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Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, is one of the country’s most historically significant cities, with thousands of buildings listed in the National Register—more than any other U.S. city. History buffs, museum junkies, families, and anyone seeking cheap weekend getaways will find plenty to do. Explore interesting museums, historic warships, and charming neighborhoods. The Historic Ships in Baltimore comprise a collection of museum ships and a lighthouse. You can also check out a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy for trip planning, or discover top 10 National and State parks to see nearby. Discover what Charm City has in store for you.
1. Stroll Around the Inner Harbor
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Photo by BruceEmmerling on Pixabay[/caption]
Walking around the Inner Harbor is one of the classic things to do in Baltimore. The picturesque seaport lined with restaurants and cafes is where 19th-century ships meet modern attractions like the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center.
Take in the riverside views as you enjoy a relaxing walk. Stop by restaurants for local specialties: Baltimore crab cakes, pit beef, and steamed blue crabs. For a different perspective, rent a boat or water taxi, or go on a sightseeing cruise. Several operators offer cruises with lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea. If you are planning a trip around other destinations, consider a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy for seasonal travel ideas.
2. Hang Out at Fort McHenry National Monument
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Photo by Jim, the Photographer on Flickr[/caption]
Back in 1814, Fort McHenry made national headlines after withstanding a 25-hour attack from British forces. Despite consistent bombings, the fort stood tall and saved the city from occupation. The heroic act inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," which became America’s national anthem. Today, visitors can get a glimpse of Baltimore’s history at Fort McHenry National Monument.
Take a self-guided tour or join ranger-led programs detailing the fort’s significance. Events like flag changing ceremonies and National Flag Day are held here. If you’re not a huge history buff, enjoy a picnic on the grounds and admire scenic river views. The monument has paths circling the fort for biking or running.
3. Find Eclectic Art at the American Visionary Art Museum
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Photo by Joe Haupt on Flickr[/caption]
While most museums, like museums in Madrid, showcase masterpieces by seasoned artists, Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum specializes in outsider art by self-taught individuals. Its permanent collection holds more than 4,000 artworks, plus rotating temporary exhibitions. See sculptures made from scrapped material, paintings made from sauces, and other idiosyncratic creations inside the whimsically decorated museum. For travelers planning a broader itinerary, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help with packing, while the top 10 National and State parks to see offer outdoor alternatives.
4. Meet All Kinds of Sea Creatures at the National Aquarium
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Photo by Amber Wolfe on Unsplash[/caption]
The National Aquarium is a must-visit Baltimore attraction, home to more than 17,000 animals. Its wave-shaped architecture stands out around the Inner Harbor, and at night the lights are a nice sight from the river. Perfect for all ages, it’s one of the best things to do in Baltimore. Budget travelers can visit on Friday evenings for half-price admission.
Inside, see stingrays, jellyfishes, and sharks, plus replicas of Amazon rainforests and Australian river gorges that reveal more than aquatic life. The aquarium also hosts special programs for closer looks at dolphins and sharks. For a different kind of adventure, consider a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy before planning your next trip.
5. Catch a Baseball Game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards
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Photo by ricelawmd on Pixabay[/caption]
Watching a baseball game is part of America’s culture and one of the best things to do in Cincinnati, Los Angeles, and almost everywhere in the country. In Baltimore, the city takes pride in having one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums, the first retro-style ballpark built in the early 1990s. In summer, cheer for the Baltimore Orioles on a Major League Baseball Game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Not a huge fan of baseball? Take a guided tour around the stadium and explore the dugout, press box, and bleachers. Near the ballpark is the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum, honoring one of the greatest baseball players of all time. For planning a trip around the season, check a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy—though Baltimore’s summer heat is comparable.
6. See Works by Matisse at Baltimore Museum of Art
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Photo by Mike Steele on Flickr[/caption]
Housing works from around the globe, the Baltimore Museum of Art is Maryland’s largest museum and holds the largest collection of works by Henri Matisse. You can also find works by Picasso, Cézanne, and van Gogh. Admission is free.
Beyond these iconic artists, the museum features serpentine figures from the ancient Americas, traditional ornaments from Melanesia and Polynesia, and Chinese ceramics. After your visit, stop by the sculpture garden or have a meal at the on-site restaurant.
7. Step Inside the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
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Photo by Baltimore Heritage on Flickr[/caption]
Edgar Allan Poe, famed for his macabre works, lived in Baltimore for several years. His preserved residence now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and writing. Inside, find items including his portable writing desk and chair, where he penned some of his greatest stories. Each year, the museum hosts the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards, commemorating the anniversary of his peculiar death in Baltimore. The event includes tours and a reenactment of his death at Carroll Mansion. For literary enthusiasts, this is a must-visit; it also pairs well with a trip to the Historic Ships in Baltimore, which comprise a collection of museum ships and a lighthouse.
8. Take a Tour of the Historic Ships in Baltimore
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Photo by Smash the Iron Cage on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
This includes the USS Constellation (a three-mast sloop-of-war), USCGC Taney (a Coast Guard cutter), USS Torsk (a World War II submarine), the lightship Chesapeake, and the Seven Foot Knoll Light. All are located in the Inner Harbor, making for a perfect sightseeing trip.
Relive Baltimore’s maritime history and learn how these vessels played important roles in the wars they fought. Beyond guided tours, visitors can join overnight tours for a more comprehensive exploration. Their features and designs remain timeless and significant.
9. Travel Back in Time at the Walters Art Museum
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Photo by Hester Qiang on Unsplash[/caption]
Discover an extensive collection of art at the Walters Art Museum in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, near the Washington Monument. This free-admission museum, founded in 1934, moved its artworks from the family mansion to a palazzo-style building. Marvel at art from Ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Etruscan times, including a Roman Funerary stele and alabaster reliefs from Assyria. See pieces from Aztec and Maya cultures, Chinese and Japanese porcelains, medieval European artifacts, and Renaissance and Baroque paintings. For planning your visit, consider consulting a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to anticipate similar seasonal conditions in Baltimore's climate.
10. Satisfy Your Curiosity at the Maryland Science Center
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Photo by Christopher Amrich on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Visiting the Maryland Science Center is one of the fun things to do in Baltimore for travelers of all ages. Three levels of exhibits include a planetarium, full-scale dinosaur replicas, interactive displays, and an IMAX theater. Its proximity to the American Visionary Art Museum makes it a two-in-one stop near Federal Hill Park.
Explore the Dinosaur Mysteries exhibit, tour inside the human body, and try lying on a bed of nails. The museum also offers immersive live shows and programs. For a different kind of exploration, you can use a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to plan your next trip, but here in Baltimore, the science center satisfies curiosity year-round.
11. Tour the B&O Railroad Museum
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Photo by Reading Tom on Flickr[/caption]
Originally named the Baltimore & Ohio Transportation Museum, the B&O Railroad Museum is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and won Best Museum for Little Kids in Nickelodeon’s Parents’ Picks Awards. Explore railroad memorabilia, locomotives, and coaches. Ride the Mile One Express, a 20-minute round trip along the first commercial mile of railroad track in America. Children can listen to a railroad story, participate in interactive activities, and ride a miniature train around a small town. The souvenir shop sells locomotive and railroad-themed gifts.
12. Unwind at Fell's Point
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Photo by BruceEmmerling on Pixabay[/caption]
Fell's Point is another historic district in Baltimore, boasting more than 300 buildings on the National Register. With cobblestone streets and 18th to 19th-century homes, the waterfront neighborhood reflects the city’s nautical history. Fell’s Point also offers antique shops, coffee bars, restaurants, and over a hundred pubs.
After sightseeing, explore its charming streets and well-preserved storefronts. Sample local food at the market, or take a photo walk. Have dinner on Chesapeake Bay seafood like oysters, blue crab, and striped bass. Cap off the evening with booze and bar chow at a bar, interacting with friendly locals.
13. Admire the Flowers of Sherwood Gardens
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Photo by javajem on Pixabay[/caption]
Escape to the blooming fields of Sherwood Gardens, a popular destination for its colorful tulip fields. The garden also features azaleas, dogwoods, and other flowering plants, with free admission to the well-maintained bushes and boxwoods. In spring, over 80,000 tulip bulbs burst into bloom, reminiscent of the tulip fields in the Netherlands. Take part in the Annual Tulip Dig to bring home these bulbs. Bring cameras for a photoshoot and soak up the gorgeous views of flowers and greenery.
14. Grab a Bite at Lexington Market
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Photo by Baltimore Heritage on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
After sightseeing, replenish at Lexington Market, a huge indoor market with over a hundred vendors and one of the longest-running markets in the world, operating since 1789. For over 230 years, it has preserved Baltimore’s thriving trade and food culture.
Sink your teeth into crab cakes at Faidley’s Seafood, lo mein at Chinese Pavilion, and other dishes. Satisfy your sweet tooth with cookies, danishes, and baked goods at Berger’s Bakery. The Market also hosts jazz bands and performances from nearby elementary and middle school students on certain days.
15. View Baltimore From the Top of the World Observation Level
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Photo by Patrick Gillespie on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
For first-time visitors, the Top of the World Observation Level is a must. Located on the 17th floor of the World Trade Center, the deck offers 360-degree views of downtown Baltimore and the Patapsco River. Admission starts at 6 USD for adults, with special rates for events like Fourth of July celebrations and art exhibitions.
Beyond the panoramic views, a touching tribute to 9/11 victims is etched on the windows. From the glass, you can spot landmarks like the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower. If you are planning a trip around the new year, the observation deck is a popular spot for watching the fireworks. For weather planning, consult a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to compare conditions.
16. Meet Different Animals at The Maryland Zoo
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Photo by angela n. on Flickr[/caption]
Home to more than 2,000 animals, the Maryland Zoo is a family-friendly destination in Druid Hill Park. Opened in 1876, it is one of the oldest zoological parks in the United States, divided into different areas. The African Journey is the zoo’s largest area, boasting an enclosed walk-through aviary, lion exhibit, giraffe house, and a massive observation area for African elephants. The Maryland Wilderness area features otters, bobcats, and farm animals, while polar bears inhabit the Polar Bear Watch.
Visitors can also get up-close encounters: feed giraffes by hand, join goats on a trek through the farmyard, and feed turtles and penguins. For the ultimate experience, join keepers as they feed African penguins or watch a giraffe training session on a guided tour.
17. Tour Port Discovery Children’s Museum
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Photo by Port Discovery on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Looking for more things to do in Baltimore with children? Port Discovery Children’s Museum, housed in the Fish Market building near the Inner Harbor, offers three floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits that encourage learning through play. Children can captain a life-sized cargo ship at The Port to learn how products travel worldwide. At Wonders of Water, kids make life-sized bubbles and create music with water. A small convenience store teaches grocery shopping, while a theater hosts musical performances and a visual arts studio nurtures budding artists.
18. Get a Taste of La Dolce Vita in Little Italy
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Photo by Louis Hansel - Restaurant Photographer on Unsplash[/caption]
Tourists can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Little Italy, a small neighborhood in southeastern Baltimore. The area is home to at least 20 Italian home-style cafes and eateries where you can savor pizza, pasta, and other Italian classics. Have a chocolate-dipped cannoli, ice cream sandwich, and other Italian desserts at Vaccaro’s or try Cafe Gia’s gnocchi and homemade ravioli.
But aside from its cuisine, Little Italy also hosts several festivals that can get you into the Italian spirit. In October, join the Italian Heritage Day festivities with lively parades and family-friendly events. By December, feel the Yuletide spirit come alive at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This festive celebration is also complete with hot chocolate and the presence of Babbo Natale (Santa Claus).
19. Explore the Baltimore Museum of Industry
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Photo by Marcin Wichary on Flickr[/caption]
The Baltimore Museum of Industry details the city’s rise as a major industrial center through hard work and determination. It showcases working equipment and recreated parts of different industries, including a garment loft, machine shop, and cannery. The museum also features the oldest steam tugboat, dating back to 1906.
Take a guided tour of the museum to walk through the city’s only surviving cannery building, a 1910 pharmacy, machine shop, and vintage printing presses. Learn how these industries shaped Baltimore’s thriving economy. Kids can join interactive tours that let them experience working in an early 20th century Baltimore neighborhood.
20. Find Solace at Baltimore Basilica
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Photo by AgnosticPreachersKid on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Also known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Baltimore Basilica is an imposing Neoclassical structure. As the first Roman Catholic cathedral in the country, it offers a quiet retreat after a day exploring the city. Its exterior resembles a Greek temple, while the interior reveals a tranquil space with light-colored walls and a coffered ceiling. For a deeper appreciation, join a guided tour to see the upper church, undercroft, and crypt. Upon request, you can also visit the Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden.
21. Marvel at the Washington Monument
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Photo by Ron Cogswell on Flickr[/caption]
In the middle of Mount Vernon is the Washington Monument, a towering obelisk dedicated to George Washington. It has long been part of the neighborhood’s skyline alongside the Gothic spires of the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church. For first-time visitors, seeing the monument is one of the best things to do in Baltimore.
The ground floor contains a museum about the monument and George Washington. Climb 227 steps to the top for panoramic views of the area. Afterward, explore the Mount Vernon neighborhood, with its cafes, galleries, and architectural marvels.
Where to Stay in Baltimore
(Take note that prices per night depend on the season and are subject to change without prior notice.)
Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
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Photo from Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore Booking.com Page[/caption]
Address: 200 International Drive, Harbor East, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States
Price: Starts at 492 USD per night
Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore is a luxury hotel near Fells Point and Little Italy. Rooms feature modern decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms with bathtubs and walk-in rain showers. On-site amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, sauna, and rooftop infinity pool.
Inn at Henderson's Wharf
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Photo by the Inn at Henderson's Wharf Booking.com Page[/caption]
Address: 1000 Fell St., Fells Point, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
Price: Starts at 197 USD per night
Formerly a tobacco factory, the Inn at Henderson’s Wharf retains exposed brick walls, plantation shutters, and wooden furniture. This boutique hotel offers complimentary butler service for freshly brewed coffee and bath preparation. Start your day with a free continental breakfast in the courtyard. After exploring nearby attractions like the Historic Ships in Baltimore—comprising a collection of museum ships and a lighthouse—unwind with complimentary dark chocolate and your choice of alcohol.
Lord Baltimore Hotel
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Photo by Lord Baltimore Hotel Booking.com Page[/caption]
Address: 20 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
Price: Starts at 169 USD per night
The historic Lord Baltimore Hotel sits in downtown Baltimore, minutes from the Inner Harbor and the National Aquarium. It blends French Renaissance exteriors with modern rooms, from single queen to two-room suites. Each room includes plush bedding, a 40-inch flat-screen cable TV, free toiletries, and a workspace. Its on-site restaurant serves meals from breakfast to dinner. At night, the rooftop bar offers drinks with a view of Baltimore.
Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore/Woodlawn
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Photo by Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore/Woodlawn Booking.com Page[/caption]
Address: 1810 Belmont Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21244, United States
Price: Starts at 84 USD per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore/Woodlawn is a budget hotel near Patapsco Valley State Park. Though located far from downtown, it offers free shuttle services for seamless city travel. Accessible rooms include grab bars in bathrooms, accessible pools, and routes to different areas of the hotel.
Explore Maryland's Charm City
From historical forts, dozens of museums, and kid-friendly attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Baltimore. Meanwhile, museum lovers can spend an entire day hopping from one museum to another, admiring quirky art pieces from the American Visionary Art Museum and Matisse paintings at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Maryland Zoo, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and the National Aquarium are tried and tested family favorite destinations in the city.
