BNHA Must-See Baltimore: Day by Day
Content about Must-See Baltimore: Day by Day
Baltimore is chock full of world-class museums, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods with fantastic restaurants and cultural attractions. If you’re just visiting for a few days, we invite you to explore the areas beyond the Inner Harbor. You’ll get a great feel for the authentic Baltimore, a city of neighborhoods linked together with a shared history of amazing people and places.
DAY 1
Get yourself oriented with a heritage area guided walking tour. Heritage Walk tours depart daily from the Baltimore Visitor Center at the Inner Harbor (May through October). Our knowledgeable urban rangers will take you from the Inner Harbor over to Historic Jonestown, home of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and the Jewish Museum of Maryland. You’ll wander through Little Italy and be tempted by the aromas from the neighborhood’s restaurants and bakeries. Your guide will then take you through the city center, passing along Baltimore’s grand city hall and the Peale Center, the oldest purpose-museum building in the country and dating to 1814. You’ll cover four centuries of history on this three-mile journey through the heart of Baltimore.
Continue your star-spangled experience in Fell’s Point, once the maritime center of Baltimore. Here the famous clipper ships were built that carried Baltimore’s goods around the globe. Today it’s an eclectic mix of shops, hotels, restaurants, and saloons in a unique colonial waterfront setting.
DAY 2
Start the day at Druid Hill Park, a 745-acre urban oasis and the city’s first large municipal park. The park is a great urban amenity, known for its shady lawns, rolling hills, picturesque water features, and majestic forest. It’s home to the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory. Built in 1888 and considered the country's second-oldest Victorian glass conservatory, this is a wonderful space to enjoy soaring palm trees and a kaleidoscope of hundreds of blooming orchids.
The park is also home to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, which holds the distinction of being the third oldest zoo in the United States. More than 1,500 birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles are on display. Popular exhibits include the African Journey, award-winning Children's Zoo, and Polar Bear Watch (don’t miss the penguins!).
After a wild morning, take an afternoon reflecting on the culture of the world at the Walters Art Museum in the heart of the Mount Vernon neighborhood. The museum is noted for its collections of ancient artifacts, medieval armor, and Asian art. The Walters boasts more than 55 centuries of art and more than 28,000 objects from all corners of the globe.
Steps away from the Walters stands Baltimore’s Washington Monument. Completed in 1829, the impressive structure stands 176 tall. Adventurous visitors can climb the 227 marble steps to the top for a unique view of the city.
Whether you’ve worked up an appetite climbing to the top of the monument or gazing at treasures from the ancient world, don’t miss out of the variety of dining and nightlife in Mount Vernon. The neighborhood is considered the cultural center of the city, filled with restaurants, boutiques, and performing arts venues.
DAY 3
Start your day with a hearty climb to the top of Federal Hill. From the park at the hill’s apex you’ll have a stunning view of the Baltimore skyline. On the climb down, check out the quirky and dazzling sculptures and mosaics at the American Visionary Art Museum, dedicated to displaying the work of self-taught artists.
Spend the rest of the day checking out some of the unique Baltimore museums. Whatever your specific interests, the city has something to offer.
Exploring the African American Experience
- Reginald Lewis Museum
- National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
- Back to Fell’s Point to walk in the footsteps of Frederick Douglass
Baltimore and American Industry
Baltimore: Gateway to America
Grab one more iconic view of the city from Patterson Park, one of the oldest in the city. A ornately designed observation tower, lovingly called the Pagoda, stands at the highest peak of the park. Even at the tower’s base you can take in a commanding view of city and the Patapsco River beyond.
The neighborhood of Canton is minutes from the park. This once industry focused part of town is now known for its lively dining and nightlife.