square, especially those focusing on Savannah's historic sites. Reddit

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Franklin Square features the significant Haitian Monument, a fountain (though sometimes removed for maintenance), and is a hub for various activities and tours. TikTokReddit

Franklin Square can be enjoyable for families, especially during events. However, be mindful of the park's condition and potential for litter. Reddit

It's home to the Haitian Monument, commemorating Haitian soldiers in the American Revolution, and is near the First African Baptist Church, a historically important site. TikTokReddit

Public restrooms may be available in or near Franklin Square, but it's advisable to check local facilities or use those at nearby establishments if needed. Reddit

Franklin Square hosts seasonal festivals, serves as a starting point for historical tours, and is a lively spot with people enjoying the atmosphere. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Franklin Square is conveniently located near Savannah's City Market and River Street, offering a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Reddit

During special events or festivals, food vendors might be present. Otherwise, the surrounding areas offer numerous dining options. Instagram

You can find diverse culinary options, from traditional Southern fare to international cuisine, in the vicinity of Franklin Square. Reddit

While there are benches, it's best to check local regulations regarding picnicking. Many visitors opt to dine at nearby restaurants. Reddit

Absolutely! The area around Franklin Square is bustling with bars and pubs, popular for pub crawls and enjoying local drinks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Haitian Monument is a key subject. The surrounding historic architecture and, during its season, the illuminated lanterns of the festival, are also great for photos. TikTokInstagram

During the Chinese Lantern Festival, Franklin Square is spectacular at night. Otherwise, the square is best photographed during daylight hours. Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For the lantern festival, a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography may require permits. Always be respectful of others. Reddit

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful light for the historic architecture. Daytime is good for the monument. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Franklin Square can be a pleasant stop for families, especially when attending seasonal events like the Chinese Lantern Festival, which is often described as family-friendly. Instagram The historical monuments offer educational opportunities, and its proximity to other attractions like City Market means you can easily combine it with other family activities. However, be prepared for potential litter and be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

Consider visiting during the day for a more relaxed experience, or during a festival for added entertainment. Pack snacks and drinks, as dedicated family amenities might be limited. The open space can be good for kids to stretch their legs, but always supervise them closely. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Franklin Square is a must-visit. The Haitian Monument is a significant point of interest, commemorating the crucial role of Haitian soldiers in the American Revolution. TikTok Its presence offers a unique perspective on the diverse forces that shaped American independence. Nearby, the First African Baptist Church stands as a testament to centuries of African American history and resilience. Reddit

Take your time to explore the square and its surroundings, which are steeped in Savannah's rich past. Many historical walking tours include Franklin Square, providing in-depth narratives and context that enhance the visitor experience. TikTokReddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Franklin Square offers diverse photographic opportunities. The Haitian Monument provides a striking subject, especially during the golden hours for dramatic lighting. TikTok The surrounding historic architecture of Savannah also presents charming backdrops. Reddit

If visiting during the Chinese Lantern Festival, the square becomes a photographer's dream with its vibrant, illuminated displays. Instagram+1 This seasonal event offers unique opportunities for capturing stunning night photography. Remember to check event dates and consider bringing a camera with good low-light capabilities for the festival. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Haitian Monument: A Symbol of Alliance

Franklin Square is home to a significant monument commemorating the Haitian soldiers who fought alongside American patriots during the Revolutionary War. This monument serves as a powerful reminder of the international alliances forged during this pivotal period in American history. TikTok It highlights the often-overlooked contributions of diverse groups to the nation's founding. Visitors often express a sense of awe and respect when learning about this historical connection. Reddit

The presence of this monument underscores Savannah's role in broader American narratives. It's a key stop for those interested in African American history and the complexities of the Revolutionary War. The monument's detailed craftsmanship and its prominent placement in the square make it a focal point for reflection and education. TikTok

Seasonal Spectacles: The Chinese Lantern Festival

Beyond its historical significance, Franklin Square transforms into a magical wonderland during the annual Chinese Lantern Festival. This popular event, often held from June onwards, features breathtaking displays of illuminated lanterns crafted into various shapes and themes. Instagram It's a vibrant celebration that draws locals and tourists alike, offering a unique cultural experience. The festival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and provides a stunning backdrop for evening strolls and photography. Instagram+1

Visitors rave about the intricate artistry and the sheer scale of the lantern displays. The festival often includes live performances and food vendors, adding to the festive ambiance. It's a highly anticipated event, and tickets can sell out, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. Instagram+1 The transformation of the square into a luminous spectacle is a testament to its versatility as a public space, catering to both historical appreciation and modern entertainment. Instagram

Navigating Franklin Square: Tips from Travelers

While Franklin Square offers historical insights and seasonal attractions, real visitor experiences highlight a few practical considerations. Some reviews mention issues with litter and the presence of individuals soliciting donations or selling tours. Reddit This can sometimes detract from the peaceful enjoyment of the square. However, many visitors also find the square to be a great place to 'chill and hang out,' appreciating the energy and proximity to other attractions like City Market and River Street. Reddit

Despite these minor drawbacks, the historical significance, particularly the Haitian Monument, is consistently praised. TikTokReddit The square's location makes it a convenient hub for exploring Savannah's historic district. For those attending events like the Chinese Lantern Festival, the experience is often described as 'awesome' and a 'great place to learn about this historical place.' InstagramReddit It's a dynamic space that offers different experiences depending on the season and time of day.

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