After spending a weekend in Baltimore, Maryland, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the city had to offer. Before planning the trip, the only things that came to mind when I thought of Baltimore were the Orioles baseball team and crab cakes. I’m happy to report that yes, the crab cakes are amazing, but there is so much more than that in the Charm City. It’s easy as Berger Pie (a must-try Baltimore treat) to fill a weekend with fun attractions and yummy meals. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite things to see, do and eat along with a few fun facts to get you started planning your own itinerary for a perfect weekend in Baltimore.
Getting There
If you’re planning to fly, the easiest option is flying in directly to the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. After arrival there are several ways to get into the city. Besides taxis and rideshares, Baltimore also has both train and bus options. Free shuttles run from the airport to the various stations.
The rental car facility is located off-site, but is easy to access thanks to the free shuttle service. Shuttles run about every ten minutes from the lover level terminal. Parking can be pricey in Baltimore, esprically in the city, so if you do choose to rent a car consider taking advantage of public transportation. The Charm City Circulator is a FREE bus service offering four different routes between popular spots.
Where to Stay
When visiting a place for a short amount of time, I love to stay in a historic inn or bed and breakfast rather than a big hotel. It’s a great way to get a deeper feel for a place. Not only that, you are almost always guaranteed to meet some people who have great insider knowledge of what to see and do in the area. So when visiting Baltimore for a quick weekend trip I stayed at Rachael’s Dowry Bed and Breakfast. Rachael’s is an adorable, fully renovated historic home only a few blocks from Camden Yards that once hosted George and Martha Washington. We arrived in the late afternoon and were greeted by the owner who welcomed us with coffee and muffins. After we got settled, she answered some of our questions and explained how to get around using the water taxi.
What to Do
Lexington Market
This indoor market boasts over 100 vendors giving you a taste of Baltimore all in one place. Take your time to walk through the whole market, sampling as you go. This is where you can find Faidley’s Seafood for crab cakes (more on that below.)
National Aquarium
This massive aquarium on the harbor is one of Baltimore’s most visited attractions. It houses almost 20,000 different animals including shark tanks, a living seashore and a giant octopus. Be forewarned, the tickets are pricey: $39.95 for adults! It’s worth it though, if you have even the smallest interest in animals. It is the creme de la creme of aquariums.
Baltimore Museum of Art
For something a little more budget friendly, the Baltimore Museum of Art is FREE to visit every day of the week. This is a serious bargain, considering the BMA is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Henri Matisse. The museum was founded in 1914 with a single piece of art and now contains over 95,00 pieces, including a world renowned collection of 19th century modern and contemporary art.
George Peabody Library
One of the most beautiful libraries in the US, The George Peabody can be found at John Hopkins University. Over 300,00 volumes live here atop shelves embellished with gold leaf decor and a black and white marble floor.
Inner Harbor
No weekend in Baltimore is complete without a stroll along the harbor. Inner Harbor is surrounded by restaurants, shops and tourist attractions. There are multiple historic ships docked in the harbor, including the USS Constellation. When the weather is warm, you can paddle boat around the water.
Edgar Allan Poe House
This little house may not look like much from the outside, but any fan of Edgar Allan Poe definitely needs to add it to their Baltimore itinerary. The small interior contains a variety of exhibits and artifacts, such as Poe’s personal writing desk. Just a few blocks away is the Westminster Burial Ground, the poet’s final resting place.
Fells Point
Spend a few hours walking around the neighborhood of Fells Point, which is packed full of restaurants, galleries and boutiques. Make sure you stop at The Horse You Came In On Saloon, one of Edgar Allen Poe’s favorite bars and where he was rumored to have taken his last drink. Hop on the water taxi at Inner Harbor, it will take you right to Fells Point.
What to Eat
Berger cookies
Less of a cookie and more of a little cake piled high with fudgey chocoalte frosting, these are legendary in the Baltimore area. You can get them at most local grocery stores and markets.
Crab Cakes
View this post on Instagram
I had high expectations for crab cakes in Baltimore and was NOT disappointed. The best of the best were from Faidley’s in Lexington Market. Their huge softball sized cakes are packed with crab and perfectly seasoned. A lemon slice on the side is all they needed. Faidley’s also has a great raw oyster bar and tons of fresh fish for sale. Make sure to sample the Chesapeake oysters.
Old Bay
Ok, this is actually just a spice blend and not a food, but you haven’t been to Baltimore without eating something seasoned with Old Bay. Although it is more common across the US than it used to be, Old Bay is still a Maryland specialty. It is traditionally used on seafood, but can be found on trendy menus around the city in things like deviled eggs (Wit and Wisdom), chicken wings (The Dizz) and even ice cream (The Charmery).
Coffee
I never thought of Baltimore as a coffee town but that quickly changed after hearing about all the the amazing local coffee shops in the area. One of the most popular is Zeke’s coffee. This family owned cafe started out of the Baltimore Farmers Market in 2005 and quickly became a household name. Now they have a large cafe and supply coffee to restaurants around town. Don’t skip the pastry case, especially the chocolate chip pound cake!
Pie
View this post on Instagram
Every single pie is handmade from scratch at Dangerously Delicious Pies, a Baltimore institution. One of the most popular of course is the Baltimore Bomb, a vanilla pie stuffed full of Berger cookies. They also have savory pies and quiche, including an amazing cheddar & crab version.
Oysters
Another seafood must have, there are incredible places to eat oysters all over the city. My favorite is Thames Street Oyster House. They have an incredible raw bar stocked with all different types of seafood. If you aren’t familiar with oysters, get one or two of each type to see what you like. While you’re there, take advantage of the intriguing cocktail menu and wine list.
I hope you enjoy your weekend in Baltimore!
Now, I want to go there. Though I don’t live far away I have not seen half of what Baltimore has to offer it seems. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh my thooose crab cakes from Faidleys look amazing. Not much seafood in my city. I probably shouldn’t say but a hint would suggest the raven faithful wouldn’t like me much. “Hey we are the only 2 teams that win this division every year” hahaha. But it’s true though
My family and all of our cousins are planning on visiting Philadelphia and Baltimore for our family reunion in November. I loved reading that Inner Harbor has lots of restaurants and historic ships docked, such as the USS Constellation! Since there will be quite a few of us, I’d love it if we could find a charter bus to take us around.