Things to do & places to visit in Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Since the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor in the late 1970s, Baltimore has set the standard for urban renewal. While a good part of the city's action centers around the fun and festive Harbor area, where street entertainers, open-air concerts, fireworks and parades abound, the surrounding neighborhoods offer all sorts of interesting landmarks, unique shops and delicious restaurants. Wander around Fells Point, the oldest section of Baltimore, reminiscent of an old English village, complete with pubs and cobblestone streets. Take the kids to the aquarium and check out the imaginative creations at the American Visionary Art Museum. Or stop by the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum for an in-depth look at the Great Bambino's life. Baltimore is also renowned for its African-American heritage sites, plus festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year. From historic places and harbor cruises to family friendly attractions and fabulous neighborhoods, Charm City is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.

Baltimore city in Maryland, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 1:42.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Oriole Park at Camden Yards (5.087 reviews)
- Going strong at 30 years
Arenas & Stadiums

One of major league baseball's newest stadiums, the Orioles' home field has the intimate feel and charm of an old-fashioned park. See more..
5.0 The Walters Art Museum (1.474 reviews)
- Don't overlook it.
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The Walters Art Museum is a cultural hub in the heart of Baltimore. Located in the city’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Walters is free for all. The museum’s collection spans more than seven millennia, from 5,000 BCE to the 21st century, and encompasses 36,000 objects from around the world. Walking through the museum’s historic buildings, visitors encounter a stunning panorama of thousands of years of art, from romantic 19th-century images of French gardens to mesmerizing Ethiopian icons, richly illuminated Qur’ans and Gospel books, ancient Roman sarcophagi, and serene images of the Buddha. The Walters' mission has been to bring art and people together and to create a place where people of every background can be touched by art. Admission to the museum and special exhibitions is always free. See more..
5.0 Sagamore Spirit Distillery (1.032 reviews)
- Fun and enlightening Tour
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

The Sagamore Spirit Distillery is open Wednesday through Sunday for guided distillery tours and rye whiskey tastings. Located in the heart of Baltimore's Port Covington neighborhood with stunning waterfront views, Sagamore Spirit also offers a full calendar of indoor and outdoor events, including cocktail classes, glass blowing, and waterfront yoga. Sagamore Spirit is recognized internationally for their American Straight Rye Whiskies and is the recipient of over 100 awards for excellence in taste and packaging. See more..
4.5 National Aquarium (7.194 reviews)
- An Enjoyable Visit
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Aquariums

Considered one of the world's best aquariums, the National Aquarium's mission is to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures. It champions environmental initiatives by engaging with visitors, volunteers, education groups and schools to actively participate in the preservation of the world's natural resources and living systems. The National Aquarium delivers meaningful experiences through its living collection of more than 20,000 animals from more than 800 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, marine mammals and sharks, as well as through exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences like sleepovers and tours, science-based education programs and hands-on experiences in the field. See more..
4.5 Inner Harbor (3.593 reviews)
- Wonderful Hospitality
Spent More than 3 hours Marinas • Aquariums

As one of America's oldest seaports, Inner Harbor is now an important landmark and popular tourist destination. Follow the brick promenade through this bustling complex of eateries, stores, museums and entertainment venues. Rent a paddle boat to have some fun in the water with the kids, or take them to the National Aquarium which is one of the nation’s largest. History buffs will enjoy touring the heritage ships anchored in the harbor, while travelers of all ages can soak up the marvelous views from the Top of the World Observation Level. Sightseeing tours and scavenger hunts are two other great activities at the Inner Harbor. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (3.419 reviews)
- Must see home of the Star Spangled Banner
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • National Parks • Monuments & Statues

A unit of the National Park Service. Site of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner" in September of 1814. See more..
4.5 Fell's Point (2.798 reviews)
- Charming area of the city and a great place to stay!
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Dating back to the 18th century, this charming Baltimore district has cobblestone streets and a thriving culture by the waterfront. Wander through its quaint streets as you discover craft and antique shops, coffee houses and art galleries, then treat yourself to fresh seafood or a yummy burger at the Broadway Market. After dark, more than 100 pubs await you. Fell’s Point is a short drive from downtown Baltimore, but you can take a water taxi from the Inner Harbor for a more unique experience. You can also join a food, historic, or haunted pub tour to discover the district's hidden gems. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 American Visionary Art Museum (1.639 reviews)
- Art unlike most
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

The American Visionary Art Museum is the nation's museum for self-taught, intuitive artistry. Three historic buildings house wonders created by farmers, housewives, mechanics, the disabled, the homeless, as well as the occasional neurosurgeon—all inspired by the fire within. From carved roots to embroidered rags, tattoos to toothpicks, ‘the visionary’ transforms dreams, loss, hopes, and ideals into powerful works of art. "one of the most fantastic museums anywhere in America" - CNN "Best Museum in Maryland" - USA Today "a temple of outsider art" - New York Times. Tickets: $9.95-15.95. Children 6 and under and museum members are free. See more..
4.5 Baltimore Water Taxi (1.131 reviews)
- Beautiful cocktail cruises on the Inner Harbor
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Ferries

Somewhere between a water-based bus line and open-air adventure, the Baltimore Water Taxi is the fun, fast, and affordable way to navigate the city. Operating with a crew of licensed Captains and a fleet of USCG inspected commercial passenger vessels along dedicated routes servicing fixed stops in/around the Baltimore harbor. Visit our website to see the latest routes, stops, and ticket offerings. See more..
4.5 B&O Railroad Museum (852 reviews)
- Great place for kids and adults
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums

The B&O Railroad Museum, a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the birthplace of American Railroading, is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment. You’ll enjoy exploring our expansive Museum campus, known as the Mount Clare Shops and Station and was the original railroading complex of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O). Founded in 1827, the B&O had a dramatic economic, social, and cultural impact on our society. Its nearly 200-year history is deeply intertwined with the story of America and helped shaped our nation through invention, innovation, and ingenuity. Experience two centuries of American railroading history throughout our campus of historic buildings, exhibitions, interactive displays, and our world-class collection of rolling stock —locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and maintenance vehicles. All Aboard! See more..
4.5 Baltimore Museum of Art (825 reviews)
- A fabulous Art Museum- and Free!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Art Museums

Over 100 years ago, The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) was founded on the belief that access to art and ideas is integral to a vibrant and healthy civic life. This belief is at the heart of the BMA and remains our core value. The BMA has long focused on acquiring the art of the present moment, while maintaining and deepening a historic collection made relevant through vigorous development and reinterpretation in all collecting areas. Through the courageous and risk-taking vision of previous Museum leaders, the BMA assembled and presented one of the most important collections of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century art in the United States. These visionary actions established the fundamental character of this Museum. Building on this legacy of excellence, the BMA will form an equally compelling collection for the 21st century. Socially relevant, cutting-edge acquisitions, exhibitions, and programs will lead the way both locally and globally—and historical accuracy, merit, and equity will be See more..
4.5 Maryland Science Center (745 reviews)
- Awesome Visit... The People Who Work Here Make It Even Better
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Science Museums

This popular museum is located in Harborplace. See more..
4.5 Top of the World Observation Level (581 reviews)
- Baltimore bird's eye view
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Observation Decks & Towers

Observation tower at the top of the World Trade Center offering audio-visual presentations about the history of Baltimore. See more..
4.5 Federal Hill Park (568 reviews)
- Great place to see the city views while chilling!!
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Parks

Former lookout during the Civil War and the War of 1812 is now a scenic park overlooking the Inner Harbor. See more..
4.5 M&T Bank Stadium (534 reviews)
- Promoting Baltimore, Fighting Disease
Arenas & Stadiums

M&T Bank Stadium is helping protect the Ravens' flock from Covid-19 by hosting one of Maryland's mass immunization efforts this week. As usual, things were well organized. One was able to imagine fans standing in line for concessions. Looking forward to the time when the vaccines pay off and people will be able to attend live events. See more..
4.5 Little Italy (472 reviews)
- Delicious food
Neighborhoods • National Parks

Found this cute little place walking back to the hotel after the Aquarium. Gia the owner was super sweet to us, since we didn't have a reservation we were a little nervous that we wouldn't be able to get in. The food was great, full of flavor. The Chicken Cacciatorre was delicious! The cannoli that we got to which is not pictured was the best cannoli I've ever had, so light. Only downfall I could say was that we had to pay for oil and parmesan cheese for our bread. Overall great place to eat, highly recommend! See more..
4.5 Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (471 reviews)
- Bright light, inspirational
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Religious Sites

A preeminent Marian shrine and a national center of prayer and pilgrimage, this religious landmark is known for its history, architecture and art. See more..
4.5 Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum (397 reviews)
- Historical Museum
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

The city's native son, the Great Bambino, is celebrated in the house he was born in, now a museum stocked with memorabilia like the catcher's mitt he used while learning baseball, the bat from his famed 1927 season and exhibits honoring the Orioles. See more..
4.5 Edgar Allan Poe's Grave Site and Memorial (392 reviews)
- Final resting place of an iconic American writer!
Cemeteries

Burial site of the famous author. See more..
4.5 The Johns Hopkins University (328 reviews)
- Homewood, the central gem of the University
Educational sites

While the Johns Hopkins University owns a wide variety of properties throughout Baltimore (and beyond), the Homewood Campus is the central gem. Johns Hopkins University's Homewood Campus is an important part of any tour of the northern parts of the city. Surrounding it are the Baltimore Museum of Art to the South and The Episcopal Cathedral of Maryland and Sherwood Gardens to the North. San Martin Drive along the Western side borders Stony Run and Wyman Park with walking trails. Many of the campus' buildings of red brick with white marble trim reflect the Federal style of architecture from the 19th Century and are prominently displayed in Homewood House from the Carroll Estate, an original building on site and today a museum. The architecture and lawns are reminiscent of many colleges and universities from that period in the southern part of the country. In short, one should take in the campus in at a leisurely pace to gain the most from the experience. See more..
4.5 Baltimore Museum of Industry (311 reviews)
- You'll be amazed at what you learn
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Baltimore Museum of Industry celebrates the innovators, entrepreneurs and workers who propelled this port city into the industrial age and beyond. From garment making to airplane manufacturing, food canning to video game design, visitors to the museum will discover how Baltimore's pioneering spirit built the region's manufacturing might and continues to shape Maryland today. Located in an 1860s oyster cannery on a five-acre waterfront campus, the BMI offers dynamic exhibitions, live demonstrations, engaging tours and hands-on activities for guests of all ages. See more..
4.5 Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place (288 reviews)
- The first Washington Monument
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers • Monuments & Statues

The centerpiece of this National Historic Landmark District is the Washington Monument, the first major monument to honor George Washington, the first president of the United States of America. The Monument has been restored by the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy, and was rededicated and reopened on its bicentennial, July 4, 2015. Visit our website to learn more about hours and reserving a climb time. Surrounding the Monument are the park squares of Mount Vernon Place, described as one of the most beautiful urban spaces in America. The parks are open dawn to dusk. See more..
4.5 Peabody Library (259 reviews)
- Simply stunning
Sunday: Libraries

This place definitely deserves to be stopped at. It’s so beautiful and inspiring. Super accessible and it’s really just one room so we stayed about 15 mins in awe. If you’re close by, definitely do stop. See more..
4.5 National Cryptologic Museum (242 reviews)
- Very interesting
Sunday: Speciality Museums

The National Cryptologic Museum houses thousands of artifacts that collectively tell the history of the cryptologic profession. Here visitors catch a glimpse of some of the most dramatic moments in the history of American code making and code breaking: the people who devoted their lives to cryptology and national defense, the machines and devices they developed, the techniques they used, and the places where they worked. The museum library maintains a collection of unclassified and declassified books and documents relating to every aspect of cryptology. See more..
4.5 Hampden (234 reviews)
- Where Christmas comes alive!
Neighborhoods

Christmas would not be Christmas without a stop to the 700 block of 34th Street in Baltimore. Here is where they make Christmas come alive. The entire block decorates their homes – zillions of lights, statues, figures, and decorations of all types. It is a sight to behold. Thank you so much for keeping this tradition alive for all of us. See more..
4.5 USS Torsk (159 reviews)
- Unique Experience
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Speciality Museums • Ships

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to climb inside the tight space of a WWII era submarine. This attraction provides a detailed look into life aboard a sub. Take the time to read the information provided with each exhibit. It provides a wealth of additional information about daily life on the Torsk. For instance, they had a machining area on the ship. As parts wore out or were damaged there is no place out at sea to get new parts. They had to make their own replacement parts in the machining area. One note of warning, if you are claustrophobic this might not be the tour for you. Also, if you are taller than six foot you will have some difficulty maneuvering through the Torsk. The doorway openings from room to room are quite small. See more..
4.5 Sherwood Gardens (129 reviews)
- In full spring bloom
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM Gardens

Sherwood Gardens is a privately owned community park, originally called Stratford Green. The Park is Olmsted designed and in the center of a residential community called Guilford located in Northern Baltimore City. Guilford, another Olmsted designed gem, dates back to 1913 and is a Registered Historic District significant for its planning, its architecture, and Sherwood Gardens. Sherwood Gardens, famous for its annual tulip display, was created in the 1920’s by John W. Sherwood whose home bordered the Park. Mr. Sherwood indulged his passion for tulips by importing tens of thousands each year for planting tulip beds on his property surrounding the Park. Today Sherwood Gardens remains a wonderland of tulips in the Spring and a summer long festival of annual flowers. Thousands of visitors from around the world, come every year to enjoy the visual spectacle envisioned by The Olmsted Brothers and John Sherwood. See more..
4.0 Horseshoe Casino (24.1k reviews)
- Glitzy and glamorous, but nothing special
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Casinos

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore is an urban two-story casino with a 122,000 sq. ft. gaming floor. The multi-million development will feature VLTs, table games and a World Series of Poker room. A 20,000 sq. ft. "Baltimore Marketplace" featuring authentic Charm City food outlets, three premier restaurants, and several bars and lounges will round out the food and beverage offerings.The $400 million development will be located along Russell Street on Baltimore's south side. As an urban casino, it will be designed to maximize connectivity with existing hospitality operators, neighboring professional sports venues M&T Stadium (NFL-Ravens) and Camden Yards (MLB-Orioles) and the city's famed Inner Harbor. See more..
4.0 Port Discovery Children's Museum (410 reviews)
- Great experience except for the unvalidated parking.
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Children's Museums

Experience moments of wonder at one of the nation's top Children's Museums. Make it a day to remember as you climb together and reach for the clouds on a new four-story SkyClimber. Set sail together on a life-sized cargo ship and try your hand at jobs like captain, engineer, and more. Play chef, become an artist, put on a play in our theater, and explore three floors of fun, interactive exhibits and activities. Make magical memories that will last a lifetime. Visit today! See more..
4.0 Hippodrome Theatre (260 reviews)
- Classic theatre, musical cast full of energy
Theaters

Even though the cast bus and moving van were parked outside to carry the performers of Cats to their next destination, the theatre, the audience and the cast were full of energy. The acoustics were good. The seats are snug, but there is leg room. One appreciates the well maintained classic interior as well as black and white photos around the lobby depicting the theatre in its earlier days. Security at the entrance is minimally invasive. There are plenty of parking garages nearby. It is encouraging when a city can support the arts. See more..