Charm City is more than just the “Birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner”. The historic seaport offers endless things to see and do outside of the iconic landmarks. Read on to find out which Baltimore tourist traps to avoid, and six places to check out instead.
Avoid: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
We know what you’re thinking. Skip one of America’s foremost historic sites? Unless you’re a history buff, or just need to check off the place that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” from your Baltimore bucket list, you can skip Ft. McHenry. The visitor center has displays and film about the historic star-shaped fort, and you can tour the grounds and see living history demonstrations. Unfortunately, it’s a big snooze if you’re not into the Battle of Baltimore or the War of 1812, even if it is one of the most popular tourist haunts in Baltimore.
Instead: Baltimore’s 5 Public Markets
Head to Baltimore’s Public Markets and you’ll get to experience the oldest continuously operating public market system in the U.S. Local vendors, produce, and fresh seafood can all be found at each of the city’s 5 markets. Check out the recently-renovated Cross Street Market located in Federal Hill, one of the city’s best neighborhoods, or head to the only two-storied market in Baltimore, Hollins Market. Broadway Market has an incredible patio open in the warmer months; Northeast Market is your go-to place for healthy food options; and, Avenue Market places an emphasis on community events and activities.
Avoid: The USS Constellation
A fleet of historic ships, including the USS Constellation, is moored at the harbor and open for tourists. Unless you’re a veteran of the Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard, or you’re just super into historic vessels, we say skip this maritime museum. A three-masted sailing ship, the USS Constellation was the last all-sail ship in the US Navy. It was first launched in 1854, has seen duty in both world wars, and was last active in the Civil War when it once played a role in disrupting the slave trade. Unless you’re just dying to play the part of a 19th-century sailor, the $15 tour isn’t worth the time or money.
Instead: Take a Baltimore Water Taxi
If you want to tourist it up just a little bit, hail a Baltimore Water Taxi to take epic Instas of downtown from the water. It’s a great way to get around the harbor and do all your sightseeing by sea. An all-day water taxi ticket costs $10 in the off-season. Additionally, The Spirit of Baltimore offers brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises with stunning panoramic skyline views.
Avoid: National Aquarium
Yes, again, we’re saying to skip one of the most frequently visited attractions in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is housed in a striking building overlooking the Inner Harbor. It revolves around an open pool filled with stingrays and fish on the bottom level. The huge complex is home to close to 20,000 animals, coral reef exhibits, and a Tropical Rain Forest complete with birds, reptiles, sloths, and monkeys. The aquarium’s largest exhibit, Dolphin Discovery, showcases its resident colony of six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. While it might sound great, tickets are steep (around $40 per adult) and the place is usually always packed with children and families. Also, the aquarium has a “no stroller” policy, so you’ll surely find kids running all over the aquarium.
Instead: The Maryland Science Center
If you have kids, The Maryland Science Center is a must-do. Located at the southwest corner of the Inner Harbor, this 200-plus-year-old museum is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the country. Three floors of scientific displays and interactive exhibits, a planetarium, observatory, and an IMAX theater make this one of the top attractions in the Inner Harbor. Budding paleontologists can explore the dig pits, field lab, and excavation sites of the Dinosaur Mysteries exhibit, as over a dozen full-size dinosaur replicas roam through. The Science & Main streetscape exhibit features a Baltimore-inspired “street” of brick row-house storefronts. Learn how gears work at the Bike Shop, experiment with sound at the Music Store, and find out about flight at the airport.
Avoid: The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
The writer’s former residence at 203 Amity Street is now a National Historic Landmark. The well-preserved brick-house-turned-museum features exhibits on Edgar Allan Poe’s life, work, and ties to Baltimore. Why not visit where historians believe Poe composed many of his famous poems and stories, including “MS. Found in a Bottle” and “To Elizabeth”? Because he only lived there for two years, from 1833-1835. The rooms are bare, sans period decor, and the museum is only open Thursday through Sunday, from 11am-4pm. Plus, there’s no public restroom or handicapped-accessible features. This one just isn’t worth it.
Instead: Westminster Hall and Burying Ground
Images via Ned Enoch Arthur
Rather than see where Poe lived, visit his final resting place in Westminster Hall and Burying Ground. Located at 519 West Fayette Street, the graveyard was established in January 1787. In 1852, the early Gothic Revival Presbyterian church was built atop brick and stone arches, preserving the resting places of those interred below in “catacombs”. Highlights of the beautifully restored church include stained glass windows, carved woodwork, and an 1882 Johnson pipe organ. Poe was buried before the church was built when he died at the age of 40 in 1849. His sudden death after he was found sick and semi-conscious near East Lombard Street, wearing unfamiliar clothes, is still a mystery.
Beyond Poe, a “who’s who” of early Baltimore and a number of famous Marylanders are interred at the burial ground, including many Revolutionary patriots and veterans of the War of 1812, like General Sam Smith and General James McHenry. Poe’s wife Virginia Eliza Clemm Poe is buried there, too.
Avoid: The Maryland Zoo
A zoo is a zoo is a zoo. And honestly, it’s 2019. How are zoos even a thing still? It’s like an animal jail with paying spectators. Skip the species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles and go tiptoe through the tulips.
Instead: Visit Sherwood Gardens
Maryland is not extremely north or south, making for a moderate climate with all four seasons. In the spring, Sherwood Gardens blooms with over 80,000 tulips, dogwoods, old English boxwoods, cherry blossoms, azaleas, magnolias, wisteria, and more. Plus, entry to the most famous tulip garden in North America just so happens to be free. Floral fans will also enjoy strolling around Cylburn Arboretum’s mansion and landscaped gardens as well as the Mt. Washington Arboretum.
Avoid: The Inner Harbor
Dubbed the “biggest tourist trap in the USA!!” by one TripAdvisor reviewer, the world-famous Inner Harbor is a major tourist attraction situated on Baltimore’s beautiful waterfront. Although the centerpiece of downtown, the harbor is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions, including the National Aquarium, the Fleet of Historic Ships (like the Civil War-era warship USS Constellation), The Maryland Science Center, and Port Discovery Children’s Museum in the historic Fish Market building. Locals ridicule the tourist mecca for being devoid of true Baltimore culture, so do yourself a favor and avoid it.
Instead: Head to a Foodie Neighborhood
Beyond authentic Chesapeake Bay cuisine, Baltimore’s hip, historic neighborhoods boast nationally recognized, award-winning restaurants and chefs, a budding craft brew and cocktail scene, and tasty food festivals. Just outside of the Inner Harbor, lively Fell’s Point has great pubs, nightlife, and restaurants, especially in tiny but very authentic Little Italy. Head to Canton Square for some Mexican food surrounded by “priceless Baltimore artifacts” at Nacho Mamas. For seafood, visit its sister restaurant, Mama’s on the Half Shell. A hip and urban neighborhood, Mount Vernon’s eclectic dining scene features Afghani, Spanish, and New American cuisine. When the lights go down, Mount Vernon’s trendy cocktail bars, taprooms, dives, and gay bars come alive with dance music and live bands. Whatever cuisine you choose, make sure to order a “Natty Boh,” the colloquial term for the OG Baltimore brew, National Bohemian.
Cross these tourist spots off your to-do list and replace them with our suggestions. Get started on your apartment hunt by searching thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and get ready to live in Baltimore… like a local.
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