It may surprise you that there is much more to Baltimore, Maryland than what you see on TV! A vibrant city of many firsts with heart, soul, and charm that has a rich history will museums and galleries to tell stories for days. Including the Inner Harbor, breathtaking skyline view, and amazing food. If you’ve never thought to visit Baltimore, I’m here to share why you should. Here’s my ultimate Baltimore travel guide to inspire and help you plan an amazing trip!
Ultimate Baltimore Travel Guide
Things to Know
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar
Nearest Airport: BWI
Best time to travel: Baltimore has distinct seasons and honestly anytime is a great time to attend. If you’re not a fan of colder weather or snow avoid winter and opt for summer when the city is warm and active or fall when the foliage is changing and the weather is perfect.
Getting There
When planning your Baltimore travel, many non-locals are surprised to learn that Baltimore is not as close to the district as they assumed. Don’t get me wrong, Baltimore is also not ridiculously far either but a drive can range from 45 to 90 minutes depending on where you’re located. But once in Baltimore transportation is very easy.
Though I can hop in a car and arrive in Downtown Baltimore in roughly 60 minutes, it may not be as simple for everyone. If you’re looking to travel to Baltimore, you have many transportation options to get you around.
Fly
If you’re traveling and driving isn’t an option, the Baltimore area has three major airports available for everyone to fly into. The Washington, DC metropolitan area airports include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). After arriving there are rideshares, taxi, car services, rentals and, public transportation like Light RailLink are available to take you around.
Train Service
If you are a person who loves slow travel, arriving in the Baltimore area by train can be a transportation option for you. Amtrak runs daily with Sunday being my favorite day of the week to travel as it seems to be slightly quieter. If you’re local and want to train to Baltimore for a weekend stay, MARC is available to get you there and back.
*Tip: Arriving at Union Station spend a few moments checking out the building for a quick bite or help from the information desk
Bus Service
Drive
Road trips are always in season and for a driver like me, it’s one of my top ways to travel. If you’re coming from afar, this is a great way to turn this into the ultimate road trip. If you’re close by like me, this is an easy staycation option. If you opt to drive, ensure you have all the necessities for a road trip, remember you may hit a toll road and attempt to avoid rush hour if possible. Naturally, the middle of the day can be the best time to drive or even early morning or late at night.
*Tip: Baltimore isn’t always the easiest place to drive so have your favorite navigation app ready and an expert eye to pay close attention to road signs.
Getting Around
Moving from place to place in Baltimore is relatively easy and a walkable city. You can drive or rent a car which gives you more control over when you leave and how far you can drive. Be sure to download your best parking app to avoid parking tickets. If you rather not drive yourself, taxis and rideshare are available in Baltimore which allows you not to even worry about paying to park.
If you’re visiting the tourist areas be on the lookout for the Charm City Circulator which is a free hop-on-and-off shuttle downtown. Another unique way to get around Baltimore is via a water taxi, which is also free during select times and offers curated experiences. Additional ground transportation includes Metro Subway Link and the local bus system called CityLink.
Where to Stay
With a larger population, distance to DC, and residency by water Baltimore has no shortage of places to stay to meet your needs.
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
**Airbnb is available in Baltimore, MD at all price ranges.
Where to Eat & Drink
You’re in the right place if you love to indulge in great food. There are so many options – like maybe too many options of places to eat and drink. The options for seafood, especially crabs are almost endless and drink options don’t fall too far behind.
Things to Do
Finding things to do doesn’t have to solely involve visiting Washington, DC, or Virginia alone, I guarantee you there are fun things to do right in Baltimore. And find those activities does not have to be stressful or expensive. You can plan a full and exciting itinerary using various resources like Visit Baltimore which has so many up-to-date events and guides for exploring Baltimore. During your Baltimore travel, be sure to check out some of the amazing sites listed below.
Traveled to Baltimore before? Or will Baltimore travel be in your future? Let me know how your trip was below in the comments.
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4 COMMENTS
Lucy Mitchell
4 years agoI would love to visit Baltimore. It sounds like a great place!
The Traveling Muse
4 years ago AUTHORAim for the summer if you can, you’ll get to explore the city and hopefully catch one of the many events as well.
Cathy
4 years agoI would love to explore Baltimore. We have only been there briefly when we were staying in Maryland. Thanks for the great tips and ideas! I can’t wait to add Baltimore to my bucket list!
The Traveling Muse
4 years ago AUTHORBaltimore is a great simple bucketlist add. Hope you get to explore soon!