Things to do in Baltimore
- Baltimore was the site of the first successful telegraph message sent in the United States, transmitted from the B&O Railroad station to Washington, D.C. in 1844.
- The city is home to the oldest operating railroad station in the United States, Mount Clare Station, established in 1830.
- Baltimore has the highest number of public statues and monuments per capita of any city in the United States.
- The Star-Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry.
- Baltimore's rowhouse architecture is unique in the U.S. for its prevalence of white marble steps, which are traditionally scrubbed and maintained by residents.
About Baltimore
Baltimore is a historic deep-water port city on the Chesapeake Bay, defined by its maritime heritage and industrial legacy. It serves as the primary economic hub of Maryland, famously housing the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor. Visitors can explore the foundations of American military history at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine or appreciate diverse collections at The Walters Art Museum. The city's geography is anchored by expansive public green spaces, including Druid Hill Park, which demonstrate its 19th-century urban planning.
Highlights of Baltimore
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Zoos
Explore the massive multi-story tropical rainforest exhibit and deep-sea aquatic galleries.
Historical places
Walk the ramparts where the successful defense against the British inspired the U.S. national anthem.
Museums
View an expansive collection spanning from pre-dynastic Egypt to 19th-century Europe in a historic townhouse setting.
Museums
Tour the site of the nation's first passenger railroad, housing an extensive collection of historic locomotives.
Museums
Browse a world-class collection of Matisse paintings and extensive post-war contemporary works.
Parks
Ascent the park's steep hill for the most iconic panoramic view of the Baltimore Inner Harbor skyline.
Parks
Visit one of the oldest public parks in the country, featuring a historic conservatory and miles of walking trails.
Venues
Attend a major Broadway-style production within this meticulously restored 1914 movie palace.
Top things to do in Baltimore
The 128 highest-rated places in Baltimore, ranked by travellers.
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Zoos
The National Aquarium is a nonprofit aquatic facility located on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, housing over 20,000 animals a...
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Historical places
Fort McHenry is a coastal star-shaped fort located on Locust Point in Baltimore, Maryland. It is primarily recognized as...
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Zoos
Established in 1876, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the third oldest zoo in the United States. It spans 135 acres with...
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Parks
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Historical places
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Temples
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Baltimore on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Baltimore
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking the waterfront and park areas while avoiding the peak humidity of mid-summer.
3 days, which provides enough time to cover the Inner Harbor institutions, regional museums, and historical sites like the harbor forts.
The city features a combination of the Light Rail, Metro subway, and a free Charm City Circulator bus network, though many central districts remain highly walkable.
The Inner Harbor and Harbor East offer the best proximity to major tourist sites and dining, while Fells Point provides a more historic, boutique lodging experience.
Baltimore is considered a mid-range destination, generally more affordable than nearby Washington, D.C., and major northern coastal cities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 128 curated attractions in and around Baltimore, ranked by traveller ratings.
National Aquarium is the highest-rated place to visit in Baltimore right now.
The largest category is parks, with 34 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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