Don’t be fooled by Baltimore’s bright city lights – under the metropolitan facade, this is a city with a quaint fishing town atmosphere and many historical sites.
See a patchwork of colourful districts as you glide from the heritage of the harbour side through to trendy Hampden and the dazzling skyscrapers.
Nicknamed Smalltimore and the Land of Pleasant Living, this bright city strikes the ideal balance between lively and authentic.
Sights and seafood at Inner Harbour
The famous Baltimore crab cake is a landmark dish that is a must-try. This is a local delicacy and can be enjoyed as street food at the local markets or in a rustic waterside tavern.
Baltimore’s most famous dish is a sauteed mixture of crispy breadcrumbs and freshly caught crabmeat, plus a concoction of international flavourings. Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard help to complement the natural flavours of the east coast blue crab.
For even more culinary delights, head east past the National Aquarium to Little Italy. Here the streets are lined with pastry shops, pizzerias and high-end Sicilian eateries. International cuisine comes with a side of authenticity in Baltimore – in this district, Italian movies are screened in the open air each summer.
After lunch you’ll find hours of entertainment on the harbour shores. Enjoy a romantic walk between historic ships, take the family to the Port Discovery Children’s Museum or see exotic sea life at the National Aquarium. This not-for-profit water-based wonder is home to colorful clownfish and eight unique shark species.
Head Downtown
Baltimore’s Downtown district is home to business and innovation, but the area also packs several vacation treats. Whether you prefer lively soccer games or literary wonders, this location has a wealth of star attractions.
In central Downtown, you can expect beautiful architecture, from the neoclassical wonder of the Baltimore Basilica to the wondrous St Alphonsus National Shrine. Don’t be deceived by the redbrick shell – inside, you’ll find an exquisite neo-gothic structure complete with stained-glass windows and ornate statues of the saints.
Park up and stroll south to the Edgar Allan Poe House or north to the colourful Walters Art Museum. Here you’ll find intriguing collections of beautiful works dating from ancient times to the 1900s. Step inside to see ornate international treasures, including Islamic manuscripts dating back to the 1500s.
If you love theatre, there’s more good news – this district hosts several entertaining local festivals. Charm City Fringe Festival is an extra treat if you visit in November, with an eclectic mix of comedy and art.
A shrine to the United States
Baltimore is known as the birthplace of the main focus of the US National Anthem, the star-spangled banner. More specifically, this anthem rose from the site of a battle at Fort McHenry in the city’s industrial south.
Now a National Monument and Historic Shrine, this is a great place to soak up some rural scenery. Take a tour through the historical highlights from the War of 1812 to the present day. There’s plenty of Americana and a suitably large US flag, but you can also explore winding nature trails and beautiful views of the distant metropolis.
The Visitor Center is a family-friendly attraction where you can learn more about the meaning behind America’s most symbolic song.
Rent a car in Baltimore to journey through all the tastes, sounds and rich history of Maryland.
