Baltimore, Maryland is sometimes nicknamed the “Charm City,” and it’s easy to see why. With its wealth of attractions and historic landmarks, Baltimore offers visitors plenty to do. Understanding Baltimore’s culture, landscape and history are important before visiting the city.
The basics
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland. Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Baltimore boasts a world class transportation and infrastructure system. It is served by Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Amtrak. It has a temperate climate with four distinct yet mild seasons. Baltimore has a reputation for crime, but areas that cater to tourists and visitors are considered safe. Lastly, most tourist attractions are clustered in the city’s downtown area, with the outlying parts more residential in nature.
Inner Harbor
The crown jewel of Baltimore, the Inner Harbor is the city’s focal point for tourism. Once a decayed industrial section, the Inner Harbor now boasts many sites of interest.
Harborplace, the Inner Harbor’s main retail center, is packed with stores and restaurants such as Ann Taylor, Five Guys Burgers, Gap and Urban Outfitters. Many tourist trinkets are also available here.
The Inner Harbor also contains a wide array of museums. The National Aquarium boats one of the largest and most diverse collections of marine life in the world. Nearby, the Baltimore Maritime Museum offers a collection of four different historic ships including the USS Constellation, the only Civil War-era vessel still afloat. The Maryland Science Center offers many interactive, hands-on science exhibits, while the Baltimore Civil War Museum gives visitors a look into Baltimore’s role in the U.S. Civil War. Other museums worth checking out are the American Visionary Art Museum, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum and Port Discovery.
Power Plant Live! is filled to the brim with a large number of bars, clubs and restaurants. For nightlife, this is one of the best spots in town.
Finally, for an excellent view of Baltimore and the harbor, head up to the observation deck of the Baltimore World Trade Center. Admission is $5, with discounts available for seniors, children and military members.
Neighborhoods to check out
Fells Point is a historic neighborhood just east of the Inner Harbor. It boasts a ton of bars, restaurants and shops of all kinds. It is one of the city’s top destinations for shopping and dining. Be forewarned that some stores and restaurants can be pricey, but are definitely worth the premium.
Little Italy is a small neighborhood, but offers many authentic Italian restaurants, bakeries and shops.
Federal Hill is a quaint neighborhood with many bars, restaurants and boutique shops.
Mount Vernon and Bolton Hill are beautiful and vibrant neighborhoods with many shops and restaurants. Be sure to check out the Washington Monument, which predates the much larger structure in Washington, D.C. by several years.
Cultural attractions
Baltimore is packed with many other cultural attractions of every kind. Sports fans should check out Camden Yards to catch an Orioles game during baseball season. The city boasts many museums outside of the Inner Harbor, including the Walters Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum and the Star Spangled Banner Flag House and 1812 Museum.
Fort McHenry is a historic military fort and museum that defended Baltimore from an attack by the British Navy during the War of 1812. It was during this bombardment that the celebrated “Star Spangled Banner” was written. Today the fort is open to the public to explore and take in its rich and vital history.
The annual Artscape festival takes place in the Bolton Hill neighborhood. It bills itself as the “largest free arts festival in America.”
Lexington Market is a huge marketplace in Downtown Baltimore. In operation since 1782, Lexington Market is a shoppers’ paradise with many eateries and a wide variety of food stands.
For those with a taste for the performing arts, Baltimore doesn’t disappoint. Check out the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Opera, Center Stage and the Pride of Baltimore Chorus.
To relax and rewind, visitors can choose from several excellent public parks, including Druid Hill Park, Patterson Park and the Mount Washington Arboretum.
Other great attractions in Baltimore include the Maryland Zoo and the Maryland Art Place.
Visit Baltimore!
With its rich history, interesting neighborhoods and unique culture, Baltimore offers plenty to do. Whether visiting for just a few hours or several weeks on end, Baltimore serves up a wide variety of attractions and sites of interest.
Sources
- baltimore.org
- portaltomaryland.com/baltimore
- baltimorecity.gov
Steve Longo - I am a writer and filmmaker living in New York City. My interests include film, politics, world affairs, sports and government issues.
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