Why Go to Baltimore
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Baltimore has come a long way from the gritty image TV shows gave it. Today Charm City is a vibrant, culture-rich East Coast destination that still wears its working-class roots proudly. Locals may call it Bawlmer, and they'll welcome you with excellent museums, a great food scene and a revitalized Inner Harbor that draws art lovers, outdoor fans and history buffs alike.
For a classic visit, tour Fort McHenry, where the defense of the city inspired The Star-Spangled Banner, stroll the Inner Harbor and climb Federal Hill Park for the skyline view. Then crack into fresh blue crabs seasoned with plenty of Old Bay. Art lovers will find world-class collections at the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Book lovers can visit the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, and baseball fans can catch the Orioles at Camden Yards. Visit in June for HonFest, a joyful celebration of beehive hairdos and leopard print. After dark, grab a local craft beer in Fell's Point or Federal Hill.
Baltimore is an easy trip from D.C. and Philadelphia. I'll find you a waterfront hotel and plan a weekend of history, food and ballgames.
BEST FOR
History buffs, families, foodies and city explorers
BEST MONTHS
April–June and September–October
EXPLORE
The Inner Harbor connects major waterfront attractions; Fells Point has historic streets and pubs, while Mount Vernon is known for cultural landmarks.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Baltimore
North America › Mid-Atlantic › USA › Maryland
Harbor history, blue crabs and distinct neighborhoods.
Coastal & Harbor
Historical & Heritage
Museums
Crabs
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Pair Inner Harbor sightseeing with a neighborhood visit for a fuller sense of the city.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Reserve timed admission when available and allow several hours for the larger exhibit areas.
National Aquarium
Explore marine ecosystems and aquatic wildlife displays at the National Aquarium on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor waterfront.
Check National Park Service schedules for the visitor center, ranger talks and fort grounds.
Fort McHenry National Monument
Visit the harbor fort associated with the War of 1812 defense that inspired the words of the U.S. national anthem.
Waterfront attractions have separate admission and hours; choose comfortable shoes for extended walking.
Inner Harbor
Walk Baltimore’s Inner Harbor promenades, passing waterfront attractions, historic vessels and city skyline viewpoints.
Check the current exhibition calendar and museum admission details before visiting.
American Visionary Art Museum
Discover imaginative and unconventional art made by self-taught and visionary artists at this distinctive museum near Federal Hill.
Uneven sidewalks and cobbles can be challenging; consider a daytime waterfront walk.
Fell’s Point
Wander cobblestone streets, historic rowhouses and harborfront restaurants in Baltimore’s maritime Fell’s Point neighborhood.
Waterfront luxury in the historic Fell’s Point district, well placed for harborfront dining and neighborhood walks. Best for visitors who prefer a distinctive waterfront base outside the convention-center core.
Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
Fell’s Point
Boutique
Upscale waterfront stay near Harbor East shopping, restaurants, and the Inner Harbor promenade. A convenient base for visitors planning harbor-area sightseeing and dining.
Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
Harbor East
City
Harbor-facing hotel near the Maryland Science Center and waterfront attractions. Consider the location for walkable museum visits and access to downtown.
Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
Inner Harbor
City
Boutique-style stay in Baltimore’s cultural Mount Vernon district, near galleries, historic architecture, and major arts institutions. A good fit for a museum-focused city break.
Hotel Revival Baltimore
Mount Vernon
Boutique · City · Value
Large downtown hotel close to the convention district and Inner Harbor attractions. Useful for guests combining city sightseeing with business or event travel.
Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor
Inner Harbor
City · Family
A boutique hotel in a historic railroad building, near the Inner Harbor.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor
Downtown
Boutique · City
A modern waterfront hotel between Fells Point and Harbor East.
Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Point
Harbor Point / Fells Point
City
A historic inn in cobblestoned Fells Point, near bars and restaurants.
Admiral Fell Inn
Fells Point
Boutique · Value
A large hotel next to Camden Yards, good for families.
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor
Inner Harbor / Camden Yards
City · Family
A waterfront inn in a restored 1890s warehouse.
Inn at Henderson's Wharf
Fells Point
Boutique
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Baltimore
High 56°F · Low 37°F · Rain 3.1 in
Museums and performances become good options as days shorten. Explore Inner Harbor attractions, Fort McHenry and waterfront neighborhoods. Seasonal highlight: Preakness weekend, traditionally in May. Planning note: harbor cruises and outdoor concerts.
April–June and September –October. Check the forecast and local opening schedules before committing to outdoor excursions.
Best Times to Visit Baltimore
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Sample Maryland-style crab dishes, Chesapeake seafood and neighborhood restaurants in Fells Point, Harbor East and Little Italy. Markets and casual local eateries offer alternatives to the main tourist waterfront.
06
Walking and Rideshares
The Inner Harbor is walkable, but museums and neighborhoods can be spread out. Use licensed rides or public transit for longer trips.
05
Harbor Water Taxi
Seasonal water transport can link Inner Harbor attractions and waterfront neighborhoods. Verify routes and current operating dates.
04
MARC and Amtrak
Penn Station links Baltimore with Washington and other rail destinations. Confirm your train operator and station, especially for airport connections.
03
Light Rail and Metro
Maryland transit services cover selected corridors within Baltimore and toward BWI. Check live schedules and station access for your itinerary.
02
Getting Around Locally
Light rail, Metro Subway, buses and the free Charm City Circulator serve different corridors; use rideshare for dispersed stops.
01
Arriving by Air
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport connects by rail and road to the city.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport connects by rail and road to the city. Light rail, Metro Subway, buses and the free Charm City Circulator serve different corridors; use rideshare for dispersed stops.
Getting Around Baltimore
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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