Fun Things to do in Baltimore Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland is not often thought of as a tourist destination, but it’s location between Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, PA makes it a great place to visit while in the area. This post is to show you that there are actually fun things to do in Baltimore and list activities and places to go.

Having visited this city numerous times, I’ve certainly been able to explore a lot and have made a pretty comprehensive list of things to do!

So join me in exploring Baltimore, and all this city has to offer!

(All text in pink is a link to each of these places’ websites!)

Neighborhoods to Visit

Inner Harbor

Standing in front of USCG Lightship Chesapeake historic ship

Certainly the most touristy area of town is the Inner Harbor. This area is home to many museums, parks, the National Aquarium, Historic Ships, and touristy restaurants. This area is where I would recommend going for family friendly activities.

Here are some worthwhile visits and things to do in this area:

National Aquarium
- See 20,000 different animals in award-winning habitats.
Historic Ships in Baltimore
- Essentially floating museums. Tour the U.S.S. Constellation built in 1854 or 3 other ships and a lighthouse built between the mid-1800s to the 1980s.
Maryland Science Center
- Three floors of science-focused demonstrations to excite the inner-scientist in everyone.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
- Playful museum ranked among the nation’s best. Includes a four-story “SkyClimber” area for the little ones (that honestly looks so cool).
Federal Hill Park
- For a free beautiful view of the Baltimore skyline.
Spend some time on the water
- Many options including Hornblower Cruises, Watermark Cruises, Chessie Dragon Paddle Boat, and Baltimore Water Taxi.
Visit Power Plant Live
- All-in-one area for restaurants, bars and music venues.

Little Italy

Additionally, nearby Inner Harbor is Little Italy. Baltimore’s Little Italy is a quaint area with Italian cafes and eateries. I personally have been to two restaurants down here, and wasn’t too impressed (compared to the North End in Boston, and Little Italy in NYC). But, if you know of a great place to eat here, please let me know in the comments!

Fells point

I consider Fells Point a neighborhood perfect for adults with many restaurants and bars all within walking distance. The area is definitely kid friendly during the day, with more nightlife in the evening. I love this area of the city because it has so much to offer with historic cobblestone roads, great views of the bay, and so many food and drink options. I have found some great restaurants in the area, my favorites being Loch Bar and Thames Street Oyster House, and I had THE BEST crab soup at the Choptank. For nightlife I recommend Choptank (if the weather is nice) for some live music, Max’s Tap House for a huge selection of drafts and The Horse You Came in on Saloon. Parking is tough to find here, so you will have to drive around a lot or pay for parking and walk.

Additional Spots for Drinks in Baltimore

Elk Room

One of my all time favorite speakeasies with a great atmosphere and great cocktails. The entrance is a black door with a red light, hidden in an outdoor area next to Tagliata.

Monarque

Located right next to the Elk Room is this steakhouse/dinner theater. Its the perfect place for a date or to listen to live music or watch live entertainment!

Ministry of Brewing

A very unorthodox brewery located inside a former church. Definitely a unique experience and this place stays busy.

Charm City Meadworks

If you are looking to try something different and something sweet checkout this local Meadery with delicious flavors.

Hampden

The neighborhood of Hampden is undoubtedly one of my favorites! It’s a hidden gem! Hampden is a little eclectic part of town with colorful buildings, great places to eat and drink, boutiques and vintage shops. I just love walking around this neighborhood.

This area of Baltimore was originally built around the Jones Falls mills to provide homes for millworkers. It then started transforming in the 1990s when artists began to move to the area. “The Avenue” on 36th street is the main drag where you will find most of the locally owned shops and restaurants.

My suggestion would be to go to The Bluebird Cocktail Room for a pre-dinner cocktail with a great atmosphere. Next, go to Grano Pasta Bar for some delicious pasta in an intimate setting. Afterward, grab some ice cream for dessert from The Charmery! Additionally, there are many other great restaurants along 36th and even a brewery and some coffee shops.

Just a short drive away and right off the expressway is a large building containing some other spots worth the visit especially for some adult beverages. This building is home to Union Craft Brewing, Baltimore Spirits Company, The Wine Collective, and Vent Coffee Roasters.

Guinness Brewery

Did you know that there is Guinness Brewery in the United States? It’s one and only Guinness brewery in the U.S. is located in the Baltimore area! It’s free to visit and park, and the building and outdoor area is huge. Inside the barrel house you can find a Guinness souvenir shop, a restaurant and multiple bar areas. Additionally, their outside area includes a huge turf field with many tables and chairs, an area for concerts, and food truck style food options. Just a short drive from the BWI airport, its the perfect way to start or end a trip.

Museums and History

Fort McHenry

Did you know that Baltimore is home to the location that inspired the writing of the U.S. National Anthem?! Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the words to the Star Spangled Banner during the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry on September 13-14 1814.

At the present time, this National Monument and historic Shrine is a great place to visit with its beautiful views of the city and Baltimore harbor, and to learn about the history of the fort and its role in the War of 1812, the Civil War and World War I. I had fun walking around, exploring this fort and taking in the views. They host a Fife and Drum camp that was playing while I was there, which really made the experience more realistic with the sounds of old time drums!

Fort McHenry is open year-round during the day and requires a 7 Day pass fee of $15 or you can use your NPS pass for entrance. There are also Fee-Free Days in which the entrance is free!

Inside Fort McHenry with Fife and Drum Camp playing music

Baltimore Museum of Art

The Baltimore Museum of Art has Free admission! This is a great activity to do while in the area to view art displays of all types. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes (I walked through quickly), $12 daily till 5pm, and $9 after 5pm. The museum is open daily 10am-5pm, open till 9pm on Thursdays, and is closed on Mondays.

And Many More Museum Options!

Previously stated above, there are many museum options to visit in the Baltimore Inner harbor including:

Additionally, some other museum options include:

B&O Railroad Museum
The Walters Art Museum
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Baltimore Museum of Industry
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
And More!

Sports

Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles is the city’s Major League Baseball Team and is conveniently located close to downtown. I’ve been to two games now, and the pictures below are some highlights. It’s on my bucket list to visit all the MLB stadiums! For more information about the Orioles stadium including my ratings of the stadium, see my Orioles Stadium Tour Post HERE.

Outfield area near team shop in Camden Yards at Oriole Park

Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens is the city’s National Football League team and is conveniently located close to downtown near the Orioles stadium. I went to a Thursday night game right before the playoffs so it was a packed crowd. The weather was really cold in the teens but I layered up and once I was inside it wasn’t that bad. Prices for concessions were fairly priced and cheaper than what I was used to at other NFL games. Overall, it was a great experience and is fun to attend if you’re in town during football season.

City Views

If its good views you’re looking for, or maybe even just a walk along the water, Baltimore certainly has plenty of options. Below are just SOME of the places worth highlighting!

Cylburn Arboretorum
- 200 acre oasis in Baltimore with hundreds of trees and plants, gardens, wooden trails and a historic mansion. Open year-round and admission is free!
The Monument – Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore
- Their very own Washington Monument! Entrance to the Gallery is free where there are interactive touch screens with a virtual tour of the monument both inside and out. Entrance to the lookout tower is $6 for adults with a view of Baltimore in 4 directions.
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower
- A 15 story tower transformed into studio spaces for visual and literary artists located in the heart of downtown. Admission to the galleries, studios, and the museum on the 15th floor is free. For $8 you can take a tour of the clock room.
Top of the World Observation Level – Baltimore
- For a great view of the city check out this observation deck located on the 27th floor of Baltimore’s World Trade Center. Admission is $8 for adults and is open Wednesday-Sunday.
Canton Waterfront Park
- Beautiful waterfront park home to the Korean War Memorial and views of Fort McHenry

Historic Places with Views

Phoenix Shot Tower
- Built in 1828, this tower was the tallest building in the U.S. until 1846. The building was used to drop molten lead 215feet to make “drop” shot. Free drop-in visits 10-12 on Saturday and Sundays through November, or paid tours are offered year-round for $5 admission.
Patterson Park
- Park with history dating back to the war of 1812. Known for its green space, paved walkways, historic battle sites, playgrounds, a lake, seasonal swimming pool and ice-rink, and a picture worthy observation tower (the Patterson Park Pagoda).