Things to Do in Baltimore

Baltimore’s revitalized Inner Harbor features a scenic waterfront promenade and pedestrian district replete with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Heralded by urban developers as a model for post-industrial waterfront land use, the area sits along the Patapsco River at the mouth of Jones Falls.

Highlights include the Harborplace shopping center, waterfront restaurants serving up fresh seafood and other specialties, and Baltimore’s pyramid-shaped National Aquarium—home to jellyfish, dolphins, and sharks. You can also learn about the city’s seafaring history at the Maritime Museum.

Whether you want to stroll along the promenade or cruise above the city in a helicopter, there are multiple options for exploring Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area. Dinner cruises and yacht charters are a good way to explore Chesapeake Bay, while ghost tours and walking tours typically depart from the Inner Harbor area and include visits to sites such as Key Bridge, Fort McHenry, and the Federal Hill neighborhood. 

The Inner Harbor is bounded by President, Lombard, Greene, and Camden streets. Water taxis are a good way to get around; from the Inner Harbor, you can cross the Bay to Little Italy, Fells Point, and Canton. Day passes are also available for the Metro Subway and bus systems. 

The Inner Harbor typically hosts events during spring, summer, and fall. Although summer can be hot and humid, the breeze off Chesapeake Bay cools things off a bit. Baltimore has milder winters than most Northeast cities, so this can still be a pleasant time to explore.

Baltimore's (and Maryland's) history is long and complicated. Learn all about it—and mingle with paranormal-activity buffs from all over the world—on a ghost tour or wicked-history tour, which includes stops at the city’s most haunted spots. 

One of the oldest scientific institutions in the US, the Maryland Science Center has been attracting visitors of all ages since 1976. Also known as the MSC, the site features three floors of exhibits, hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to get folks excited about science. Highlights include more than a dozen full-size dinosaurs, a unique journey through the human body and an exhibit on blue crabs that focuses on the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay. 

A mix of educational flicks and Hollywood blockbusters play daily on the 400-seat, five-story 3D IMAX Theater. The Davis Planetarium offers programs featuring everything from the night’s sky to shows aimed at young kids featuring popular Sesame Street characters.

This cozy neighborhood is located in downtown Baltimore in between the Inner Harbor and historic Fells Point. Millions of people visit Little Italy every year, and when they come, they eat well. The neighborhood is loaded with family-owned restaurants, serving dishes, they say, just like mamma used to make.

Little Italy is also known for its festivals and neighborhood events. From bocce ball games and tournaments to outdoor movies and pasta dinners, the neighborhood calendar is always busy. Don’t want to worry about a schedule? Its narrow streets are nice for strolling without a plan.

Enjoy your meal on the outer deck with views looking out at the harbor, where Francis Scott Key, in 1814, was inspired to write America’s national anthem while imprisoned by British forces. The Americana lives on today through burgers and rock n’ roll, and memorabilia hangs on the walls from some of the country’s best artists. See one of Prince’s custom-tailored outfits or a flask belonging to Jimi Hendrix, as well as clothing from British rockers like Elton John and The Who. Pair the view and memorabilia with American food and live music, and the Hard Rock Café Baltimore becomes an experience and sight unto itself.

Serfs, wenches, knights, horses, lances, swords, and falcons - they’re all a part of an action­ packed outing to Medieval Times in Baltimore. Leave the modern city behind as you travel to the 11th century, enjoying the show as a guest of the King inside of his lavish castle. Prior to sitting down for the feast, wander the gruesome Torture Museum and learn about hunting with falcons, before settling in for a four course meal that you literally eat with your hands. When it’s time for the evening’s main show to begin, choose a knight you think will win the series of jousts and combat, where swordsmanship and horsemanship are impressively put on display. Join the crowd in raucously cheering - or booing - depending on the knight, and experience the thrill of a night on the town in the spirit of Medieval Spain.