Top Attractions for First-Timers
With limited time in a new city, it’s crucial to experience the highlights that capture the destination’s character. For a memorable first trip to Baltimore, add these top attractions across categories to your travel itinerary:
Inner Harbor & National Aquarium
No first-time visit to Baltimore is complete without exploring the iconic Inner Harbor. Home to the National Aquarium, historic ships, shops, and restaurants, the Inner Harbor beautifully blends past and present. Marvel at thousands of aquatic animals at the National Aquarium or tour historic ships like the USS Constellation and US Coast Guard Cutter Taney. Catch a water taxi for a new perspective of the harbor or simply stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade.
Oriole Park & Ravens Stadium
Baltimoreans love their sports teams, especially the Orioles and Ravens. Catch an Orioles baseball game at picture-perfect Oriole Park at Camden Yards or tour M&T Bank Stadium, home of the beloved Ravens football team. If you can’t catch a game, at least snap a photo outside the iconic sports venues. Sports may not be “a thing” back home, but they’re a source of major civic pride in Baltimore.
Fort McHenry & Patriot Point
Immerse yourself in American history with a visit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. As the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, Fort McHenry offers a moving experience. Wander the battlefield, explore the fort’s tunnels, and admire sweeping views of Baltimore from the waterfront stronghold. Nearby, check out the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House where Mary Pickersgill flew the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key.
American Visionary Art Museum
Located in the Federal Hill neighborhood, the American Visionary Art Museum beautifully showcases outsider and visionary artwork. You’ll find everything from sculptures and mosaics to paintings in a setting that’s just as vibrant as the art. AVAM’s themed exhibits change frequently, so you’re bound to discover something new and thought-provoking with each visit.
B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore’s history is intertwined with the railroad, making the B&O Railroad Museum a must-visit. Walk through meticulously restored train cars and locomotives that span over a century of rail history. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the expansive model train layouts. Located adjacent to Oriole Park, the B&O Railroad Museum is a home run for baseball fans and history buffs alike.
Lexington Market
No foodie can miss Lexington Market, the longest continuously running market in the world. Open since 1782, this public market offers an authentic slice of Baltimore culinary history. The diverse vendors sell everything from Faidley’s jumbo lump crab cakes to Berger’s Jewish bakery treats. Go hungry and sample your way through the market’s various stalls and eateries.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Art aficionados will adore the world-class Baltimore Museum of Art in Charles Village. The museum houses over 95,000 pieces spanning ancient antiquities to contemporary works. Must-sees include the only complete Matisse in any public collection and an expansive Cone Collection featuring masterpieces by Picasso, Cézanne, Matisse, and others. The iconic Sculpture Garden is a serene spot to admire outdoor installations.
Maryland Science Center
With 3 floors of interactive exhibits, the Maryland Science Center offers engaging STEM fun for all ages. Experience everything from dinosaurs to space travel through immersive displays. Catch an IMAX movie on the 5-story screen or get hands-on in the Kids Room. Don’t miss the annual corpse flower bloom! The science center regularly hosts adults-only after hours events with drinks and music too.
The Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum in Mount Vernon houses treasures spanning over 5,000 years. Egyptian mummies, Medieval manuscripts, and European masterworks impress art enthusiasts. Must-sees include a lock of Queen Victoria’s hair, a rhinestone exhibit once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Renaissance Treasury with precious artifacts. The intimate setting encourages visitors to spend quality time with each piece.
Baltimore Streetcar Museum
Step back in time at the Baltimore Streetcar Museum showcasing vintage streetcars from 1885 to the 1960s. Ride along the streetcar line and see the fully operational fleet of streetcars. Kids love exploring the interactive exhibits and weekend hayrides. History buffs shouldn’t miss this opportunity to experience Baltimore’s streetcar heritage.
Geppi’s Entertainment Museum
Located right beside Camden Yards, Geppi’s Entertainment Museum appeals to pop culture lovers. The museum chronicles American entertainment history through comic books, movie posters, toys, costumes and collectibles. See life-size figures of pop culture icons and limited edition memorabilia. There’s something nostalgic for everyone, whether you love comics or vintage toys.
Edgar Allan Poe House
Literature buffs and fans of macabre stories won’t want to miss the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in downtown Baltimore. Tour Poe’s home from the early 19th century and visit the bedroom where he passed away under mysterious circumstances. Nearby, pay your respects at Edgar Allan Poe’s original grave site at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground.
How to Get Around Baltimore
Baltimore offers several transportation options to help you explore everything the city has to offer:
Public Transportation
Baltimore’s public bus system, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), services the metro region. The Light Rail links 33 stations connecting Glen Burnie to Hunt Valley with stops in downtown Baltimore. The Metro Subway services 15 stations. Purchase fares with cash, credit/debit cards, or MTA cards. The Charm City Circulator offers free transportation around downtown.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Baltimore. Private sedan services are also available. While convenient for individuals, rideshares can get tricky for managing group transportation.
Charter Buses
For group transportation, charter buses are the simplest, most comfortable option. Charter buses allow medium to large groups to travel together with professional team handling everything. Groups save time and avoid headaches trying to coordinate multiple vehicles. Charter buses offer amenities like WiFi, entertainment systems, and restrooms for pleasant trips. When visiting Baltimore attractions or catching an Orioles game, charter bus transportation streamlines group travel.
Ready to Get Started?
We hope this first-timer’s guide gets you excited to experience Charm City’s unique attractions, history, sports, and cuisine. Baltimore offers the ideal blend of laid-back coastal vibes and big city amenities. Once you decide on your must-see attractions, let Baltimore Party Bus provides easy group transportation in Baltimore. Our charter buses and professional team will handle everything from airport transfers to shuttles between your hotel and favorite attractions. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip while we take care of the transportation details. Contact Baltimore Party Bus at 240-850-4236 to reserve your Baltimore charter bus today!