8 Fun Things to do in Baltimore Maryland: Weekend Itinerary

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Apparently, Baltimore is nicknamed “Charm City.” As someone living on the west coast…it wasn’t one that I often heard. In fact, I heard very little about Baltimore in general, overshadowed by neighboring D.C. and Philly. The only time I did hear someone mention Baltimore was someone I used to work with in a lab, who told me not to bother visiting because Baltimore was a “dump.” I also think she might’ve been racially biased, so I didn’t pay attention to her. There’s GOTTA be some fun things to do in Baltimore somewhere, right??

I didn’t get the opportunity to visit Baltimore until 2022, when I did my giant 2-month southern road trip. YEAH YEAH BEFORE YOU JUMP DOWN MY THROAT – I know Baltimore isn’t conventionallyyyy labeled as “southern,” but we were still able to squeeze it in! However, our journey had us passing through Baltimore in April which…is apparently still FREEZING in Baltimore because it was LITERALLY snowing. We also only stayed for one day.

The city that I had dreamed of visiting for years….was mostly closed. So honestly, I didn’t do much. In fact, I could’ve ended the blog post right here, but I didn’t want to leave y’all hangin. It’s hard for me to get to the East Coast, with flight prices these days requiring first born children as down payments, so I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get back to Baltimore (during the right season!!) and give it the proper time it deserves. Thankfully, Lola from Deyewa, a local Maryland blogger, has volunteered to fill in the gaps of my itinerary and give us all the best things to do in Baltimore! Thanks Lola!

Thank goodness for local bloggers, eh?? So sit back, grab a fun bevvie, and let’s get the 411 on all the charming things to do in Baltimore!

Baltimore Quick Facts

• Airport: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Nearest Big Cities: Washington DC (1hr), Philadelphia (1hr), New York City (2.5hrs)
• Population: 576,498 (2021)
• Ancestral Lands: Piscataway and Susquehannock Nations

Things to do in Baltimore

Since this is a post focusing on things to do in Baltimore rather than a full blown out travel guide, we’re just going to get right into the nitty gritty. Since I was only in Baltimore for literally one day, I don’t have many pictures, so please excuse the use of stock images!

Museums

Now, one of the best things to do in Baltimore is go to a museum, cuz baby, there’s alotta of em. Now, of course, there’s all the “standard” museums if that’s more your speed. The Maryland Science Center is a major attraction in Baltimore Harbor and features three floors of exhibits, a planetarium, and an observatory. 

The Baltimore Museum of Art is one of the top things to do in Baltimore with kids, especially for those interested in art or in learning about different cultures. Or if you’re traveling with little ones during less-than-sunny weather, Port Discovery is one of the best indoor activities in Maryland.

However, if you’re like me and you like to visit the more “location-specific” museums that are truly one of a kind (hello, like the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi!!!), then consider visiting these while you’re in town!

• Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum: Named after two incredible Black activists, you can learn the vibrant maritime history of African Americans and how they were fundamental in turning Baltimore into a flourishing Port City.
• B&O Railroad Museum: It truly is the birthplace of American railroading, and you can learn all about it here!
• Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum: As the name suggests, it’s all about the historic legacy of Babe Ruth and baseball as America’s “favorite pastime.”
• Edgar Allan Poe Museum: For all you emo writers and poets out there (myself included), you can explore all things Poe in his former Baltimore house!
• Reginald F. Lewis Museum: As the largest African American museum in Maryland, it is THE spot for Maryland African American history and culture.

Eat Crabs!

You literally cannot leave Baltimore without eating crab. The city is home to Maryland Blue crabs, which are a species of crab native to the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. But basically all YOU need to know is that it is delicious and eating crab is one of the best things to do in Baltimore.

Yanno, if you eat crab. But even if you don’t, we still got you!

Lola’s local recommendations (and you should trust her!!) for the best crab in Baltimore are L.P. Steamers, Nick Fish House (great live music nights!), and Cantler’s Rigerside. For my lil two cents, I liked the crab cakes at Next Phaze Cafe, and while I didn’t personally get to try it, Papi Cuisine also came highly recommended to me for a little bit of Baltimore meets Caribbean fusion.

And for those following a more plant-based diet, The Land of Kush is a 100% vegan soul food restaurant that has THE BEST “crab” cakes in the Northeast!

Fells Point Food and Walking Tour

Hands down, one of my favorite recommendations for ANY city is a food tour, which usually also doubles as a walking tour. Two birds, one stone. So of course, taking a food tour is one of the must things to do in Baltimore!

Fells Point is a historic Baltimore neighborhood, and one of the first three “founding” neighborhoods of the city. One of its most famous residents was abolitionist, author, and statesman Frederick Douglass. Now, Fells Point is also known for its trendy pubs, eclectic seafood restaurants (eat crab!!!!), record stores, artsy boutiques and galleries.

The Fells Point Food Tour by Charm City Tours takes guests through a variety of restaurants and shops, where they can try some of the most popular dishes, from crab cakes to pit beef to Polish specialties.
The tour goes on for about 3.5 hours long and includes food tastings at 5 stops. Each guide shares stories, and insights about the neighborhood’s past and present.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

It holds a special place in American history, whether you know it or not! During the War of 1812, the British bombarded Fort McHenry. One small, tiny, tattered flag of 15 stars and 15 stripes flew over Fort McHenry, a flag that would represent the land trying to free itself.

Well…trying to free its white male self, anyway. Spoiler – the United States of America.

But I digress. After twenty-five hours of battle, in a feat that surprised everyone, the American flag still stood strong, somehow holding its own against a military that was bigger and better equipped. The sight of the flag still standing inspired journalist and lawyer Francis Scott Key to write the poem “Defense of Fort McHenry.” It goes a little somethin’ like this:

O! say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there—
O! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave

Does that ring a bell? It would later become known as the national anthem and retitled, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Other contenders for the national anthem were “America the Beautiful” and “Yankee Doodle.”

Thank God Yankee Doodle didn’t win.

Anyways, as a visitor to the fort, you can see the daily flag raising ceremony. Cute!

George Peabody Library

The Peabody Library is beautiful. Point blank period. In fact, it was actually my first stop in Baltimore! Located in an institution you miiight have heard before, John Hopkins University, the George Peabody Library holds over 100,000 books.

Due to its visual appeal, it’s popular for wedding ceremonies and events. That said, just to keep your expectations on the right wavelength, usually only the ground floor is open to the public. And the ground floor is not very big – you’ll maybe spend ten minutes if you’re just popping in for a quick view. The rest of the library is reserved for researchers and JHU students, and yessss it is enforced so no sneaking around.

That said, the main room IS still worth visiting! Plus, if you need a place to get work done, there are plenty of desks. Just know that it is INSANELY quiet, so keep your voice on library mode!

Inner Harbor Cruise

This is definitely something that I wish had been on my radar because it’s one of the best things to do in Baltimore if you’re short on time! The Inner Harbor Cruise is a popular scenic boat tour that allows visitors to explore Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and its surrounding waterways.

And for newbies like myself, the “Inner Harbor” is basically a sightseeing hub situated along the waterfront of the seaport that put Baltimore on the map. The cruise offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline, historic sites, iconic landmarks, and bustling waterfront, providing a relaxing and informative experience for tourists and locals alike.

Guests can see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the USS Constellation, the National Aquarium, and Fort McHenry. They will also learn about the history of the Inner Harbor and how it has transformed into a vibrant waterfront destination. The cruise departs from the Inner Harbor Marina and lasts for about 90 minutes.

Rawlings Conservatory

Located in Druid Hill park, Rawlings Conservatory is a historic conservatory and botanical garden. And it’s massive. I’m talkin’ five distinct greenhouse rooms, one 1/2-acre garden with many flower beds and a kaleidoscope of colors all year round.

It is one of the best FREE things to do in Baltimore, so even if you’re on a budget it’s a great way to spend an hour or two. The conservatory is home to over 10,000 plants from around the world, including orchids, cacti, and succulents. While the Conservatory is one of the prettiest things to do in Baltimore, it alsooo puts Baltimore on the map for the best spring flowers in the US for folks who enjoy flowers, plants, and all things chloroplast.

Top of the World Observation Level

If you’re a fan of views, then one of the next things to do in Baltimore is head to the Top of the World Observation Level, located on the 27th floor of the Baltimore World Trade Center. It is also the world’s tallest “regular” pentagonal-based skyscraper! Well, actually the pentagonal-based JPMorgan Chase Tower in Houston is taller, but by some technicality it is not considered “regular.” Don’t ask me what that means, I do not know.

ANYWAYS, aside from providing fantastic views of the city, you can also visit the 9/11 memorial just outside the building and an exhibit to memorialize the passengers of Flight 93

Due to its proximity to the attacks, the Baltimore World Trade Center also went on lockdown. The memorial structure includes three 22-foot long steel beams from the New York World Trade Center, which were part of the 94th to 96th floors of the north tower. Twisted and fused together, the steel beams and damaged limestone pieces from the Pentagon’s west wall rest atop marble blocks bearing the names and birthdays of the 68 Marylanders who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Inscriptions on the marble platform, describing the events of the September 11 attacks, are arranged so that the building’s shadow moves across them like a sundial. On September 11 each year, the shadow touches each inscription at the time that event occurred.

Baltimore FAQs

And of course, there are way more things to do in Baltimore than what Lola and I have listed, but that should be a good jumping off point to your planning! Be sure to check if there are any events, concerts, and shows that might be happening during your visit, as those can really elevate your trip and make it that much more memorable!

Now, if you’re like me and you don’t know too much about Baltimore, Lola has helped with answering a few commonly asked questions that you might also be wondering about!

Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?

Yes of course, Baltimore is worth visiting. It is a city with a lusciously vibrant history, incredible food (eat crab!!!!), and plenty sights and things to do in Baltimore. Plus, it’s very easy to get around! It’s not New York City, and you can get a feel for the city in a few days, but Baltimore holds its own in terms of unique characteristics and charming history.

If you go around comparing every city’s “worthiness” against some of the largest major cities in the world, then…you’re really doing yourself a disservice. Instead, focus on finding aspects of a city that make it unique and the qualities that local residents hold dear. If THOSE are aspects that interest you as a visitor, then it’s worth checking out.

In my opinion, Baltimore is absolutely worth visiting! If not for their unique accents alone, haha- IYKYK

It’s like the old saying goes: if you don’t want to visit Baltimore, you’re racist. I’m sorry, I don’t make the rules.

I know that Baltimore has a lot of grassroot organizations doing a lot of community outreach and trying to build sustainable things to do in Baltimore that give back to local businesses so the city can use tourism momentum in a healthy and regenerative way. If by chance you visit and fall in love with Baltimore, or you’re just nosy like me, I had fun checking out homes for sale in Baltimore just to image what it would be like to live there and add to that creative fire working to revitalize the city.

Is Baltimore Safe to Visit?

Ahhh…this is such a loaded question.

I won’t get too deep into it now, but safety is relative. If anything, you are more likely to be “unsafe” in your city of residence than traveling somewhere.

But I digress.

As the hub of attractions in the city, the Inner Harbor is generally considered safe for walking and enjoying its attractions, particularly during the daytime and early evening hours when there is a higher level of activity and visitors. That is true for most of the neighborhoods mentioned in this things to do in Baltimore post. Of course, something can happen anywhere at anytime to anyone (includinggg if you just stay at home!), but as a tourist you’ll probably be just fine in Baltimore.

One of my biggest safety travel tips: if you don’t want to find trouble, don’t look for it.

How Many Days to Spend in Baltimore?

Definitely more than one!! However it isn’t that big of a city, so my recommendations is to spend 2 or 3 days in Baltimore, a long weekend would be perfect! Be sure to make note of your interests for things to do in Baltimore so you make sure to budget an appropriate amount of time!

Where to Stay in Baltimore?

The absolute best boutique hotel in Baltimore is the iconic The Ivy Hotel. It is (quite literally) rated as one of the top luxury hotels in the entire country (#6 to be exact – go Baltimore!!). Located in one of the historic mansions that line Mount Vernon, the Ivy offers artfully designed suites for a (mostly) all-inclusive experience that will leave you rebooking a trip to Baltimore the second you check-out.

However, if luxury isn’t your style (or if you’re just on a budget like me lol), then there is practically every hotel chain on the planet available in Baltimore. There are lots of great places to stay and even some hotels with indoor pools in Baltimore. Choose whichever you are loyal to (or if you aren’t, pick one to be loyal to and start racking up those free points!!).

Is Baltimore a Walkable City?

Thankfully, Baltimore is one of most walkable large cities in the country. And if you stay in Inner Harbor, most of the fun things to do in Baltimore are walkable right from your hotel! Along with handy-dandy rideshare apps, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is also a convenient and affordable way to get around – and the Charm City Circulator and the Harbor Connector downtown are FREE!

Conclusion: Things to do in Baltimore

Welp that just about does it for this post on things to do in Baltimore! Thanks again to Lola for helping me with this post – definitely go check out her other content on Baltimore and Maryland! So on a scale of 1-10, did I convince you to visit “Charm City?”

If you’ve already been, what are some other cool things to do in Baltimore that you would recommend? Let me know in the comments below!

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