Charm City is one of the places that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re wandering the waterfront, the next to your elbows deep in a mountain of crab while the local passionately explains the sacred art of Old Bay seasoning.
If you’re planning a trip to Baltimore, it’s an excellent choice. Whether you’re staying somewhere central, such as https://www.myroost.com/extended-stay-hotel-baltimore or popping in for a quick weekend escape, Baltimore is packed with things that you have to see, taste and do at least once. To make it easy, here’s a friendly guide to the top experiences you should never miss.
1. Explore the Famous Inner Harbor
If Baltimore had a beating heart, it would be the Inner Harbor. It’s the city’s waterfront playground. It’s scenic, lively and ridiculously easy to spend time here. You won’t even notice the time passing because there’s so much to do. You can stroll the promenade along the water, browse Harborplace shops and take the iconic dragon shaped paddle boats for a spin. You could eat waterfront seafood with a salty breeze on your face and you get the perfect mix of city life and ocean vibes. There’s also plenty of places to stop for ice cream and people watching.
2. Visit the National Aquarium
Even if you’re not a museum person, the National Aquarium is a guaranteed win. It’s one of the best in the country, and it’s more like walking into an underwater theme park than a typical aquarium. You’ll find sharks, rays, frogs, jellyfish, and an entire indoor tropical rainforest. There is a living coral reef that feels like a sci-fi movie, and you can expect to take a million pictures and press your face against the glass like an enthusiastic child. No shame, everyone does it.
3. Eat all the Crab, but Don’t Wear White
Baltimore and crabs go together like sunshine and summer. If you’re coming to the city, a crab feast is non-negotiable. Whether you get those steamed Blue Crabs, crab cakes or crab dip so good it counts as a personality trait, you’ll thank yourself later. Embrace the mess that comes with eating crabs and remember that the locals take Old Bay seriously. Extremely seriously. No matter where you eat, you will need extra napkins and choose a restaurant along the water because the hidden spots often have the best flavor and the best vibes.
4. Wander the cobblestones in Fells Point
If you want charm, history and great food all rolled into one, Fells Point is your neighborhood. Think cobblestone streets with cute boutiques and lively bars. It’s got the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. You can grab a coffee at one of the waterfront cafes, browse the indie shops and eat at a cozy Tavern. You can even watch people from the pier.It’s effortlessly cool without trying too hard, and it’s the perfect mix of old and new Baltimore.
5. Federal Hill for the Best View in the City
Federal Hill Park looks like a simple grassy hill until you climb it and discover the best panoramic view of the entire Inner Harbor. From up top, Baltimore looks like a postcard. It’s got sparkling water, drifting boats and rising skyscrapers on the horizon line. The city unfolds in every direction, so bring your camera, bring your snacks, and bring someone who enjoys a dramatic, cinematic sunset.
6. Get Artsy at the American Visionary Art Museum
AVAM is Baltimore’s most wonderfully weird and wildly creative museum. It celebrates self-taught artists and unconventional artwork. So think giant sculptures, colorful mosaics, quirky inventions and displays that make you tilt your head and understand whether it’s made out of buttons. Even people who normally sprint past museum doors have fun here. It’s joyful, imaginative, and packed with all of the whimsy you could want.
7. Visit Camden Yards
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is one of the most beloved ballparks in Major League Baseball, and you don’t need to know anything about sports to appreciate it. The stadium is gorgeous and the energy is incredible, and there are classic ballpark snacks. Every single seat in the stadium has a great view, and if you are a baseball fan, welcome to heaven. Grab a hot dog, cheer with the locals and enjoy one of the most nostalgic baseball atmospheres in the country.
8. Check out Mount Vernon, the Elegant Neighborhood
Mount Vernon is the refined, artsy sibling in Baltimore’s family of neighborhoods. It’s packed with stunning architecture, peaceful parks and historic monuments. Some of the best cultural attractions are in the city right here and the Walters Art Museum, the Peabody Library, the Washington Monument. There’s so much to see, and you’ll want to see it all. It’s the perfect place for a slower and more relaxed afternoon of wandering, so bring a picnic.
9. Take a Water Taxi Ride
Why walk when you can float? Baltimore’s water taxis connect the harbor to multiple neighborhoods. Canton, Fells Point, Locust Point and Harbor E are all here, and you can see them all from the comfort of a breezy boat ride. It’s sightseeing, transportation and relaxation all in one. Plus, it’s an excuse to feel like you’re on a mini cruise, even if you’re only going 10 minutes away.
10. Leave Time for Spontaneous Discovery
Baltimore has tons of hidden treats for anybody who visits. Even the locals are still discovering the hidden charms. They don’t call it the Charm City for nothing, and it has a way of giving you the moments you couldn’t have planned. You might find a hidden bakery with the best cookies you’ve ever tasted or a quiet park bench with a perfect waterfront view. The crabs are iconic, yes, but the food scene goes way beyond seafood, so you’ll be able to try snowballs, local coffee shops and bakeries, and even international cuisine in neighborhoods like Remington.
Baltimore has something for everyone, but now you have 10 things you can do that you didn’t know you needed to.