Baltimore Travelers Recommend

As the largest city in Maryland, Baltimore is full of fun and interesting things to do. Three days give you ample time to go sightseeing, enjoy the city’s waterfront location, and delve into Baltimore’s art, culture, and food. Here’s how to maximize three days in Charm City.

Day 1: Explore the Neighborhoods

Each of Baltimore’s neighborhoods has its own unique vibe, so kickstart your time on a neighborhood tour that gives a sense of the area’s history and culture. Tours of the Mount Vernon area typically cover the country’s first monument to George Washington, the Baltimore Basilica, and America’s first Catholic church, and tend to include a snack and drink at Mount Vernon Marketplace, a former warehouse that’s now one of the city’s most popular culinary hubs.

Afterward, embark on a food-focused tour of a different neighborhood. Tours of Fell’s Point or Little Italy typically take you to family-run restaurants to sample dishes such Baltimore-style pit beef, homemade meatballs, and Polish dumplings. Then, devote your evening to Sagamore Spirit Distillery, where you can learn more about the whiskey-making process and taste American Straight Rye Whiskey.

Day 2: Spend time Around the Inner Harbor

Baltimore’s busiest area is the Inner Harbor neighborhood, and for good reason; it’s home to some of the city’s best museums and attractions, as well as an abundance of restaurants. Walking tours offer a more intimate glimpse into the area while revealing historical and cultural details that you may otherwise miss. After you’ve explored on foot, spend an hour at one of Baltimore’s museums; choose between Baltimore Maritime Museum, Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and the National Aquarium. 

The Inner Harbor is also where you’ll find the World Trade Center, which rises 405 feet (123 meters) above the harbor; head up to the 27th-floor observation deck for panoramic views of Baltimore. Afterward, get out on the water on a dinner cruise of the illuminated harbor.

Day 3: Nature or Vineyards

Even in urban Baltimore, there are many ways to experience nature. Explore 207 acres (84 hectares) of trees, flowers, and vegetable gardens—plus a greenhouse and historic mansion—at Cylburn Arboretum, or go strolling around Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, and Druid Hill Park.

If wine is more your thing, spend the day in the Maryland countryside on a tour of the Heritage wine region. Tours typically visit vineyards such as Great Frogs, Thanksgiving Farms, and Friday’s Creek, and include tastings of white wines such as viognier and sauvignon blanc, as well as snacks. Back in the city, head to one last neighborhood—perhaps quirky Hampden or colorful Charles Town—to enjoy a last taste of the city’s dining scene.

Two days in Baltimore (aka “Charm City”) give you enough time to see the sights of this historic port city, get out onto the harbor, and thoroughly explore a couple of neighborhoods. From sipping whiskey to sailing into the sunset, here’s how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: Discover the City and the Harbor

**Morning:**Spend your first hours in Baltimore getting your bearings and doing some sightseeing. A guided walking tour takes you past important landmarks while filling you in on the city’s history and people.

**Afternoon:**After your walk, discover why Baltimore is considered one of the best food towns on the East Coast. Food tours through Fell’s Point, Little Italy, Jonestown, and other neighborhoods take you to classic and under-the-radar eateries to sample dishes such as Baltimore-style pit beef, fresh knishes, and homemade meatballs. 

**Night:**Round out your first day with a cruise around the Inner Harbor. You’ll find multiple options, from a luxe dinner yacht experience to a more casual sunset sail aboard a schooner. Most tours pass popular attractions such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Day 2: Dive Deeper

**Morning:**Baltimore is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and appeal. Spend your second morning touring an area you didn’t visit yesterday—perhaps Federal Hill or the quirky Hampden district, home of the “hons” (the classic Baltimore women who wear loud printed dresses and beehive hairdos).

**Afternoon:**Spend your afternoon learning about whiskey making at the Sagamore Spirit Distillery. Tours typically conclude with tastings of American straight rye whiskey. Another option is to combine a distillery tour with a helicopter ride over downtown Baltimore. Combo tours save money, and sometimes include a goody bag of products.

**Night:**On your final evening in Baltimore, check out the thriving brewing scene on a tour of the city's best breweries. Learn about the beer-making process and sample some brews, then enjoy dinner at a gastropub. Alternatively, get a glimpse of the spookier side of Baltimore’s history on a ghost walk.

Made famous by John Waters and infamous by the TV show The Wire, Baltimore (aka “Charm City”) is a town proud of its nautical history and working-class roots. With rough edges and a heart of gold, the city is home to a vibrant cultural scene and some of the best eating on the East Coast. Here are a few ways to spend a day in Baltimore.

Morning: Explore a Neighborhood

Start your day with a guided tour that delves into the history and culture of one of Baltimore’s distinct neighborhoods. On a small-group tour of the Mount Vernon area, for example, you might see the country’s first monument to George Washington, filming locations of popular TV shows, the Baltimore Basilica, and America’s first Catholic church. Some tours include snack breaks.

Afternoon: Drink and Dine

After working up an appetite in the morning, embark on a food-focused afternoon tour of another neighborhood. A guided tour through the cobblestone streets and past the row houses in Fell’s Point takes you to family-run restaurants to sample Polish cuisine, Baltimore-style pit beef, and Spanish tapas. Another foodie favorite is a tour through Little Italy and Jonestown to sample the specialties of early-19th-century Jewish and Italian immigrants, from fresh knishes to homemade meatballs. If there’s time afterward, go on a tour of the Sagamore Spirit Distillery and taste some American straight rye whiskey.

Night: Get Onto the Harbor

Soak up the waterfront sights on an evening cruise around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. You’ll find multiple cruise options, from a luxe dinner yacht experience to a more casual sunset sail aboard a schooner. Most tours pass popular attractions such as the Maryland Science Center and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. After you dock, you’ll be in the perfect place to take in the Inner Harbor nightlife scene and toast your day in Charm City.