Things To Do
Mount Vernon Place
This historic square is known as the cultural center of Baltimore with adorable cobbled streets and rich architecture. It houses the original Washington Monument, stunning George Peabody Library, the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, the Engineers Club, the Walter's Art Museum, and America's first cathedral The Basilica of the Assumption. Surrounding the monument you'll find four small parks. During spring and summer, there are festivals and live concerts held on the lawn. Once you take all the sights in head over to Dooby's or Café Fili for a latte. The best patisserie nearby is Roggenart. If you're feeling up for an aperitivo we recommend Topside for 270 degree views of the city. Highly recommended restaurant selections include: Helmand (Afghan), Sotto Sopra (Italian), Mera Kitchen Collective (health conscious), Union Hill Kitchen & Craft Beer (American), Poets Modern Cocktails and Eats (American). Cocktail lounges include The Coral Wig, Blooms, The Owl Bar, The Brewer's Art.
Fells Point
One of the most historic waterfront neighborhoods in the city, Fell’s Point features restaurants, live music, and some of the longest continuous operating bars in the country. Be sure to visit the Cat’s Eye Pub, Andy’s favorite bar. Stunning harbor views and lots of cute shops in the area. The iconic Sagamore Pendry Hotel often has live music in the evenings and there’s access to their indoor garden. Restaurant recommendations in the area include: Bunny’s for brunch, Pitango Bakery & Cafe, Thames Street Oyster House, Mama’s on the Half Shell, Prima DOPA (Italian), the Daria (Thai). Street parking available but scarce in the evening.
Inner Harbor
The Baltimore waterfront promenade connects multiple neighborhoods in Baltimore spanning from Locust Point (West) to Canton (East). Along the way you'll find a multitude of restaurants, shops, and recreation including The National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and the Port Discovery Children's Museum. Resident ships in the harbor include USS Constellation (1854-1955), USCG Cutter 37 (1935-1986), LS-116 Chesapeake (1930-1971).
Hampden
Hampden is the hipster neighborhood in Baltimore- streets lined with colorful homes, vintage shops, boutiques, diverse eats, dive bars, and cocktail lounges. It's a vibe! We recommend the following food and drink spots: Golden West Café (breakfast), Grano's Pasta Bar (Italian), Bodhi Corner (Thai), The Food Market (American), The Creamery (Ice cream), Bluebird cocktail room, The Green Room, Nepenthe Brewing Co.
Patterson Park
Originally the larget park in the U.S. with 295 acres of greenspace. It hosts festivals, run clubs, VOLO, and the famous Victorian pagoda, Patterson Park Observatory (pictured above). It stands on Hampstead Hill, a key battlement during the Battle for Baltimore in 1814. Sunset is a must, with the park's hills overlooking the cityscape. Pop over to Taqueria El Sabor for authentic Mexican cuisine or Bmore Licks for a scoop of ice cream afterwards.
Federal Hill Park
Stunning Inner Harbor and cityscape views, perfect for sunset! Street parking available. Located near the American Visionary Art Museum.
National Aquarium
This is a multi-hour activity due to the size of the Aquarium and exhibits such as the Upland Tropical Rain Forest and Harbor Wetlands. Recommend a parking garage due to congestion or street parking if you can find. Ticket pricing: Adults 49.95, Youth (5-20) 39.95, Child (0-4) Free.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Founded in 1914, the BMA's collection of 95,000 objects encompasses more than 1,000 works by Henri Matisse anchored by the Cone Collection of modern art, as well as one of the nation's finest holdings of prints, drawings, and photographs. The galleries currently showcase collections of art from Africa; works by established and emerging contemporary artists; European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts; ancient Antioch mosaics; art from Asia, and textiles from around the world.
B&O Railroad Museum
For all you train lovers... The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad company originally opened the museum on July 4, 1953. They recently unveiled the newly restored American Freedom Train No. 1 to kick off its America 250 celebration.
American Visionary Art Museum
Located in the Federal Hill community in Baltimore near the harbor, and designed by congress. A variety of art is preserved here including: visionary, folk, modern, and abstract. Ticket pricing: Adults 20.00, Children/military 11.00.
Rawlings Conservatory
Modeled from the Kew Gardens in London, the elegant Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore opened in 1888. The structure is known as the second oldest surviving glass botanic conservatory in the United States. It features five distinct greenhouses inside. Free admission, parking out front.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
There's always some sort of musical production at our beloved BSO, if you have the time or interest in classical music.
Soulage Yoga Studio
If you want to stay active during your visit head to Soulage in Mount Vernon. This is Ashley's favorite yoga studio in town. Street parking is easily accessible in the area. Walk-ins welcome! Price per class: 28.00
Run Clubs of Baltimore
Are you a runner and want to get those miles in? Here's a spreadsheet of a majority of the Run Clubs in the City. Ashley's go-to is A Tribe Called Run. Or, if you prefer to run solo there are great spots along the harbor, Patterson Park, and Druid Hill Park. Reach out if you'd like more specific suggestions.
Movement Gym
For climbers who want to get some reps in during their visit, Hampden offers a bouldering gym. Just north of the city in Timonium, MD, you can rope climb. Ask about a day pass.