Charm City Beckons: The Best Places to Visit in Baltimore

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as Charm City beckons, ensuring seamless communication while exploring the best places to visit in Baltimore, from historic landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods and cultural hotspots.

There’s a reason they call Baltimore “Charm City”. This bustling seaport in Maryland has a style all of its own. With scenic harbours, historic ships, fresh crab cakes, hip neighbourhoods, and world-class museums like Fort McHenry and the American Visionary Art Museum, there’s just so much to love about Baltimore.

Let’s check out the top places to visit in Baltimore during your stay:

1. Stroll the Historic Inner Harbor

Start off at the heart of the city—the historic Inner Harbor. Once a major seaport on Chesapeake Bay, today it’s a lively waterfront area lined with shops, cafes, and attractions galore:

• Tour the USS Constellation, the last Civil War-era ship still afloat

• Visit the National Aquarium, home to 20,000+ fish, birds, amphibians, and marine mammals

• Catch a dolphin show or get up close with a live jellyfish at the aquarium’s touch tank

• Take a scenic cruise around the harbour on the 1930s-style Electric Pirate Ship

• Ride the landmark Inner Harbor Carousel, featuring images of Baltimore icons

Pro Tip: Stay at hotels in Baltimore Maryland like the Pier 5 Hotel or Sagamore Pendry Baltimore in the Inner Harbor area for harbour views right from your room.

2. Discover Ships & History in Fells Point

From cobblestone streets and lovingly preserved 18th-century buildings to hip pubs and stores, the historic Fells Point neighbourhood is brimming with character. Located along Baltimore’s harbour, it has a laid-back maritime vibe:

• Step aboard real tall ships like the Pride of Baltimore II or the 1939 Lightship Chesapeake

• Stop by the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park to learn about African American nautical history

• Explore vintage stores, art galleries, music shops, and tattoo parlours along the main strip, Thames Street

• Have a pint at a dockside pub and catch some live jazz at one of the many music venues

• Satisfy seafood cravings at a waterfront crab shack or upscale oyster bar

3. Taste Fresh Crab & More at Lexington Market

Wondering where to eat in Baltimore? A visit to Lexington Market is a must. Operating since 1782, it’s one of the oldest markets in the U.S.:

• Feast on fresh Maryland blue crabs, oysters, shrimp, and fish

• Bite into Faidley’s famous crab cakes, made with jumbo lump crab meat

• Try local specialties like pit beef sandwiches, lake trout, and Berger cookies

• Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, spices, and handmade crafts

• Watch street performers, magicians, and musicians entertain the crowds

4. Explore Cool Neighbourhoods & Art in Station North

Designated as Baltimore’s Arts & Entertainment District, Station North is a thriving hub for creativity and culture. Artists, students, and entrepreneurs give the area a youthful, vibrant edge:

• See innovative exhibits, live shows, and films at the Baltimore Museum of Art

• Tour artist studios at the Cork Factory, Area 405, and the Oliver Street Studios

• Catch a concert or comedy show at the Parkway Theatre or the 2640 Space

• Browse indie shops, record stores, bookstores, and vintage boutiques

• Enjoy ethnic eateries, trendy cocktail bars, and artsy cafes around Charles and Lanvale Streets

Insider Tip: Time your visit with Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival, which takes over Station North each July with hundreds of artists, makers, and performers.

5. Get Inspired at the American Visionary Art Museum

No trip to Baltimore is complete without admiring the wildly creative works at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM). This one-of-a-kind museum celebrates self-taught and outsider artists:

• See unusual large-scale installations, sculptures, and mixed-media creations

• Admire pieces made from unlikely materials like bottle caps, matchsticks, and mirrors

• Take in colorful mosaics, intricate embroidery, and whimsical kinetic sculptures

• Time your visit with the popular Kinetic Sculpture Race in May, when human-powered moving artworks race through the city

• Shop for quirky souvenirs like art prints, jewelry, and toys at the museum’s Sideshow gift shop

Fun Fact: All the art at AVAM is created by self-taught artists with no formal training, driven solely by their own visions and passion.

6. Watch a Ball Game at Camden Yards

Sports fans, here’s one of the top baltimore things to do for you: catch a game at the iconic Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Home to Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles, it’s a landmark downtown stadium:

• Admire the vintage design and old-school charm of the retro-style ballpark

• Cheer on the O’s from one of the 45,971 seats with great views of the field

• Feast on classic ballpark fare like hot dogs, peanuts, and cold beer

• Visit Eutaw Street, a festive pedestrian area with souvenir shops and food stands

• See the impressive Baltimore & Ohio Warehouse, a historic railway building incorporated into the stadium design

Helpful Hint: Take a 90-minute guided tour of Camden Yards on non-game days to access the press box, dugouts, and exclusive suites.

7. Honor History at Fort McHenry

History buffs, don’t miss Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. This star-shaped fort defended Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812 and is the birthplace of “The Star-Spangled Banner”:

• Watch the stirring flag-changing ceremony held every morning and evening

• Explore the grounds, barracks, and batteries on a self-guided tour

• See a replica of the huge 30×42-foot American flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the National Anthem

• Visit in September for Defenders’ Day events with cannon firings, military demos, and live music

• Take in panoramic harbor views from the fort’s outer battery

8. Wander Around Mount Vernon

For elegant architecture, visit the Mount Vernon neighborhood, one of the city’s oldest. Anchored by the landmark Washington Monument, it’s filled with culture, character, and charm:

• Climb to the top of the 178-foot Washington Monument for panoramic city views

• Admire the historic mansions, brownstones, and carriage houses around Mount Vernon Place

• See the gothic spires of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, a historic landmark

• Visit the Walters Art Museum, home to an extensive collection of art from ancient times to the present

• Grab coffee, lunch, or cocktails at Hotel Revival’s stylish rooftop restaurant for views of the monument

Where to Stay in Baltimore

From hip boutique hotels to luxurious waterfront properties, there are plenty of great hotels in Baltimore, especially around the Inner Harbor and downtown:

Upscale Harbor-View Hotels:

1. Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

2. Sagamore Pendry Baltimore

3. Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore

Historic & Boutique Hotels:

1. Hotel Revival Baltimore

2. Lord Baltimore Hotel

3. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore

Budget-Friendly Hotels:

1. Sleep Inn & Suites Downtown Inner Harbor

2. Holiday Inn Express Baltimore Downtown

3. Hampton Inn Baltimore Downtown Convention Center

Seamless Connectivity in Baltimore with Airtel

No matter where you choose from all the great hotels in baltimore, staying connected is key to making travel plans, booking tickets, navigating the city, and sharing your experiences. With an international roaming plan from Airtel, you’ll have reliable mobile data to access maps, apps, websites, and more while exploring all the amazing stuff to do in Baltimore.

From strolling the scenic Inner Harbor to discovering local arts and culture in Station North, there are endless exciting places to visit in Baltimore. So pack your bags, book your stay, and get ready for an unforgettable “Charm City” adventure. With so many fun baltimore things to do, it’s time to see for yourself why this vibrant Maryland port city is such a special destination.