Location: Baltimore
Top Things to do in Baltimore
What to do and see in Baltimore, Maryland (MD): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Since the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor in the late 1970s, Baltimore has set the standard for urban renewal. While a good part of the city's action centers around the fun and festive Harbor area, where street entertainers, open-air concerts, fireworks and parades abound, the surrounding neighborhoods offer all sorts of interesting landmarks, unique shops and delicious restaurants. Wander around Fells Point, the oldest section of Baltimore, reminiscent of an old English village, complete with pubs and cobblestone streets. Take the kids to the aquarium and check out the imaginative creations at the American Visionary Art Museum. Or stop by the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum for an in-depth look at the Great Bambino's life. Baltimore is also renowned for its African-American heritage sites, plus festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year. From historic places and harbor cruises to family friendly attractions and fabulous neighborhoods, Charm City is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.
Restaurants in Baltimore
1. Light Street Cycles
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
We are a full-service bicycle store that includes bicycle rentals, bike trailer rentals, electric bike rentals, and guided bicycle/electric bicycle tours. Choose from our scheduled tours or request a customized tour!
2. The Walters Art Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,445 reviews
The Walters Art Museum is a cultural hub in the heart of Baltimore. Located in the city’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Walters is free for all. The museum’s collection spans more than seven millennia, from 5,000 BCE to the 21st century, and encompasses 36,000 objects from around the world. Walking through the museum’s historic buildings, visitors encounter a stunning panorama of thousands of years of art, from romantic 19th-century images of French gardens to mesmerizing Ethiopian icons, richly illuminated Qur’ans and Gospel books, ancient Roman sarcophagi, and serene images of the Buddha. The Walters' mission has been to bring art and people together and to create a place where people of every background can be touched by art. Admission to the museum and special exhibitions is always free.
Reviewed By davisellu
My most recent trip here was to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow School exhibit. It was great-- informative, interactive, and you could get so close to the many items on display. I love the medieval items and many other parts of the collection as well. The museum is free (but I encourage you to become a member to support the work going on here!) and just a few blocks north of the main downtown part of Baltimore. The main building is lovely and the overall floor plan twists around a bit. The gift shop and cafe are worth checking out-- some nice things in the first, and just enjoying the pretty room and ambiance in the second.
3. S.S. John W. Brown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
One of three remaining Liberty Ships, the S.S. John Brown is open for tours by advance reservation.
Reviewed By G6820QBjamesm - Lake Norman, United States
This ship on the other side of the harbor in Baltimore is one of two World War II liberty ships that can be visited (out of almost 2700 built during the war)! The story behind the Liberty Ships is amazing-America pulled together to build the vehicles to get supplies and troops to Europe. As Americans age, the interest in the history of WWII is diminishing-a reason for us to stop and visit this example of American genius. Take the time to go under the harbor to the other side and support the fine volunteers who are keeping this history alive (at least for the time being). Thank them by showing up and admiring the American spirit in its unique form. Without our support, this ship may disappear for future generations . . .
4. Illusions Bar and Lounge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By danawZ9211BK - Birmingham, United States
Spencer Horsman is a GIFTED magician/escape artist/comedian and puts on a GREAT show in this 1920's style theater. From the beginning to the end, you will laugh, be spell-bound, hold your breath, and be amazed! The price is reasonable ($20/$30). Spencer waits the bar, puts on the show and talks to the guests after. Go! Before he gets famous and doesn't do this anymore!
5. Bite of Baltimore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 117 reviews
Bite of Baltimore is the the premier Food Tour in Baltimore City. Look us up, and book your experience on our website! Use discount code "shopsmall" to take advantage of a 10% savings! What's a food tour? Simple - it's a walking tour with focus on history community, and culture in one of our amazing neighborhoods. With that tour is a progressive dinner that highlights the cuisine of the neighborhood! You walk, you learn, you laugh, and you eat and drink. It's perfect! We're the only food tour owned by locals, and we provide the best historical stories, as well as the finest cuisine. Our tour guides will share with you all the hidden secrets of our city, and serve a meal to remember. Our Fells Point tour focuses on the colonial roots of Baltimore, and highlights MD Cuisine. Yum! Our Mt. Vernon tour focuses on post 1812 development, and the Industrialists that pushed Baltimore to the forefront. We serve a finer-dining multi-ethnic cuisine. Super yum!! Join us for a Food Tour!
6. Sagamore Spirit Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 854 reviews
Committed to putting Maryland back on the map as the premier distiller of Rye Whiskey. Sagamore Spirit's award-winning Straight Rye Whiskey is cut to proof with unique spring-fed water from Sagamore Farm. We are currently open for whiskey tastings and other guided experiences. Visit SagamoreSpirit.com to book your experience today. We also have curbside pickup for those shopping our online store!
Reviewed By viclaureano - Worcester, United States
Great tour guide, extremely clean facility, fun, informative, pleasantly short, and a great tasting at end.
7. Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
The city's native son, the Great Bambino, is celebrated in the house he was born in, now a museum stocked with memorabilia like the catcher's mitt he used while learning baseball, the bat from his famed 1927 season and exhibits honoring the Orioles.
Reviewed By scraphollie27 - Comox, Canada
We followed the baseballs painted on the sidewalk from Camden Yards to the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum and we were impressed with the caliber of the museum. It was really awesome to be in the house where Babe was born but also to see all of the other well-done exhibits throughout Babe Ruth’s career as well as his personal life. There is also a really interesting short movie on the beginnings of the Star Spangled Banner as the US National Anthem. Visitors staying at the Hampton Inn at Camden Yards get half price admission.
8. Fell's Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,779 reviews
This charming national historic district, dating back to the 18 century, has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, craft and antique stores, coffee houses and street fairs. Stop by the Art Gallery of Fells Point to see some fine work by local artists.
Reviewed By scraphollie27 - Comox, Canada
Fell’s Point is such a quaint, historic area and you definitely won’t be disappointed with the fabulous food and drink you find down here!
9. B&O Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 825 reviews
The B&O Railroad Museum, a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the birthplace of American Railroading, is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment. You’ll enjoy exploring our expansive Museum campus, known as the Mount Clare Shops and Station and was the original railroading complex of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O). Founded in 1827, the B&O had a dramatic economic, social, and cultural impact on our society. Its nearly 200-year history is deeply intertwined with the story of America and helped shaped our nation through invention, innovation, and ingenuity. Experience two centuries of American railroading history throughout our campus of historic buildings, exhibitions, interactive displays, and our world-class collection of rolling stock —locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and maintenance vehicles. All Aboard!
Reviewed By MarkM4418 - Frederick, United States
One of the best train museums I've every seen. Well worth the admission. Plan on at least 1 - 2 hours. Beautifully restored trains and cars - from the very earliest, horse-pulled rail cars to rudimentary steam engines, to modern diesel engines. Beautiful museum.
10. Great Blacks in Wax Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Wax museum that focuses on African-American culture and history.
Reviewed By 564danielled - Upper Marlboro, United States
My son came home with a permission slip from his school to visit this museum this month. I was so happy to see that this jewel has not been forgotten! I visited this museum in high school (many years ago) and never forgot about my experience here. I encourage our young brothers and sisters to visit this museum before going to the bigger museums.There is a certain feel of truth in history you get when you visit here.
