Things to Do in Baltimore

About Baltimore

Where cobblestone streets echo with maritime history and modern innovation pulses through historic neighborhoods, Baltimore unfolds like a well-worn love letter to American resilience. The Inner Harbor sparkles with possibility, its waters reflecting gleaming glass towers that stand sentinel over centuries-old brick facades. Here, the aroma of Old Bay seasoning mingles with salt air while water taxis glide past tall ships, creating a symphony of past and present. From the literary ghosts that haunt Edgar Allan Poe's grave in Westminster to the vibrant murals that transform Hampden's quirky streets into open-air galleries, Baltimore reveals itself slowly to those who pause to listen. This is a city that wears its blue-collar heart on its sleeve, where authentic crab cakes are serious business and neighborhood festivals feel like family reunions. In Baltimore, every corner tells a story—of immigrants who built Little Italy, of musicians who birthed unique sounds, and of communities that transform adversity into art.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Utilize the free Charm City Circulator buses that connect major attractions including Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Federal Hill. The clean, efficient Metro subway links downtown to BWI Airport ($1.90). Downtown parking averages $15-25 daily, so consider staying near transit lines.

Money: Most establishments accept cards, but carry cash for historic market stalls and food trucks. Tipping 18-20% is standard at restaurants. Many museums offer resident discounts—ask if you're staying locally. Happy hour specials run 3-6 PM at most establishments.

Cultural Respect: Baltimore takes immense pride in local pronunciation: say 'BALL-tim-ore' not 'BALL-tih-more.' Show respect when visiting neighborhoods recovering from urban challenges. Engage genuinely with locals who are typically friendly and helpful to visitors asking respectful questions.

Food Safety: Stick to busy seafood establishments for freshest crabs and oysters, especially May through October. Lexington Market vendors maintain high turnover—choose stalls with steady customers. Local favorites like Phillips Seafood and Thames Street Oyster House maintain excellent standards year-round.

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) offers Baltimore's sweet spot with temperatures ranging 60-75°F, minimal rainfall (3 inches monthly), and blooming cherry blossoms around the Inner Harbor. Expect 15-20% higher hotel rates during peak cherry blossom weeks. Summer (June-August) brings hot, humid weather (75-85°F) with afternoon thunderstorms, but fantastic festival season including Artscape (mid-July) and HonFest (early June). Hotel rates peak 25-30% higher, especially during Orioles home games. Fall (September-November) delivers crisp temperatures (55-70°F), stunning foliage, and comfortable humidity. This season offers excellent value with rates 10-15% below summer peaks. The Baltimore Book Festival (late September) and Edgar Allan Poe events (October) create cultural buzz. Winter (December-March) sees temperatures drop to 35-50°F with occasional snow. Hotel rates fall 20-35% below peak season, making it ideal for budget travelers and museum enthusiasts. New Year's Eve fireworks at Inner Harbor draw crowds despite cold weather. Shoulder seasons (late March, early December) provide the best balance of pleasant weather and reasonable pricing for flexible travelers seeking authentic Baltimore experiences.