National Aquarium. One of the premier aquariums in the country, housing more than 20,000 animals across Atlantic coral reef, Australian river gorge, and a dolphin discovery gallery. Timed-entry tickets and advance booking are strongly recommended.
Fort McHenry National Monument. The star-shaped fort where the 1814 Battle of Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Ranger-led flag ceremonies, War of 1812 demonstrations, and a one-mile Seawall Trail make this a must for history lovers and families alike.
Baltimore Museum of Art. Free admission and home to the world's largest public collection of Henri Matisse — more than 1,000 works donated by Baltimore's own Cone sisters. The BMA is open Wednesday through Sunday with extended Thursday evening hours.
Walters Art Museum. A completely free world-class museum in the historic Mount Vernon Cultural District, spanning seven millennia of art from ancient Asian treasures to Impressionist masters including Monet and Manet. The Cone Collection and arms-and-armor gallery are standouts.
Fells Point. Founded in 1763, this National Historic District retains its Belgian-block streets, 300-plus buildings on the National Register, and a waterfront lined with oyster bars, boutiques, and jazz saloons. It is Baltimore's most atmospheric neighborhood for an evening stroll.
American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM). Billed as the nation's museum for self-taught, intuitive artistry, AVAM sits at the base of Federal Hill and showcases dazzling outsider art across three buildings. Photography for personal use is encouraged and 'blatant enthusiasm' is the house rule.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The 1992 retro-classic ballpark that set the design template for every modern stadium in America, Camden Yards sits steps from the Inner Harbor on a historic railyard. Catch an Orioles game, shout 'O' during the national anthem with 40,000 fans, and seek out the crab-dip fries.
Maryland Blue Crab Feast. No experience is more quintessentially Baltimore than steamed blue crabs blanketed in Old Bay seasoning, spread across a newspaper-covered table with a cold beer in hand. Chesapeake Bay blue crabs peak in size and flavor from September through November.
Top-rated tours & activities in Baltimore
Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point — 4.9★ (195 reviews)
Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour — 4.6★ (463 reviews)
Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point — 4.9★ (195 reviews)
Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour — 4.6★ (463 reviews)
Baltimore Inner Harbor Sail on Summer Wind — 4.6★ (125 reviews)
Baltimore Bewitched: Raven's Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour — 4.5★ (168 reviews)
Private and personalized tour of Washington dc — 4.8★ (156 reviews)
Glow in the Dark Splatter Paint Experience — 4.8★ (109 reviews)
Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore — 4.7★ (151 reviews)
Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate — 4.6★ (105 reviews)