Inner Harbor Downtown Dock Ship, Baltimore, Maryland

Best Things To Do In Baltimore

No Wonder It's Called Charm City

By Taylor Fuller | Published on August 21, 2023

Baltimore is one of those cities that really makes you feel like a local, even if you've only been there for a short time. So, it's no surprise it's called Charm City — and I can attest to that, too. I spent my college years in Baltimore, and it still feels like home. There are so many interesting places to go and things to do in Baltimore thanks to its history, delicious food, beautiful sights and amazing culture. When cruising out of Baltimore, spend some time before or after you set sail to explore this incredibly magical city.

Experience the magic of Baltimore.

Embrace the Baltimore Culture

Benches and flowers at Park Avenue Median Park, in Bolton Hill, Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is a quaint yet fascinating city.

Family cruises from Baltimore will take you to some amazing places, such as the Bahamas and Bermuda. This port is convenient to get to, especially if you're based on the East Coast. I recommend rounding out a perfect tropical vacation with some time spent in Baltimore. Sports fanatics, museum lovers, big-city wanderers, foodies and adrenaline-seekers will never run out of exciting things to do in Baltimore.

Traveling with friends? You're in for a good time at the city's many breweries. Traveling with your partner? You'll find some romance on the quaint streets, and the scent of sugar lingering in the air around the nearby Domino Sugar factory will warm you up. Traveling with your family and kids? The National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the best aquariums in the country, while summer afternoons are made complete when you root for the Orioles and enjoy some ice cream.

Depending on the time of year you visit Baltimore, try to catch a Ravens or Orioles game in action. Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium stand right next to each other in downtown Baltimore, so you're right in the middle of five-star restaurants, live entertainment, historical sites and more. The locals get very serious about their sports culture, making for some very energetic games and one of the most fun things to do in Baltimore. If you can't get tickets, though, don't worry! Grab a stool at one of the sports bars that surround the stadiums and enjoy the game!

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Book a cruise from the wonderful city of Baltimore.

Fun For The Whole Family In The Inner Harbor

Waterfront Promenade National Aquarium Sunset, Baltimore, Maryland

The Inner Harbor is a great place to spend the day with kids.

After watching your team win, head to nearby Inner Harbor. The Inner Harbor is the most well-known area in Baltimore, and the most lively, too. This is also where you'll find the Baltimore Visitor Center, so if you have any questions when you arrive at your cruise, this is the best place to go.

Aerial View Downtown Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is home to an award-winning aquarium.

The National Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Baltimore with kids. Here, you can explore dozens of family-friendly exhibits such as Shark Alley, Jellies Invasion, Blacktip Reef, Amazon River Forest, and the Upland Tropical Rain Forest. Your kids will love seeing all the different creatures swimming around, including vibrant fish, sharks and even crocodiles.

For a new perspective of the city, rent a speedboat and prepare for some adrenaline-pumping fun as you zip around the harbor. Or, for something a little tamer, the paddle boats are fun for the whole family! We used to drive down to the harbor from Loyola University on a sunny Saturday and spend the entire day out on one of these before grabbing dinner at one of the nearby restaurants serving up the freshest seafood.

From there, spend the afternoon at the Historic Ships in Baltimore Museum, which showcases a lighthouse, submarine and more. Across the way is the Maryland Science Center, which will not only thrill the kids you have in tow but also the adults, too. Learn about all things science with plenty of hands-on exhibits.

Sports fanatics, museum lovers, big-city wanderers, foodies and adrenaline-seekers will never run out of exciting things to do in Baltimore.

Baltimore city, Maryland, USA. Mount Vernon Historic District.

Mount Vernon is a great place for a romantic trip.

Take A Tour Of Baltimore's Neighborhoods

Baltimore is one of those cities that has so many unique neighborhoods hidden away — you just have to know where to go. One of those neighborhoods is Mount Vernon, one of my personal favorite areas of Baltimore. It's easily accessible from other parts of the city and is perfect for a romantic trip. One of the most romantic things to do in Baltimore is to enjoy a meal outdoors at one of the bistros and then take a walk down the cobblestone streets, admiring the historic architecture.

While in Mount Vernon, make sure to climb the Washington Monument for breathtaking views of the city, get your culture fix at the Walters Art Museum, or visit one of the most incredible libraries in the world, the George Peabody Library. You may recognize this stunning library from a few famous films, such as "Sleepless in Seattle." This area is always alive with trendy cafés and natural wine bars at every turn. Visiting Baltimore in the summer? You're sure to stumble upon live music in one of the local parks.

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore is Fell's Point, a waterfront neighborhood that dates back to 1763. Fell's Point is a historic treasure. I used to love coming down here and walking through the cobblestone streets, looking into the windows of independent shops and grabbing food or a cocktail at one of the bars or restaurants. History buffs will find this area interesting as it was the home of Fredrick Douglass. The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum tells the story of African-American nautical history.

Afterward, grab a pretzel dog, which is a hot dog wrapped in a pretzel from one of the vendors in the square. It's a great snack to enjoy while you wander through the street markets. Baltimore has one of the oldest continuously operating public marketing systems in the country. You can find them scattered all over town, serving up pretty much anything you can think of. My personal favorite is Belvedere Square Market, which is super close to Loyola and has a mean chicken salad sandwich. There's also Cross Street Market, Mount Vernon Marketplace, Avenue Market and more.

Then, keep the historical tour going when you pop into the city's oldest bar, The Horse You Came In On Saloon. Make sure to stop here if you're a fan of Edgar Allan Poe as it's rumored to be his last stop before his death.

Baltimore Inner Harbor and downtown business district cityscape skyline with National Aquarium and boat marina viewed from Federal Hill Park in Maryland

The views from Federal Hill are incredible!

For those on a budget and interested in free things to do in Baltimore, a stroll around Federal Hill is a great idea. This charming neighborhood is filled with historic row homes and local shops and restaurants. It's an interesting area because it was once a defensive stronghold during the War of 1812. Walk along the hill and you'll even see replica cannons set against stunning views of the Inner Harbor. From Federal Hill, make sure to head to Locust Point, which is where you can visit Fort McHenry, the inspiration for "The Star-Spangled Banner," written by Francis Scott Key.

Blue Crab with Old Bay Seasoning, Maryland, Baltimore

Maryland blue crab is the one thing you need to eat in Baltimore.

Eat Your Way Through Some Baltimore Staples

A trip to Baltimore is not complete without indulging in some Maryland blue crab. The best time of year to try these is in the summer and early fall, and you can find this succulent meal all across Baltimore. Indulge at Captain James Seafood Palace, which is my favorite spot for fresh crab. Don't expect anything fancy; the tables are covered in brown craft paper and the meal will be messy. A few dozen steamed crabs — always steamed right there in Maryland — are dumped on top of your table. No plates here! Kids will get a kick out of eating with their hands and watching you smash the crabs with a wooden mallet. Don't skimp on the Old Bay seasoning — that's the most important part.

Some other crab dishes when dining in Baltimore include crab cakes and crab dip, all washed down with a Natty Boh, of course. If crabs aren't your thing, don't worry. There are a lot of other mouthwatering goodies to try in Baltimore. To fulfill your sweet tooth, you'll have to get your hands on a Berger cookie from Berger's Bakery in Lexington Market. A Berger cookie is more cake than cookie, all coated in fudge frosting. Be warned: They're addicting.

Beer more your thing? Check out the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery, which is the only Guinness brewery in the entirety of the U.S.! There are also a ton of craft breweries, such as Checkerspot Brewing Company, Diamond Back, Mobtown Brewing, Monument City, Peabody Heights, Union Craft and more. You could easily plan a full day of brewery-hopping with friends and have an amazing time on your vacation to Baltimore.

Written By
TAYLOR FULLER

Taylor Fuller is a travel and lifestyle writer. She has lived and traveled all over the world and loves to share her experiences. She is the author of The Rainbow Atlas and currently calls London her home.

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