How to Have an Epic Weekend in Baltimore, Maryland

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!   

Baltimore Maryland

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….   

The post “How to Have an Epic Weekend in Baltimore, Maryland” may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). All opinions are my own and no products were received in exchange for my opinions. Click here to see details of my full disclosure policy.

Where to STAY in Baltimore

Pendry Hotel Baltimore Maryland

Before you make your selection you have to read the 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. 

Pendry Hotel Room Baltimore
Pendry Hotel Room Bathroom Baltimore

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. 

Pendry Hotel Interior Baltimore
Pendry Hotel Interior Baltimore

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

Baltimore Aquarium

This nonprofit aquarium’s goal is to inspire conservation. As one of the top three aquariums in the United States, I strongly encourage you to visit. You should allow for 2-3 hours for your visit to thoroughly enjoy the aquatic animals. 

Baltimore Aquarium

PRO 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. 

Baltimore Maryland Ship

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. 

Make Fun Memories When you Travel: Clock Tower Interior Baltimore Maryland

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.

Clock Tower Interior Baltimore Maryland

Tip: The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower is only open on Saturdays: 11 am – 4 pm (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.

Baltimore Maryland Views

Tip: Make sure you check the website for hours and ticket info. Top of the World Observation Level is open Mondays and Thursdays, 10 am-6 pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am-7 pm; and Sundays 11 am-6 pm 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 take a walk to see the FREE TOUR of this cute little lighthouse. 

Baltimore 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.  

Hey! Maybe you’re thinking, “Dang Andrea, you know ALL THE GOOD TRAVEL TIPS!” GREAT NEWS… you can  SUBSCRIBE with your email to get notified of new posts so you never miss a thing!

Fells Point is Baltimore’s Historic District. The 18th-century neighborhood is a charming town to walk around during the day. 

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.   

Insonmia Cookies Baltimore Maryland

 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! 

Insonmia Cookies Baltimore Maryland
Insonmia Cookies Baltimore Maryland

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 #9 out of 264 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.  

Where to EAT in Baltimore

Seafood

Baltimore is full of fantastic restaurants! You might have 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.

Paper Moon Restaurant Baltimore Maryland

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.

Paper Moon Restaurant Baltimore Maryland

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 your 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 the 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 Baltimore Maryland

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. 

Graffiti Alley Baltimore Maryland
Graffiti Alley Baltimore Maryland

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. 

Baltimore Maryland Peabody Institute

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 phoneViator 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.

SUBSCRIBE with your email to get notified of new posts.

Don’t forget to SHARE and PIN for later!

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?

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
42 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
More about the Travel Writer: Andrea Capone
Follow on INSTAGRAM: @a_capone_connection
Andrea Capone Instagram