Baltimore Travel Guide 2026

There's no time like the present to plan a vacation to a city with a laidback vibe and plenty of things to see; Baltimore could be the perfect spot for you! Stroll down cobblestone streets, dine on crab cakes and enjoy beautiful harbor views with a trip to the place known as Charm City. Baltimore isn’t as hectic and crowded as nearby Washington, D.C. — but offers fun attractions, events and more!

At AAA, our expert team has been helping travelers plan trips to Baltimore and other top travel spots throughout the U.S. for decades. We’re familiar with the challenges of planning a trip — from deciding where to stay to knowing what to put on your must-see list. Our Baltimore travel guide makes it easy to know what to expect, where to go for day trips and much more!

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Planning a trip to Baltimore via car? Or are you flying into town? A road trip to Charm City means you’ll have your car handy for getting around. But if you’re flying here, you’ll need to decide whether to rent a car or use other transportation options. The following info gives you a better idea of what to expect — and how to get around Baltimore!

Using your car or a rental car to get around makes it easy to go wherever you want — whenever you want. But driving also comes with a few things to keep in mind. The downtown area is mostly made up of one-way streets, so getting around can be a bit slower.

When do you plan on driving around? You may want to avoid being on the road during rush hour — both morning and evening. Baltimore streets can get pretty congested at these times.

If you’re driving around, you’ll need places to park. Baltimore mainly has rented on-street meters. But you can also find parking available in metered parking lots and commercial garages. Rates for these vary, but you can usually expect to pay more for parking in a garage.

Want a scenic way to get around the waterfront areas? Check out Baltimore Water Taxi’s Harbor Connector. You get access to unlimited on-off service to dozens of attractions and areas, including Fell’s Point Maritime Park and the Inner Harbor! The Connector is free to ride and available Monday through Friday all year long. Water taxis leave every 15 minutes for added convenience!

Looking for a free way to get around? Take the Circulator — a downtown bus system that you can ride at no cost! These buses are available about every 15 minutes along four routes, including the Inner Harbor and Federal Hill, Fort McHenry, City Hall and Fell’s Point, and Hollins Market.

Interested in getting a good workout while you’re in town? Consider taking a bike to get around! You can rent a bike to weave your way through the city streets to various destinations and sites. Or you can pay a small fee for an electric scooter to get around Baltimore a bit faster!

Baltimore gives you plenty of public transportation options to get around, including the subway, buses and trains. The MTA runs over 60 bus routes throughout downtown and the suburbs.

There’s also the Metro SubwayLink — running from downtown to some of Baltimore’s suburbs. And the Light RailLink, with trains going from Hunt Valley to Glen Burnie and the BWI Airport.

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The ideal time for you to go depends on what you want to do and other factors. Looking for things to do in Baltimore without having to deal with crowds? Or do you want to attend lots of festivals and other events? We’ll go over some of the best times to visit Baltimore for different reasons!

Want to enjoy Baltimore’s fun festivities? Make plans to head here anywhere from June through August! HonFest takes place in June. Artscape is in July. And the Maryland State Fair takes place here in late August. You’ll have plenty of excitement, but you’ll also be dealing with higher prices, hot weather and crowds.

Do you prefer to avoid crowds and/or the heat? Then spring and fall are the best times to visit Baltimore! The weather tends to be cooler during these seasons, so you won’t have to worry about heat waves and humidity. You’ll also have fewer crowds around and lower rates on hotels and other trip-related expenses!

Looking for the most budget-friendly time to visit? Rates tend to be at their lowest from November through March. You can enjoy holiday festivities, like the Mayor’s Christmas Parade or Festival of Trees! And you’ll also be avoiding the crowds during this time of year. But sightseeing in Baltimore can be on the chilly side, with temperatures in the 30s and 40s some days. Pack accordingly!

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How long will you be in the city? Whether you’re planning just one day in Baltimore or staying for over a week, it’s not hard to find places to see and things to do. The city is filled with historical and cultural attractions, entertainment, dining, shopping, outdoor fun — and so much more! Our guide to Baltimore includes some of the best things to do while you’re here!

Baltimore has tons of great places to eat — but there’s not enough time to visit all of them during your trip. Instead, you can get a taste of the city’s finest cuisine with a Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point. For the cost of a ticket, try some of Baltimore’s best seafood while exploring this historic neighborhood with a knowledgeable guide!

Interested in learning more about the city’s past? Or do you want to explore its cultural and artistic attractions? With so many options to consider, knowing where to go can be tough. For a fee, Baltimore’s Historical Sightseeing Tour will provide a convenient — and cost-effective — way to see some of the city’s historic areas and buildings, art museums and more!

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor opens out to the picturesque Patapsco River. A trip here wouldn’t be complete without spending some time on the water! A Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise offers a great way to admire views of the river and skyline while enjoying a delicious dinner for the price of the fare. You can also dance the evening away during your cruise!

Looking for a thrilling way to spend an evening in Baltimore? Book a haunted tour around town to places like Max’s Taphouse, Fell Family Cemetery, and The Horse You Came In On Saloon. The Raven’s Revenge Baltimore Ghost Tour provides the perfect way to explore the city’s paranormal side — and learn more about its history!

Want a creative way to explore the streets of Charm City with friends or family? Book a Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure that will combine a fun gaming experience with a walking tour. Stop by some of the best attractions in Baltimore while keeping an eye out for clues and doing challenges as part of this adventure!

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Looking forward to having harbor views during your stay? Or are you looking for a hotel in the heart of downtown, so you’re close to all kinds of amenities? Your trip to Baltimore comes with many options for accommodations — but which should you go with? We’ll show you some of the top hotels we recommend for your vacation!

For gorgeous harbor views, you can’t beat this historic boutique hotel! Gaze out at the Patapsco River from your spacious room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Sagamore Pendry Baltimore also has a waterfront pool, relaxing courtyard — and whiskey bar! If you’re looking for a high-end place to call home during your stay, this is your best option!

Want to stay in a downtown hotel that puts you close to restaurants, shops, nightlife and other amenities? Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown — a stylish boutique hotel — is located in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood. Dine at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Poets Modern Cocktails and Eats — inspired by author Edgar Allen Poe, who was an off-and-on resident of Baltimore. Then get in a good workout at the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center before heading out for sightseeing!

Trying to find a hotel that’s ideal for a relaxing vacation? Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore, located in the B&O Headquarters Building, is a boutique hotel filled with different ways to unwind. Each room includes yoga mats and robes, so you can start or end your day with a calming workout. Some rooms also have deep tubs for soaking after a long day of sightseeing in Baltimore. There’s also an on-site restaurant and bar, so you don’t need to go far for dining!

Taking a campus tour of Johns Hopkins University? Or bringing a large family or group to Baltimore for vacation? The Inn at The Colonnade Baltimore - A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is right across from the university’s Homewood Campus. With a mix of multi-room suites and traditional rooms, you can book the ideal accommodations for your trip. An on-site bar and restaurant also make dining easy and convenient while you’re in town!

Heading into town to cheer on the Orioles? Or attending an event at the convention center? The Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards is the perfect place to stay! It’s close to Camden Yards, CFG Bank Arena, the University of Maryland and the Baltimore Convention Center. Room service, on-site dining, a business center and a fitness center are just a few of the convenient amenities you’ll find here!

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When you’re traveling to Baltimore, which restaurants should you make sure you go to? The city has tons of amazing dining establishments to choose from — whether you want an upscale steak and seafood place or a casual American eatery. We understand how tough it can be to narrow down your dining options. The following are just a few of the best restaurants in Baltimore that we recommend!

For a filling meal in a casual dining establishment, head to Benny’s! Located minutes from the Inner Harbor in Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood, Benny’s offers freshly made pasta dishes. You’ll also find roasted chicken, monkfish, and other entrees on the menu — along with salads, cocktails, and more! And don’t forget to leave room for some delicious pistachio creampuffs for dessert!

Take a step back in time with the 1940s supper club atmosphere of The Prime Rib. Dine on lobster from the Chesapeake Bay or enjoy expertly prepared steak in a dining room filled with oil paintings and sleek black walls. The Prime Rib also entertains guests with live music played on a baby grand piano. The menu features crab cakes, filet mignon, roast prime rib — and many other tempting entrées!

Share a plate of pierogis in this charming storefront restaurant. Little Donna’s menu is filled with comfort foods and bar snacks, from the housemade pickle plate to tavern pies and blue catfish stuffed with crab. Enjoy freshly baked apple hand pie for dessert. Or savor an after-dinner drink or two while enjoying the cozy atmosphere in this Upper Fells Point eatery.

In the mood for Latin-inspired cuisine? Alma Cocina Latina features a menu of Venezuelan dishes combined with flavors from around the world. Made from fresh ingredients, you’ll find fried chicken with chipotle-honey sauce, swordfish and shellfish tostada on the menu — to name just a few of your options! There’s also steak tartare, octopus and a celebration of the tropics with coconut-plantain fried branzino.

For an exquisite menu of Southern Lowcountry cuisine made with French techniques, plan on dining at Charleston. Each guest gets to select from three to six courses for their meal — along with dessert! This fine dining restaurant features an impressive selection of seafood and meat entrees, like grilled USDA Prime beef tenderloin, pan-roasted wild halibut, and pan-seared Hudson Valley foie gras.

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As part of our guide to Baltimore, we’re including some of the best places to take incredible photos! The city has tons of scenic spots, but some provide outstanding scenery and backgrounds for vacation pics! While visiting our picks for the top things to do in Baltimore, stop by the following sites for beautiful photos!

1. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Did you know that this is where the Star-Spangled Banner was born? Take pics surrounded by beautiful cherry blossom trees with views of the Patapsco River behind you! Or snap photos of the historic monument while visiting the site and learning more about its history!

2. George Peabody Library

For a literary spin on your photos, head to this stunning library in the Mount Vernon neighborhood! Cast-iron balconies, skylights and over 300,000 books make for an incredible backdrop for your photos. While you’re there, take a tour of the place to see why it’s considered one of the most visually striking libraries in the whole world!

3. Cylburn Arboretum

Looking for outdoor areas filled with picturesque natural backgrounds for your photos? Cylburn Arboretum’s woodland trails and gardens provide multiple spots for great pics! You can also take memorable photos with the site’s historic mansion looming behind you.

4. Federal Hill Park

When it comes to impressive photo spots, it’s easy to see why Federal Hill Park is a top pick! The park offers panoramic city views — along with views of the Inner Harbor’s waters. Snap a few pics in the park with the city behind you for iconic vacation photos!

5. Baltimore Museum of Art

Planning to visit this museum during your trip? Pose for pics in the sculpture garden with famed works by Rodin and other renowned sculptors. Take photos with Henri Matisse paintings as your background in this elegant and airy art museum!

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While Baltimore has plenty to keep you occupied during your stay, you might want to venture beyond its borders for a day or two. The city is close to many destinations that are ideal for a day trip! Looking for ideas to add to your itinerary? We’ll go over a few places that are conveniently close to Baltimore for the perfect day trip adventure!

1. Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital is a short drive away from Baltimore. Visiting for a day means you can check out some of the best attractions in DC — before retreating to Baltimore’s smaller crowds and calmer environment! DC has tons of places to see, like Washington National Cathedral, the Smithsonian Zoo and museums and the National Arboretum.

2. Frederick, MD

Looking for somewhere to go that offers outdoor adventures? Frederick is about an hour from Baltimore. The area has multiple hiking trails to explore and vineyards to visit. Follow the Appalachian Trail for the great outdoors — or check out the Frederick Tasting Trail to sample some of the area’s best wines! The downtown area offers dining and shopping in a quaint, historic environment.

3. Alexandria, VA

For a colonial getaway, take a day trip to Alexandria. The city’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings and homes provide a charming atmosphere for shopping, dining and exploring. Take a guided tour of Mount Vernon — George Washington’s home. Browse boutique shops and dine in cozy eateries before heading back to Baltimore!

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Baltimore may not be as pricey as other cities for a vacation, but the cost of accommodations, transportation, attractions and other expenses can add up quickly! Trying to keep costs low for your trip? Let’s go over some tips on traveling to Baltimore — and enjoying your time there — while sticking to your budget.

1. Check out free and low-cost activities and attractions. Baltimore has quite a few of these! Wander through the galleries and gardens at the Baltimore Museum of Art for free. Enjoy great weather and fresh air at Pierce’s Park. Or go stargazing at the Maryland Science Center’s rooftop observatory!

2. Use your AAA membership to save money! As a valued AAA member, you can access tons of vehicle discounts, tickets for tours and activities and accommodations for your stay in Baltimore. These discounts can help you reduce your overall trip expenses for a stress-free vacation!

3. Cut expenses with convenient hotel amenities. When you’re deciding on accommodations, check out all of the amenities offered. Depending on what you need for your trip, you could save a bit on expenses. Some hotels offer free transportation within a certain distance, free breakfast, on-site fitness centers and pools to use at no charge — and still other perks!

4. Explore free and low-cost public transportation options. Renting a car — or driving your own — can end up costing you in terms of gas and parking. For cost savings, consider taking advantage of Baltimore’s public transportation. Ride the Charm City Circulator buses for free. Or pay low fares to ride the subway or MTA buses.

5. Cash in your loyalty or reward points from credit cards, airlines and other programs. When was the last time you redeemed these? If you’ve earned a lot of points, go ahead and use them on airfare or other travel expenses. Doing this can help free up money to use on other costs, like tours or special events.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Baltimore trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.