BALTIMORE, MD
Baltimore, Maryland! Outstanding Maryland crab, Berger cookies galore and Old Bay on everything are just three of the flavors you’ll taste in Baltimore. This small city has much to offer including the lovely waterfront views. My friend Merritt grew up in Baltimore and now still lives there today. She’s my resident expert for all things Maryland and gave great recommendations. Happy Traveling!
Travel Tip:
- Public transportation around Baltimore can be a little dicey, but Merritt has found Ubers to be reliable and affordable. Another great way to get around the city is by scooter! Baltimore has an abundance of Lime and Jump scooters that can get you from point A to B in a jiffy. Download the app, scan the code and start scooting. Scoot along the water on the promenade from Federal Hill all the way to Canton to see the waterfront.
One fun thing:
- Taking the water taxi in Baltimore to see the city from the water. You’ll be able to take in the waterfront sights and it’s an efficient way to get across the harbor.
- The Sagamore Pendry Hotel: an upscale hotel in the heart of Fells Point, right on the harbor. The building was built in 1914 and recently renovated to honor its historical charm. Inside the hotel is the Cannon Room, an American whiskey bar, which derives its name from the discovery of three 17th-century cannons discovered below the Recreation Pier during hotel construction. Merritt recommends visiting the Cannon Room whether you stay in the hotel or not.
- Any of the hotels in Harbor East: a more affordable option. There are many hotels in Harbor East, right in between Fells Point and the Inner Harbor. Rates are relatively affordable and they are in a central and nice location.
- Sandlot: Baltimore’s beach! The Sandlot is a “beach” on the harbor in the middle of the city (Fells Point/Harbor Point) and an awesome place to hang out with friends on a warm summer day. They have live music, events, lounge chairs to hang out in and activities like bocce ball, volleyball, and even golf. You can purchase beverages and food as well.
- Baltimore randomly has a ton of excellent breweries all over the city. Guinness recently opened its first ever brewery outside of Ireland in Baltimore where they brew their Guinness Blond brew. It’s definitely worth a try! Merritt’s favorite is Diamondback in Federal Hill. They serve good beer and pizza. Other breweries worth the stop are Union in Hampden, and Monument in Canton.
- Attend a Game: seeing an Orioles (MLB) or Ravens (NFL) game while you’re in town is a must. Both stadiums are right downtown and close to all the best bars in Federal Hill. Attend a game and go hang out at the bars after, or skip the game and watch at one of the many bars on Cross Street. Baltimoreans have a lot of pride in the local sports teams, so the stadiums tend to be packed, no matter the record of the team that year.
- Baltimore’s art museums: both the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Art Museum offer high-caliber collections. Perfect for a hot or rainy day.
- National Aquarium: the most popular tourist attraction in Maryland. The aquarium is well known and is home to 20,000 animals. The ticket price is a bit steep, but it’s well worth the visit if you’re interested in marine life.
- Choptank: a favorite spot for brunch with a Maryland flair. Choptank is owned by one of the premier restaurant groups in Baltimore and is located in the heart of Fells Point. They feature fresh seafood, live music, and a fun and contemporary vibe. Anything with crab in it is delicious, especially the Crab Cake Benny. You can get $12 big carafes of either mimosas or bloody marys.
- The Food Market: a small sit-down restaurant in a hipster neighborhood with delicious brunch food. Like most restaurants in the area, anything with crab is tasty, but try the Baltimore Club in particular. It’s also open for dinner.
- Little Havana: if you’re looking for a good time with a brunch deal, Little Havana is your pick! While the food may not be awe-inspiring, their $22.99 bottomless drinks and meal included deal is excellent. Little Havana is a Cuban-inspired tiki restaurant on the water in Federal Hill. Merritt says the bloody marys here are the best she’s tried in the city. It’s also a great spot for a large group outing or to watch the Ravens play in the fall.
- Artifact Coffee: a coffee shop in Hamden with an incredible lavender latte and baked goods. They have breakfast sandwiches and other offerings that are good to grab and go. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try their chocolate chip cookies.
- Pitango Bakery & Café: a perfect spot for lunch on the harbor in Fells Point. Pitango has delicious Italian sandwiches and pastries. For dessert, walk four minutes to their other location that serves excellent gelato.
- Shoyou: an unassuming local spot with the best sushi. It’s located in Federal Hill with a small sit-down section inside. If you’re in the mood to grab and go, they have great takeout service.
- RegionAle: not your average sandwich shop! Regionale is the spot for the best sandwiches in town. Get take out and eat on the Canton waterfront, or stay and help yourself to the pour-your-own beer wall featuring some local brews. Merritt’s favorite sandwiches are the Shrimp Po Boy and the Oregon Tuna Steak. Don’t forget to try the homemade chips! They also have a ton of board games, video games, and trivia nights to keep you entertained.
- Verde: after studying abroad in Italy, Merritt swears that Verde offers the best Italian-style pizza you will find outside of Italy. They also have an extensive wine list of Italian favorites to try; the Gavi is delightful.
- Clavel: a small Mexican restaurant with delicious margaritas and tacos. You’ll have to take a trip outside the heart of the city to the Remington neighborhood. It’s seemingly in the middle of nowhere, but just a stone’s throw from downtown. The chef is award-winning locally and certainly doesn’t disappoint. They do not take reservations, so be sure to get there right when they open. Ordering the Queso Fundido to start is a must.
- Petit Louis: a French bistro in the Roland Park neighborhood right outside the city. After entering this charming restaurant, you will be greeted in French by the maitre d and feel as though you have been transported right to Paris. Merritt recommends everything on the menu, but the duck confit paired with a glass of the cote du rhone is on the top of her list.
- La Scala Ristorante Italiano: an Italian place that’s located in the Little Italy neighborhood. Their food is incredible and they also have a wonderful happy hour with drink specials. There’s a bocce ball court in the middle of the restaurant for some added fun.
- Bmore Licks: the ice cream spot with a few options around town. Merritt is an ice cream connoisseur so this recommendation means a lot. Read through their classic and unique options including Fruity Pebbles and Cookie Monster. They also have pup cups for our four-legged furry friends to enjoy.
- The Charmery: an ice cream shop known for its local flavors like Lemon Stick and Berger Cookies and Cream.
- Federal Hill: a neighborhood with a lively nightlife scene. All of the bars are concentrated around one block and they all provide a good time. Some of my favorites are Crossbar (German beer garden), Banditos, Wayward, the Charles, and One Star.
- Fells Point: another neighborhood with a lively nightlife scene and bar hopping. The bars here are also concentrated in one area. The Horse You Came In On and Admirals Cup are Merritt’s personal favorites.
- Atlas Group cocktail tour: to try cocktails around the city. Atlas Group owns a bunch of different restaurants in the city, many mentioned in this guide, and it’s fun to stop in, get a drink and bounce around. Start at the Byegone, a very upscale spot with a dress code on top of the 4 Seasons Hotel. Then, check out the Elk Room, a speakeasy. There’s a room in the Elk Room that is an exclusive club where all the famous Baltimore athletes go, so you may catch a glimpse of them!
