You only live once, and there’s no living quite like Baltimore living. The list of things to do in Baltimore could go on and on, reaching into the hundreds. However, why not start with the 20 items on this list, and then go from there. 😉 Happy exploring!
- Experience the sheer quirkiness of HonFest.
Flickr / NoirGuy This unique festival in Hampden celebrates Baltimore style of decades past. It’s usually held in the beginning of June, kicking off summer in the most fun way possible.
- Be surrounded by colors galore at Graffiti Alley.
Flickr / Elvert Barnes Graffiti is frowned upon pretty much everywhere in the state but at Graffiti Alley, it’s encouraged. The walls are ever-changing as artists continue to create beautiful works of street art.
Address: between North Avenue and Howard Street
- Explore underwater life at the National Aquarium.
Flickr / Lev Yakupov The National Aquarium is one of the most impressive aquariums in the United States. You could easily spend several hours here appreciating all types of creatures, from stingrays, to sea turtles, and much more. The rainforest section is also an unexpected but delightful surprise.
Address: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Get up close and personal with animals at the Maryland Zoo.
Flickr / Terry Robinson Speaking of creatures, the Maryland Zoo is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of various mammals, amphibians, birds, and more. Favorites include the penguin exhibit and feeding the giraffes.
Address: 1 Safari Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217
- Eat to your heart’s content at Lexington Market.
Flickr / Stephen This iconic and historic marketplace has some of the most flavorful food in the city. We highly recommend trying a Faidley’s crab cake at least once, although you’ll definitely want to return for more.
Address: 400 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201
- See Baltimore from a whole new perspective at Federal Hill Park.
Flickr / m01229 Walk across the harbor and follow the stairs up to this park perched on a hill. The view from this place is spectacular, and it’s a favorite spot among local photographers.
Address: 300 Warren Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Cheer on the Orioles at Camden Yards.
Flickr / Geoff Livingston Even if you’re not a huge fan of baseball, this is an experience that every Baltimorean should have. The energy is sky high and the park is gorgeous.
Address: 333 W Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Bacaw at a Ravens game until you can’t bacaw anymore.
Flickr / Austin Kirk I just mentioned that Orioles games are high energy but they pale in comparison to a lively Ravens game. Football season is magic in Baltimore so prepare your vocal cords accordingly.
Address: 1101 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Take a step back in time at Fort McHenry.
Flickr / opacity This Baltimore fort is known as the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, created by Francis Scott Key. Spend some time touring this spot, which is also said to be haunted.
Address: 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Marvel at the Patterson Park Pagoda.
Flickr / Craig Fildes This impressive structure looks like it belongs in another country, but we are proud to have it right here in the city. It dates back decades but has been restored to its former glory. You can even enter, walk up the spiral staircase, and enjoy the view.
Address: E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Be WOWed by Hampden’s 34th Street at Christmastime.
Flickr / Beau Considine This annual light display is a Baltimore staple. Folks travel all over to see the quirky decorations up close, including Natty Boh Christmas angels, neon glowing crabs, and more.
Address: 720 West 34th St Baltimore, MD 21211
- Attend the Washington Monument lighting ceremony.
Flickr / Brandon Lawson Another holiday season favorite is the lighting ceremony at Baltimore’s Washington Monument. Seeing this tall structure all aglow is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Address: 699 Washington Pl, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Witness the annual Kinetic Sculpture Race.
Flickr / Linda Thomas-Fowler This eccentric race is presented by the American Visionary Art Museum each May. Watch these creative human-powered works of art like you’ve never seen art before. So bizarre, and so perfectly Baltimore.
- See the breathtaking George Peabody Library in person.
Flickr/ Tim Rawle Originally built for a music institute, this stunning piece of architecture is now a popular spot for ravish weddings. If you’re a bookworm, this should definitely be on your bucket list.
Address: 17 E Mt Vernon Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202
15 Pay tribute to Edgar Allan Poe.
Flickr / Tim Bounds This grave marker is often visited by lovers of Poe’s work, and some even leave gifts in memory of this iconic Baltimore resident.
Address: 515 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Go to and from on the Water Taxi.
Flickr / Austin Kirk The most scenic way to get around on the Harbor. Whether you need to travel between Fells Point, Canton, or even to Fort McHenry, there’s nothing like a water taxi ride, especially around sunset.
- Celebrate the 4th of July at the Harbor.
Flickr / Brett Gullborg This annual tradition is among the most impressive fireworks displays in Maryland. Get there early to ensure a good spot, and enjoy!
- Catch a flick at The Senator Theatre.
Flickr / zizzybaloobah This grand theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places. The atmosphere is truly nostalgic and you can even host private parties in the skyboxes.
Address: 5904 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212
- Partake in a pub crawl at Fells Point.
Flickr / wyliepoon There are several bars in this area that are filled with unique character. Grab a few friends and grab more than a few brews along the journey.
- Eat your weight in pasta in Little Italy.
Flickr / Alan It may not be as good as an actual trip to Italy, but the food found at these restaurants are pretty darn close. Carb lovers will want to frequent this spot often, so keep it in mind for date night.
When it comes to Baltimore activities, this list is only the beginning. What do you consider the best things to do in Baltimore? Feel free to share below!
Flickr / NoirGuy
This unique festival in Hampden celebrates Baltimore style of decades past. It’s usually held in the beginning of June, kicking off summer in the most fun way possible.
Flickr / Elvert Barnes
Graffiti is frowned upon pretty much everywhere in the state but at Graffiti Alley, it’s encouraged. The walls are ever-changing as artists continue to create beautiful works of street art.
Address: between North Avenue and Howard Street
Flickr / Lev Yakupov
The National Aquarium is one of the most impressive aquariums in the United States. You could easily spend several hours here appreciating all types of creatures, from stingrays, to sea turtles, and much more. The rainforest section is also an unexpected but delightful surprise.
Address: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Flickr / Terry Robinson
Speaking of creatures, the Maryland Zoo is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of various mammals, amphibians, birds, and more. Favorites include the penguin exhibit and feeding the giraffes.
Address: 1 Safari Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217
Flickr / Stephen
This iconic and historic marketplace has some of the most flavorful food in the city. We highly recommend trying a Faidley’s crab cake at least once, although you’ll definitely want to return for more.
Address: 400 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Flickr / m01229
Walk across the harbor and follow the stairs up to this park perched on a hill. The view from this place is spectacular, and it’s a favorite spot among local photographers.
Address: 300 Warren Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
Flickr / Geoff Livingston
Even if you’re not a huge fan of baseball, this is an experience that every Baltimorean should have. The energy is sky high and the park is gorgeous.
Address: 333 W Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Flickr / Austin Kirk
I just mentioned that Orioles games are high energy but they pale in comparison to a lively Ravens game. Football season is magic in Baltimore so prepare your vocal cords accordingly.
Address: 1101 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Flickr / opacity
This Baltimore fort is known as the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, created by Francis Scott Key. Spend some time touring this spot, which is also said to be haunted.
Address: 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
Flickr / Craig Fildes
This impressive structure looks like it belongs in another country, but we are proud to have it right here in the city. It dates back decades but has been restored to its former glory. You can even enter, walk up the spiral staircase, and enjoy the view.
Address: E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21224
Flickr / Beau Considine
This annual light display is a Baltimore staple. Folks travel all over to see the quirky decorations up close, including Natty Boh Christmas angels, neon glowing crabs, and more.
Address: 720 West 34th St Baltimore, MD 21211
Flickr / Brandon Lawson
Another holiday season favorite is the lighting ceremony at Baltimore’s Washington Monument. Seeing this tall structure all aglow is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Address: 699 Washington Pl, Baltimore, MD 21201
Flickr / Linda Thomas-Fowler
This eccentric race is presented by the American Visionary Art Museum each May. Watch these creative human-powered works of art like you’ve never seen art before. So bizarre, and so perfectly Baltimore.
Flickr/ Tim Rawle
Originally built for a music institute, this stunning piece of architecture is now a popular spot for ravish weddings. If you’re a bookworm, this should definitely be on your bucket list.
Address: 17 E Mt Vernon Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202
Flickr / Tim Bounds
This grave marker is often visited by lovers of Poe’s work, and some even leave gifts in memory of this iconic Baltimore resident.
Address: 515 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
The most scenic way to get around on the Harbor. Whether you need to travel between Fells Point, Canton, or even to Fort McHenry, there’s nothing like a water taxi ride, especially around sunset.
Flickr / Brett Gullborg
This annual tradition is among the most impressive fireworks displays in Maryland. Get there early to ensure a good spot, and enjoy!
Flickr / zizzybaloobah
This grand theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places. The atmosphere is truly nostalgic and you can even host private parties in the skyboxes.
Address: 5904 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212
Flickr / wyliepoon
There are several bars in this area that are filled with unique character. Grab a few friends and grab more than a few brews along the journey.
Flickr / Alan
It may not be as good as an actual trip to Italy, but the food found at these restaurants are pretty darn close. Carb lovers will want to frequent this spot often, so keep it in mind for date night.
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