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Baltimore, Maryland night skyline with full moon, featuring illuminated cityscape reflections on the harbor, showcasing vibrant architecture and waterfront attractions.

Baltimore, MD

Explore Baltimore, MD

Baltimore, MD

Baltimore: A Historic Harbor City with Charm & Culture

Baltimore, Maryland, known as “Charm City,” is a vibrant waterfront destination rich in history, culture, and world-class seafood. From the famous Inner Harbor and historic neighborhoods to world-renowned museums and sporting events, Baltimore offers a unique mix of past and present, making it a must-visit for history buffs, food lovers, and adventure seekers alike.   Baltimore, Maryland night skyline with full moon, featuring illuminated cityscape reflections on the harbor, showcasing vibrant architecture and waterfront attractions.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Baltimore

    Baltimore has four distinct seasons, each offering a unique experience:

    • March–May (Spring): Ideal for mild weather, cherry blossoms, and outdoor festivals.
    • June–August (Summer): Best for waterfront activities, baseball games, and seafood festivals.
    • September–November (Fall): Perfect for crisp air, colorful foliage, and fewer crowds.
    • December–February (Winter): A great time for holiday events, cozy dining, and indoor attractions.

    • Inner Harbor – The heart of Baltimore, filled with shops, museums, and waterfront views.
    • National Aquarium – One of the top aquariums in the U.S., featuring sharks, dolphins, and coral reefs.
    • Fort McHenry – A historic site where the Star-Spangled Banner was inspired during the War of 1812.
    • Oriole Park at Camden Yards – A classic baseball stadium, home to the Baltimore Orioles.
    • Fell’s Point – A historic waterfront district with cobblestone streets, pubs, and live music.
    • Maryland Science Center – A family-friendly museum with hands-on exhibits and a planetarium.
    • American Visionary Art Museum – A quirky and creative museum showcasing outsider art.
    • The Walters Art Museum – A world-class collection of art from ancient to modern times.
    • Lexington Market – One of the oldest public markets in the U.S., famous for its crab cakes.
    • Baltimore Museum of Art – Home to one of the largest collections of Matisse paintings.

    • Maryland Crab Cakes – A Baltimore staple, made with fresh jumbo lump crab meat.
    • Old Bay Steamed Crabs – Blue crabs steamed with Maryland’s famous Old Bay seasoning.
    • Berger Cookies – A decadent Baltimore treat with a thick layer of chocolate fudge on a shortbread cookie.
    • Pit Beef Sandwich – A smoky, charcoal-grilled roast beef sandwich, often served with horseradish.
    • Coddies – A Baltimore-style codfish cake served between saltine crackers with mustard.
    • Lake Trout – A deep-fried fish dish that’s a local favorite (despite the name, it’s not actually trout!).
    • Stuffed Ham – A southern Maryland delicacy featuring ham stuffed with greens and spices.
    • Natty Boh (National Bohemian Beer) – Baltimore’s iconic beer, often enjoyed with steamed crabs.

    • Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI): The main airport, just 15 minutes from downtown.
    • Charm City Circulator: A free bus system connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.
    • Baltimore Water Taxi: A scenic way to travel between Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, and Fort McHenry.
    • Light Rail & MARC Train: Great for traveling between Baltimore and Washington, D.C..
    • Rideshares & Taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely available.
    • Scooter & Bike Rentals: Available for exploring the waterfront and historic neighborhoods.

    • For U.S. travelers: No passport or visa required.
    • For international travelers: A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary depending on your country.
    • Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries: May need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

    • Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
    • Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Baltimore.
    • ATMs are available citywide, including in hotels, shopping centers, and transit hubs.
    • Currency exchange services are available at BWI Airport and major banks.

    • English is the primary language spoken.
    • Spanish is widely spoken in some areas.
    • Most tourist attractions and restaurants have English-speaking staff.

    • Baltimoreans are friendly, but it’s a city with strong local pride—sports teams and food are serious topics!
    • Tipping is customary (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and for taxi/rideshare drivers).
    • Baltimore has a mix of urban and historic neighborhoods—explore, but be mindful of your surroundings.
    • Public transportation is safe, but it’s best to avoid walking alone late at night in less busy areas.

    • Restaurants: 18–20% tip is standard for good service.
    • Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill.
    • Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
    • Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated.

    • For peak seasons (spring & summer): Book 3–6 months in advance for the best rates on hotels and flights.
    • For major events (sports games, festivals, conventions): Book at least 6 months in advance.
    • For budget travel: Last-minute hotel deals are sometimes available, but flights are best booked at least 2 months ahead.

    • COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check for any updates before traveling.
    • Sports events and concerts may require pre-purchased tickets—some venues have digital-only entry.
    • Certain areas of Baltimore are best explored during the day—always check local safety recommendations.