Travel to Baltimore

Travel to Baltimore

Baltimore is an important port city on the east coast of the US - a bustling city with a long history of tradition and civic pride. Over the past few decades, Baltimore has experienced a renaissance and a resurge in popularity, especially since the refurbishment of the Inner Harbour in the 1970s. The city is now a major travel destination, boasting over 11 million visitors annually. Baltimores major attraction is its Inner Harbour, a waterfront area with dozens of shops, restaurants and must-see attractions. Most sites and the citys neighbourhoods are reasonably accessible on foot, adding to the enjoyment of a visit here.

Transportation to Baltimore

Baltimore is easily reached by air, with the modern and spacious Baltimore Washington International Airport located just 10 miles south of the city centre. The city is also only 25 miles northeast of Washington DC, one of the busier east coast air transport hubs. Buses and trains also provide convenient transportation to Baltimore from most major points on the eastern coast of the US.

What to see

Baltimore has plenty to offer tourists and is an exciting place to visit. The Baltimore Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors, and along with the Maryland Science Centre and the Port Discovery Children's Museum, is a very popular attraction for families with children. The city has a number of interesting historic sites and museums such as the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and Fort McHenry, the site where Americas national anthem was born.

There is an interesting mix of neighbourhoods here, and Baltimore has been nicknamed Charm City for the way in which the diverse cultures blend so successfully in this urban setting. Neighbourhoods such as the historic maritime district of Fells Point, the small village of Little Italy and the off-beat neighbourhood of SoWeBo (southwest Baltimore) are, in themselves, attractions to visitors.

Baltimores waterfront and Inner Harbour are a major tourist destination area, where youll also find the citys World Trade Centre, featuring an observation deck on its 27th floor. The fact that this is still a working port adds to its appeal, as does the local cuisine served up at its many cafs and restaurants. A water taxi service provides an efficient means of getting around the harbour, offering a great way to enjoy views of the waterfront and the city skyline.

Daytrips

A visit to western Maryland is a favourite excursion for many visitors to Baltimore and a reasonably short drive from the city. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting beautiful scenery and parklands, with lakes for swimming, fishing and boating. You can climb the state's highest peak, hike part of the famous Appalachian Trail or cycle along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Apart from outdoor recreation opportunities, the haunting markers commemorating the battlefield at Antietam are a reminder of the US Civil War.

Activities and leisure

In Baltimore, there are parades and festivals, tours on land and water, museums and historical sites, sporting events and a waterfront to explore. A visit to the Inner Harbour is a must and a cruise around the harbour is highly recommended. Even on a short trip by water taxi youll have a chance to view the activity along the waterfront and the citys skyline. Taking in a baseball or a soccer game will give you a chance to see what the locals get so excited about, as will a visit to Pimlico Racecourse for the horse racing there.

Safety issues

Baltimore is slowly becoming a safer place to visit, but it's still important to be on your guard in most areas of the city, and to avoid walking around alone after dark. Neighbouring Washington DC was once the murder capital of the US, but Baltimore now has that dubious distinction. Drugs are rampant here and straying a few blocks away from the busier tourist areas could put you at risk. The Inner Harbour area is reasonably safe, with panhandling being the major annoyance. When you are at the main rail station, it is important be alert to potential pick-pocketing and mugging.