Things To Do
in Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland sits along the Patapsco River and is famed for its historic waterfront, cobblestone neighborhoods, and a legendary seafood scene. The city blends industrial heritage with a lively arts and culinary culture from the Inner Harbor to Fell's Point and Mount Vernon. Visitors can explore centuries of architecture, harbor views, and world-class museums while enjoying crab dinners and local brews.
With a compact downtown core and walkable districts, Baltimore invites relaxed exploration on foot, by water taxi, or via light rail.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the morning breeze while taking in views of the harbor. Don't forget to grab a coffee from a local café before setting off to your next adventure.
Head to the historic Fells Point district, where cobblestone streets are lined with charming shops and eateries. Enjoy lunch at a waterfront seafood restaurant, sampling the famous Maryland crab cakes. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the harbor and explore the local boutiques and art galleries.
As the sun sets, make your way to the vibrant Power Plant Live! entertainment district. Enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant featuring local cuisine, followed by live music or a fun night out at a bar. Wrap up your evening with a stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Begin your day at the Baltimore Museum of Art, home to an impressive collection of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art. Marvel at the works of renowned artists, including Matisse and Picasso, while soaking in the serene atmosphere of the museum's galleries. Don't forget to visit the sculpture garden for some fresh air and outdoor art.
After lunch at a nearby café, head over to the Walters Art Museum, which offers a diverse collection spanning centuries and cultures. Spend your afternoon exploring the museum's vast exhibits, from ancient artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces. Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the stunning architecture of the building itself.
In the evening, experience the vibrant arts scene in the Station North Arts District. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant that specializes in farm-to-table dishes, then catch a performance at the historic Charles Theatre. Whether it's a play, concert, or independent film, you'll find plenty of options to round out your cultural experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚆Monthly transit pass | $60-125 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction ticket | $15-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant waterfront with historic neighborhoods
- Excellent seafood and Chesapeake Bay flavors
- Walkable districts and strong arts scene
- Traffic and parking can be challenging in busy areas
- Some neighborhoods require caution at night
- Certain attractions may have seasonal hours
Places to Visit in Baltimore
Visit one of these nice places.
Waterfront skyline with historic ships, high-contrast skies, and reflections on calm water.
Iconic star-shaped fort with broad tidal views and dramatic coastal light; ideal for wide-angle shots.
Historic obelisk set against city views; great for architectural photography and evening silhouettes.
Impressive domes and neoclassical details offering elegant interior and exterior photography.
Food in Baltimore
Baltimore Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Baltimore staple featuring lump crab meat with minimal filler; best enjoyed at traditional spots like Lexington Market vendors or established crab shacks.
Must-Try!
Thinly sliced seasoned beef piled high on a kaiser roll; a Baltimore icon best sampled at Chaps Pit Beef or local pit-beef joints.
Creamy, tomato-based soup loaded with crab meat and Old Bay seasoning; widely available at seafood shacks and market stalls.
Soft shortbread cookies topped with rich chocolate fudge icing; a popular treat found in local bakeries and markets.
Iconic spice mix used across Chesapeake cuisine; pick up a tin to recreate Baltimore flavors at home.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic downtown market offering crab cakes, seafood, pit beef, Berger cookies, and diverse prepared foods.
Outdoor market near Johns Hopkins with fresh produce, seafood stalls, and ready-to-eat options on weekends.
Market in Federal Hill with a variety of eateries ranging from casual bites to specialty foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Baltimore locals are generally warm—a friendly hello and brief chat are common in neighborhoods and markets.
Ravens and Orioles spirit is strong; observe stadium etiquette and avoid trash talk with opposing fans.
Safety
Tipping in Baltimore
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants commonly expect 15-20% tips; casual service may warrant 15%; for bar orders, $1-2 per drink is common if service is good.
Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is handy for markets and smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens; layering is key; expect some showers and vibrant city festivals.
Warm to hot, with high humidity; outdoor concerts and waterfront events abound; stay hydrated and seek shade.
Pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage; ideal for walking tours and outdoor dining.
Cold and occasionally snowy; indoor attractions shine and hotel lounges offer cozy retreats.
Baltimore at Night
Hiking in Baltimore
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trails along the Patapsco River with forested scenery and waterfalls, suitable for day hikes and picnics.
Rugged trails and scenic overlooks to the northeast, offering creekside hikes and outdoor recreation.
A network of urban-to-suburban trails that connect green spaces and parks around the city.
Airports
How to reach Baltimore by plane.
Closest major airport to Baltimore, about 10-20 miles south; good for domestic and international flights; accessible by rail, bus, and car.
Approx. 45-60 miles away; convenient for domestic flights and quick connections; accessible by highway and rail.
About 100 miles northeast; viable for connecting flights; reachable by train or car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Baltimore features a mix of African American, White, Hispanic/Latino, and immigrant communities across distinct neighborhoods, each with its own cultural flavor.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Orioles games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards are a quintessential Baltimore experience with classic American ballpark vibes.
Ravens games at M&T Bank Stadium showcase high-energy NFL action and devoted fan culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Baltimore.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Baltimore’s restaurant scene offers vegetarian bowls, salads, and veggie-friendly versions of seafood dishes; when ordering, ask for meat-free preparations and check for cross-contamination with shared fryers or seafood bases.