Best Ways To See Baltimore In Just Three Days
If you're new to the area or just visiting, you'll be amazed by what Baltimore has to offer. Just so you don't feel overwhelmed, we selected the must-see spots around downtown Baltimore that will make your three-day a blast! - Roxana Bardan
Day One
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
2400 East Fort Avenue,
Baltimore, MD 21230-5393
(410) 962-4290
www.nps.gov/fomc
American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230-3940
(410) 244-1900
www.avam.org
The Rusty Scupper
402 Key Highway,
Baltimore, MD 21230-3990
(410) 727-3678
www.selectrestaurants.com/rusty/
Start your Baltimore trip with the famous Fort McHenry, National Monument and Historic Shrine, located in beautiful and developing Locust Point, where you'll discover how our nation's past was shaped by the War of the 1812. Take a walk along the water; the trail will lead you around the star shaped, more than 200-year old fort, while you grasp a panoramic view of bay. You can enjoy a picnic close to the monument of Orpheus and maybe witness a reenactment of the Battle of Baltimore.
Then go for a promenade in Tide Point, located in the vicinity of famous Domino Sugar plant. You'll discover the Baltimore Immigration Memorial, where you can explore your family's immigration history.
After you learn more about the past, it's time to discover the future! From Locust Point, head over to Federal Hill, a gorgeous historical neighborhood in Baltimore. Here, take a tour of the American Visionary Art Museum. You'll see some of the most amazing fantastic artwork and visionary exhibitions, from kinetic sculptures, to the crafts of the last descendant of the Tsars of Russia, to even "Out Of This World" exhibits.
Top it all by going for a stroll on the "Federal Hill," the hill that got its name after a great celebration that followed the ratification of the new "Federal" Constitution more than 200 years ago. Here, you'll grasp a panoramic view of the Inner Harbor and see great parts of the city. And you'll be able to make some plans for the next couple of days.
Enjoy dinner at beautiful waterfront restaurant, The Rusty Scupper, three levels above the water and the Inner Harbor Marina, where you'll relish in some of the best seafood around while feasting your eyes on a breathtaking view.
Day Two
Historic Ships in Baltimore
Pier 1,
301 E Pratt St,
Baltimore, MD 21202-3134
(410) 539-1797
www.historicships.org
Baltimore World Trade Center
401 East Pratt Street #232,
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 576-0022
www.viewbaltimore.org
National Aquarium, Baltimore
501 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 576-3800
www.aqua.org
Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street,
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 685-2370
www.mdsci.org
For your next day, continue your cultural lesson on Baltimore by going for a walk in the Inner Harbor. Here, you're bound to find live, free entertainment that will cheer you up and put you in the mood for a dance along the water, even with strangers. Admire the historic ships harbored here, such as the USS Constellation or the USCGC Taney, the last surviving warship ship of Pearl Harbor.
Then, go on the "top of the world," that is on the 27th floor observation deck of the Baltimore World Trade Center, from where you'll enjoy a breathtaking, 360-degree view of the Baltimore skyline, harbor and of the Chesapeake Bay.
For lunch, choose from 13 restaurants, all come with a gorgeous view of the harbor!
While in the harbor, don't miss the Maryland Science Center! Go "Follow the Blue Crab" or the "Dinosaur's Mysteries," take a look on "Newton's Alley" or even "Inside your Body." Don't forget to discover tonight's astronomical attractions in the Planetarium.
The next great must-see attraction is the National Aquarium, where you'll see more than 16,500 animals and you'll enjoy some great exhibits like 'Jellies Invasion' or Wild Extremes, The New Dolphin Show or 4-D shows. Go there prepared to spend at least a couple of hours in the animals' savage universe.
Then, walk or take the water taxi toward Harbor East. Check out the view by taking a stroll along the water, and then head over to Little Italy for a great Italian evening. Enjoy a beautiful dinner at one of the many Italian restaurants, such as Da Mimmo's or Amicci's, listen to live piano music and then go for a gelato.
Day Three
Mount Vernon
The Walters Art Museum
600 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 547-9000
thewalters.org
The Baltimore Basilica
409 Cathedral Street,
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 727-3565
www.baltimorebasilica.org
For your third day in Baltimore, head over to Mount Vernon, a cultural urban village famed for its great museums, theater, international dining cuisine, boutiques, music and thriving nightlife.
While in Mount Vernon, discover the 'past, future and travelling' exhibitions of The Walters Art Museum. Immerse yourself in superb collections featuring works from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th-century Europe, count some of the Greek Antiquity treasures, admire the 19th century Russian jewelry collections and the many American masterpieces.
After the museum, head over and tour the Basilica of Assumption, America's First Cathedral built after the adoption of the Constitution. Make sure not to miss the new Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden, a commemorative prayer garden adjacent to the Basilica complex. Opened in 2008, the garden is one of the few green spaces downtown Baltimore.
Discover the mystery and the macabre by visiting the Westminster Hall Burying Ground and Catacombs, where you'll find Edgar Allan Poe's memorial grave. A landmark of American poetry, Poe has been continuously celebrated by the City of Baltimore for his legacy.
Mount Vernon's ultimate attraction is the George Washington Monument and Museum. Discover the ground-floor museum built in 1815 to honor our country's first president. Climb the 228 stairs to the top of the Doric-style column for the absolute best view of the city.
Top it all with a dinner at one of the many Mount Vernon restaurants, and then enjoy a great live performance at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
After such a cultural, rich three-day journey, you'll definitely want to come to Baltimore again. Or even better, maybe make Charm City your new home!
