Baltimore

Baltimore is located in Chesapeake Bay, near the Atlantic Ocean. It was founded in 1729 as a port and shipbuilding town and soon became a major manufacturing and trade center. The Maryland metropolis has undergone a process of urban renewal since the 1970s to change its industrial persona. The Inner Harbor is now a lively cultural hub and a picturesque setting for photography. The friendly locals earned Baltimore the nickname “Charm City.”

Today, sleek office buildings, smart hotels, prestigious museums and family-friendly visitor attractions make up the landscape of central Baltimore. Start at the Visitor Center at Inner Harbor to pick up a three-day pass that gives you discounts to some major attractions and transport.

Explore the compact waterfront hub of museums, eateries and children’s attractions at your leisure. A highlight for many is the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Step aboard historic warships, such as the USS Constellation, at the Maritime Museum. For more wartime sagas, explore Fort McHenry, where the victory flag inspired the national anthem over 200 years ago.

Venture outside of Inner Harbor to see some of the city’s other famous attractions. View work by Matisse at the Walters Art Museum, visit the Nashville Zoo, taste wine at Boordy Vineyards or take a ride on one of the country’s first public tracks at the B&O Railroad Museum.

Getting around is easy in the compact Inner Harbor and there are many public transport options. Check out the free shuttle bus service called Charm City Circulator. It runs every 10 minutes. Water taxis are a scenic way to visit harbor-side museums.

Due to the city’s sheltered location, the climate in spring and autumn is pleasant and the winters are mild for a northern city. Summers tend to be humid and hot.

Baltimore may lack the style and urban pulse of its East Coast neighbors Washington D.C., New York and Philadelphia, but its museums, historical sights, and friendly locals make it a worthwhile destination.