Baltimore, Maryland skyline

Updated: October 5, 2026

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Baltimore, Maryland: 3-Day Itinerary

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Planning a trip to Baltimore and wondering how to make the most of three days? We’ve got you covered!

Baltimore has WAY more going on than you might’ve heard. We spent three days exploring this lovely port city and packed a LOT into our time here. And yes, it can be tricky to squeeze everything in on a short trip!

To make things easier, I’ve put together this itinerary based on what we actually did, with timings and tips to help you plan your days. From sightseeing tours and historic forts to scenic views, aquariums, and fluorescent paint art, this guide covers it all. Let’s get started!

Don’t miss out!

Our Top Choice

The historic La Fayette Statue near the Washington Monument, Baltimore, Maryland

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our FAVORITE thing we did was this historical sightseeing tour! It cruises through some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods and landmarks, with a stop at Fort McHenry along the way. It’s the perfect introduction to Baltimore!

Check the 470+ reviews and book this tour here.

Table Of Contents

Itinerary Overview

🏛️ Day 1: History, Aquariums & Nighttime Fun
Explore Baltimore on a historical sightseeing tour, stop at Fort McHenry, spend the afternoon at the National Aquarium, then finish the day with dinner and either glow-in-the-dark splatter painting or drinks with a view at Topside. 

🦀 Day 2: Views, Forts, Fells Point & A LOT of Food
Start with breakfast and a great view from Federal Hill Park, visit Fort McHenry, then spend the afternoon around Fells Point on a food walking tour before finishing the day with live music. 

🎨 Day 3: Art, Food & Hampden
Visit the Walters Art Museum, choose between Topgolf or Rawlings Conservatory, then enjoy dinner in Hampden and finish with ice cream.

Day 1 

Breakfast – Miss Shirley’s Cafe

Breakfast-eaten-in-Baltimore, Maryland
Breakfast time!
Breakfast-eaten-in-Baltimore, Maryland 1
You can’t go wrong with anything

You’ve got a busy day of sightseeing coming up, so you want to start it off with a good breakfast! Since you don’t have to be at your tour until 10:15 am, you can even sleep in a little before heading to Miss Shirley’s Cafe on East Pratt Street for a proper breakfast. It’s a popular Baltimore brunch spot, with pretty generous portions and dishes inspired by Southern and Chesapeake cooking.

There’s a lot to choose from, including blackened salmon Benedict, the Southern Slammer breakfast sandwich, chicken and cheddar green onion waffles, and stacks of pancakes if that’s more your kind of breakfast. If you’re not that hungry first thing in the morning, you can also go for something lighter like the grapefruit brûlée, seasonal fruit, or a garden omelet.

They don’t take reservations, so try to get there early, especially on a Saturday or Sunday when it can get busy. Give yourself about an hour here, then it’s around a 15-minute walk along the Inner Harbor to the Baltimore Visitor Center. Aim to arrive by 10:15 a., so you have time to check in before your tour starts.

Morning – Discover Baltimore’s stories with a local guide

Baltimore City Hall, Maryland
Baltimore City Hall
Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland 2
Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church

After breakfast, it’s time to get to know Baltimore! This historical sightseeing tour starts at 10:30 am (there’s a 12:30 pm start time, too) and lasts about an hour and a half, so it’s a good way to see a lot of the city without spending your whole morning walking around.

You’ll drive through neighborhoods like Little Italy, Fells Point, Mount Vernon, and Federal Hill, passing places like Shot Tower, City Hall, Battle Monument, the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, and lots of historic rowhomes. There’s also a 20-minute stop at Fort McHenry, so you can get out and have a look around (admission is free).

We like this option because it’s a small-group tour with no more than 11 people. When we did it, we were only three couples, so it was even better! We kept asking our guide questions, and he gave us lots of ideas for places we wanted to come back to later (really helpful if it’s your first time in Baltimore).

It’s only about a 15-minute walk from Miss Shirley’s, so you can finish breakfast and walk straight over to the meeting point with lots of time to spare. 

Lunch – Phillips Seafood

Crab cake eaten in Baltimore, Maryland
The crab cakes are so good

By now, you’ll probably be getting hungry, so it’s time for lunch! Around 12:15, head over to Phillips Seafood in the Inner Harbor, which is a really convenient stop before your afternoon at the National Aquarium. Phillips has been serving seafood since 1956, so if you want to try a proper Maryland crab cake, this is a good place to do it.

Their original Hoopers Island crab cakes are made using the Phillips family recipe, and you can get them as a sandwich or as a larger plated meal. There’s plenty more on the menu too, including crab soup, rockfish, seafood salads, and a few other seafood dishes.

If you’re not into crab or seafood, they also have burgers, baked chicken, steak and salads, so you can still find something you like.

Phillips is a pretty big, touristy restaurant, so it’s not exactly a quiet neighborhood spot, but the location is really handy when you’re already exploring the Inner Harbor. Give yourself about 75 minutes for lunch, then it’s just a short walk to the National Aquarium.

They open at 11 am and take reservations, so book ahead if you don’t want to wait for a table.

Afternoon – Dive into Baltimore’s famous National Aquarium 

A-seahorse-at-the-Baltimore National Aquarium, Maryland
We highly recommend visiting
Jellyfish at the Baltimore National Aquarium, Maryland
Great for adults and kids

After lunch at Phillips, you don’t have to go far for your next stop because the National Aquarium is right next door. Plan to get there around 1:45 or 2 pm and give yourself about three hours because there’s a LOT to see inside.

You’ll find everything from Blacktip Reef and Shark Alley to Jellies Invasion, Living Seashore, and the Upland Tropical Rain Forest, plus a huge Atlantic Coral Reef. And don’t miss the Harbor Wetland. This is a floating habitat right in the Inner Harbor, designed to look like the tidal marshes that used to line Baltimore’s shoreline. Pretty cool, right?

I really enjoyed the dolphin exhibit, and there’s also a cafeteria where you can grab a snack and sit down for a bit if you need a break. The aquarium is pretty big, so don’t worry about trying to see every single thing. We definitely didn’t!

It’s also a good place to escape if it’s raining or it’s really hot outside. Just keep in mind that it can get busy, especially on weekends, so best to arrive early if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.

General admission is around $50 per adult, and tickets are timed, so you’ll need to choose your entry time when booking. Opening hours can also change by date and season, so check the schedule before you book. Afterward, head back to your hotel and take a quick break before dinner. It’s been a day!

Dinner – Peter’s Pour House

Daniel eats a burger in Baltimore, Maryland
Now that’s a burger!

After the aquarium, head back to your hotel, relax for a bit, and get ready for dinner. Tonight we’re sending you to Peter’s Pour House, a downtown pub that’s been around since 1974. We actually came across it while looking for somewhere casual to eat, and we loved the no-frills atmosphere. It made it pretty easy to settle in.

They have American pub food, big portions, and cold beer! Pretty much what we needed after a long first day. They have plenty of Maryland seafood too, including crab cakes, steamed shrimp, rockfish, and salmon with Old Bay. 

But since you already had seafood for lunch, I’d go for something else here. The corned beef Reuben, French dip, burgers, and grilled chicken are all great choices, and they also have open-faced hot turkey and roast beef if you’re really famished.

Give yourself about an hour and a half here, then head out around 7:30 pm. The splatter-paint venue on West Baltimore Street is about a 10-minute walk away if you’re doing that for your evening activity.

Option 1: Evening – Try glow-in-the-dark splatter painting

Neon Paint Place in Baltimore, Maryland (2)
Such a cool thing to do! Photo credit: Neon Paint Place
Neon Paint Place in Baltimore, Maryland (1)
A great way to let out your artistic side. Photo credit: Neon Paint Place

With dinner out of the way, it’s time to do something completely different! This glow-in-the-dark splatter paint experience is only about a 10-minute walk from Peter’s Pour House, so you can walk over for an 8 pm session.

For the next hour, you’ll throw and splash fluorescent paint under black lights while listening to your own music. They provide the disposable suits, gloves, shoe coverings, paint, and canvas, so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything except yourself.

And yes, it gets messy! We blasted paint all over our canvases, the walls, the ceiling, and each other. We had such a good time being silly and basically acting like kids again. You definitely don’t need to be artistic either. Just throw the paint around and have fun with it.

The hour was actually perfect, although we somehow managed to finish our canvases before it was over. We ended up buying two extra canvases and kept going, and they just added them to our bill at the end. You can take your finished artwork home with you, too!

If you’re doing this as a date night, they also have an option where you can request rose petals and bring your own wine. Just make sure you arrive about 10 minutes before your session starts. We had a blast, and judging by all the five-star reviews, this quirky experience has won over plenty of other visitors too!

Option 2: Evening – Enjoy skyline views at Topside

Topside in Baltimore, Maryland (1)
The drinks are fantastic. Photo credit: Topside
Topside in Baltimore, Maryland (2)
But the views are better! Photo credit: Topside

If you’d rather take it easy after a full day of sightseeing, head to Topside around 8 pm. It’s on the 14th floor of Hotel Revival in Mount Vernon, so expect amazing views of the Washington Monument and the Baltimore skyline.

We like this option because you can just sit down and enjoy the view without having to rush off somewhere else. You can grab a cocktail, local beer, wine, or an alcohol-free drink and just relax for a while (which, after a long day, is more than welcome!).  

They take reservations, so book a table for 8 pm, especially if you’re visiting on a busy evening. They may take walk-ins if there’s space, but I wouldn’t leave it to chance. Just check the opening hours before you go since they can change. When you’re ready to head back, grab a taxi or rideshare to your hotel. 

Day 2 

Breakfast – Spoons

Spoons Cafe in Baltimore, Maryland (1)
Photo credit: Spoons Cafe
Spoons Cafe in Baltimore, Maryland (2)
Photo credit: Spoons Cafe

There’s no need to set the alarm super early today either! Take your time and head out for breakfast around 9 am. We’re sending you to Spoons, a casual spot that serves breakfast all day and roasts its own coffee. There’s a LOT on the menu, so you won’t have trouble finding something you like. 

You can go for fried oysters with cheesy grits, huevos verdes, smoked salmon Benedict, or the Beast biscuit, which comes with fried chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and sausage gravy. If you’re more into sweet breakfasts, they have cinnamon roll pancakes and deep-fried sweet cream stuffed French toast. Yum! Or go with something lighter, like granola or chia pudding.

It’s open from 8 am to 2 pm Wednesday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays. If you’re there on a Tuesday, Blue Moon Too is just around the corner, so you can head there instead.

If you’re staying around the Inner Harbor, this place is a quick taxi or rideshare ride away, although some hotels in the center are close enough to walk.

Morning – Look across the Inner Harbor from Federal Hill Park

View of the harbor from Federal Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland 2
View of the harbor from Federal Hill Park
Monument at Federal Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland
The Colonel George Armistead Monument

After breakfast, it’s about a 10-minute walk from Spoons to Federal Hill Park, so you should get there a little after 10 am. You’ve probably seen the Inner Harbor in plenty of photos already, but the view from up here lets you see the whole thing from above. Better yet, it’s completely free!

Yes, there’s a bit of a hill to walk up, but don’t worry, it’s not exactly a mountain! There’s also a path around the park if you’re traveling with a stroller or need to avoid the stairs. Or ask your driver to drop you off near the upper section of the park!

You’ll have about 40 minutes here, which is plenty of time to walk around, enjoy the views, and take photos. The park is clean and well-maintained, with flowers, benches, and a small playground. If you’re visiting in summer, you might even catch a festival or movie here.

Around 10:50 am, grab a taxi or rideshare to Fort McHenry. It’s about a 10-minute drive, or around 30 minutes if you take the Banner Route bus instead.

Late morning – Walk through history at Fort McHenry 

Fort McHenry, Maryland USA, Baltimore
There is so much history here
Cannons at Fort McHenry, Maryland USA, Baltimore
Check out those cannons!

You already got a quick look at Fort McHenry during the sightseeing tour, but now you can come back and actually take your time exploring it. Fort McHenry is best known for defending Baltimore during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.

It’s also where Francis Scott Key watched the bombardment from a British ship and saw the American flag still flying above the fort. That sight inspired him to write the poem that later became the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Pretty cool, right?

Try to be here around 11:15 am, which should give you enough time to see the main sights without rushing. I suggest starting inside the visitor center, where you can watch a short introductory film and see exhibits about the War of 1812 and the battle. Then head into the star-shaped fort and explore the barracks, officers’ quarters, powder magazine, and defensive walls.

The park rangers also give talks and run flag programs during the day, although the schedule changes throughout the year. Once you’re done inside the fort, take a little walk around the waterfront grounds and enjoy views across the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor.

Admission to the Star Fort is currently $15 per person for visitors aged 16 and older. You can buy your pass online, and keep in mind that they don’t accept cash at the fort.

Around 1:30 pm, grab a taxi or rideshare to Fells Point, which should take around 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Early afternoon – Relax beside the water in Fells Point 

Bond Street Wharf, on the waterfront in Fells Point, Baltimore, Maryland
Hanging out at Fells Point

After Fort McHenry, grab a taxi or rideshare to Fells Point and ask the driver to drop you near Thames Street Park. You should arrive around 1:50 pm, giving you about 50 minutes before the food tour starts.

Don’t plan anything major here. Sit by the water for a bit, use the restroom, and grab a coffee. If you’re feeling a little hungry, Pitango Bakery + Cafe is a good spot for a coffee and something light.

I wouldn’t have a full lunch, though, because you’re about to spend the next few hours trying a LOT of food on the walking tour. Trust me, you’ll want to save some room! After this little break, walk to the meeting point and get ready for the food tour.

Late lunch / Afternoon – Taste your way through historic Fells Point

Taco-on-a-plate on a food tour in Baltimore, Maryland
We will never turn down tacos!
Mango sticky rice eaten on a food tour in Baltimore, Maryland 1
Mango sticky rice

Around 3 pm, it’s time for the food tour! This walking food tour takes you around Fells Point for about four hours, with stops at four local spots for some pretty generous tastings.

You’ll get to try Chesapeake Bay flavors and other foods you might not normally think of when you hear Baltimore. The exact dishes can change, but expect plenty of food along the way. When we did it, we tried everything from crab cakes, tacos, and salads to Nepalese chicken, then finished with pastries and coffee.

And when I say there’s a LOT of food, I mean it! The tastings were enough to cover both lunch and dinner, so you definitely don’t need to book another restaurant for later. You also get one drink included with the tour, but you can always purchase more.

Your guide will also tell you a bit about Fells Point and its history as you walk between the stops. You’ll be on your feet for quite a while, though, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. We thought it was such a fun way to experience the neighborhood, and after reading all the five-star reviews, you’ll see plenty of other travelers agree!

The tour usually finishes around 7 pm near Pitango Bakery + Café on South Ann Street, so you’ll be right back by the waterfront when you’re done. Just keep in mind that it currently runs on weekends, so plan this for a Saturday or Sunday, or follow the weekday alternative below.

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Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Weekday alternative – Explore Fells Point independently 

Historic brick row houses in Fells Point, Baltimore, Marylandt, Baltimore, Maryland
The historic brick row houses in Fells Point

If you’re visiting Baltimore during the week, you can still spend the afternoon exploring Fells Point on your own. Start by the water around 3 pm and follow the promenade along Thames Street, then make your way through Broadway Square. You’ll pass Belgian block streets, historic rowhouses, and public piers all while enjoying some pretty nice views across the harbor.

Definitely pop into Broadway Market to check out the food stalls. For dinner, head to Ekiben’s original Fells Point location and try the Neighborhood Bird bun or vegan Tofu Brah.

Try to finish dinner around 7 pm so you can continue with the same evening plans. That said, if you can visit on a weekend, I’d definitely recommend doing the food tour instead. It’s a fun way to try several places in one afternoon, learn more about Fells Point, and get some recommendations from a local guide.

Evening – Listen to live music at Cat’s Eye Pub

Cat's Eye Pub in Baltimore, Maryland
Photo credit: Cat’s Eye Pub

If you still have some energy after exploring Fells Point, walk a few minutes to Cat’s Eye Pub for some live music. This iconic bar has been around since 1975 and sits right by the harbor. It’s known for hosting live blues, rock, folk, funk, and other local performers.

You can head over around 7 pm and stay for a while. Grab a drink, listen to some music and sit back for a bit before heading back to your hotel. This is exactly my kind of night after a busy day because there’s no pressure to do anything else.

The pub is open seven days a week and usually has live music on the schedule, but the bands and times change from day to day. Just check what’s playing before you go, or don’t if you’re happy to see whoever happens to be playing.

Day 3 

Breakfast – Dooby’s

Avocado-toast-eaten-for-breakfast-in-Baltimore, Maryland
Time to fuel up for the day!

Today we’ve got a pretty busy day planned for you, so it’s an earlier start! At around 8:30, make your way to Dooby’s for breakfast. This is a casual café with a good selection of breakfast dishes, and at great prices too!

They have breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and bigger plates like the bulgogi breakfast, plus lighter choices like freshly baked pastries and avocado toast if you’re not really a breakfast person. Definitely grab a coffee while you’re here! You’ll find everything from drip coffee and cold brew to lattes, matcha, and house-made chai.

It opens at 8 am and serves breakfast until 11 am. It’s counter service, so you can order as soon as you arrive and get on with your morning. From here, it’s only about a 5-minute walk to the Walters Art Museum, so you won’t have to go far for your next stop.

Morning – See centuries of art at the Walters Art Museum 

The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland
Photo credit: The Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland (1)
Photo credit: The Walters Art Museum

Once you’re done with breakfast, walk to The Walters Art Museum when it opens around 10 am. If you like art and history, you’ll definitely find lots to keep you busy here. The collection is HUGE, with everything from ancient Egyptian and Roman objects to medieval manuscripts, Renaissance paintings, jewelry, and sculptures.

The museum is spread across a few connected buildings, and some of the rooms are just as interesting as the artwork. One place I really liked was Hackerman House, where you’ll find 19th-century art and contemporary ceramics. But honestly, the marble floating staircase leading up to the Tiffany glass ceiling was the highlight for me.

Don’t worry about trying to see everything because you won’t! Give yourself around two and a half hours and wander through the galleries that catch your eye. There are also free public tours on select dates, so it’s worth checking the calendar before you visit.

Best of all, admission is completely free! You can take photos without flash, and there are free lockers if you need to leave a large bag or umbrella.

Just check the opening hours before you go because they vary depending on the day. The museum opens at 10 am on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but not until 1 pm on Thursday. If you’re visiting on a Monday or Tuesday when it’s closed, you can swap this stop for the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation instead. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to take about a 10-minute taxi or rideshare to get there, and unlike the Walters, it costs about $20 USD.

At around 12:30 pm, wrap up your museum visit and start thinking about lunch! Cafe Fili is only about a 5-minute walk away, so you won’t have far to go.

Lunch – Cafe Fili  

Cafe Fili in Baltimore, Maryland (2)
Photo credit: Cafe Fili
Cafe Fili in Baltimore, Maryland (1)
Photo credit: Cafe Fili

For lunch, head over to Cafe Fili, a bright Mediterranean café just a 5-minute walk from the Walters Art Museum. It’s casual and relaxed, and it makes a nice place to slow down for a bit.

They have everything from grain bowls and shawarma wraps to paninis, salads, and soups. If you’re vegetarian, go for the falafel bowl with harissa hummus, but if you’re super hungry, the chicken shawarma bowl is a great choice.

They also have lighter options like Turkish lentil soup and hummus with warm pita if you don’t want a big lunch. Expect to spend around $15 to $25 per person, depending on what you order.

It’s open from 8 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday and from 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Aim to be here at 12:45 pm and give yourself about an hour before the next activity. If you’re following the alternative railroad museum itinerary, allow around 10 to 15 minutes to get there by taxi or rideshare.

Afternoon – Your choice!  

H.P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens in Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland (3)
H.P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens in Druid Hill Park

You’ve got two options for this afternoon, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Option 1 is Topgolf Baltimore, where you can play interactive golf games and have some fun. Option 2 is the historic botanical conservatory, if you’d rather slow things down. 

Whichever one you choose, plan to be back at the hotel around 4 pm, so you have time to freshen up and rest before dinner.

Option 1 – Play interactive games at Topgolf Baltimore  

Topgolf Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland (1)
Photo credit: Topgolf Baltimore
Topgolf Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland (2)
Photo credit: Topgolf Baltimore

If you want to do something a little more active, head to Topgolf Baltimore around 2:30 pm. It’s beside M&T Bank Stadium and takes about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi or rideshare from Café Fili.

Don’t worry if you’ve never played golf before! You get your own covered bay, clubs are provided, and there are different games you can play instead of a regular round of golf. The balls have tiny trackers inside, so your shots are recorded, and your score shows up on the screen.

Up to six people can share a bay, and there are seats and tables where you can relax between turns. The bays also have heaters and cooling fans, so you’ll be comfortable whatever the weather. 

I suggest booking a bay for around 2:30 pm and staying for about 90 minutes. Prices depend on the day and time, and there may also be a small account activation fee for new players, but trust me, it’s all worth it! They’re open from 11 am to 11 pm Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 1 am on Friday, 9 am to 1 am on Saturday, and 9 am to midnight on Sunday. 

Around 4 pm, grab a taxi or rideshare back to your hotel. It’s another 10 to 15 minutes, so you’ll have time to relax and freshen up before dinner.

Option 2 – Wander through Rawlings Conservatory  

H.P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens in Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland (1)
This is the oldest glass-and-iron conservatory in the United States
H.P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens in Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland (2)
Worth a visit!

If you’d rather have a slower afternoon, head to the H.P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens in Druid Hill Park around 2 pm. It’s about a 10- to 15-minute taxi or rideshare ride from Café Fili, and it’s a nice place to explore for a while.

Rawlings first opened back in 1888, so it’s been around for a long time! It’s also the oldest glass-and-iron conservatory in the United States that’s still in use. Inside, you’ll walk through five connected greenhouses, each with its own climate and different plants. You’ll see huge palms, orchids, citrus trees, cacti, succulents, and even carnivorous plants, plus seasonal flowers.

There are benches throughout the conservatory, so you can sit down and take a break whenever you feel like it. Admission is donation-based, and there’s free parking inside Druid Hill Park if you’re driving (always handy!).

One thing to keep in mind is the closing time. From Wednesday to Friday, it closes at 3 pm, so you’ll want to arrive by around 2 pm. On weekends, you have a little more time and can stay until around 3:30 or 3:45 pm.

Once you’re done, grab a taxi or rideshare back to the hotel. It should take around 10 to 15 minutes.

Dinner – The Food Market 

The Food Market in Baltimore, Maryland (2)
Photo credit: The Food Market
The Food Market in Baltimore, Maryland (1)
Photo credit: The Food Market

For your final dinner in Baltimore, head to The Food Market on West 36th Street in Hampden. This is a lively but relaxed spot serving creative American comfort food, and it’s also a chance to check out a part of Baltimore you haven’t seen yet.

Start with the Amish soft pretzels with beer cheese, crispy oysters, or cream of crab soup. For your main, you can go for the crab cake with lobster mac and cheese, pickle-brined fried chicken, braised short rib, or spaghetti with crab meatballs. Some dishes are available in smaller portions too, which is great if you want to order a few things and share.

There are usually vegetarian and vegan options as well, although the menu changes from time to time. Plan to eat around 6:30 pm and stay for about an hour and a half. After dinner, you can walk around West 36th Street and check out some of the shops, bars, and other spots around Hampden.

The Food Market opens for dinner at 4 pm and currently closes at 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 10 pm Friday and Saturday. I suggest booking a table ahead of time, especially if you’re going on a Friday or Saturday evening as it’s pretty popular. 

Evening – Explore Hampden and finish with ice cream 

Ice-cream-eaten-in-Baltimore, Maryland
Grab some ice cream from The Charmery!

After dinner, you can either call it a night or squeeze in one last wander around Hampden. The Food Market is right on West 36th Street, also known as The Avenue, so you’re already in the middle of the neighborhood.

Have a look around the colorful shops, bars, public art, and independent businesses, then make your way about five minutes down the road to The Charmery for some ice cream, because why not! The flavors change regularly, but you can find anything from classic chocolate and vanilla to fun combinations inspired by Baltimore. They also usually have dairy-free sorbets and vegan flavors, so there’s something for everyone.

The Hampden location stays open into the evening, so it’s a good place to grab something sweet before heading back. And if you’re completely done after three busy days, skip all of this and grab a taxi or rideshare straight to your hotel. You’ve earned the rest.

Related Read: Looking for even more ways to fill your trip? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Baltimore for more of our favorite activities and attractions!

Where to Stay in Baltimore

The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland 1
Photo credit: The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland (2)
Photo credit: The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore

Now that we’ve packed your itinerary with fun things to do, it’s time to decide where you’ll stay if you haven’t already. Baltimore is a pretty big city, so choosing the right area can make getting around a lot easier. We’ve picked out a few of our favorite hotels, from budget-friendly stays to more luxurious options, so let’s see what might work for you. Just make sure to secure your spot early, because places here book up fast!

The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore – $$$

Our favorite luxury choice here is The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore, right by the waterfront, so you get pretty amazing views of the Inner Harbor. It’s perfect if you’re into European old-world elegance and local artwork. 

You’ve also got an upscale American gastropub and a European-style café in the lobby, where you can grab a coffee or fresh pastries before heading out for the day. The highlight is definitely the outdoor rooftop area with a multi-purpose sports court for tennis, basketball, and volleyball, which you don’t usually see in downtown hotels. 

The location is also hard to beat. You’re just steps from the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center, so you can easily walk to some of the main attractions. Price-wise, expect to pay anywhere from around $150 USD to $500+ USD per night, depending on when you visit. Check your dates and book your stay at The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore here!

Staybridge Suites Baltimore – $$

If you want a comfortable place to stay without spending a fortune on a fancy hotel, Staybridge Suites Baltimore is definitely worth checking out. Since it’s an all-suite hotel, you get quite a bit more space for your money, and every suite comes with a kitchen, so you can cook your own meals when you feel like it and save a little on eating out too.

If you’re short on time, you’ll also get a free breakfast buffet every morning, so you can grab something to eat and head out sightseeing. On top of that, there’s a complimentary evening social with light dinner bites, wine, and beer. You also get access to free laundry facilities, which parents with children will especially appreciate if you’re staying for more than a few days.

From here, the Inner Harbor waterfront is just two blocks away, so you’re pretty much close to everything. Prices start at around $140 USD per night. See current rates and lock in your dates here!

Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore – $

If you’re looking to save even more, Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore is a great option. It’s right downtown, affordable, and you even get a little bit of history with your stay. The hotel sits on the site of a historic bank property dating back to 1906. You can even see the original bank vaults- pretty cool, right?

You also get free breakfast, an indoor pool, a gym, and spacious rooms, plus you’re just a short walk from major attractions like the National Aquarium and the Baltimore Convention Center. There’s also a convenience store on-site if you need something and don’t feel like heading back out.

With prices starting at around $95 USD per night, we think it’s a pretty good deal for the location and everything you get with your stay. Check availability and book your stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore here!

Want more options? Browse through all the listings for Baltimore here!

Book your Airport Taxi in advance

Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!

Renting a Car in the USA

Car rental photo for the United States

The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.

We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in the USA

  • Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
  • Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
  • Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
  • Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.

What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA

  • A valid driver’s license from your home country.
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
  • A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.

Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms?

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In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.

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Thanks for reading!

Daniel-and-Bailey-drink-craft-beer-in Baltimore, Maryland
Thanks for reading!

Baltimore really surprised us! We knew there would be plenty of history (and crab cakes!), but we didn’t expect to find quite so many different ways to fill three days. Between exploring the waterfront, eating our way around Fells Point, getting messy with fluorescent paint, and discovering neighborhoods like Hampden, there was never a dull moment.

For even more trip inspiration, have a browse through our other USA blogs! We’ve got plenty more itineraries, travel tips, and firsthand recommendations to help you plan your next adventure. Or, if you’re not quite done planning yet, check out a few more of our favorite guides below.

15 BEST Things to do in Georgetown, Washington, DC

How to Spend TWO Days in Wilmington, North Carolina: 2-Day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Cincinnati, Ohio: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

The Services We Recommend

From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.

Bailey and Daniel are the married couple who started this blog. They’re endlessly curious, always planning the next adventure, and happiest when they’re on the move. Travel isn’t something they do once or twice a year — it’s the way they’ve chosen to live their lives.

Learn more about Dan & Bailey

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