Itineraries for Your Trip to Baltimore
2 Days in Baltimore for First Timers
Baltimore is close enough to Washington DC that it’s easy to overlook—but as I’ve discovered, visitors who skip it are missing out, big time. While many folks’ knowledge of Maryland’s largest city begins and ends with the TV series The Wire, this underrated US destination offers many opportunities for historical, cultural, and natural engagement.
During a recent trip to Baltimore, I was wowed by the red-brick architecture and dining hot spots in Fell’s Point, explored the American Visionary Art Museum and George Peabody Library (which is open to the public), and ate my weight in Chesapeake blue crab. And I only scratched the surface. Feeling inspired? Here’s how first timers can make the most of two days in Baltimore.
Baltimore experiences all four seasons in their extremes, including sweltering summers and frosty winters; come prepared with seasonal layers.
If you only have time for one thing, make it exploring the lively pubs and historical landmarks in the popular Fell’s Point neighborhood.
Baltimore’s history dates back centuries; it was an important hub during the American Revolutionary War. That means the city is packed with landmarks that history buffs shouldn’t miss. Start your 2-day Baltimore itinerary with a city highlights tour that covers Baltimore must-do attractions, from Fort McHenry National Monument and the Mount Vernon neighborhood to the B&O Railroad Museum and the Washington Monument (not the one in DC).
Most historical tours of Baltimore stop at Fell’s Point, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods (and a listed National Historic District). But the neighborhood isn’t just home to hundreds of historic landmarks—it’s also a must-do for food lovers. If it’s your first time in Baltimore, embark on an afternoon food tour, and look forward to exploring Broadway Market, trying a genuine crab boil, and more.
Any city with centuries of history is also likely to have plenty of accompanying ghost stories. For horror fans, there’s no better way to wrap up your first day in Baltimore than with an evening ghost tour, conveniently also based in Fell’s Point. Walk off your previous bites on an after-dark excursion that visits The Horse You Came In On Saloon, the Waterfront Hotel, and other supposedly haunted sites.
Enjoy a leisurely start to your second day in Baltimore with a morning stroll through the city. Self-guided tours offer a flexible way to see the sights on your own, all while learning insider facts and stories along the way. See where Babe Ruth was born, stop at Edgar Allan Poe’s grave, and encounter other historical tidbits most other visitors miss while you search for clues in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
As long as it’s baseball season, no 2-day Baltimore itinerary for first timers is complete without seeing the Orioles play. Often described as the best ballpark in America, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is an ideal destination for baseball die-hards and novices to take in a game and soak up the atmosphere. Nab tickets to an afternoon game, and save room for stadium faves from barbecue to gourmet crab cakes.
One of the best things to do in Baltimore for first timers? Capping off your stay with a sailing tour on the Chesapeake Bay. Set off in time for sunset from the Inner Harbor Marina, and learn about the bay’s history while taking in views of Fort McHenry, the USS Constellation, and other sights. Depending on the tour you pick, you can even toast to your experience with included wine.
