2 Days in Baltimore: The Almost Perfect Itinerary

Ah, Baltimore—the city that gave us crab cakes, John Waters, Old Bay, and a supporting role in every gritty HBO crime drama you’ve ever binge-watched with the lights on. But don’t believe everything you saw on TV. Or… should you? Sure, there are neighborhoods with enough character to land their own Netflix deals, but Baltimore isn’t just a backdrop for brooding detectives and morally ambiguous antiheroes. No, it’s a living, breathing contradiction in the best possible way—where historic ships float beside neon-lit harbor bars, and you can buy a vintage record, a vegan donut, and a Natty Boh T-shirt all on the same block.

This is a city where the ghosts of Edgar Allan Poe politely nod to the street artists of Station North, and where your Uber driver might give you a full tour, unsolicited, in the voice of a seasoned news anchor (seriously – this happened. I’ve got his contact info for you). You’ll find museums stuffed with American visionaries, markets brimming with culinary dreams (and more crab than a zodiac convention), and locals who are equal parts sarcasm and soul. Baltimore is that friend who’s a little chaotic, maybe swears too much, but always shows up with the best playlist and a bottle of something strong. So come curious—and maybe leave the wiretap equipment at home. Probably.

I’ve sketched out two Almost Perfect days in this funky old town. Come along for the ride.

Day 1: From the Sultan of Swat to Swanky Bars

Inner Harbor -> Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum -> Pickles Pub -> Lexington Market -> Hall -> Giant RCA Dog -> Washington Monument -> Guilford Hall Brewery -> Druid Hill Park -> Dinner at Foraged -> Drinks at Dutch Courage

Inner Harbor

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is the beating heart of the city—a scenic waterfront packed with history, culture, and plenty of reasons to linger. Here, you can tour historic ships like the USS Constellation, visit the world-class National Aquarium, and stroll the waterfront promenade lined with shops, street performers, and crab shacks. The views are postcard-perfect, especially at sunset, and there’s a contagious energy that blends tourists, locals, and seagulls with equal enthusiasm. Whether you're into maritime museums, skyline selfies, or just cracking open a crab leg by the water, the Inner Harbor is where Baltimore shows off its charm.

Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum

Continue your day where legends are born—literally. This unassuming rowhouse is where the Great Bambino first cried, crawled, and presumably swung at imaginary fastballs. It’s not just a sports museum—it’s a tribute to raw talent and Baltimore’s proud, gritty roots.

Pickles Pub

Just a few steps from Camden Yards, Pickles Pub is where locals pre-game, post-game, and occasionally try to remember what inning they’re in. Great pub grub, friendly vibes, and plenty of Orioles spirit—yes, especially on a Sunday morning.

Lexington Market

Walk off your pub snack and dive into Lexington Market, one of the oldest public markets in the U.S., and the heart and soul of Baltimore’s food scene. Try a famous Faidley’s crab cake or just soak in the sounds of sizzling fryers and local chatter. It’s loud, proud, and deliciously chaotic.

Davidge Hall

Swing by Davidge Hall, the oldest building in continuous use for medical education in the Western Hemisphere. It looks like a small Roman temple dropped into downtown—a nod to Baltimore’s deep-rooted academic and medical clout. Even if it’s closed to tours, it’s worth the architectural pause (but hey - call ahead, and you might get lucky!).

Giant RCA Dog (aka "Nipper")

Stop for a laugh and a selfie with Baltimore’s favorite oversized terrier. Nipper the RCA dog peers curiously at an old gramophone from atop a former warehouse, perfectly capturing the city’s affection for quirky icons.

Washington Monument (Mount Vernon)

Climb the OG Washington Monument—Baltimore’s beat D.C.’s by decades. Inside: marble, history, and a narrow staircase leading to sweeping views of one of the city’s most elegant neighborhoods.

Guilford Hall Brewery

Take a breather and a beer at this stunning German-style beer hall in a converted Crown Cork & Seal factory. With soaring ceilings, craft lagers, and soft pretzels the size of your head, it’s part old-world charm, part industrial cool.

Druid Hill Park

If the sun’s still smiling, head to Druid Hill Park, one of the oldest urban parks in America. Stroll the lake, explore the Victorian conservatory, or just relax under massive oaks. It’s Baltimore’s backyard, and it’s as chill as it is historic.

Dinner at Foraged

Tucked away in Hampden, Foraged is hyper-local and hyper-delicious. The menu changes often, but always celebrates Maryland ingredients with inventive flair. Think: fine dining that wears hiking boots. Make a reservation—it’s intimate and wildly popular. yes, you'll be ordering pig parts more than once.

Drinks at Dutch Courage

Cap it all off with a cocktail (or two) at Dutch Courage, Baltimore’s premier gin bar. With a massive spirits list and bartenders who know their way around a juniper berry, it’s the perfect spot to toast a Sunday well spent.

Day 2: Poe, Patriotic Forts & Seafood by the Sea

Fort McHenry National Monument -> Federal Hill Park -> Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park -> Lunch in Fells Point -> Star-Spangled Banner Flag House -> Baltimore Phoenix Shot Tower -> The Peale -> Edgar Allen Poe's Grave -> Baltimore Basilica -> George Peabody Library -> National Aquarium -> Dinner at Thames Street Oyster House -> Ministry of Brewing -> The Horse You Came In On Saloon

Fort McHenry National Monument

Walk the ramparts of the star-shaped fort that defended Baltimore in the War of 1812 and inspired The Star-Spangled Banner. The grounds are peaceful, the history is rich, and yes—you will hum the anthem under your breath at least once.

Federal Hill Park

Climb this historic hilltop for one of the best panoramic views of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. It once bristled with Civil War cannons, now it’s more of a jogger’s paradise with unbeatable selfie spots.

Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park

Dive into the story of Black maritime labor and entrepreneurship at this underrated waterfront museum. Frederick Douglass’s life and legacy are beautifully woven into the city’s maritime past—powerful, personal, and essential.

Lunch in Fells Point

Fells Point is packed with cobblestone charm and cozy taverns. You’ll find everything from tacos to oysters to bakeries that smell like buttered dreams. Pull up a waterfront seat and enjoy the laid-back buzz.

Photo Stops

Star-Spangled Banner Flag House – Home of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the flag that flew over Fort McHenry. It’s a crisp white house with a big story.

Baltimore Phoenix Shot Tower – Once the tallest structure in America. They dropped molten lead from the top to make musket balls. Why? Because 19th-century physics were wild.

The Peale – America’s first purpose-built museum, currently being revived. Even from the outside, it hints at the intellectual curiosity baked into Baltimore’s bones.

Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave

Gothic, moody, and surprisingly peaceful—visit the final resting place of one of America’s most mysterious writers. Fans leave coins, roses, and the occasional raven feather. It’s literary pilgrimage with a side of spooky.

Baltimore Basilica

America’s first Roman Catholic cathedral is light-filled and neoclassical, designed by Benjamin Latrobe (who also worked on the U.S. Capitol). Step inside if it’s open, or admire its serene dome from outside.

George Peabody Library

Walk into this 19th-century “cathedral of books” and prepare to gasp. With five tiers of cast-iron balconies and thousands of old volumes, it looks like Hogwarts got a library upgrade.

National Aquarium (Time permitting)

If time allows, head to this world-class aquarium for a deep dive (haha!) into coral reefs, shark tanks, and tropical rainforests. Even the architecture is dramatic.

Dinner at Thames Street Oyster House

This Fells Point favorite dishes out what many claim are the best crab cakes in the city. The menu’s tight, the oysters are fresh, and the waterfront vibe is hard to beat. Reserve in advance—this place gets packed.

Drinks

Wico Street Beer Co. - a vibrant brewery nestled in Baltimore's Pigtown neighborhood, known for its eclectic mix of craft beers, arcade games, and community events.

Checkerspot Brewing Company - known for its small-batch, thoughtfully crafted, and gluten-reduced beers, and a menu of New Orleans-inspired dishes.

Ministry of Brewing – Set inside a lovingly restored 19th-century church, this spot pours small-batch brews beneath stained glass windows. Divine and delicious.

The Horse You Came In On Saloon – Allegedly Poe’s last watering hole, this historic bar in Fells Point serves up strong drinks and stronger vibes. Live music and low ceilings give it that perfectly rowdy charm.

THE DETAILS

Currency: US Dollar (USD)

• I used my credit card everywhere, but had some cash on hand just in case.

Best Time to Visit Baltimore

The best time to visit Baltimore is in spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) when the weather is mild, the waterfront is buzzing, and the city’s many festivals are in full swing—think outdoor concerts, art walks, and seafood feasts.

Spring brings blooming parks and Orioles baseball, while fall offers crisp air and fewer crowds, perfect for strolling historic neighborhoods like Fells Point and Mount Vernon. Summer has its perks too (crabs, fireworks, harbor cruises), but it can get hot and humid. Winter? Quieter, with charm—especially if you like Poe, pubs, and avoiding tourists.

Where to Stay in Baltimore:

Sagamore Pendry Baltimore (Fells Point)

A luxury stunner set in a restored 1914 pier building, the Sagamore Pendry is sleek, stylish, and right on the water. Think: elegant rooms, a lively courtyard pool, harbor views, and walking access to Fells Point’s cobblestone charm. If you want upscale with a side of local flavor, this is your spot.

Hotel Revival (Mount Vernon)

Artsier and more boutique, Hotel Revival oozes personality. Located in the cultural heart of Baltimore, it offers bold, design-forward rooms and a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the Washington Monument. Great for travelers who like local art, quirky touches, and being close to museums and music.

Ulysses (Midtown / Mount Vernon)

A maximalist fever dream in hotel form, Ulysses is perfect for those who crave bold interiors, a decadent cocktail lounge, and a vibe that says “Wes Anderson meets Baltimore rowhouse.” It's eccentric, deeply stylish, and a favorite for travelers who want an experience, not just a room.

Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (Harbor East)

For those seeking modern comfort with stunning harbor views, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront delivers. Located in the vibrant Harbor East neighborhood, this full-service hotel boasts over 750 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a 24-hour fitness center, and on-site dining at Apropoe's, which serves locally inspired cuisine. Its prime location offers easy access to the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and attractions like the National Aquarium.

Quick Travel Tips for Baltimore

Take the Water Taxi

Skip traffic and hop aboard the Baltimore Water Taxi, which connects the Inner Harbor with key neighborhoods like Fells Point, Canton, and Locust Point. It’s scenic, convenient, and way more fun than sitting in a car.

Eat the Crab—but Know the Lingo

Baltimore is all about blue crabs. If you order them steamed, expect mallets, Old Bay, and a delicious mess. For something quicker, try a crab cake (ask if it’s broiled, not deep-fried) or a crab pretzel. Locals take this seriously—don’t say no to Old Bay.

Explore Beyond the Inner Harbor

The Inner Harbor is great, but neighborhoods like Fells Point, Mount Vernon, Hampden, and Station North offer Baltimore’s real charm—historic streets, indie shops, murals, and a strong sense of local identity.

Bring Comfortable Shoes

Baltimore is walkable, but many areas (especially Fells Point and Federal Hill) have original cobblestone streets. They're beautiful but rough on your feet, so bring comfortable shoes with good grip.

Be Street-Smart, Especially at Night

Like any city, Baltimore has areas that are safer than others. Stick to well-lit, popular zones at night—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Ask locals or hotel staff if you’re unsure.

Check Museum and Attraction Hours Carefully

Many of Baltimore’s attractions (like the National Aquarium or museums) have limited or closed hours on Sundays or Mondays. Always double-check times before you go—especially in off-season months.

WHAT DID I MISS?

Plenty! I didn't make it up to Green Mont Cemetery, and I wish I did. Green Mont is the final resting place of, among others: John Wilkes Booth: Johns Hopkins: Elijah Bond, and so many other important figures in the history of America. Likewise, I missed out on seeing the observatory at Patterson Park. I missed the B&O Railroad Museum. I forgot to snap a photo of the "Vote Against Prohibition" sign. There are many, MANY restaurants and bars I would love to try. There's so much to see and do in this gorgeous old city.