Digital Resources: Baltimore

Handy Mobile Applications

Navigation & Transit

CharmPass:
Download this app to purchase mobile tickets for MTA buses, Metro Subway, and Light RailLink.
Google Maps/Apple Maps:
These are critical for navigation (walking, driving, public transport routing) and finding points of interest.
Uber/Lyft:
For convenient ride-sharing throughout the city.
Yelp/TripAdvisor:
Useful for finding and reviewing restaurants, attractions, and local services.
SpotHero/ParkWhiz:
If driving, these apps support finding and booking parking spots in advance.

Specialty & Social

HappyCow:
A useful app for finding vegan and vegetarian dining options.
Babbel:
A language learning app. Access Babbel via This link.
NordVPN:
For secure browsing on public Wi-Fi. Access NordVPN via This link.
Visit Baltimore Socials:
Follow @VisitBaltimore for event updates and inspiration.
Local News:
Local news social media accounts provide current event information.

Online Information Hubs

Official Tourism

Visit Baltimore (baltimore.org) is the official tourism site, offering comprehensive information.

Visit Baltimore

Public Transport

Maryland Transit Administration (mta.maryland.gov) for maps, schedules, and fares.

MTA Maryland

City & Attractions

Baltimore City Government (baltimorecity.gov) and attraction sites like aqua.org (National Aquarium) and nps.gov/fomc (Fort McHenry) provide direct information.

Baltimore City National Aquarium

Audio & Visual Discovery

Local Podcasts

Search "Baltimore history podcast" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Look for "Baltimore food podcast" for culinary insights.
These resources offer engaging ways to learn about the city's past and present.
Discover unique local stories through audio.

Digital Content

YouTube channels or travel blogs featuring Baltimore present visual tours.
Look for content creators sharing their city experiences.
These often capture a current perspective on Baltimore.
Digital content aids in visualizing your trip.

Print Resources

Recommended Guides

Moon Maryland: With Baltimore, Annapolis & the Chesapeake Bay
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington D.C., Maryland & Delaware
Consider a quality street map of downtown Baltimore.
Moon Maryland Guide

Literary Explorations

Baltimore: A History in Print (various authors)
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
The HBO series The Wire for urban insights (available on Amazon).
These present profound local context.

Local Reads

Baltimore Magazine
Baltimore Beat or Baltimore Banner
Look for current local independent news publications.
These offer insights into city life and culture.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Urgent Calls

All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911 (direct dial, free call from any phone).
Non-Emergency Police (Baltimore City): 311 (for non-urgent police matters or city services).
Poison Control: +1 (800) 222-1222 (for poison emergencies).
Keep these numbers readily accessible.

Medical Facilities

Johns Hopkins Hospital: 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287.
University of Maryland Medical Center: 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Mercy Medical Center: 345 St Paul Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202.
For non-emergency medical needs, seek urgent care centers.

Important Procedures

If your passport or visa is lost or stolen, report it to local police (311 for non-emergency report).
Immediately contact your country's embassy or consulate for replacement travel documents.
In severe weather events, follow local news channels and official advisories (e.g., National Weather Service).
Your hotel generally provides guidance and updates during such events.

Visual Insights

Baltimore on Screen

The HBO series The Wire presents a fictionalized, yet deeply insightful, look at various aspects of Baltimore life.
This acclaimed series offers a glimpse into urban challenges and unique city character.
Watch for perspectives on policing, politics, and education.

More Media

Search for other documentaries or films set in Baltimore.
These works often capture the city's unique spirit.
They offer cultural context for your visit.

Cultural Immersion & Connect

Local Arts Scene

Explore jazz music from Baltimore artists.
Discover the city's local punk and indie music scenes.
Check local venue listings for live performances.

Community & Language

TripAdvisor forums present Baltimore-specific questions and traveler experiences.
Reddit's r/Baltimore is a local community for various discussions.
For non-English speakers, language apps like Duolingo or Babbel provide basic English phrases.

Dive into Baltimore

City's Past

Explore historical accounts from various authors.
Research prominent events and figures in Baltimore's timeline.
Visit historical markers throughout the city.
Consider local history tours for detailed information.
This adds a layer of depth to your visit.

Local Culture

Familiarize yourself with local art forms and movements.
Understand the city's culinary traditions beyond seafood.
Learn about unique Baltimore neighborhoods.
Engage with community events if timing permits.
This prepares you for a richer cultural experience.

Enriching Your Journey

Music Exploration

Discover Baltimore's diverse music scene, from jazz to indie.

Artistic Expression

Explore local galleries in Mount Vernon and Station North Arts District.

Community Dialogue

Engage with online forums like Reddit's r/Baltimore for local insights.

Tip: Offline Maps

Before your trip, download offline maps of Baltimore to your phone. This supports navigation even without internet access.

More Exploration Avenues

Cultural & Community Connections

Documentary & Film Insights

The Wire:
The HBO series The Wire offers a fictionalized but insightful look into various Baltimore aspects.
Local Narratives:
Search for other documentaries or films set in Baltimore to gain cultural context.
Visual Storytelling:
Visual media supports an understanding of the city's complex character.

Art & Music Scene

Music Diversity:
Explore jazz, punk, and indie music scenes from Baltimore artists; check local venues for live performances.
Artistic Spaces:
Discover works by local artists in galleries throughout Mount Vernon and the Station North Arts District.
Engage with Culture:
Participate in local art walks or music festivals if they align with your visit.

Connecting & Communicating

Online Forums

TripAdvisor forums offer a space to ask questions and read traveler experiences specific to Baltimore.

TripAdvisor Baltimore Forum

Reddit Community

Reddit's r/Baltimore is a local community where discussions on various topics, from dining to events, take place.

R/Baltimore

Language Learning

For non-English speakers, language learning apps like Duolingo or Babbel provide basic English phrases.

Babbel Language App

Reviewing Travel Details

Pre-Trip Review

Revisit essential sections of this guide for helpful planning information.
Confirm your grasp of local transportation systems.
Review safety guidelines for your chosen activities.
Confirm all important documents are prepared.

Itinerary Confirmation

Double-check opening hours for all planned attractions.
Confirm any booked tours or reservations.
Plan for flexible time in your schedule.
Consider weather forecasts when finalizing daily plans.

Comprehensive Preparedness

Packing Readiness

Compile a comprehensive packing list suitable for Baltimore's climate.
Consider necessary adapters for electronics.
Pack any specific medications with clear labels.
Include comfortable walking shoes for city exploration.

Financial Foresight

Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel dates.
Understand local currency (USD) and common payment methods.
Consider a mix of cash and cards for various situations.
Familiarize yourself with typical costs for dining and activities.

Tip: Navigate with Offline Maps

Downloading offline maps of Baltimore on your phone supports navigation even if you lose internet connection, an useful feature for urban exploration.

Digital Resources