Baltimore

Historic waterfronts and vibrant cultural scene

Baltimore, Maryland provides a mix of history and modern life along the Chesapeake Bay. The city features cobblestone streets in historic neighborhoods like Fells Point where 18th-century buildings line busy waterfronts. Public spaces such as Patterson Park offer green areas for walking or picnics with views of the skyline. Baltimore is known for its sports culture, seafood restaurants serving crab cakes and local breweries. Museums along the Inner Harbor display art and maritime history while streetcars connect different parts of the city efficiently.

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City in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 6.5

General Safety:	5
Health & medical:	9
Accessibility:	8
Tap water:	8

Read details

4/5

In Baltimore, most locals speak fluent English with a friendly, relaxed tone. You’ll find clear signage and helpful service everywhere – from museums to restaurants – making everyday conversations smooth for tourists.

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Last update: 16 Oct 2026

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Baltimore Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Great at blending historic charm with modern vibrancy, Baltimore offers waterfront strolls, iconic seafood and a thriving arts scene. It also excels in maritime heritage and neighborhoods.

Place score

7.2

Best at:

Aquariums

Large cities

Local cuisine

Museums

Architecture

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

✡️ 9

Kosher

🌈 8

LGBTQ+

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Baltimore, United States

❄️

Jan

🌤️

Feb

🌤️

Mar

🌤️

Apr

🌤️

May

☀️

Jun

🔥

Jul

🌦️

Aug

☀️

Sep

🌤️

Oct

🌤️

Nov

🌤️

Dec

High season:	May - Oct.
Shoulder season:	April, Dec.
Crowdedness:	5 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Orioles baseball season at Camden Yards runs April to September

Preakness Stakes horse race on the third Saturday in May draws large crowds

Maryland blue crab season runs April to December, best crab feasts in summer and early autumn

Don't miss

🚤 Explore historic Inner Harbor waterfront
🐠 Visit National Aquarium's marine exhibits
🏘️ Stroll through Fell's Point cobblestone streets
🦀 Taste authentic crab cakes at Harbor East
🚢 Tour the iconic USS Constellation shipyard
⚾️ Catch a baseball game at Camden Yards

You've been here?

Why travel to Baltimore?

Baltimore offers a blend of historic charm and contemporary culture that appeals to travelers seeking depth without the excess of larger metropolises. The city’s Inner Harbor, once a bustling port, now hosts museums, restaurants and waterfront promenades where visitors can stroll along the Chesapeake Bay and view iconic ships such as the USS Constellation. A short walk from there leads to the National Aquarium, one of the country’s most respected institutions for marine life education. History enthusiasts will appreciate the rich heritage preserved in neighborhoods like Fells Point and Fell's Point, where cobblestone streets and 18th‑century architecture tell stories of early American commerce. The Walters Art Museum offers a diverse collection ranging from ancient artifacts to modern works, while the Baltimore Museum of Industry showcases the city’s industrial past. Culinary experiences are rooted in local traditions; the world‑famous crab cakes at Lexington Market provide an authentic taste of Maryland cuisine. For those interested in music and arts, the annual Jazz Fest and the vibrant street art scene reflect Baltimore’s creative spirit. Outdoor lovers can explore Patterson Park or take a short drive to nearby Chesapeake Bay beaches for kayaking and birdwatching. With its mix of accessible attractions, cultural institutions and natural beauty, Baltimore provides a well-rounded destination that invites exploration without overwhelming crowds.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 American Visionary Art Museum
2 Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
3 Maryland Science Center
4 National Aquarium
5 Oriole Park at Camden Yards
6 The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins
7 USS Constellation

🎡Places for activities

1 American Visionary Art Museum
2 Inner Harbor
3 Fort McHenry
4 Maryland Science Center
5 National Aquarium
6 Oriole Park at Camden Yards

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Cylburn Arboretum
2 Gunpowder Falls State Park
3 Loudon Park Cemetery
4 Patapsco Valley State Park

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Use public transit; Baltimore’s MTA buses and light rail cover most tourist spots.
Plan a walk along the Inner Harbor early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy waterfront views of historic ships.
Check the Baltimore Museum of Art schedule online for free admission days, typically Wednesdays after 5 pm.
Explore the historic Fells Point neighborhood on foot; its cobblestone streets hide hidden art galleries and local seafood eateries.

How to travel to Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland, is accessible via several transportation methods. The city’s primary entry point is Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), located approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown. BWI offers domestic and international flights, connecting travelers to major hubs across the U.S. and abroad. For rail access, Amtrak operates at Baltimore Penn Station, serving Northeast Corridor routes linking New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and beyond. The station is centrally located, with connections to MTA buses and light rail for local transit. Driving options include I-95 and I-695 highways, which intersect near the city, providing road access from surrounding regions. Water taxis operate seasonally along the Inner Harbor, offering an alternative arrival point for visitors preferring water-based entry.

Access summary

From Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI): Airport shuttle to downtown (20–25 min).
From Washington D.C. (DCA): Metro Red Line to Penn Station, then bus to Baltimore (45–55 min).
By Amtrak from New York Penn Station: 1h 30min to Baltimore Penn Station.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Baltimore

Baltimore offers a spectrum of lodging that caters to every budget and taste. Downtown’s historic district features boutique inns housed in restored warehouses, offering upscale rooms with industrial chic décor and easy access to waterfront attractions. The Inner Harbor area presents mid‑range hotels with modern amenities, often including complimentary breakfast and panoramic harbor views. For travelers seeking affordability, the surrounding neighborhoods provide a mix of well‑maintained motels and budget chains that still deliver clean accommodations and convenient public transit links. Baltimore is also renowned for its cozy bed‑and‑breakfasts tucked into Victorian homes, offering personalized service and local culinary experiences. Whether you prefer luxury, mid‑scale comfort or charming homestays, the city’s lodging options are diverse and accessible.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Wingate by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport

8.7

Lord Baltimore Hotel

8.4

The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore

8.9

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baltimore BWI Airport

8.6

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baltimore N / White Marsh

8.1

DoubleTree by Hilton Baltimore - BWI Airport

8.6

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport

7.6

Comfort Inn Towson - Baltimore North

7.7

Extended Stay America Select Suites - Baltimore - BWI Airport - International Dr.

8.3

Clarion Hotel & Suites BWI Airport North

7.2

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland offers several convenient transportation options for getting around the city and surrounding areas. The most practical method is using public transit, operated by the Baltimore Transit System (MTA), which includes buses and light rail lines connecting major neighborhoods and suburbs. For faster travel within the city, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. Taxis can also be found at designated stands or via phone apps. Biking is increasingly popular, with bike-sharing programs such as Citi Bike providing access to bicycles across downtown and nearby districts. Walking is feasible in walkable areas like Inner Harbor and Fells Point. For intercity travel, Amtrak trains serve Baltimore Penn Station, offering connections to Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York City.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-3 %

Daily expenses in Baltimore are around 3% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£74	£160	£429
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£38	£83	£195
🍝 Food per day	£30	£71	£210
🚕 Transportation per day	£6	£6	£24

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£29
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£13
🍟 Fast food combo	£7.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11
☕ Cappuccino	£4
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£5

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.50
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£14
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.65

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£11
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£90
🤧 Cold medication	£6
💇 Basic haircut	£15

Safety information overview

General safety

Baltimore offers a mixed safety profile: overall crime rates are higher than national averages, especially in certain neighborhoods. Visitors should stay alert, avoid isolated areas after dark, keep valuables hidden and use reputable transportation to ensure personal security.

Health & Medical

Baltimore offers high‑quality medical care, with top hospitals like Johns Hopkins and numerous specialty clinics. Public health services are robust, but travelers should watch for seasonal flu, limited rural coverage and occasional air pollution peaks during summer heat waves.

Accessibility

Baltimore offers mixed accessibility: many downtown streets and public transit are wheelchair‑friendly, with curb cuts and elevators in key buildings. However, older neighborhoods have uneven sidewalks and some museums lack full access. Plan ahead for ramps and accessible parking.

Tap water

Baltimore’s tap water is safe and well‑treated, meeting EPA standards with a pleasant taste. Public fountains and refill stations are plentiful in parks and downtown, making hydration convenient for residents and visitors alike. The city maintains transparent quality reports online.

Packing recommendations for Baltimore

📷

Camera

👟

Comfortable walking shoes

🌞

Sun cream

🚰

Reusable water bottle

🪪

Copies of passport and important documents

📱

Travel eSIM

🔌

Universal travel adaptor

if needed

💳

Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Nearby recommended places

Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Maryland

New York (state)

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