Baltimore is the most populated city in Maryland and it’s FULL of culture, history and fun things to see and do. Once a year for the last decade I’ve gone to Baltimore for a great weekend getaway. I’m going to tell you how to have an EPIC weekend in Baltimore, Maryland so you can love it as much as I do! Who’s excited?!? Get excited!
In my post 7 Cheap or Free Things to do in Virginia Beach, when you Can’t go to the Beach I introduced you to my friend Susanne who was working out on the beach. She renews her fitness certifications every year in Baltimore. I tag along and THAT is how our yearly “girls trip” got started. After 10+ years we know how to have an epic weekend in Baltimore, Maryland! Here’s everything we love and recommend….
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Where to STAY in Baltimore
Before you make your selection you have to read Top 5 things you NEED to know when finding a hotel because there are plenty of places to choose from, and you need to make an informed decision. The right location for YOU is going to be key in making your choice.
I’ve stayed at all different hotels, but the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore is simply INCREDIBLE! This luxury hotel is located in the Fell’s Point area. There are plenty of options in Baltimore but I’m telling you, this stunning hotel is the BEST. The quality and service are unparalleled.
Check out the video below where I show you a peek at the hotel.
What to SEE in Baltimore
TOP 3 LOCATIONS:
Inner Harbor is the main tourist attraction in the city of Baltimore. It is filled with attractions, restaurants, and shopping. I LOVE Baltimore’s Inner Harbor because everything is within a short walk.
Fells Point is a charming town in the oldest section of Baltimore. I love walking on the cobblestone streets down Main Street to see the cute pubs and shops.
Federal Hill is a popular spot for its great nightlife scene. It is PACKED with different restaurants and pubs. On a Saturday night, you can definitely find live music and various entertainment here. Go to Charles Street and E Cross Street to have ALL the fun at night! This is a great place to go for happy hour.
Baltimore Aquarium
The National Aquarium is located at 501 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. With 20,000+ animals and 800+ species you will DEFINITELY have an amazing time here. It ranks #20 out of 243 things to do in Baltimore on TripAdvisor.
This nonprofit aquarium’s goal is to inspire conservation. As one of the top three aquariums in the United States, I’d strongly encourage you to visit. You should allow for 2-3 hours for your visit to thoroughly enjoy the aquatic animals.
Tip: A great way to save some money is to go on a Friday night when you can get HALF PRICE tickets.
Historic Ships
In the heart of Inner Harbor, at 301 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 you can see Historic Ships. There are 5 ships total, but check the website to see which ones are open for guided tours and overnight adventures. These family-friendly attractions have interactive exhibits that show you maritime history.
Check out the YouTube video for a virtual ship tour of the USS Constellation.
Bromo Seltzer Arts Clock Tower
In the post “1 Thing you MUST do EVERY TIME You Travel” I talked about taking different types of tours. When we were in Baltimore this was the awesome tour that we took!
The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower is located at 21 S. Eutaw St. Baltimore, MD 21201.This landmark was first built in 1907-1911. Known as one of the tallest historic buildings in Baltimore, it has 4 clock faces and is illuminated at night.
The Clock Tower now serves as a museum and arts center. I definitely recommend scheduling a tour of the building and clock room tower. The Maryland Glass Company Room has various incredible antique bottles and glass. The tower is truly an amazing piece of history.
Tip: The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower is only open on Saturdays: 11am – 4pm (studios open at noon)
Clock Room Tours are at: 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and the cost is $8.00.
Top of The World Observation
The Top of the World Observation is located at the World Trade Center 401 E Pratt St. 27th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.
Tip: Make sure you check the website for hours and ticket info. Top of the World Observation Level is open Mondays and Thursdays, 10am-6pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-7pm; and Sundays 11am-6pm and is $6.00 for adults.
Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse is located at Pier 5, east of the Inner Harbor. It is one of the oldest Chesapeake lighthouses. I would suggest you talk a walk to see the FREE TOUR of this cute little lighthouse.
Power Plant Live
Power Plant Live is one of my FAVORITE places in Baltimore. It has a variety of restaurants and bars and is an amazing venue for concerts. We love to go to Power Plant Live for a night out because there are several different types of bars all in one location. They have such a big variation that there is sure to be something there for everyone.
One bar can have rock music, one will have country music, and one will have dueling pianos. There are inside and outside venues all at this one central location.
Fells Point is Baltimore’s Historic District. The 18th century neighborhood is a charming town to walk around during the day.
Tip: Parking is limited in this area so please check out this site to help you find parking.
Shopping
There are approximately 47 independently owned small shops and galleries in Fells Point. You are sure to find one of a kind souvenirs here from local artisans.
One of my favorite shops is Insomnia Cookies. They have ice cream and warm cookies. The best part??? You can get warm cookies delivered right to your door until 3:00 am!
Nightlife
Bond Street Social is located at 901 S. Bond Street, Baltimore, MD 21231. This is an excellent restaurant with an upscale atmosphere. We always start our night out on the town with a drink at this location. From there we walk down Thames Street to The Horse You Came in on and listen to live music. We finish the night with the DJ music at The Admiral’s Cup.
The bottom line: Nightlife on Thames Street is AWESOME!
Art Museums
There are a number of art museums in Federal Hill. The American Visionary Arts Museum is probably the most unique. It is full of eclectic artwork by self taught artists from all different walks of life. TripAdvisor ranks this quirky museum #10 out of 243 things to do in Baltimore.
Tip: Adult tickets are $15.95 and children’s tickets are $9.95. You currently have to buy your tickets online in advance.
Nightlife
Aside from the shopping, and restaurants in Federal Hill, there is excellent nightlife. There are several fun and unique pubs down E Cross Street and S Charles Street. With a variety of options, there is sure to be something here for everyone.
Can’t get enough of Maryland? CLICK HERE to read about The Best Things to do in Ocean City, Maryland!
Where to EAT in Baltimore
Baltimore is full of fantastic restaurants! You might of heard of their famous Chesapeake bay blue crabs and crab cakes, but there is so much more to try when you visit Baltimore. There are plenty of places to try but here are some of the best places that I recommend.
Fells Point Walking Food and History Tour
The best way to see Fells Point for the first time is with the Fells Point Walking Food and History Tour. This 3.5 hour small group tour will take you to various restaurants in the area. With samples from five food stops you will be sure to experience the best of what Baltimore has to offer.
I love these small guided tours because it gives you a chance to ask local people lots of questions AND you can ask other tourists what they saw and liked.
For Tickets to the Fells Point Walking Food and History Tour CLICK HERE. 🎟
Papermoon Diner
The Papermoon Diner is located at 227 W 29th St, Baltimore, MD 21211. It’s a little bit of a drive outside of the heart of Baltimore, but you won’t be disappointed!
If you don’t have reservations you’re guaranteed to wait for a table… BUT… it’s worth it. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere you’ve ever eaten and the food is DELICIOUS.
Aside from having really good food, it’s almost like a museum with all of the contemporary art and fun things to look at.
This UNIQUE restaurant is FULL of mannequins, pop culture toys, art, and tons of Pez dispensers.
Blue Moon Café
Blue Moon Café has two locations. One is in Fells Point and one is in Federal Hill (called Blue Moon Too).
Blue Moon Cafe is a perfect place for good breakfast food. Typically, there is a wait to get in and no set area to wait. It’s totally worth the wait though!
(If you have a long wait then I’d suggest you put you name in and then walk down to the store Lush to see some fun bath and body products.)
Craft Beer Brewery Tour
This tour is so much more than just beer. It gives you some history of Baltimore, information about brewing, and of course beer and food pairings. If you’ve never done a brewery tour then don’t miss this opportunity! You will sample up to 16 beers and of course they will drive you to each of the locations. CLICK HERE for tickets to the Craft Beer Brewery Tour! 🎟
Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise
The Baltimore Buffet Dinner and Dance Cruise is an exciting excursion right in Inner Harbor. The 3 hour cruise includes dinner, drinks, and amazing harbor views from the top deck of the Spirit of Baltimore cruise ship. CLICK HERE for dinner and dance harbor cruise tickets! 🎟
UNIQUE to Baltimore
Graffiti Alley
Graffiti Alley is a REALLY COOL spot on N Howard St Baltimore, MD 21218. I stumbled upon it and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. You are welcome to bring some spray paint and add your own artwork. If you like street art then this will be one of your favorite things to see in the Baltimore area.
George Peabody Library
The George Peabody Library opened in 1878 and is ranked as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world! It’s located at 17 E Mt Vernon Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202. This library holds special collections of books, such as first editions from Poe.
Frequently the George Peabody Library is rented out for special events because of its architectural beauty. With its massive skylights and cast-iron balconies, it makes for a one of a kind experience.
You need to add this to your “top things” to see in Baltimore. It’s a great inside activity to plan if there is a chance of rain or if it’s too hot to be outside.
QUICK LINKS: for How to Have an Epic Weekend in Baltimore, Maryland
I like to purchase my tickets in advance online so I have them all in an app on my phone. Viator and Get Your Guide allow you to book in advance and cancel within 24 hours with NO FEES. Here are some quick links to things I’m suggesting throughout “How to Have an Epic Weekend in Baltimore Maryland“.
If you liked How to Have an Epic Weekend in Baltimore, Maryland, then you might also want to read about The Best Things to do in Ocean City, Maryland.
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LET’S CONNECT: Which one of the suggestions from “How to Have an Epic Weekend in Baltimore, Maryland” do you think you will add to your list when you go?
