Things to do in Baltimore
Federal Hill Park
Get your bearings in Baltimore at the top of this historic hill that helped defend the city in the War of 1812. You can park at Marina Garage (21230) then climb the 99 steps to reach its summit, overlooking the Inner Harbor waterfront and Patapsco River. The grassy banks are popular for picnics, while there’s a playground and miniature historic icons signifying Maryland’s interesting heritage.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Ten minutes north of the city center in the Charles Village neighborhood, you can admire the world’s largest Matisse collection in the Baltimore Museum of Art. More than a thousand of the French master’s works are on display, alongside pieces by Picasso, Van Gogh and Andy Warhol. Entry to the museum and sculpture garden is free, with the building’s six elegant Doric columns making it a work of art itself.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
It was at Fort McHenry where Francis Scott Key penned The Star-Spangled Banner in 1814 as he watched a flag flying in triumph after the British’s failed attempt to capture Baltimore. Today the visitor center shows movies detailing the fort’s history, alongside exhibits and ranger talks. Wander along the sea wall and through the park that juts out into the harbor.
National Aquarium
One of the city’s most popular attractions is the National Aquarium with its pyramid-topped building on the edge of the Inner Harbor. Explore ocean environments including Atlantic and Pacific coral reefs, Amazon River forests and see more than 20,000 animals at play. It’s not all underwater. The Tropical Rainforest is five storeys high, with the forest floor to treetop canopies filled with birds, sloths and monkeys.
The best restaurants in Baltimore
Bygone
A staggering 29 floors up with floor-to-ceiling glass windows helps Bygone boast some of the best views of Baltimore. The velvet dining room exudes luxury, reflected in the menu. Lobster salad, smoked mussels and chocolate truffles for dessert mean you can dine like royalty.
Rye Street Tavern
Seafood is big in Baltimore thanks to its coastal location. Rye Street Tavern specializes in cuisine from Chesapeake Bay, so prepare to tuck into local East Coast oysters, shrimp, wood-grilled Maryland rockfish and tuna poke. A 15-minute drive from Downtown, the restaurant overlooks Winans Cove for an atmospheric backdrop as you order.
Where to stay in Baltimore
Sagamore Pendry
A prime example of Baltimore’s rejuvenation is the Sagamore Pendry. This 100-year-old building at the heart of the Inner Harbor has transformed into a glamorous waterfront hotel with an incredible infinity pool. The original facade and industrial design retains plenty of character in one of the city’s coolest hotels.
Admiral Fell Inn
Also near the harbor’s edge is Admiral Fell Inn – a former YMCA and bottling factory. It offers a much more comfortable stay today, with quirkily designed rooms and the traditional exposed brick and wooden style harking back to its 18th-century roots. Perfect for cozy rooms and warm accommodation in a central location.
Sport in Baltimore
Oriole Park
Baseball is big in Baltimore and Oriole Park is home to the city’s beloved MLB team – Baltimore Orioles. Catch a game if you’re here during the season (March to late September). Outside of the season, you can take a guided tour around the ballpark.
Babe Ruth Museum
One of Baltimore’s most famous sons may have made his name in New York, but you can visit his birthplace just three blocks from Oriole Park. Along with famous items and exhibits from Babe Ruth’s career, it’s expanded to become the official museum of the Baltimore Orioles.
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