Your Baltimore, Maryland City Guide
Discover the Charm of 'Bawlmer'
Nestled peacefully at the head of the Patapsco River estuary and located about 65 km northeast of Washington D.C., Baltimore—affectionately known as ‘Bawlmer’ by locals—is Maryland's largest and one of its most beautiful cities.
The History of Baltimore, MD
Baltimore was named after the 2nd Baron Baltimore, the founding proprietor of Maryland Province. The city's name translates to "town of the big house," an anglicization of the Irish name Baile an Tí Mhóir. Long before the Baltimore family, the area was inhabited by Native Americans, particularly the Paleo-Indians.
The port of Baltimore was established at old Whetstone Point (present-day Locust Point) in 1706, primarily for the tobacco trade. It wasn't until 1729 that Baltimore was officially founded on the west side of the Jones Falls.
The port of Baltimore was constructed at old Whetstone Point, present-day Locust Point, in 1706 mainly as a passage to the tobacco trade. It was not until 1729 when the town of Baltimore was officially founded on the west side of the Jones Falls.
With fertile lush soils, Baltimore’s agricultural activities grew in the 18th century and there was an increase in the production of tobacco and other types of grain which aided in sugar production in the Caribbean colonies.
Even today, you can see the oldest public market in the United States, the Lexington Market, operating since 1782 catering to locals with fresh goodies and other delicacies. The current developments of the city did not begin until the 1970s and it first started with the renovations of the neglected downtown Inner Harbor area which is a thriving tourist destination in Baltimore today.
Fun Fact
Baltimore residents hear more references from outsiders about “The Wire” per capita than residents in any other backdrop for famous TV shows (‘Jersey Shore’ not included).
EXPERIENCE BALTIMORE
In and Around Baltimore
Explore Downtown Baltimore’s most popular neighborhood, the Inner Harbor. Other notable neighborhoods include Fell’s Point, Mount Vernon, and Little Italy.
Fell’s Point: Once a bustling port, today it's known for its picturesque streets, boutique shops, and the oldest bar in the city, The Horse You Came in On Saloon.
Mount Vernon: Famous for its 19th-century mansions, Walters Art Museum, and cultural landmarks like the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
Canton & Brewers Hill: Known for numerous restaurants, shops, bars, breweries, and outdoor events like the Baltimore Seafood Festivals.
Druid Hill Park: Offers entertainment options, hiking, biking, running around the Druid Hill Reservoir, swimming pools, golf courses, and botanic gardens.
Federal Hill: Renowned for stunning views of the Inner Harbor.
Little Italy: A culinary haven with wonderful restaurants like Aldo’s and Sabatino’s, and hosts annual events like the Feast of St. Anthony and the Madonnari Arts Festival.
Hampden: A shopping destination famous for the Baltimore Hons. Visit The Avenue for a mix of shops and eateries.
Harbor East: The epitome of luxury in Baltimore with high-end hotels and restaurants like The Oceanaire Seafood Room.
Patterson Park: Perfect for long walks and picnics, with green spaces, play areas, swimming pools, and the Patterson Park Pagoda.
Food Halls
Other notable things to experience are food halls and markets. Baltimore has been hosting food halls for quite some time. One of the oldest, Lexington Market, has been around since 1782. People, to this day, still flock to the halls for crab cakes, sweets, meat, and fish. Other places to congregate and eat are the Belvedere Square and the newly renovated Cross Street Market. There are also trendier spots like R. House and Mount Vernon Marketplace.
If you’re pressed for time, we recommend the Lexington Market; specifically, Faidley Seafood or R. House, located in a former body shop in Remington. R House has 10 different gourmet food stalls with something for everyone and offers a great local culture. R. House also hosts pop-ups and game nights!
Interested in visiting some unusual spots in Baltimore? Check out The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death, established by Frances Glessner Lee, a famous American forensic scientist. It contains scenes of actual crimes that took place in the 1940s. Other interesting finds are the National Museum of Dentistry, Ministry of Brewing, and Dr Gloom's Crypt of Curiosities which consists of a large collection of artifacts and books belonging to Dr Augustus Gloom.
Things To Do in Baltimore
If you fancy a walk or a picnic while admiring the beautiful views of the Inner Harbor, the 10.3 acres Federal Hill Park is a must-visit. You can also see a baseball game at the Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Check out the Baltimore Museum of Art, established in the early 1900s, which holds over 90,000 artworks including pieces by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. The Walters Art Museum, the American Visionary Art Museum, having one of a kind art pieces done by self-taught artists from around the globe, Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, which was built in this extraordinary poet’s residence in the 1830s, B&O Railroad Museum with its large collection of locomotives from the 19th century, and Baltimore Museum of Industry.
Some other places worth considering: The National Aquarium; Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, built in the 1790s it is an old fort where you can walk and cycle; Fells Point with cafes, boutique shops and restaurants; Maryland Zoo; Port Discovery Children’s Museum; Maryland Science Center, a perfect place to visit if you are travelling with kids as it has dinosaur exhibits and a planetarium.
RELATED BLOG: Things To Do in Baltimore, Maryland
Lexington Market
Shopping in Baltimore is an adventure and you should start by visiting the Lexington Market, serving delicious goodies for food lovers since 1782; Samuel Parkers, offering a first-class shopping experience with world-renowned brands for men; The Debois Textiles, for anyone who loves everything vintage; McCormick's World of Flavors, Hampden's Trohv and Atomic Books capture the list of unique, local shopping destinations in Baltimore.
Entertainment
Expand your leisure options with a visit to Fells Point Corner Theatre, Hippodrome Theatre, Iron Crown Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, Spotlighters Theatre, Vagabond Players, and the latest addition to the theatre scene, The Voxel.
Mark your calendars!
Enrich your cultural experience with must-attend events like Light City Festival, Baltimore Street Food Festival, Charm City Comedy Festival, Sowebo Arts and Music Festival, Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival, Little Italy, and an array of additional cultural offerings waiting to be explored.
EATS
Below is a list of some of the best and unique eateries, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars to check out…
Fun Facts About Maryland Crabs
Steamed Crabs in Baltimore is a local thing.
Crab Cakes are better in Baltimore than anywhere else.
Old Bay will cake under your nails and burn any cuts on your fingers.
A proper crab house will make your clothes reek of brine and beer.
The process of hammering, picking, digging, and repeating will feel tedious.
Finding a good crab spot is an absolute must for anyone visiting Baltimore.
There are a ton of great places to enjoy steamed crabs (and beer). Here are a few favorites, in no particular order…
Captain James Crabhouse: Dine right on the waterfront at this landmark restaurant. Try one of their daily specials with a nice glass of wine. Or indulge in their crab dip . . . known to be AMAZING!
Nick’s Fish House: Nick’s is a local favorite for sure. A beautiful spot on the water that can accommodate larger groups or just a quick stop-by … Plan ahead for outdoor seating on the water and a great view of the Patapsco River. Crabs. Old Bay. Live Music … Baltimore Eats at its finest!
Bo Brooks Crab House: Another favorite at Lighthouse Point, Bo Brooks has been serving the outstanding Chesapeake Bay Cuisine since 1964. Enjoy traditional Maryland-style crabs with Old Bay or a sip on a cocktail at their Tiki Bar.
Best Restaurants
Duck Duck Goose, The Helmand, Dylan’s Oyster Cellar, Gunther & Co., Hersh’s, La Scala, Magdalena, Restaurante Tio Pepe, Alma Cocina Latina, The Food Market, Cindy Lou’s Fish House, True Chesapeake Oyster Co., Hersh’s
Best Casual Dining
Thames Street Oyster House, The Outpost American Tavern, Twist Fells Point, Kona Grill, Ampersea, Angie's Seafood, Sobo Café, Ekiben
Best Breakfast
Connie’s Chicken and Waffles, Saturday Morning Café, Water for Chocolate, Papermoon Diner, Corner Bakery Café, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Best Vegan
The Land of Kush, Stem Farm & Kitchen, Liquid Earth, Kippo Ramen, Friends and Family, HomeSlyce Pizza Bar.
Best Fine Dining
Charleston Restaurant, Cinghiale-Osteria, The Bygone, Ouzo Bay, Limoncello Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, Tagliata Restaurant, The Capital Grille.
Best Cafes
Ceremony Coffee Roasters, Spro Coffee, Dobby’s, 3 Bean Coffee, Artifact Coffee, Pitango Gelato Fells Point, Koba Café, Patterson Perk, Avely Farms Coffee Roasters.
Best Pubs and Bars
Cat's Eye Pub, The Brewer's Art, Rye, Max’s Taphouse, Of Love & Regret, Wiley Gunter's, WC Harlan, The Elk Room, Annabel Lee Tavern, Wet City. Best Restaurants
SHOUT OUT TO….
Thames Street Oyster House: Freshly shucked oysters. Lobster rolls (award-winning!). Crab Cakes. Menu full of local seafood dishes. Not much more to say... Make sure to get a reservation!
WC Harlan: Under-the-radar spot to get a cocktail in Baltimore. A prohibition-inspired speakeasy that is marked only by chalk on a side door that says “entrance.” WC Harlan’s handcrafted cocktails are amazing and worth going out of your way for and experience.
Ekiben: A must in Fell’s Point! Try the ‘Neighborhood Bird’ - a Taiwanese curry fried chicken thigh topped with spicy sambal mayo, pickles and herbs. Or anything else on the menu, really. They’re all good!
Hersh’s: Italian eatery focused on good food from locally sourced ingredients. This family-run place with family-run feel serving terrific Neapolitan style pizza (the only real pizza out there!!) and other fun Southern Italian favorites like crispy lamb with buttery borlotti beans and whipped feta. A thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail list puts Hersh's over the top.
Day Trips from Baltimore
Annapolis: Just 30 minutes away, featuring cobblestone paths, historical landmarks, and charming shops. For more information, visit the official Annapolis tourism site.
Sandy Point State Park: Near Annapolis, known for its beaches and activities like swimming and fishing. Learn more here.
St. Michaels: A serene sea town an hour away, with art galleries, antique shops, and the St. Michael’s winery. Discover more here.
Ocean City: A beach resort town perfect for a family getaway. Visit Ocean City’s tourism page.
Chesapeake Beach: An hour away, ideal for families with activities like waterparks and seafood restaurants. Find out more here.
Baltimore is a city of rich history, diverse neighborhoods, unique attractions, and delicious cuisine. Whether you're exploring its vibrant markets, enjoying its scenic parks, or savoring its famous seafood, Baltimore offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. For more information about planning your visit, check out the official Baltimore tourism website.
Exploring Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, MD, offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for government travelers, corporate visitors, film crews, and those in need of emergency housing. Whether you're exploring the Inner Harbor, indulging in the local cuisine, or discovering the rich history of this charming city, Baltimore has something for everyone.
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