48 Hours in Baltimore

For such a small city, Baltimore packs a punch. Situated between Washington, DC, and Philadelphia on the I-95 corridor, Charm City (as it’s often called) is frequently overlooked. Those who venture here, however, will find no shortage of things to do in Baltimore, from unique attractions to world-class museums and rich history.

Day 1

It’s easy to get to Baltimore by plane, train, or automobile.

• By air:
  Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) is connected directly to downtown Baltimore.
• By train:
  Amtrak offers easy access to the city, with service from BWI to downtown Baltimore.
• By car:
  Conveniently located along I-95, Baltimore is a short drive from many major cities.

Once in town, you won’t need a car. Instead, hop aboard the Charm City Circulator, a free bus that loops around many of the city’s major attractions, or take water taxis (some of which are seasonal) to explore all the attractions lining the city’s centerpiece: its vibrant Inner Harbor.

Start your visit by strolling along the waterfront promenade to the National Aquarium. The aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals and features a wide range of sea ecosystems from around the world—from Australia to the Amazon to the Atlantic Coral Reef. Check out the stingrays, sharks, dolphins, tropical fish, and other sea life while exploring interactive exhibits that bring you closer to the underwater world.

After immersing yourself in the wonders of the ocean, it’s time for lunch. While it may feel a bit ironic to feast on seafood after touring an aquarium, if you’re up for it, Phillips Seafood offers a true taste of Baltimore. Don’t miss the famous crab cakes, a Maryland delicacy you simply can’t leave Baltimore without trying.

After lunch, head across the harbor to the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), a facility that truly epitomizes Baltimore’s quirky nature. AVAM is more whimsical than your typical art museum. You may see gigantic pink poodles and whirligigs, kinetic sculptures, and folk art made with matchsticks and mosaics. The works are those of self-taught artists—including farmers, mathematicians, inmates, and people with mental illness.

In the evening, head to Baltimore’s Little Italy to feast on lasagna, gnocchi, and other Italian favorites at Amicci’s, a longstanding fixture in the neighborhood known for its cozy atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine. Follow this up by exploring the nightlife in historic Fells Point, a lively neighborhood filled with character and charm. Sip on a Natty Boh (short for National Bohemian), the unofficial beer of Baltimore, at Cat’s Eye Pub while listening to live music. 

Once you’re ready to retire, stroll the cobblestone streets of Fells Point to your hotel home base: the AAA Four Diamond Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, a luxurious waterfront hotel that was once an industrial warehouse. If you prefer a quieter place, take a quick taxi ride to Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, located in the nearby neighborhood of Harbor East.

Day 2

Fuel up for a full day of sightseeing with a hearty breakfast at Blue Moon Cafe, an eclectic spot serving up made-to-order favorites and signature dishes such as Cap'n Crunch French Toast.

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Baltimore after breakfast, you can’t go wrong with either the Maryland Science Center or the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA). The former is located on the Inner Harbor and features dinosaurs, an IMAX theater, a planetarium, and loads of interactive exhibits to entertain adults and kids alike. The BMA, which is home to more than 95,000 works of art spanning America, European, and contemporary art, also boasts the world’s-largest public collection of works by Henri Matisse in the world. General admission to the BMA is free, and it’s home to Gertrude’s, a great lunch spot that serves up farm-to-table dishes in a dining room overlooking a sculpture garden featuring works by Alexander Calder, Isamu Noguchi, and Auguste Rodin.

Next, ride the Charm City Circulator to the Mount Vernon Cultural District to visit the country's first Washington Monument. It’s been a fixture in Mount Vernon Park for more than 200 years. You can climb its 227 stairs with advanced reservations—a great way to walk off lunch and be rewarded with an impressive vista of Baltimore.

Bibliophiles will want to visit the spectacular George Peabody Library, where five tiers of cast-iron balconies, each level housing centuries-old books, rise dramatically to a skylight 61 feet above.

If you have the energy—and curiosity—to visit one more museum, the free-admission Walters Art Museum is located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood and worth a stop. The museum is renowned for its exceptional range of works across cultures, including European, Asian, Islamic, and American art.

For dinner, visit The Helmand, a neighborhood gem that’s been serving authentic Afghan cuisine for more than 30 years. Try dishes such as kaddo borwani (baked baby pumpkin dolloped with yogurt), mantwo (a pastry stuffed with beef and onions), and Kabuli Pallow (rice baked with lamb tenderloin, raisins and glazed carrots), all praised by foodies for their rich flavors and spices. The restaurant's warm, welcoming ambiance adds to the experience.

After dinner, enjoy a show at one of Baltimore’s performing arts venues, such as Baltimore Center Stage, the Peabody Institute, or Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (home to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra).

Extend your stay

Up for another day in Charm City? Start with breakfast at Lexington Market, a lively food emporium with roots dating back to 1782. You can choose from an array of eateries serving up unique global cuisine—such as Malaysian, West African, and Nepali—or opt for a more traditional breakfast bet at Deddle’s Donuts, a market food truck serving up made-to-order donuts.

Before bidding farewell to Baltimore, pay homage to our nation’s history with a visit to one (or a few) of these city landmarks.

• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historical Shrine
  It’s the setting that inspired our national anthem.
• Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
  Home to more than 400 years of history spanning industry, politics, sports, media, the arts, education, the military, and more.
• USS Constellation
  A preserved museum ship and National Historic Landmark in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Built in 1854, it’s the last sail-only warship designed and built by the U.S. Navy. It served in several military conflicts, including the Civil War.

Of course, these suggestions sit on the tip of a deep iceberg. Given its vast cultural, historic and quirk-filled attractions, this 48-hour sampling is likely to whet your appetite for more of Baltimore.