Things to Do in Baltimore

About Baltimore

Baltimore's blue-collar roots run deep, and the city doesn't apologize for it. The Inner Harbor sits where old brick meets modern glass towers, water taxis shuttling past tall ships that date back centuries. Old Bay seasoning cuts through the salt air. Edgar Allan Poe rests in Westminster Cemetery. His literary shadow still hangs over the city, while Hampden's streets showcase murals that locals care about. Worth a visit. Crab cakes aren't a joke here—they're taken seriously, made right or not at all. Neighborhood festivals feel like reunions because they often are, drawing families who've lived here for generations. Little Italy grew from immigrant labor. The music scene developed its own sound. Communities here have always turned struggle into something worth seeing. The city reveals itself slowly. You can't rush it. Water reflects both the past in old maritime buildings and the present in business districts that weren't here twenty years ago—Baltimore keeps moving forward while dragging its history along.

Travel Tips

Transportation: use 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), impressive 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 ensoiasts. 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.