One of America’s oldest seaports, Baltimore is a major city in Maryland with a long history.
Known as Charm City, Baltimore was established by the Constitution of Maryland as an independent city in 1729.
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor boasts crowd-pleasing Baltimore attractions like the innovative Science Museum and the National Aquarium, all within the beautiful waterfront.
Visitors can enjoy a sunset cruise around the harbour to admire the Baltimore skyline as it lights up.
History enthusiasts, art lovers and foodies will enjoy the colorful neighborhoods of this city, which are home to everything from art museums to historic sites to an abundance of excellent restaurants and impressive cultural landmarks.
Things To Do In Baltimore
1. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is a U.S. National Monument located in Baltimore, Maryland.
The fort served as a major defensive position during the War of 1812, when it was bombarded by the British navy.
Today, the Fort McHenry National Monument includes the original fort site, a Visitor Center, a museum, and grounds that are open to the public.
The Visitor Center features exhibits on the history of the fort and the War of 1812.
The museum houses artifacts from the War including cannons and weapons used by the British and Americans.
As you explore its ramparts and visitor center, informative plaques, photos and short video clips all bring Fort McHenry to life.
Fort McHenry is also home to a restored replica of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem that went on to become the basis of the American national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Address: Fort McHenry National Monument, 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
2. Fell’s Point
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore, Fell’s Point was once a bustling shipbuilding port.
The neighborhood is located on the waterfront of Baltimore Harbor and is now home to a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Waterside Fells Point is known for its hip pubs and taverns, many with live music, as well as seafood joints serving Chesapeake Bay crab and oysters.
These incredible old industrial-era buildings and quaint ship captains’ cottages house all kinds of cosy cafes, seafood restaurants and antique shops.
Fell’s Point is also home to the Baltimore Maritime Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the city’s maritime industry.
In addition, Fell’s Point is home to a number of historic ships, including the USS Constellation, a sailing ship that fought in the American Civil War.
Address: Fell’s Point, 1724 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231
3. The National Aquarium
The National Aquarium opened in 1981 and is home to more than 16,000 animals.
The Aquarium has several main exhibits including a freshwater exhibit, a marine exhibit, and an animal hospital.
But one of the most exciting and scariest is Shark Alley.
In this part of the building, lights are dim and sharks swim around in the windows all around the walkways and ramps.
The National Aquarium also has two touch tanks with one of the tanks full of jelly fish.
Visitors are asked to listen to the instructions on how to properly touch them.
For an extra charge, you can experience the Aquarium’s 4D Immersion Theatre.
At specific times of the day, there are shows about sharks, dolphins, and octopus.
The National Aquarium also offers educational programs and tours.
Address: National Aquarium, 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
4. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the third oldest zoo in the United States.
The Zoo is located in beautiful Druid Hill Park less than 10 minutes from Baltimore’s Downtown Inner Harbor.
The site contains more than 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, representing nearly 200 species.
Situated on more than 160 acres of city land, the zoo’s exhibits include an African Savanna, an Australian Outback, and a Children’s Zoo.
The Maryland Zoo manages the largest colony of endangered African penguins in North America, and one of the most successful breeding programs.
Other exhibits include the Chimpanzee Forest, the Leopard Lair, the African Watering Hole, and a section dedicated to the wildlife of Maryland.
There are also other fun things to enjoy at the zoo including a carousel ride, Zephyr’s train ride and an adventure through a prehistoric forest of roaring, rustling dinosaurs deep in the heart of the Zoo.
The Maryland Zoo also offers educational programs, camps, and tours.
Visitors can take home a souvenir from the Zoo’s Wild Things Gift Shop that is open all Zoo hours.
Address: Maryland Zoo, 1876 Mansion House Dr, Baltimore, MD 21217
5. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a ballpark located in downtown Baltimore, it is the home of the Baltimore Orioles.
The stadium opened in 1992 and is considered by many to be one of the best examples of baseball-specific architecture.
The park was also the first of its kind to incorporate modern amenities into a traditional ballpark design.
Some of the unique features of Oriole Park at Camden Yards include a brick façade, asymmetrical field dimensions, and a retro-style scoreboards.
The park also has several signature touches that make it unique, such as the bird’s eye view of downtown Baltimore from the upper decks and the B&O Warehouse beyond right field.
Since its opening, Oriole Park at Camden Yards has been widely praised for its architecture and design.
The park has been named one of the best stadiums in baseball by Sports Illustrated and ESPN, and was even declared “the best ballpark in America” by Baseball America.
Visitors can attend an MLB game to experience the vibrant energy of Orioles fans, or take a stadium tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the complex and to learn the history of baseball in Baltimore.
Address: Oriole Park, 333 W Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201
6. The Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum is a world-renowned art museum founded in 1934 by Henry and William Walters.
The museum’s collection encompasses 36000 objects from around the world, spanning many centuries and cultures.
The Walters’ collection includes works from the ancient world, medieval Europe, Renaissance Italy, and baroque Spain, as well as Asian, Islamic, and African art.
The museum also has a strong permanent collection of American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Visitors to the museum can explore the galleries at their own pace or take part in one of the many public programs offered by the museum.
These programs include tours, lectures, films, concerts, and family-friendly activities.
One of the best things to do in Baltimore for any art lover and Admission is free.
Address: 600 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
7. American Visionary Art Museum
In 1996, the American Visionary Art Museum was founded by Rebecca Alban Hoffberger in Baltimore, Maryland.
The museum’s stated mission is “to promote an appreciation of visionary art and to educate the public about such art and its creators.”
The museum has been described as “one of America’s most eccentric museums”, and features a wide variety of outsider art, including works by self-taught artists, folk artists, and contemporary artists working in alternative or experimental media.
The museum’s collection includes over 4,000 pieces of art, ranging from paintings and sculptures to installations, modern art and mixed media works.
The museum also has a library and archives containing over 10,000 books, periodicals, and AVAM-related materials.
American Visionary Art Museum is located in the historic Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore, just a few blocks from the Inner Harbor.
The American Visionary Art Museum occupies a three-story building that was formerly a spice warehouse.
The museum opens its doors Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230
8. Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art is one of the oldest art museum in the United States.
Its collections include more than 1,000 works of art from around the world, spanning a wide range of periods and styles.
It is located in the Charles Village neighborhood, just north of downtown Baltimore.
The museum also houses a library with over 100,000 volumes, as well as a conservation lab that is used to preserve and restore works of art.
Today, the Baltimore Museum of Art is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Baltimore Museum of Art is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is free.
Address: Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218
9. Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is a historic seaport in Baltimore, Maryland.
The harbor is located on the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, just south of where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay.
The Inner Harbor was once the center of maritime activity in Baltimore, with ships from all over the world coming to trade goods and passengers.
Today, the Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and the Port Discovery Children’s Museum.
The Inner Harbor is also home to many restaurants, shops, and hotels.
A great place to go walking, biking, shopping and sightseeing!
Address: Inner Harbor, 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
10. B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum is a living history museum that tells the story of American railroading.
The museum is one of the oldest railroad museums in the United States.
The B&O Railroad Museum is home to some of the most iconic locomotives in American history, including the first locomotive to run in North America, “Old Tom”.
The museum also has a large collection of early 20th century cars and cabooses.
The B&O Railroad Museum offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults.
The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, such as Thomas the Tank Engine days and holiday-themed events.
Address: B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223
11. Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Port Discovery Children’s Museum is located in the historic Fish Market building in Baltimore, Maryland’s Inner Harbor.
It is 80,000 square feet and has three floors of indoor exhibits making a day full of fun things for kids ages 0-10.
They have many permanent attractions and several special events and visiting exhibits.
A big favorite is the three-story treehouse KidWorks, a futuristic jungle gym on which the kids can climb, crawl, slide, and swing their way through stairs, slides, ropes, zip lines, and tunnels, and even across a narrow footbridge.
They will also enjoy kicking around a ball on the mini-soccer field, searching for a Pharoah’s lost tomb in 1920’s Egypt, and winding their way through the wacky Miss Perception’s Mystery House.
There are over 13 permanent interactive exhibits that kids can enjoy. .
Port Discovery Children’s Museum is filled with creativity, fun, and imaginative play.
It’s a great place for families to spend a day when visiting Baltimore.
Address: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, 35 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202
12. Lewis Museum
Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Lewis celebrates the significant accomplishments of African Americans throughout 400 years of Maryland’s and Baltimore city’s history.
The Lewis Museum is the largest African American history museum in Maryland, and features more than 11,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 200 seat theater auditorium, classrooms, an outdoor terrace and more.
Permanent exhibits include “The Strength of the Mind, Things Hold, Lines Connect” and “Building Maryland, Building America”.
Other facilities include an oral history recording and listening studio, a special exhibition gallery and resource center.
One of the best things to do in Baltimore for anyone interested in history.
Address: Lewis Museum, 830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
13. Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place
Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place are two of Baltimore’s most iconic landmarks.
The Washington Monument is a 167-foot-tall marble obelisk that was erected in 1829 to honor George Washington.
The monument is located in Mount Vernon Place, a 10-acre park that surrounds the monument.
Mount Vernon Place is also home to the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Museum, and the Peabody Institute.
The George Washington Monument is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is free.
Address: 699 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
14. Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center is located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and opened to the public in 1976.
The science center offers a variety of exhibits and programs that explore the natural and physical sciences.
Visitors can learn about the human body, Earth’s history, space exploration, and much more.
The Maryland Science Center also houses a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
With its commitment to education and public outreach, the Maryland Science Center is a valuable resource for the community.
Address: Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
15. Federal Hill Park
Federal Hill Park looms high above the inner harbor in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore and offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Inner Harbor.
This city park is also home to a number of historical landmarks.
Federal Hill Park is a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and festivals.
The park also has a nice playground, along with plenty of trendy restaurants and shops in the surrounding area
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free.
Address: Federal Hill Park, 300 Warren Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
16. Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum is a national historic landmark.
It is the former home of American writer Edgar Allan Poe.
Poe lived in the house from 1833 to 1835. During that time, he wrote some of his most famous works, including “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart”.
Today, the house is open to the public as a museum.
Visitors can see furniture from Poe’s time, as well as original manuscripts and letters.
The museum also offers tours of the neighborhood where Poe lived.
Address: Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, 203 N Amity St, Baltimore, MD 21223
FAQ
What is Baltimore famous for?
Baltimore is famous for many things, including being the birthplace of the National Anthem, the home of the Ravens and Orioles, and the city with the best crab cakes.
What is the largest church in Baltimore?
Baltimore Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The beautiful neoclassical Baltimore Basilica, whose grand portico resembles a Greek temple, was built between 1806 and 1821 and has been hailed as a major monument in American architectural history.
Owing to its great historical and architectural significance, the Baltimore Basilica has been named as a National Historic Landmark.
What is Graffiti Alley in Baltimore?
A hidden graffiti alley in urban Baltimore is a haven for street artists.
Located in the Arts and Entertainment District of Baltimore, it allows street artists to create colorful art without the fear of being locked up.
Why is Baltimore called Charm City?
The nickname came from a 1975 meeting of advertisers seeking to improve the city’s reputation.
Efforts to redevelop the area started with the construction of the Maryland Science Center, which opened in 1976, the Baltimore World Trade Center (1977), and the Baltimore Convention Center (1979).
