Maryland, USA
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Arrive at BWI, take Light Rail or MARC to Inner Harbor. Explore the Inner Harbor promenade. Visit the National Aquarium (book tickets in advance).
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Grab lunch at a casual spot in the Inner Harbor or a food stall at Broadway Market. Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Take the Water Taxi (seasonal) to Fort McHenry. Explore the fort and learn about its history. Alternatively, walk to Federal Hill Park for panoramic views. Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Take the Charm City Circulator to Fells Point. Enjoy dinner at a historic pub or seafood restaurant. Experience the lively Fells Point atmosphere. Head back to BWI for departure.
Explore Baltimore at a relaxed pace with these extended itinerary suggestions.
Day 1: Inner Harbor & Modern Charm Morning: Arrive, check into your Inner Harbor accommodation. Visit the National Aquarium. Afternoon: Explore the Maryland Science Center or the Historic Ships in Baltimore. Enjoy lunch at the Inner Harbor. Evening: Dinner in Harbor East, recognized for its upscale restaurants and chic atmosphere. Consider a harbor cruise. Day 2: History & Waterfront Heritage Morning: Take the Water Taxi to Fort McHenry. Spend time exploring the fort and its history. Afternoon: Take the Water Taxi to Fells Point. Walk the cobblestone streets, browse independent shops, and visit historic taverns. Lunch in Fells Point. Evening: Enjoy dinner in Fells Point, followed by drinks at one of its many pubs.
Days 1-3: Focus on Baltimore's core attractions, similar to the weekend itinerary but with more time for in-depth exploration. Include: Inner Harbor (Aquarium, Science Center, Historic Ships), Fort McHenry, Fells Point (historic sites, shopping, dining), Federal Hill (views, local pubs), Mount Vernon (Walters Art Museum, Washington Monument), and the B&O Railroad Museum or American Visionary Art Museum. Dedicate time to explore specific neighborhoods like Hampden or Little Italy.
Day 6: Immerse yourself further in Baltimore. Select an activity based on interest: attend an Orioles or Ravens game (seasonal), take a cooking class, explore a specific art gallery, or revisit a favorite neighborhood. Visit the Baltimore Museum of Art (free). Day 7: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping or revisit a favorite spot. Depart from Baltimore. Two-week in-depth exploration: This duration makes possible a slower pace and more extensive exploration. You can explore Baltimore’s neighborhoods, attend multiple local events, and take additional day trips.
For stays longer than two weeks, focus on truly living like a local. Rent an apartment in a residential neighborhood. Explore farmers markets, engage with community events, discover local parks, and take extended trips to different parts of Maryland and neighboring states. This immersive approach reveals the character of Baltimore and its surroundings. It allows for a more integrated travel experience, beyond typical tourist routes.
Amtrak provides efficient train connections to Philadelphia and New York City. Bus services (Greyhound, Megabus) also connect to these major cities. All recommended multi-day extensions are accessible by car, offering flexibility for exploration beyond city centers. Consider driving the Historical Triangle route (Baltimore to Washington D.C., then south to Virginia's historic triangle) or a Coastal Route (north to Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City) for comprehensive East Coast exploration.
Tailor your Baltimore itinerary around your specific passions, whether history, food, or adventure.
Visit Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Explore the Historic Ships in Baltimore at the Inner Harbor. Spend time at the B&O Railroad Museum, the birthplace of American railroading. Walk the cobblestone streets of Fells Point, visiting its historic taverns. Tour the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum. Visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Take a guided historical walking tour of Mount Vernon.
Experience a traditional crab feast (seasonal). Explore Lexington Market and Broadway Market for diverse food stalls. Dine at a classic seafood restaurant for crab cakes. Walk through Little Italy for authentic Italian cuisine. Enjoy happy hour specials at bars in Fells Point or Federal Hill. Take a Baltimore Food Tour. Try Berger Cookies and a local craft beer.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the Inner Harbor. Hike or bike the trails at Patapsco Valley State Park (short drive). Cycle the BWI Trail. Take a harbor cruise for scenic views. Explore Federal Hill Park for city panoramas. These activities make possible an active and engaging experience with Baltimore's natural and urban landscapes.
Spend a full day at the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center. Visit Port Discovery Children's Museum (for younger children). Explore the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Have fun at the Inner Harbor playground. Visit Fort McHenry, which often features ranger programs for children. Take a ride on the Baltimore Water Taxi. These choices provide entertaining and educational experiences for all ages.
Explore the collections at the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art (both free general admission). Visit the American Visionary Art Museum for unique, self-taught art. Walk through Mount Vernon to appreciate its 19th-century mansions and the Washington Monument. Discover street art and murals in the Station North Arts District. Attend a performance at the Hippodrome Theatre or Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. This itinerary satisfies artistic and architectural interests.
Visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary for quiet reflection. Explore the tranquil Cylburn Arboretum. Find a local yoga studio for a drop-in class. Enjoy peaceful walks along the Inner Harbor promenade early in the morning. These activities make possible a journey focused on peace, introspection, and personal well-being amidst your travels.
Customize your trip to fit your financial preferences, from shoestring travel to luxury experiences.
Utilize the free Charm City Circulator for transportation. Visit free museums (Walters Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art) and parks (Federal Hill Park, Fort McHenry grounds). Prepare some meals from groceries purchased at local markets like Lexington Market. Stay in hostels (if available) or budget-friendly motels on the city outskirts. Explore neighborhoods on foot for free sightseeing. These choices minimize expenses while maximizing experiences.
Combine paid attractions (e.g., National Aquarium) with free sites. Dine at casual to mid-range restaurants, and take advantage of happy hour deals. Use public transit (MTA Day Pass) and occasional ride-shares for convenience. Stay in comfortable mid-range hotels or well-located vacation rentals. This plan balances comfort and exploration with reasonable spending, making possible a full experience without significant overspending.
Stay in 4-5 star hotels like the Four Seasons or Sagamore Pendry. Enjoy fine dining experiences at acclaimed restaurants. Opt for private tours, helicopter rides, or exclusive experiences. Use taxis, private cars, or frequent ride-shares for all transport. This plan prioritizes comfort, exclusivity, and premium services, crafting an indulgent Baltimore visit.
Visit during the shoulder or low seasons for potentially lower prices on accommodation and flights. Look for attraction passes (like the Go City Explorer Pass Baltimore) if you plan to visit multiple paid sites. Eat at markets, food trucks, or during happy hours to save on meal costs. Take advantage of free events and festivals happening during your visit. These strategies maximize your budget without compromising on the quality of your trip.
Look for affordable stays on the city's outskirts or in specific neighborhoods with good public transport links.
Find hotels that balance comfort, location, and amenities within a sensible budget.
Seek out deals or packages that offer premium services and exclusive experiences at top-tier properties.
Plan your itinerary to take advantage of Baltimore's seasonal offerings and events.
Enjoy outdoor festivals and concerts. Engage in harbor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat cruises. Attend Baltimore Orioles baseball games at Camden Yards. Participate in a traditional crab feast. Cool off in museums or the National Aquarium. Summer presents outdoor life and classic Baltimore experiences.
Experience holiday decorations, especially the "Miracle on 34th Street" Christmas lights display in Hampden. Enjoy indoor museums and attractions. Go ice skating at the Inner Harbor (seasonal rink). Find lower prices on flights and accommodation (excluding holiday weeks). Winter offers a charming, festive atmosphere and fewer crowds for indoor exploration, making possible a cozier visit.
Plan your trip specifically around major events like Artscape (July), HonFest (June), or the Preakness Stakes (May) for unique cultural experiences. Check Visit Baltimore's event calendar for smaller, local festivals that might align with your interests. During the off-season, enjoy fewer crowds at popular attractions. Take advantage of potentially lower prices on hotels and flights. Concentrate on indoor activities like museums, art galleries, and historical sites. Experience the city with a more local feel.
Spring unfolds with blossoming parks and gardens, making it ideal for outdoor strolls. The Inner Harbor becomes livelier with returning boat tours and outdoor dining. Temperatures are pleasant for walking and exploring neighborhoods like Mount Vernon and Fells Point. Seasonal events and farmers markets begin to open, offering fresh local produce and artisan goods. It is a wonderful time to visit for temperate weather and budding city life.
Autumn in Baltimore features comfortable weather ideal for outdoor activities and exploring neighborhoods. Fall foliage appears in regional parks and nearby scenic drives. Local festivals celebrate the harvest season with food and craft events. Enjoy cozy dining experiences in Fells Point or Federal Hill. It is a prime time for those who appreciate cooler temperatures and picturesque scenery, with fewer summer crowds.
Baltimore experiences four distinct seasons; check forecasts and pack accordingly. Summers can be hot and humid, winters cold.
Major events and peak summer months bring more visitors; book accommodations and popular attractions well in advance during these times.
