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Baltimore, MD

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.  

    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.