A city on the Chesapeake Bay with a historic harbor, renowned aquarium, and vibrant arts scene. Home to Edgar Allan Poe's grave and Fort McHenry, birthplace of the US national anthem.
Baltimore, Maryland's largest city, sits on the Chesapeake Bay. In the Inner Harbor, you'll find the National Aquarium and can take water taxi tours. Walk through quirky Hampden along 36th Street, known locally as "The Avenue," or explore historic Fells Point with its cobblestone streets. Taste Baltimore's famous blue crabs at local crab houses, and join the crowds cheering for the Orioles at Camden Yards or the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Discover the city's past at Fort McHenry, where the U.S. national anthem was born, or admire art at the Baltimore Museum of Art, home to the world's largest collection of Henri Matisse works.
What to See at the Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is central to Baltimore's waterfront. At the National Aquarium, you'll see over 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and tropical fish. The Maryland Science Center has hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater. For a different view of the city, take a water taxi or join a harbor cruise.
Where to Eat in Baltimore
Baltimore's cuisine revolves around seafood, especially blue crabs. Eat steamed crabs seasoned with Old Bay at local crab houses or try the city's famous crab cakes. For a variety of local flavors, go to Lexington Market, operating since 1782. In Fells Point, you'll find restaurants and bars in old buildings along cobblestone streets. Sample a "pit beef" sandwich, a Baltimore specialty of thinly sliced grilled beef on a Kaiser roll.
Exploring Baltimore's Neighborhoods
Each of Baltimore's neighborhoods has its own character. In Hampden, 36th Street (or "The Avenue") is full of independent shops and restaurants. Visit during the annual HONfest to experience local culture. Fells Point blends its seafaring history with modern boutiques and pubs along the water. In Mount Vernon, you can see the original Washington Monument and visit the Walters Art Museum, which displays art from various cultures and eras.
Watching Sports in Baltimore
Many Baltimore residents love their sports teams. Watch the Orioles play baseball at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, considered one of the best ballparks in the U.S. by many fans. During football season, M&T Bank Stadium fills with Ravens supporters for NFL games. In May, Pimlico Race Course hosts the Preakness Stakes, part of horse racing's Triple Crown.
Visiting Baltimore's Museums
Baltimore's museums cover many subjects. The Baltimore Museum of Art has the world's largest collection of works by Henri Matisse. At the American Visionary Art Museum, you'll see unusual and creative works by self-taught artists. Fort McHenry National Monument teaches visitors about the War of 1812 and the creation of the U.S. national anthem. The B&O Railroad Museum tells the story of American railroading through its collection of historic trains and cars.
