14 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Explore the best things to do in this East Coast gem.

Just under an hour north of Washington, D.C., is another vibrant city worthy of a weekend visit: Baltimore, Maryland. If you’re looking to spend a weekend dining, relaxing, and soaking in the culture of the city, you won’t want to miss out on our guide to Charm City. Baltimore is full of sights to see—you’ll truly have more than enough spots to check out over the course of a weekend!

Below, we’re sharing what to do, where to eat and drink, as well as where stay.

Related: The 21 Best Restaurants In Baltimore That Go Beyond Crab Cakes

What To Do

See History in the City's Museums

Art lovers won’t want to miss out on the city’s many art museums, some of which include the Walters Art Museum (filled with 36,000 objects from all across the globe), the American Visionary Art Museum (celebrating self-taught artists), the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture (home to artifacts dating back to 1784), and of course, the Baltimore Museum of Art (featuring over 95,000 objects, including 1,000 works by Matisse). The literary set will appreciate setting foot inside the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum.

See Some Animals

Baltimore is home to both the Maryland Zoo and the National Aquarium. Those planning to visit Baltimore with kids will enjoy exploring either one, or both. We think they're just as enjoyable for adults as well.

Stroll and Shop in Hampden 

Throughout Baltimore, you'll find many different boutiques, antique stores, and beyond. If you’re looking to easily walk from shop to shop and check out all of the above types of stores, we recommend taking a stroll through the Hampden neighborhood. Once you’re there, make your way into some of our favorite shops, including In Watermelon Sugar (home to candles, perfumes, kitchenware, and more), Antique Exchange Interiors (a bilevel store with both new and secondhand items), The Parisian Flea (a charming shop filled with antique decor and lots of jewelry), and Brightside Boutique (a women’s clothing store).

Catch a Game

Sports fanatics visiting Baltimore will want to keep their eyes peeled for Ravens or Orioles tickets. The Ravens play at M&T Bank Stadium when they're in town and the Orioles home series are played at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Visit Maryland’s Oldest Consignment Shop

It’s worth walking up Roland Avenue and stopping into The Turnover Shop, an antique store (and the oldest consignment shop in Maryland), which is filled with art, furniture, and small decorative items. 

turnovershop.com, 3855 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21211

Experience the Charm of the Fells Point Neighborhood

The Fells Point neighborhood, a more touristy part of the city that’s home to many colorful and historic houses, also features many shops of its own. You’ll definitely want to spend some time making your way in and out of the various boutiques and gift shops in search of souvenirs to bring home!

Where To Eat

Order Griddle Cakes at Miss Shirley’s Cafe

If you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, be sure to stop into Miss Shirley’s Cafe, which has two Baltimore locations: one downtown in the Inner Harbor and another in the Roland Park neighborhood. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the restaurant is a favorite among tourists and locals alike—it was also voted Maryland’s Favorite Restaurant by the state’s restaurant association. Be sure to order a stack of their griddle cakes for the table; the Food Network named the best pancakes in the country (and we certainly agree they’re a can’t miss menu item!).

Peruse the Cocktail Menu at the Bluebird Cocktail Room

If you’re looking for a moody, sophisticated looking cocktail spot, the Bluebird Cocktail Room should certainly make its way onto your list. The Instagrammable venue is home to a lengthy cocktail menu as well as plenty of delicious eats. It opens at 5 p.m. daily, and while the kitchen closes at 10, customers can enjoy drinks from the bar until 1 a.m.

thebluebirdbaltimore.com, 3600 Hickory Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21211

Take A Break from Shopping at Golden West Cafe

If shopping up a storm in Hampden leaves your stomach rumbling, Golden West Cafe is a reliable neighborhood spot with a Southwest-inspired menu. Further down 36th Avenue is an outpost of local ice cream chain The Charmery, in case you’re hankering for a cone. 

goldenwestcafe.com, 1105 W 36th St., Baltimore, MD 21211

Have a Date Night at Coral Wig

Those who crave a speakeasy-like vibe will enjoy venturing into the newly opened Coral Wig, a dimly lit cocktail bar located adjacent to the Hotel Ulysses. Tucked into the alley, it’s the perfect spot in which to enjoy a date night out while sipping tropical-inspired drinks. 

thecoralwig.com, 2 E. Read St., Baltimore, MD 21202

Reserve a Table at the Magdalena

For dinner, don’t miss out on the Magdalena inside of the Ivy Hotel. This foodie haven is on the pricier side, but you certainly won’t leave hungry. The menu is inspired by France, England, and of course, Baltimore. Enjoy entrees including salmon, pork chops, risotto, and more, and be sure to cap off your meal with a delicious espresso martini.

theivybaltimore.com, 205 E. Biddle Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Dine at Woodberry Kitchen

Woodberry Kitchen is a smaller sized restaurant that offers both brunch and dinner. The menu features British classics such as bangers and mash and scotch eggs, but Baltimore’s influence shows up yet again in the form of the Maryland-style fried chicken and Southern Maryland stuffed ham.

woodberrykitchen.com, 2010 Clipper Park Rd., Baltimore, MD 21211 

Where To Stay

Experience Hospitality at The Ivy Hotel

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing property offering everything from a fitness center and spa to a free make your own cocktail station and library, be sure to add The Ivy Hotel to your list. A Relais & Châteaux property, the hotel, which opened in 2015, is decorated to the nines, with Instagrammable design moments all throughout. Better yet, the building itself is full of history. Located in a mansion originally commissioned by prominent banker John Gilman in 1889, the home was later occupied by inventor William Painter. Eventually, Baltimore’s mayor designated the home as a place to host visiting dignitaries. Home to just 17 spacious and well-designed guest rooms and 23 fireplaces, high end The Ivy Hotel makes for a relaxing getaway within the heart of the city that’s most certainly worth the splurge. 

theivybaltimore.com, 205 E. Biddle Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, (410) 514-6500

Stay Steps Away From It All at the Ulysses Hotel

Those who desire a more budget-friendly property that’s still full of character and charm, check out the Ulysses Hotel, part of the ASH hotel group. Located within walking distance of The Ivy and boasting 116 hotel rooms, this hotel still maintains a boutique-like feel and includes two majorly photo-worthy bars.

ash.world/hotels/ulysses, 2 E Read St., Baltimore, MD 21202, 443-682-8578

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