Baltimore trips and vacations
Perched along Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s largest city has a heavyweight history that stretches back nearly three centuries, when it was one of America’s most strategic ports. Trips to Baltimore toggle between its storied past and promising future. Explore century-old forts and rowhouses alongside contemporary art galleries and a food scene that’s both innovative and traditional, where blue crab and cold beer never go out of style.
The best neighborhoods in Baltimore
Inner Harbor
First-time visitors planning where to stay in Baltimore will find the best hotels in the Inner Harbor. The rigging and masts of historic tall ships are overshadowed by four and five-star properties, with the best harbor views found 27 stories high at the Top of the World Observation Deck. Take a cruise of Chesapeake Bay and save time for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.
Good for: Harborside views, hotels, museums
Fells Point
To the east of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point is home to the oldest bar in Baltimore and has some 300 historic buildings on the National Register. Book yourself a harborside hotel, dig into a plate of steamed local crab and catch live jazz in the same neighborhood where legendary singer Billie Holiday was raised.
Good for: History, seafood, bars
Federal Hill
You’ll see Federal Hill to the south of Inner Harbor, where old Civil War-era cannons stand on a raised hilltop surrounded by boutique hotels. The Cross Street Market makes Federal Hill the best area to stay in Baltimore if you’re here to shop. For the creative and the curious there’s the American Visionary Art Museum and Maryland Science Center.
Good for: Art, shopping, science
Things to do in Baltimore
Catch a professional baseball game, step aboard a tall ship in the Inner Harbor and search out the city's literacy legacy. Here are the best things to do in Baltimore.
Family-friendly things to do
Packed with play areas and interactive learning zones, Port Discovery Children's Museum is one of the best things to do with family in Baltimore. Kids will love the different trains and themed rides at the B&O Railroad Museum. And game days at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home to the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, are always an action-packed family outing.
Take in the culture
Baltimore played a pivotal role in America’s early history. Visit Fort McHenry to see where US defense during an attack by British forces inspired the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ anthem. Uncover Civil War history on the USS Constellation, relive ‘The Raven’ at the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum and enjoy free entry at the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Places to eat
If you love seafood, you’re in for a treat in Baltimore. Try Maryland blue crabs steamed and served with Old Bay seasoning. Baltimore crab cakes are also a local delicacy. In summer, freshly shucked oysters and cold beer never go amiss, while the shaved ice and syrup of a Baltimore Snowball is guaranteed to cool you down.
