Guide About Baltimore, Maryland

About Baltimore

Baltimore, tucked away between Washington and Philadelphia on the East Coast, was once a vital port city. Having undergone a revival while staying true to its industrial, hometown roots, Baltimore has surged in popularity as a travel destination. Today, street art, contemporary culture, and stylish food courts thrive alongside beloved baseball and steamed crab takeout tradition. Spend some time in Baltimore and let 'Charm City' live up to its name. 

Hostels in Baltimore include one in a refurbished 19th-century brownstone mansion at the heart of the city. You can choose from mixed or single-gender dorms, or opt for a private room for extra personal space. Free breakfast is standard in a Baltimore hostel, and most also have a kitchen (and even outdoor barbecue grills) where you can cook your own meals. You'll find free Wi-Fi in communal areas and in rooms. Look out for Baltimore hostels with social events like movie nights, pub crawls and city tours where you can meet other guests. 

Baltimore's Inner Harbor is home to historic ships and upscale dining at affluent Harbor East. Among the city's oldest neighborhoods is Fell's Point, with charming cobbled streets and stylish pubs, and Mount Vernon, a City Historic Landmark. Cultural District is known for its eclectic nightlife. Bohemian Station North has local art and lives music, as well as indie cinema at the Charles Theatre. Hampden is known for the quirky independent shops, boutiques and vintage stores on colorful West 36th Street.

To get a view of the whole city, take in the panorama from the top of Federal Hill Park. Wear comfortable shoes for climbing its 99 steps and reward yourself with a beer afterward – perhaps from one of Baltimore's many craft breweries. Food-lovers unite at Lexington Market, where more than 100 stalls heave with crab cakes, peanut brittle and fudge cookies in this 236-year-old institution. To cheer on the home team like a local, join the crowds for an Orioles game at Camden Yards baseball park.

From the Baltimore–Washington International Airport, you can take the MTA Light Rail to central Baltimore (around 25 minutes' ride). Baltimore is well-connected to other US cities by rail and bus. The Amtrak train to Washington DC takes about 40 minutes, and New York is around 3.5 hours by train and 2.5 hours by bus. It's easy to get around the city on Baltimore's extensive public transport system, which includes local buses, a metro line, free buses to popular attractions and water taxis.