Start here
National Aquarium
A substantial Inner Harbor anchor for families and first visits. Reserve a timed entry before you build the rest of the waterfront day.
Best for: Family, Aquarium, Indoor
Destination guide
Things to do in Baltimore
Baltimore has enough to fill a trip without trying to cover every corner. Start with the places that fit the way you want to spend the day, then keep nearby choices together.
Places to put on the list in Baltimore
Build around a few anchors, then choose nearby additions that match your pace. The main Baltimore guide has itinerary ideas if you want help putting those pieces in order.
Start here
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
The waterfront fort gives Baltimore’s harbor its clearest historical weight. It is best as a separate Locust Point outing, not a quick add-on after the aquarium.
Best for: History, Outdoor, Free
Start here
American Visionary Art Museum
A playful, idiosyncratic museum that is more memorable than another generic downtown stop. Pair it with Federal Hill rather than racing back across the harbor.
Best for: Art, Museum, Indoor
Inner Harbor and Downtown
National Aquarium
A substantial Inner Harbor anchor for families and first visits. Reserve a timed entry before you build the rest of the waterfront day.
Best for: Family, Aquarium, Indoor
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
3.5 hoursMorning$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site 
Maryland Science Center
Hands-on exhibits and planetarium programming make this A good weather-proof family choice at the Inner Harbor. Check current show times before arrival.
Best for: Family, Science, Indoor
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
3 hoursMorning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
George Peabody Library
A high-signal arts and culture stop that adds a distinct indoor option to the destination's existing activity mix. Build it into the day when this is the part of Baltimore visitors would otherwise miss.
Best for: Arts and culture, Rain-safe
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$$
Visit official site Locust Point and Federal Hill
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
The waterfront fort gives Baltimore’s harbor its clearest historical weight. It is best as a separate Locust Point outing, not a quick add-on after the aquarium.
Best for: History, Outdoor, Free
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
2.5 hoursMorning$
Visit official site American Visionary Art Museum
A playful, idiosyncratic museum that is more memorable than another generic downtown stop. Pair it with Federal Hill rather than racing back across the harbor.
Best for: Art, Museum, Indoor
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2.5 hoursMorning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Federal Hill Park
The city’s most handy skyline viewpoint, especially near sunset. It is a short stop, so pair it with AVAM or Cross Street Market.
Best for: View, Park, Free
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
1 hoursSunset$
Visit official site Mount Vernon and Bolton Hill
Walters Art Museum
A free Mount Vernon museum with enough range for a serious rainy-day visit. Give it time instead of treating it as a lobby-sized detour.
Best for: Art, Museum, Free
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
2.5 hoursMorning$
Visit official site Charles Village and Hampden
Baltimore Museum of Art
Baltimore Museum of Art is a art anchor beside Johns Hopkins and the Sculpture Gardens. It works best with a Charles Village or Hampden meal, not a rushed harbor transfer.
Best for: Art, Museum, Free
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
3 hoursMorning$
Visit official site 
Hampden and The Avenue
A neighborhood walk for independent shops, offbeat Baltimore character, and a more relaxed meal than the harbor provides. Do not force it into a packed sightseeing day.
Best for: Neighborhood, Shopping, Food
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
2.5 hoursAfternoon$$
Visit official site Fell's Point and Harbor East
Fell's Point Waterfront Walk
Cobblestones, old rowhouses, harbor views, and a real neighborhood rhythm. Walk it in daylight, then stay for dinner rather than making it a five-minute photo stop.
Best for: Waterfront, Neighborhood, Free
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
2 hoursAfternoon$
Visit official site 
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
An essential Black-history museum near the harbor with a focused, thoughtful collection. Build it into a Harbor East and Fell's Point day.
Best for: History, Museum, Indoor
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
2 hoursMorning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site Pigtown and Camden Yards
B&O Railroad Museum
A deep railroad collection in a historic roundhouse, with enough substance for enthusiasts and kids alike. Check train-ride and event schedules before promising either.
Best for: History, Family, Museum
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
3 hoursMorning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
A baseball game or ballpark tour gives sports fans a true Baltimore evening. Current schedules, tours, and security rules need a trip-date check.
Best for: Sports, Baseball, Outdoor
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
3.5 hoursAfternoon$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site Plan the rest of your Baltimore trip
See neighborhoods, trip ideas, and the full destination planner in one place.
Hours, tickets, seasonal access, and reservation policies can change. Check the official source before you go. Last destination review: 2026-08-14.