FREE THINGS TO DO IN BALTIMORE

  • 1. Inner Harbor – As one of America’s oldest seaports, Inner Harbor is now an important landmark and popular tourist destination. Follow the brick promenade through this bustling complex of eateries, stores, museums and entertainment venues. Rent a paddle boat to have some fun in the water with the kids, or take them to the National Aquarium which is one of the nation’s largest. History buffs will enjoy touring the heritage ships anchored in the harbor, while travelers of all ages can soak up the marvelous views from the Top of the World Observation Level. Sightseeing tours and scavenger hunts are two other great activities at the Inner Harbor.
  • 2. The Walters Art Museum – 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.
  • 3. Fell’s Point – Dating back to the 18th century, this charming Baltimore district has cobblestone streets and a thriving culture by the waterfront. Wander through its quaint streets as you discover craft and antique shops, coffee houses and art galleries, then treat yourself to fresh seafood or a yummy burger at the Broadway Market. After dark, more than 100 pubs await you. Fell’s Point is a short drive from downtown Baltimore, but you can take a water taxi from the Inner Harbor for a more unique experience. You can also join a food, historic, or haunted pub tour to discover the district’s hidden gems.
  • 4. Peabody Library – The George Peabody Library is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful library spaces in the world, but is also an essential space for teaching and research.
  • 5. Baltimore Museum of Art – Over 100 years ago, The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) was founded on the belief that access to art and ideas is integral to a vibrant and healthy civic life. This belief is at the heart of the BMA and remains our core value. The BMA has long focused on acquiring the art of the present moment, while maintaining and deepening a historic collection made relevant through vigorous development and reinterpretation in all collecting areas. Through the courageous and risk-taking vision of previous Museum leaders, the BMA assembled and presented one of the most important collections of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century art in the United States. These visionary actions established the fundamental character of this Museum. Building on this legacy of excellence, the BMA will form an equally compelling collection for the 21st century.
  • 6. Horseshoe Casino – Horseshoe Casino Baltimore is an urban two-story casino with a 122,000 sq. ft. gaming floor. The multi-million development will feature VLTs, table games and a World Series of Poker room. A 20,000 sq. ft. “Baltimore Marketplace” featuring authentic Charm City food outlets, three premier restaurants, and several bars and lounges will round out the food and beverage offerings.The $400 million development will be located along Russell Street on Baltimore’s south side. As an urban casino, it will be designed to maximize connectivity with existing hospitality operators, neighboring professional sports venues M&T Stadium (NFL-Ravens) and Camden Yards (MLB-Orioles) and the city’s famed Inner Harbor.
  • 7. Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave Site and Memorial – Burial site of the famous author.
  • 8. Federal Hill Park – Former lookout during the Civil War and the War of 1812 is now a scenic park overlooking the Inner Harbor.
  • 9. Little Italy – Little Italy is a neighborhood located in southeastern Baltimore, Maryland. The neighborhood is known for its strong Italian-American heritage and identity. The neighborhood is still mostly populated by the descendants of Italian-American immigrants and remains a closely knit ethnic enclave.
  • 10. Sherwood Gardens – Sherwood Gardens is a privately owned community park, originally called Stratford Green. The Park is Olmsted designed and in the center of a residential community called Guilford located in Northern Baltimore City. Guilford, another Olmsted designed gem, dates back to 1913 and is a Registered Historic District significant for its planning, its architecture, and Sherwood Gardens. Sherwood Gardens, famous for its annual tulip display, was created in the 1920’s by John W. Sherwood whose home bordered the Park. Mr. Sherwood indulged his passion for tulips by importing tens of thousands each year for planting tulip beds on his property surrounding the Park. Today Sherwood Gardens remains a wonderland of tulips in the Spring and a summer long festival of annual flowers. Thousands of visitors from around the world, come every year to enjoy the visual spectacle envisioned by The Olmsted Brothers and John Sherwood.

BEST NON-FREE THINGS TO DO IN BALTIMORE

  • 1. Stretch Limo Private Day & Night Custom Tours of Washington DC – Enjoy a comfortable, one-of-a-kind way to explore the nation’s capital on this private limousine tour. Meet your guide at your preferred Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland address, and hop aboard your luxury vehicle. In the space of just half a day, you’ll see dozens of Washington DC’s top landmarks, from the White House and Jefferson Memorial to the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and much more.
  • 2. Glow in the Dark Splatter Paint Experience – Immerse yourself in a glow-in-the-dark art adventure, where this brings an unforgettable community experience. Unleash creativity in a judgment-free zone, bonding over paint and tunes with loved ones. Dive into unique moments: from mastering abstract techniques to dancing as you splatter paint, every stroke is a step towards a luminous masterpiece. Your experience is customizable, ensuring it resonates with your vibe.
  • 3. Private and personalized tour of Washington DC – Tick off the highlights of Washington D.C. during this private, half-day tour. Customize your own itinerary, selecting a range of local sights to visit. Optional stops include the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, or the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian. Air-conditioned vehicle transfers with hotel pickup and drop-off are provided.
  • 4. Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise – Cast off in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on this 3-hour luxury dinner cruise. Pass popular attractions including the Maryland Science Center, Pride Mast Memorial and the Francis Scott Key Bridge, while you dine on a gourmet buffet prepared with seasonal offerings. Admire Baltimore’s illuminated skyline as you are entertained by the ship’s crew and a DJ spinning top hits. This dinner cruise makes an excellent prelude to a night on the town.
  • 5. Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour – Satisfy your taste buds on a walking tour of two neighborhoods popular among foodies—Little Italy and Jonestown. In addition to navigating for you, your guide brings you to a variety of historic establishments and hidden gems often missed by visitors. With skip–the–line access to stops on the itinerary, guests sample the specialties of early 19th–century Jewish and Italian immigrants, from fresh knishes to homemade meatballs.
  • 6 – Baltimore Signature Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise – Set sail for a memorable experience on the Inner Harbor with a Signature Baltimore Brunch Cruise that is as scenic as it is delicious! You’ll savor a chef-prepared buffet and bottomless mimosas while staying cozy and warm in our spacious indoor areas. Marvel at unparalleled views of Baltimore’s iconic landmarks, such as the National Museum and Fort McHenry from inside or enjoy fresh breezes on the open-air decks. This fun-filled dining experience for all ages is complete with lively DJ entertainment, dancing, games, and a fully stocked cash bar. Elevate your weekend plans with a one-of-a-kind brunch cruise on the water!
  • 7 – Baltimore’s Historical Sightseeing Tour – Baltimore is a city of diverse neighborhoods but, for visitors, it can be tricky to know which to visit. This small-group guided tour takes the guesswork out of your trip. Your guide will take you to see several different neighborhoods and fill you in on Baltimore’s rich history and culture so that you have a fuller understanding of the city.
  • 8 – Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point – Discover Chesapeake Bay cuisine and other dishes on a 3.5-hour small-group walking tour of Fells Point, Baltimore’s historic waterfront district. Your guide shares commentary on the history and architecture of the city as you walk through the neighborhood. You’ll stop for tastings at four restaurants, and sip a signature alcoholic drink at a fifth establishment. The tour features small local businesses that are popular in the area, and includes one drink and enough food samples to make up a meal. Additional drinks are available for purchase.
  • 9 – Raven’s Revenge Ghost Tour in Baltimore – Find out all about the haunted side of Baltimore and its dark history on this walking tour of the Fell’s Point neighborhood. Learn about the spirit of Edgar Allen Poe and his mysterious death along the way. You’ll be stopping at several pubs/bars/saloons, the cemetery, and a hotel, where you’ll hear tales of the haunted places from your guide along the way.
  • 10 – Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours – Step through the doors of some of Fell’s Point’s most haunted pubs for a fascinating haunted pub crawl tour of this historic maritime neighborhood. Taverns in Fells Point have always been the rowdy stomping grounds of locals and visitors alike looking for a good time and a drink, and today it’s no different. Join the crowd and belly up to the bar like times past. Each haunted pub tour is unique with our tour guides providing their favorite haunted tales from our book, Baltimore’s Harbor Haunts: True Ghost Stories, combined with their own personal ghostly experiences over the years. All of our tour guides have worked for us for at least five years, with the most seasoned guides having over 20 years of experience with us, and 20 years of ghostly tales to regale the group. The Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour is for ages 21 and older only, and is a public group tour. You will visit 3-4 haunted pubs during the tour with a tour length of 2-2.5 hours, depending on the tour guide.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT

BARS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT