Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland, is full of fascinating historical landmarks, impressive cultural sites, and world-class museums. The city’s charming neighborhoods, located around the Inner Harbor, offer plenty of opportunities to explore vibrant arts areas and trendy nightlife spots.
Baltimore has a rich history as a shipping, railroad, and manufacturing center, which is evident through its centuries-old forts, ships, and buildings scattered throughout the city. Many of the museums focus on these important aspects of Baltimore’s past, while others explore various aspects of art and sciences.
In addition, Baltimore boasts an excellent aquarium, zoo, picturesque parks, and serene waterfront walks. Apart from enjoying the sights, sounds, and aromas of the city’s old seaport, visitors can also indulge in superb shows or sporting events.
Baltimore is home to the NFL’s Ravens, MLB’s Orioles, and the internationally renowned Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
18. American Visionary Art Museum
The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore is a one-of-a-kind museum that showcases art from self-taught artists all over the world. The museum, located near the Inner Harbor and Federal Hill Park, features a wide variety of creative collages, colorful costumes, and peculiar sculptures.
The art displayed here is often referred to as “outsider” or “intuitive” art and the collection consists of over 4,000 objects and installations. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing artwork by people from various walks of life, including housewives, the homeless, mechanics, the disabled, and even neurosurgeons.
While the unusual and amazing artwork is a delight to explore, the museum’s historic buildings are equally special. These buildings, which used to be a whiskey warehouse and a copper paint factory, are adorned with quirky creations. The museum also features beautiful sculpture plazas and gardens surrounding the buildings.
17. Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center is a great place for families to have fun and learn. It has many hands-on exhibits and experiments. The center is located next to the Inner Harbor and is very popular. It has been open to the public since 1976, but it is actually one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country.
Local scientists have been meeting as part of the Maryland Academy of Sciences for more than two centuries, which is why the center has so many interesting things to see. You can explore exhibits about dinosaurs, flight, human anatomy, and nature. There is also a planetarium and IMAX theater where you can watch educational shows.
16. Little Italy
Little Italy is a neighborhood southeast of the city center that has many excellent restaurants and traditional trattorias. It is known for its strong Italian-American heritage and is a popular place to go out to eat. Originally, the area was home to Irish, German, and Jewish immigrants, but in the early 1900s, many Italian-Americans moved in.
Since then, both locals and tourists have enjoyed delicious food at its cozy restaurants. Besides dining, you can also take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful and beautiful neighborhood and visit the impressive St. Leo’s Church. In the summertime, the neighborhood hosts an outdoor film festival and other cultural and community events.
15. Inner Harbor & Historic Ships
The Inner Harbor is the heart of the city, known for being an important seaport in the US. Over the years, it has become a popular destination for tourists because of its attractions, museums, and historic ships. Situated near the Chesapeake Bay, sailors and ships have been welcomed here since the 18th century.
Visitors can now explore these historic vessels or capture photographs as they float in the bay, including a WWII submarine, coast guard cutter, and the USS Constellation, the only Civil War-era ship still floating.
Besides the impressive Fort McHenry, there aren’t many historic sites at the harbor itself, but it is filled with museums, attractions, seafood restaurants, chic shops, and exciting nightlife. The street performers and stunning views of the harbor’s sparkling waters and skyline further add to its charm.
14. Maryland Zoo
If you’re more into amazing animals than history and culture, the Maryland Zoo is the perfect place to visit. Located in the historic Druid Hill Park, it’s just a short drive northwest of downtown. Since its founding in 1876, the zoo has grown significantly, now housing over 2,000 animals from more than 130 species. During your visit, you can spot a variety of creatures, including polar bears, penguins, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes.
Apart from exploring exhibits featuring mammals, reptiles, and birds, there are also playgrounds and picnic areas for a leisurely break. Visitors can witness the feeding of lions and giraffes or schedule a special encounter with the charming African penguins.
13. Baltimore Museum of Art
Located in Wyman Park, right next to the charming Charles Village neighborhood and John Hopkins University campus, the Baltimore Museum of Art is another one of the city’s many prestigious institutes with a world-class collection.
Founded in 1914, this internationally renowned museum is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens adorned with statues.
Inside its expansive galleries, visitors can admire an impressive array of artwork including paintings, photographs, and drawings created by legendary artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Degas, and van Gogh.
In addition to these famous works, the museum also showcases a delightful collection of decorative arts, artifacts, textiles, and sculptures from various parts of the world. With a mix of ancient artworks and thought-provoking contemporary installations, the museum offers a captivating experience that is definitely worth a visit.
12. Washington Monument & Mount Vernon
The Washington Monument is a tall and impressive structure located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. It is dedicated to George Washington and offers great opportunities for taking photos and enjoying the views. The monument stands in the center of the square, reaching a height of 178 feet. At the very top, there is a statue of George Washington.
It was constructed between 1815 and 1829 and offers a lovely view of the Greek Revival and Beaux Arts buildings in the surrounding area. Besides admiring the statues, fountains, and parks at its base, visitors can also enter the museum to learn more about the monument.
However, the highlight is climbing up the spiral staircase to reach the viewing platform, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
11. B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum is a captivating place to explore. It is home to an impressive collection of valuable items from the railroad industry. Inside, visitors can find numerous artifacts and displays, as well as over two dozen old trains and steam locomotives that are truly magnificent.
The museum is located in the historic Mount Clare Station, along with the adjacent roundhouse and a former train manufacturing site. These buildings, made of beautiful brick, date all the way back to 1829, making them an important part of American railroading history.
In addition to showcasing the history and development of train travel, the museum also houses various engines, railway equipment, and other memorabilia. One of the most captivating features of the museum is a large turntable, surrounded by well-preserved locomotives from the 1800s. As an added bonus, visitors can even take a scenic ride on the most historic mile of track in the United States.
10. Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry, located at the entrance to Baltimore Harbor, is a fascinating historic site on the tip of the Locust Point peninsula. It is a National Monument and Historic Shrine where visitors can take tours, learn about its history, and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding waters.
The fort was built between 1798 and 1800 and is famous for its role in the War of 1812.
It successfully defended the harbor from a British navy attack, and these events eventually inspired the writing of the United States’ national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Exploring the fort’s ramparts and visiting the visitor center allows visitors to experience the history through informative plaques, photos, and video clips.
9. Peabody Library
The Peabody Library at John Hopkins University in Mount Vernon is a historically and culturally significant place. It is known as the ‘Cathedral of Books’ and is a valuable part of Baltimore’s intellectual and architectural heritage. The library was built in 1878 and funded by a wealthy financier and philanthropist.
It is located very close to the Washington Monument. The library’s exterior features Renaissance Revival style architecture, but its interior is what makes it truly remarkable. The central hall is expansive and boasts five levels of beautifully crafted wrought-iron balconies with gold-scalloped columns.
The hall also has a stunning skylight high above. Inside the library, there are over 300,000 important books from the nineteenth century and beyond, making it a truly impressive collection.
8. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Watching a Baltimore Orioles baseball game is a must-do activity in the city, known for its love of sports. The atmosphere at their home stadium, Camden Yards, is amazing and the experience is always unforgettable. Despite being built in 1992, the stadium has a retro look with old-fashioned signs and logos.
It has become one of the most popular ballparks in the league, offering great views of the game and plenty of food options. In addition to cheering for the team, visitors can also visit the hall of fame and museum. The stadium is also conveniently located near the birthplace of Babe Ruth, a legendary player in MLB history. Baseball fans should definitely check out the museum dedicated to him.
7. Fell’s Point
Fell’s Point is a charming historic district that has been around since the eighteenth century. It is a popular place to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The area is filled with trendy shops, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife. Its brick buildings and cobblestone streets add to its charm.
In the past, it was a shipbuilding district, but after the Civil War, the waterfront area and its attractive architecture were restored and revitalized in the seventies. Nowadays, the old industrial-era buildings and cozy ship captains’ cottages are home to various cafes, seafood restaurants, and antique shops.
Besides exploring the district, shopping, and experiencing its lively yet relaxed atmosphere, there are also historic sites and museums to visit. Fell’s Point has the highest number of restaurants and bars in the city, making it a top destination for shopping, dining, and going out in Baltimore.
6. Baltimore Museum of Industry
Located on the Patapsco River near downtown, the Baltimore Museum of Industry is a fascinating and educational place to visit. It is housed in an old oyster cannery from the 1860s, giving it a unique appearance.
The museum was opened in 1977 to preserve the city’s industrial history, and it showcases the various businesses and manufacturers that have operated in Baltimore throughout the years. Guests can explore interactive exhibits and view old artifacts, including recreations of a cannery, garment loft, pharmacy, and print shop.
The museum not only explains the processes involved in these industries but also highlights their inventions, evolution, and traditions. Outside, visitors can admire the Baltimore, an impressive old tugboat, which is docked at the quay. On Saturdays, there are demonstrations of the museum’s working machines.
5. National Aquarium
Located on Pier 3 of the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, the National Aquarium is a popular attraction for families. It boasts spacious tanks and well-designed exhibits that house over 20,000 mammals, fish, and amphibians from more than 750 species. Since opening in 1981, it has gained a reputation as one of the best aquariums in the world.
The aquarium consists of distinct-looking buildings that overlook the surrounding waters. Inside, visitors can explore different themed areas such as Shark Alley, Amazon River Forest, and Blacktip Reef. One particular exhibit called Maryland: Mountains to the Sea offers a detailed look at the state’s ecosystems and animals.
As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of creatures, including jellyfish, giant octopi, sharks, sea turtles, and even sloths. In addition to observing the animals, you can also interact with starfish and stingrays in a touch tank.
The aquarium also hosts dolphin shows that are truly amazing, and you can even take a walk through a lush rainforest environment.
4. Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave Site
You can also visit Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave Site at the corner of N Greene and W Fayette streets in West Baltimore to pay your respects. The cemetery outside of Westminster Hall holds his grave and has impressive old markers with quotes and symbols related to the renowned author.
Despite his affinity for mystery and the macabre, even in death, Poe experienced many difficulties. His burial was initially unmarked, and strange incidents and accidents caused a delay in providing him a proper funeral. Finally, in 1875, 26 years after his death, he was interred at his current resting place.
The stone tomb now features beautiful engravings of the author, a raven, and its infamous quote. Furthermore, you can discover other fascinating and atmospheric graves sprinkled throughout the rest of the cemetery.
3. Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum is located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, close to the Washington Monument. It has been around since 1934 and has received many compliments for its wide variety of art styles spanning over seven millennia.
The museum is named after the father and son who started the collection and its 36,000 works are housed in two old townhouses and one modern building. Inside, you can see ancient Ethiopian icons, beautifully decorated Qur’ans, serene images of the Buddha, Roman sarcophagi, and romantic paintings of French gardens from the nineteenth century.
Each artwork is accompanied by detailed explanations of its artistic qualities and historical significance. In addition to admiring the masterpieces, visitors can also explore the gift shop and cafe, as well as participate in arts and crafts workshops.
2. Top of the World Observation Level
Just a short walk away, there is an amazing viewpoint in the city that offers stunning 360-degree views of B’more. It is called the Top of the World Observation Level and is located on the 27th floor of the Baltimore World Trade Center, approximately 350 feet high.
From this observation deck, you can see the beautiful Inner Harbor and the lively downtown area. They have interesting audiovisual presentations that bring the city’s history and landmarks to life. Once you’ve taken in the view and captured some photos, you can visit the moving 9/11 Memorial of Maryland.
This memorial honors the 68 Maryland residents who lost their lives during the attack and includes steel beams from the site and their names.
1. M&T Bank Stadium
If you’re interested in both sightseeing and exciting sports, you should definitely visit the amazing M&T Bank Stadium. It’s the home stadium of the beloved Baltimore Ravens and is located just a short distance south of downtown. This stadium is praised for its easy accessibility, great amenities for fans, and excellent views of the action.
The enthusiastic fanbase of the team adds to the unforgettable atmosphere, with all the seating areas proudly displaying the Ravens’ signature purple color. Although it has been around for more than 20 years, this large venue also hosts various other sports events, concerts, and shows throughout the year.