Things to Do in Baltimore
Baltimore has been a as well as decades old, vital American seaport. It was instrumental during the war of 1812 in which the fortification of Fort McHenry led to the writing of the star-spangled banner song by Francis Scott Key. The city, however, today is a center of medicine, technology and the arts and it still has the great charm of the old world.
A Brief History of Baltimore
Baltimore was founded in 1729 and it has been a crucial seaport to America. It had significant contribution in the war of 1812 when the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner was inspired during the defense of Fort McHenry. The city is presently a home of medicine, technology and arts, yet it has the Old World appearance and feel.
Where is Baltimore, Maryland?
Central Maryland, making Baltimore located at the tidal section of the Patapsco River, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay. It is well located approximately 40 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. and 100 miles south west of Philadelphia. This renders it a day trip or an ideal weekend getaway to people exploring the Mid-Atlantic region.
Things to Do in Baltimore Inner Harbor (The Must-Sees)
Take the 2.9-mile Walk Around the Harbor
Baltimore has a tourism center which is the inner harbor and it is best explored by taking a stroll at the scenic brick pedestrian walk. This is almost a 3 mile loop that links the major attractions, shops and restaurants besides providing the stunning views of the water. It is a fabulous means of finding your way and having fun in the sea breeze and as the sailboats and dragon boats pass by.
Take a Water Taxi to Fort McHenry
Water taxi of blue and white to reach the historic fort McHenry are used to get a traditional Baltimore experience. The ride in itself has got a spectacular panoramic view of the city skyline to be hardly found on land. Once there, you can go to the birthplace of the National Anthem, and the military history of its heroism.
See the Historic Ships
The Inner Harbor contains a wonderful series of old vessels, which form floating museums. On the USS Constellation, the final sail-only warship ever constructed by the US Navy you can go below deck or tour a WWII-era submarine, the USS Torsk. It is an interactive approach to maritime history and observe how sailors lived and worked at the high seas.
Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
This historic red screw-pile lighthouse, which was built in 1855, is the oldest of its kind in Maryland. It was at the mouth of the Patapsco River, but then transferred to Pier 5 in order to be available as a museum piece. The lighthouse is free to walk through so that you can glimpse the original living quarters and get to know about the lonely yet important life of a lighthouse keeper.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is always ranked as one of the best in the world and is a must visit attraction. It has thousands of animals, including dolphins and toothy sharks as well as exotic birds at the tropical rain forest exhibit. The aquarium is also on the forefront of conservation in 2026 and therefore it is educational and exciting to both families and nature enthusiasts.
Things to Do in Baltimore’s Best Neighborhoods
American Visionary Art Museum (Federal Hill)
This is a museum that is based on the Federal Hill and pays tribute to the outsider art of self-taught individuals. The building itself is a work of art and the mosaics are glittering, and the items of the exhibitions are invariably quaint, provoking and quite original. Generally it is considered to be one of the most innovative and motivating museums in America.
Federal Hill Park Views
Keep on your walk along Baltimore Harbor by going up the stairs to Federal Hill Park, where you will get the most scenic sight of Baltimore. It is a perfect view of the Inner Harbor and the downtown skyline, and can be viewed at the very top of the hill. It is a common picnic location during sunset or a good location to get that ideal “postcard” of your Baltimore experience.
Fell’s Point
The waterfront neighborhood is also historic, known by its Belgian block streets and 18 th century buildings. Fell point boutique shopping and the most ancient pubs in the country. It is nautical and bohemian, and feels like the ideal place to wander and people watch along the docks on a long afternoon.
Hampden
We recommend you go to the neighbourhood that inspired one filmmaker, John Waters, the Hampden, in case you are interested in having that weird Baltimore experience. The Avenue, as it is also known as the major avenue, is flanked by antique shops, color row houses and most of the innovative restaurants in town. It is the place where one can have something special in terms of souvenirs and learn the local culture that makes Baltimore so special.
Unique Things to Do in Baltimore (Hidden Gems)
Rawlings Conservatory
This historic glass conservatory is located in Druid Hill Park and has five climate-controlled rooms, a palm house and an orchid room. It is a quiet, tropical retreat which you find exotic world flora. Due to its beautiful Victorian buildings, it is a popular destination among photographers and plant lovers.
Get a Snowball at Ice Queens
When you go to Baltimore, you cannot leave without trying a snowball (Icey treat of the city). The ice is shaved much finer than a snow cone, and is usually crowned with marshmallow cream. A local favorite is Ice Queens in Locust Point, a place which offers innovative, sophisticated flavors that give the ideal cooling treat on a hot afternoon in Maryland.
Go to an Orioles Game at Camden Yards
The old-fashioned design of Oriole Park at Camden Yards is referred to as The Ballpark That Changed Baseball Forever. The view of the B&O Warehouse, the ambiance and the food (try the crab fries!), make it an experience that you will not forget even when you are not a huge sports fan. It is also still one of the most beautiful stadiums to watch a game in the country.
The Observatory at Patterson Park
The other amazing point of view of the city and the harbor is the so called Pagoda, a magnificent Victorian building. The Pagoda is situated in the heart of a huge park typical of the city and is a site of celebration of the design of the 19 th century. Although it can only be visited on some days, the adjacent park is an excellent jogging spot in the morning or a relaxing walk.
Things to Do in Baltimore for Food Lovers
Nick’s Fish House
Nick’s Fish House is the place where one can be sure to have a true Maryland seafood. It is located on the waterfront where it serves its steamed blue crabs, crabcakes and an animated outdoor deck. Nothing is more Baltimore than sitting outside, having a cold drink and tray of crabs with live music.
Phillips Seafood Brunch
Phillips is an iconic figure in the city and their brunch is a luxurious means to begin your Sunday. You may feast on fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail and their famous Maryland crabcakes. It is an excellent place to be with groups and families in search of quality seafood in a traditional and cozy environment.
Miss Shirley’s Cafe
Miss Shirleys is continually ranked among the top breakfast places in the nation and offers Southern cuisine with a Maryland flair. Be sure to try the “Crabby Mary” or their famous pancakes. It is so popular that you will have to wait a little on the weekend- but it is well worth it!
Where to Stay in Baltimore, Maryland
To have the most enjoyable experience, one should be in the Inner Harbor or Harbor east areas, which are the most central and can be easily walked around. In Fell’s Point, a boutique hotel or a guest house will be the way to go in case you are more historic- and cozy-oriented. The University of Maryland Medical Center has a number of good hotels close to it that provide ease of access to the “T” and other means of public transportation to budget conscious travelers.
If you are planning an unforgettable trip through the Northeast, my comprehensive guides cover the very best things to do in New York City, from the bright lights of Times Square to the peaceful paths of Central Park. For those who love deep historical roots and a vibrant academic atmosphere, our latest update on things to do in Boston explores everything from the Freedom Trail to the scenic Charles River. Finally, don’t miss our deep dive into things to do in Philadelphia, where you can balance iconic American history with a world-class vegan food scene and local gems like Reading Terminal Market.
Final Thought
Baltimore is a city of surprises. With its rich historical background, to its offbeat modern urban areas, you will never run out of new and exciting things to do in Baltimore. Have fun in Charm City!