Baltimore holidays

Perched along Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s largest city has a heavyweight history that stretches back nearly three centuries, when it was one of America’s most strategic ports. Holidays to Baltimore toggle between its storied past and promising future. Explore century-old forts and rowhouses alongside contemporary art galleries and a food scene that’s both innovative and traditional, where blue crab and cold beer never go out of style.

Baltimore: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – February

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The best neighbourhoods in Baltimore

Inner Harbor

First-time visitors planning where to stay in Baltimore will find the best hotels in the Inner Harbor. The rigging and masts of historic tall ships are overshadowed by four and five-star properties, with the best harbour views found 27 stories high at the Top of the World Observation Deck. Take a cruise of Chesapeake Bay and save time for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.

Good for: Harbourside views, hotels, museums

Fells Point

To the east of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point is home to the oldest bar in Baltimore and has some 300 historic buildings on the National Register. Book yourself a harbourside hotel, dig into a plate of steamed local crab and catch live jazz in the same neighbourhood where legendary singer Billie Holiday was raised.

Good for: History, seafood, bars

Federal Hill

You’ll see Federal Hill to the south of Inner Harbor, where old Civil War-era cannons stand on a raised hilltop surrounded by boutique hotels. The Cross Street Market makes Federal Hill the best area to stay in Baltimore if you’re here to shop. For the creative and the curious there’s the American Visionary Art Museum and Maryland Science Center.

Good for: Art, shopping, science

Things to do in Baltimore

Baltimore
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Family-friendly things to do

Packed with play areas and interactive learning zones, Port Discovery Children's Museum is one of the best things to do with family in Baltimore. Kids will love the different trains and themed rides at the B&O Railroad Museum. And game days at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home to the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, are always an action-packed family outing.

Take in the culture

Baltimore played a pivotal role in America’s early history. Visit Fort McHenry to see where US defence during an attack by British forces inspired the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ anthem. Uncover Civil War history on the USS Constellation, relive ‘The Raven’ at the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum and enjoy free entry at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Places to eat

If you love seafood, you’re in for a treat in Baltimore. Try Maryland blue crabs steamed and served with Old Bay seasoning. Baltimore crab cakes are also a local delicacy. In summer, freshly shucked oysters and cold beer never go amiss, while the shaved ice and syrup of a Baltimore Snowball is guaranteed to cool you down.

FAQs about Baltimore holidays

Despite what you might see on cable television crime dramas, Baltimore is a safe city to visit, so long as you take necessary precautions. Keep to the touristy neighbourhoods, don’t wander around alone at night and never flash your money in public.
English is used in most day-to-day situations. From everyday greetings to playful local lingo, you'll likely pick up a few new terms during your city break in Baltimore.
January brings the coolest weather for a Baltimore holiday. Book your trip sometime then and you'll experience lows of -6ºC (21ºF).
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll use for general expenses and activities during your trip to Baltimore.
Three to five days is enough for a trip to Baltimore if you're only a quick drive or flight away. Consider staying for a week or longer if you're travelling long-distance. You'll be able to visit the most popular sights and add some side trips to your itinerary.
Whether you're interested in shopping, art, or anything in between, there are loads of things to do in Baltimore. Huber Memorial Church and Marine Mammal Pavilion are just a glimpse of why this city is worth exploring.
January is a great time to escape the crowds, and you can pop into sights like the American Visionary Art Museum if the weather takes a bad turn. Summer is perfect for ball games and waterfront strolls, while Halloween is rightly celebrated in the spirit of Edgar Allen Poe and his spooky writing.
With temperatures hitting highs of 32ºC (90ºF), July is the hottest month in Baltimore.
Costs largely depend on the time of year you visit Baltimore. Flight and hotel prices go up during peak seasons including Christmas and New Year and the summer high season from May to September.
With an average rainfall of 14 cm, July is the wettest month to go on a Baltimore holiday. When the skies open up, venture indoors and enjoy the city's cafes, galleries, museums and more.