The 9 Best Things to Do While In Baltimore

Baltimore is known as “Charm City” for a reason. The scenic harbor, rich heritage and epic viewpoints pack quite the punch when it comes to both aesthetics and activities. And, there are so many fun things to do in Baltimore with kids, as a couple, with a group or even solo. The options are truly endless.

Home to the “Star-Spangled Banner,” Baltimore offers some really fascinating stops for history fans like myself. I’ve been a travel writer for a long time, and there are so many things to do in Baltimore’s harbor that top my list when it comes to historic sites around the country. Here, visitors can walk atop the forts that inspired the American national anthem, get lost in cemeteries that famous writers picked as their final resting places and board masted ships modeled after maritime vessels from centuries ago. Meanwhile, there’s also plenty of succulent seafood, world-class museums and parks worthy of an all-day excursion.

Luckily, Royal Caribbean stops right in Baltimore, making a cruise one of the best ways to travel to this Maryland gem. So, next time you’re in the city, make sure to explore. To get the ball rolling, read on to discover the best things to do in Baltimore on your next cruise.

Harbor to Hampden: 9 Best Things to Do In Baltimore

1. Play Outside Like a Local at Patterson Park

This 155-acre park is packed with green space and plenty of walking. Come for the massive trees, historic war sites, paved trails, playgrounds, lake, recreational fields, sports courts, gardens, ice-skating rink and swimming pools. Stay for the views on top of the 1890s observatory tower, birdwatching walks at Patterson Park Audubon Center and nearby dining.

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 45 minutes-2 hours.

2. Soak In Creativity at Baltimore Museum of Art

This museum is part of Johns Hopkins University, but it is free and open to the public. At over a century old, the institution is home to artworks from the 18th through the 21st centuries. This includes the largest public collection of Henri Matisse pieces in the whole world, so it’s a must-visit for any fan of his work.

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 2-4 hours.

3. Get Lost In the George Peabody Library

This is another famously beautiful part of Johns Hopkins University. Opened in 1878, the George Peabody Library features five floors rising above a central atrium. Between the ornamental balconies, black and white floor tilework and massive glass skylight, the effect is luxurious. Visitors can wander the ground floor, take photos of the architecture and enjoy the peace and quiet.

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 15 minutes-3 hours, depending on whether you want to pop in for photos or spend some time reading.

4. Visit the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum

Edgar Allan Poe lived at 203 N Amity Street from 1833 to 1835 before he moved to Richmond. As a massive Poe fan myself, let me assure you that this is a must-see for any fellow enthusiasts. Visitors can view his writing desk and chair, wander through his home and see a piece of Baltimore history. The ticketed self-guided tours last 45 minutes and are available for up to six people aged 3 and up.

● Cost: $$.

● Time needed: 45 minutes.

5. Go Cemetery Hopping Through History

My favorite activity for any historic city on the East Coast is to explore the local cemeteries — it’s also one of the most underrated things to do in Baltimore. Across the many famous cemeteries here, visitors can find the final resting places of numerous well-known figures in history. 

Come to Westminster Burial Ground to see the grave of Edgar Allan Poe, his wife and his mother-in-law. There are also lots of American Revolution generals; War of 1812 heroes; Baltimore mayor and senator Samuel Smith; and Founding Father and Fort McHenry namesake, James McHenry. 

Meanwhile, Green Mount Cemetery has the graves of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth, merchant Johns Hopkins, socialite Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte (also the sister-in-law of Napoleon), philanthropist Enoch Pratt, art collector Henry Walters and Ouija board inventor Elijah Jefferson Bond.

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 30 minutes-3 hours, depending on how many cemeteries you plan on visiting.

6. Experience 19th-Century Ship Life

The masted ships that speckle the harbor grant the city a timeless feel. And, one of the best family things to do in Baltimore is to board one. Take a day sail on The Pride of Baltimore II, a reconstruction of the 19th-century ship, the Baltimore Clipper. Brace yourself for total historic immersion and a chance to enjoy some unique city views, time on the water and exploration. Tickets are required, so make sure to plan ahead, bring snacks and keep an eye on the weather.

● Cost: $$-$$$ (but deck tours are free).

● Time needed: 2 hours.

7. Celebrate the Star-Spangled Banner at Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry is the most famous destination in Baltimore. Situated in Locust Point, this military site warded off a British naval attack in 1814 during the War of 1812. It was this event on the harbor that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Today, every time the country is about to adopt a fresh flag design, that flag is raised over Fort McHenry before it’s put into use.

I love just wandering the walking paths throughout the 42-acre park, but there are loads of ranger programs, a visitor center, exhibits and concessions. There are tons of great picnicking spots with beautiful views of the harbor, so consider bringing some food and making an afternoon of it. 

● Cost: $ (there’s an entrance fee for those 15 and older, and it’s valid for a week).

● Time needed: 2-5 hours.

8. Step Into the Gilded Age at Evergreen Museum & Library

This historic mansion sits on stunning grounds, features a research library and offers guided tours of the museum. With a gift shop (one of the best places in Baltimore for souvenirs) and art exhibitions to boot, it offers both low-key and more structured experiences that suit every kind of traveler. The timeless grounds and landscaping are absolutely gorgeous and are perfect for taking photos. 

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 1.5-2 hours.

9. Wander Mount Vernon Place

Erected in 1809, the 178-foot-tall Washington Monument in Baltimore is the earliest one dedicated to President George Washington. In fact, it’s this site that led to Baltimore getting the nickname, “The Monumental City.” And today, visitors can climb to the very top.

Mount Vernon Place, the square that features the monument, is also home to other noteworthy sites, including the Marquis de Lafayette statue, the Walters Art Museum, the Maryland Center for History & Culture, the Garrett-Jacobs Mansion and public parks. Wandering around this space for a few hours is one of the most fun things to do in Baltimore, so make sure to carve out some time for it.

● Cost: $.

● Time needed: 1-3 hours.