Baltimore, Maryland: Must See, Eat, Stay, and More in Charm City
How I spent two days in Baltimore for work. my Baltimore maryland must see places to visit, eat, and stay in Charm City.
Have you ever been to Baltimore? I had never really considered visiting Baltimore. It wasn’t a city I knew much about or had on my radar as a place to visit. But when an opportunity arose, I took it and am glad I did.
I got to attend a museum conference that brought together people from all around the world. During my visit, I had a blast exploring the city, checking out some fantastic museums, enjoying delicious breakfasts, chilling at a rooftop bar, and staying at two fantastic hotels. The warmth of the people, the great hotels, the city’s history, and the stunning harbor pleasantly surprised me. My main reason for the trip was to visit awesome museums. So you will see several of them on my list. Finding two stunning hotels and a couple of great restaurants for breakfast was also a priority that I share at the end. I can’t wait to share all the fun details with you! Here is my Baltimore Maryland must see items!
Baltimore, maryland Must see To Do List
- The Inner Harbor, Baltimore
- US Constellation
- National Aquarium
Inner Harbor
Many activities call the Inner Harbor home, including the National Aquarium, the USS Constellation, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, as well as numerous restaurants, concert spaces, and entertainment opportunities. This area of Baltimore is a great starting point for visitors. I spent a considerable amount of time here since the conference I attended focused on museums, and this area has plenty of museums along with many other activities to enjoy.
national aquarium
What a great aquarium this is. Shark Alley stood out. I started at the top and slowly made my way down the ramp, walking among the sharks. The ramp weaved back and forth between huge glass windows that held the water and the ancient creatures swimming beside me. It is definitely something to check out for both young and old.
port Discovery Children’s museum
Bring your kids to climb the Skyclimber, which spans three floors. Don’t worry; there’s a slide that takes you back down in no time! There are plenty of activities for kids under 8, so you can spend the entire day exploring.
Explore the ships
With an impressive collection of historic ships, visitors can tour four out of the five, providing a glimpse into the history and heritage of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
- The USS Constellation, launched in 1854, protected American interests. Throughout its history, it served in capturing slave ships and played a significant role in the Civil War. It was also the first ship in the US Navy to capture a vessel during the Civil War under President Abraham Lincoln.
- The USCGC Taney, constructed in 1930, played a crucial role in patrolling the Atlantic Ocean during World War II.
- USS TORSK was a submarine that served in the US Navy during World War II in the Pacific Ocean.
- Lightship Chesapeake, a lighthouse ship built in 1930. It warned ships of hazards in the Chesapeake Bay.
Take a look at their schedule. For a true adventure, you can actually spend the night in one of the historic ships! I wish I would have had more time to explore these ships.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
- Fort McHenry
- Fort McHenry
- Fort McHenry
I really loved visiting this museum in Baltimore. Fort McHenry should really be on your Baltimore Maryland must see list if you love history. It focused on a significant story in American history. Francis Scott Key, who wrote The Star Spangled Banner, which later became the US National Anthem wrote it because of events that happened here.
The 1814 battle at Fort McHenry is what inspired Francis Scott Key to write the song. The museum’s highlight for me was when the window blind opened to reveal a replica of the flag with only fifteen stars and stripes (representing the number of states in 1814) blowing in the wind at the fort. They incredibly did well on this museum. After exploring the museum, you can head out to the fort, imagine the battle that took place there, and see where the soldiers lived and worked. It’s a great way to envision the experience of the soldiers who defended against the British in the War of 1812.
Washington Monument
This monument honors George Washington. It was completed in 1829 and was closed for renovations in 2014. During the renovations, someone found a copy of the Declaration of Independence in a compartment in the original cornerstone from 1815. These treasures are currently on display at the Maryland Center for History and Culture.
WHere to eat BREAKFAST
Miss Shirley’s cafe
- Miss Shirley’s Cafe
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- The Maryland Omelette at Miss Shirley’s Cafe
You know you’ve hit the breakfast jackpot when you arrive, and there’s a wait. But let me tell you, they know how to make their visitors happy while they wait: a cocktail window. You can order your mimosa or bloody mary while you wait. I ordered the Sunrise Mimosa. It is champagne, Natalie’s Squeezed Fresh Orange Mango Juice with Pulp & splash of grenadine, garnished with an orange wheel.
Once at the table, they asked, “Would you like to try an appetizer of Fried Green Tomatoes?” Well, how can I resist? After these yummy things, and eating my Maryland Omelet with jumbo crab and a side of stone-ground grits with bacon, I felt as though I wouldn’t need to eat for the rest of the day. Miss Shirley gives you that unbutton your pants, and it’s time to go home and nap feeling. Yum! This should definitely be on your Baltimore, Maryland must see list for breakfast!
Blue Moon Cafe
- Captain Crunch French Toast
- Breakfast at the Blue Moon Cafe
- Blue Moon Cafe at Fells Point
Blue Moon Cafe, “Breakfast with a Rock ‘n Roll Attitude” or “Bad Ass Breakfast,” as they claim, on their website. They have multiple locations. I visited the original Fells Point location. I sat outside at a small table in front. It’s a charming historic neighborhood where a lot of locals hang out. The Blue Moon Cafe has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on The Food Network for their Captain Crunch French Toast. The portions were massive!
WHere to have cocktails
Bygone, a Rooftop Bar at the Four Seasons
- Bygone, a rooftop bar at the Four Seasons
- View of Baltimore and the harbor
- A glass of wine at Bygone
I’ve only stayed at a Four Seasons once, and it was in my hometown of St. Louis. Despite being a fancy luxury hotel chain, that didn’t stop me from visiting the rooftop bar in Baltimore. Bygone, situated on the 29th floor, offers some of the best views of the harbor. Located in Inner Harbor, on the furthest point of Baltimore’s Harbor East, the views are truly breathtaking. And if you are in the mood, they are also a restaurant. You can order food.
Bloom’s, A cocktail lounge at Ulysses
- Bloom’s, the cocktail bar
- An Old Fashioned
- The scalloped ceiling
A moody lounge with plush purples and reds, velvets, and floor lights, along with silver metal palm trees. Oh! and mixologists in white coats, transported me back to the 1970s. I made sure to order an Old Fashioned to contribute to the nostalgia.
WHere to Stay
Lord Baltimore Hotel
- The lobby of the Lord Baltimore Hotel
- Looking through the lobby
- The guest room
The hotel’s name lives up to its grand and opulent reputation, evoking a sense of nostalgia. It’s a historic hotel and a member of Historic Hotels Of America. Constructed in the late 1920s, the Lord Baltimore Hotel has welcomed famous guests like Babe Ruth and Martin Luther King Jr.
The lobby’s intricately detailed ceiling is beautiful and a rare sight these days. The rooms are both clean and comfortable. The hotel offers excellent valet service. A variety of dining and cocktail options are also available, including a rooftop bar that unfortunately, I wasn’t able to enjoy due to rainy weather. Overall, this hotel exudes a regal atmosphere from when you arrive to when you depart, leaving you feeling appreciated for your stay. Additionally, its location provides easy access to many attractions in Baltimore.
Ulysses
- The lobby, Ulysses
- A guest room
- A guest bathroom
Hold on to your horses when you step foot into this hotel. It’s unlike any hotel you’ve stayed in before. Stay here if you want a refreshing hotel experience! It will pull you right out of that same old vibe. It’s fun, funky, moody, intense, retro, old, and new all wrapped into one.
I chose this hotel because I knew it would offer a unique experience. Its sister property, Hotel Peter and Paul, in New Orleans, was always a favorite. It was my go-to place during my trips to Louisiana and Mississippi.
I made sure to reserve a stay at the Ulysses Hotel in Baltimore. Ash World backs it, and their website boasts “the best stuff of the old world, made suddenly new.” The hotel mixes antiques with new items, creating a fantastic blend that’s a visual treat. There’s always something new to explore, gaze at, or experience. I have plenty to say if you want to learn more about this hotel. Make sure to check it out here.
Finally, my two days in Baltimore ended
My two days in Baltimore have ended, but the city left a lasting impression. It’s full of history, museums, and great food. The areas I visited felt safe and enjoyable. I know there are many more must-see areas and things to do in Baltimore. That will have to wait until next time.
If you want to know more about Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans, I will have a review coming soon. Make sure to sign up for my email list to receive instant notification of this review.
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