How to Have a Fun Weekend in Baltimore: Itinerary + Tips

Crab cakes, water views, excellent museums, and a heavy dose of American history: these are just a few things you’ll find when spending a delightful weekend in Baltimore, Maryland!

Less touristed than nearby cities like Washington DC or Philadelphia, but incredibly interesting in its own right, spending a couple of days in Baltimore makes for a fun East Coast weekend getaway.

If you’re planning your first trip to Baltimore and are looking to hit up the city’s most iconic sights, views, museums, and neighborhoods, this Baltimore weekend itinerary is for you.

kate storm and jeremy storm posing with the colorful visit baltimore sign during a weekend getaway in baltimore md
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Of course, trying to see Baltimore in a weekend means there’s no way to pack in everything–but even with only a couple of days, you can make a solid dent into the best things to do in Charm City.

Given the fast-paced nature of this introduction to Baltimore, you can also easily convert this 2-day guide into a 3 day Baltimore itinerary if you have a full long weekend to enjoy the city.

Here’s how to make the most of 2 days in Baltimore, MD!

historic white and red coast guard ship in inner harbor baltimore on the weekend

Your Fun Weekend in Baltimore Itinerary

Day 1 in Baltimore: Fort McHenry, Inner Harbor + Museums

Kick off your morning at Fort McHenry.

Easily one of the most famous places to visit in Baltimore, Fort McHenry is known for the important Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, and for being the place where Francis Scott Key wrote the words to the Star-Spangled Banner.

READ NEXT
7 Epic East Coast USA Road Trip Routes

Fort McHenry later operated as a military prison during the Civil War, and as a hospital during WWI, before being retired and transferred to the National Park Service in the 1930s.

You can read more about the long history of Fort McHenry here.

cannons on display at fort mchenry baltimore maryland

Touring Fort McHenry costs $15/person, but your America the Beautiful pass (AKA national parks pass) is accepted.

The grounds and surrounding park are free to tour and well worth a visit when spending a weekend in Baltimore!

aerial view of fort mchenry, one of the best things to do in baltimore weekend getaway

Grab brunch at Miss Shirley’s Cafe.

Easily one of the most popular restaurants in Baltimore, Miss Shirley’s Cafe has been celebrated in everything from the Travel Channel to Food Network to Southern Living.

You truly cannot go wrong when ordering here, but we can especially recommend the Breakfast Fried Deviled Eggs, blueberry pancakes (some of the best I’ve ever eaten, truly), and the Gravy Train Southern Skillet.

READ NEXT
15 Cool Cities Perfect for Weekend Getaways in the USA

While the Roland Park location is the original, for the purposes of this Baltimore itinerary, we recommend the Inner Harbor location.

Keep in mind that Miss Shirley’s does not take reservations and often has a huge wait over the weekend.

We recommend getting onto the waiting list as soon as you get to Inner Harbor, and then using your inevitable waiting time to explore the waterfront.

breakfast at miss shirleys baltimore as seen from above, with blueberry pancakes prominently featured
We won’t be forgetting these pancakes anytime soon!

Explore the historic ships of Baltimore’s harbor.

Baltimore’s waterfront is populated with a very memorable collection of watercraft.

READ NEXT
13 Epic East Coast Cities for Weekend Getaways

From the Sloop-of-War USS Constellation to the LV116 Chesapeake Lightship, lovers of maritime history will be thrilled to explore the city’s collection of historic ships.

One ticket allows access to 4 unique watercraft and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, and all of the entrances do not need to be used on the same day.

bright red historic ship in inner harbor, one of the best things to do in baltimore this weekend

Pay a visit to the National Aquarium.

Widely considered to be one of the best aquariums in the USA, the publicly-owned National Aquarium in Baltimore is a fascinating place to visit during a Baltimore weekend trip and is well-known for its conservation efforts.

READ NEXT
USA Bucket List: 50 Best Places to Visit in the US

The environment is both beautiful and educational, and comes with the added bonus of gorgeous views over the Inner Harbor from some areas.

In keeping with the evolving nature of the best practices for caring for magnificent sea creatures, the National Aquarium is also striving to make substantial improvements to the quality of life of their animals, including working on moving their dolphins from the aquarium to a suitable sanctuary.

two jellyfish on display at the national aquarium, as seen during a long weekend in baltimore md

Cruise through Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Beautiful and surrounded by several of the best things to do in Baltimore, there’s no doubt that exploring the Inner Harbor from all angles is a must during a weekend getaway in Baltimore!

To enjoy places like Federal Hill and Fort McHenry from a different angle–not to mention to have a chance to enjoy sightseeing from the Inner Harbor itself–hit the water in an Inner Harbor Cruise!

This popular lunch cruise is a fantastic way to get to know Baltimore while also resting your feet after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Book your Inner Harbor cruise today!

small boats heading out into the water in baltimore maryland

Dive into one of Baltimore’s fascinating art museums.

Baltimore is home to several incredible art museums, but we’re going to start with a lesser-known one: The Walters Art Museum.

READ NEXT
4 Days in NYC: The Ultimate (Massive) 4 Days in New York Itinerary

This museum started as a private collection and is home to an incredibly overwhelming and eclectic collection of art and artifacts, featuring everything from Ancient Greek and Roman statues to Renaissance paintings.

Best of all, like so many interesting museums in Baltimore, the Walters Art Museum is free to visit.

collection of renaissance paintings on display in a room painted red in walters art museum, as seen during a baltimore weekend trip

Step inside the George Peabody Library.

Located right across the street from the Walters Art Museum, the George Peabody Library is often considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world!

Built in the 19th century, bibliophiles and architecture lovers alike will enjoy visiting this gorgeous space.

READ NEXT
25 Most Romantic Getaways in the USA

Snap photos with the George Washington Monument (and possibly climb it).

Standing tall over Mount Vernon Place, you can’t miss the 178-foot-tall Washington Monument while in Baltimore!

Designed and built in the first half of the 19th century, in the wake of the War of 1812, the Washington Monument is an unmissable part of the Baltimore skyline.

If you’re so inclined, you can even climb the 227 steps to the top of the monument for a view of the city.

baltimore washington monument during a long weekend in baltimore md

Day 2 in Baltimore: Neighborhood Hopping, Museums + Great Food

Start your morning in Harbor East.

Trendy Harbor East is home to some of Baltimore’s trendiest shopping and dining, wandering through this charming neighborhood is a great way to kick off your second day in Baltimore, Maryland!

READ NEXT
21 Best Places to Visit in New England

Consider stopping by the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse.

As you make your way from Harbor East to Little Italy this morning, consider taking a bit of a detour to pay a visit to Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse.

This striking screw-pile lighthouse is a small museum these days, and is part of the Historic Ships of Baltimore collection–your ticket from yesterday’s ships will work here, as well.

bright red seven foot knoll lighthouse on a sunny day

Explore Baltimore’s Little Italy.

Small, laid-back, and charming, Baltimore’s Little Italy is a fun neighborhood to explore on foot.

If you’re looking for coffee, be sure to pay a visit to Vaccaro’s–and whatever you do, don’t skip the sweets.

view of little italy baltimore with lights strewn across the street

Potentially hit up a Baltimore history museum.

There are several interesting museums located a (very) short walk from Little Italy, and depending on how long you spend exploring Harbor East, Little Italy, and Fells Point, you may be able to squeeze one into your 2 days in Baltimore!

READ NEXT
25 Best Road Trips in the USA (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)

Options for museums to visit include the historic Star-Spangled Banner Flag House (where the first version of what became our modern American Flag was sewn), and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum that explores African-American history and culture in Maryland.

Travelers who are visiting Baltimore with kids may prefer to hop across President Street to check out the popular Port Discovery Children’s Museum.

view of reginald f lewis baltimore museum from across the street

Head over to Fells Point.

Packed with cool shopping, excellent dining, cobblestone streets, and harbor views, there are many reasons that Fells Point is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Baltimore!

Be sure to stop by the Horse You Came In On Saloon, which is the last place Edgar Allan Poe was spotted drinking before his untimely death.

READ NEXT
33 Stunning Places to Visit in Summer in the USA (Vacation Spots Not to Miss!)

If you’re interested in learning more about the interesting history of Fells Point (War of 1812 history included) while also chowing down on some of the best of Baltimore cuisine, consider exploring Fells Point via this fun history and food tour!

Book your Fells Point food + history tour today!

people walking along a paved pier in fells point, one of the best places to visit in baltimore in 2 days

Visit one of Baltimore’s most iconic museums.

Baltimore has far more incredible museums to explore than can fit into a single weekend getaway in Baltimore, but visiting at least one of these iconic spots is a must!

The Baltimore Museum of Art and the American Visionary Museum are both widely celebrated for their collections–and they’re incredibly different.

READ NEXT
33 Best Beaches in the USA
Baltimore Museum of Art

Home to nearly 100,000 works of art, the fabulous Baltimore Museum of Art is especially well-known for having the largest collection of Henri Matisse’s works held by any public institution.

front steps leading to the baltimore museum of art
American Visionary Art Museum

Officially designated by Congress as the US’s museum for visionary art, also known as outsider art, a single glance at the exterior of the American Visionary Art Museum is enough to make it obvious that this is not your traditional art museum.

If you’re interested in extremely unique, modern art, the American Visionary Museum belongs on your list of things to do in Baltimore this weekend.

READ NEXT
25 Best Christmas Vacations in the USA

Chow down on crab cakes for dinner.

What better way to wrap up a weekend in Baltimore than with one of Maryland’s most celebrated foods?

No trip to Maryland could be considered complete without (at least) one serving of crab cakes.

There are near-limitless options for excellent seafood in Baltimore, but a few popular and conveniently located restaurants include Thames Street Oyster House and Rusty Scupper Restaurant & Bar.

three crab cakes served on a white rectangular plate

Where to Stay for a Weekend in Baltimore, MD

When deciding where to stay in Baltimore, MD, location is everything.

While you may not be able to stay within walking distance of all of the best things to do in Baltimore, you can stay close to many of them!

READ NEXT
15+ Vibrant Places to Visit in Virginia (Best Vacation Spots!)

We recommend looking for a hotel in or very close to Inner Harbor, Fells Point, or Harbor East for your long weekend in Baltimore, MD.

Here are a few well-reviewed choices, including the historic hotel we loved!

view of little italy baltimore with "piccola italia" painted on the street in the foreground

Budget

Tru By Hilton Harbor East — For an affordable stay in a fantastic location, you can’t beat Tru By Hilton Harbor East.

With modern rooms, an included breakfast, and a location that puts you within an easy walk of Baltimore’s most popular neighborhoods, Tru By Hilton is one of the absolute best value stays for a weekend in Baltimore.

Check rates & book your stay at Tru By Hilton!

READ NEXT
25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse!)

Mid-Range

The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf — Housed in a warehouse-turned-charming-hotel, you can find the popular Inn at Henderson’s Wharf at the end of a delightful cobblestone street in Fells Point.

Excellent reviews, a beautiful patio, easy access to Fells Point shopping and dining, and a harbor view from some rooms, all make The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf is a wonderful place to rest your head for a couple of days in Baltimore, MD.

Check rates & book your stay at The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf!

historic brick buildings on a cobblestone street in fells point

Luxury

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore — We loved our stay in this award-winning, historic hotel!

Housed in the former B&O Railroad Headquarters, walking into the opulent lobby of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore feels like stepping back in time–and the rooms are incredibly comfortable, too (we upgraded to a room with a city view and loved it).

The on-site restaurant, B&O Brasserie, is excellent and worth adding to your Baltimore weekend itinerary whether or not you stay in the hotel.

Do note that while this historic hotel is located in the Inner Harbor area, it is a short, easy walk down Charles Street to the waterfront.

Check rates & book your stay at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore!

bank of gold elevators in historic kimpton monaco hotel baltimore, one of the best places to stay during a long weekend in baltimore maryland

Getting Around During a Long Weekend in Baltimore

While we’ve designed this weekend in Baltimore itinerary to be as walkable as possible, you will need alternative transportation to travel between some neighborhoods and attractions, including heading up to the Baltimore Museum of Art.

We personally drove into the city, and once we parked our car, left it in the garage rather than worrying about parking around the city.

READ NEXT
The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 50+ Road Trip Essentials You Need

Instead of driving, we opted to use Uber to travel from place to place in Baltimore.

We had consistently good experiences, and never spent long waiting for a ride.

kate storm in a striped dress sightseeing in baltimore inner harbor

More Than 2 Days in Baltimore, Maryland?

Have a full long weekend in Baltimore, or perhaps even longer?

You won’t run out of fun things to do!

READ NEXT
25+ Beautiful Small Towns in the USA

With a longer Baltimore vacation to work with, consider seeing the Orioles or Ravens play (depending on the season).

Literary enthusiasts will enjoy touring the Edgar Allan Poe House (though fair warning: it is incredibly small and mostly unfurnished), or stopping by Poe’s grave at Westminster Burial Ground.

Outdoorsy types may also want to ditch the city entirely and seek out some hiking near Baltimore.

sightseeing binoculors on the edge of the water, as seen during a 3 day weekend in baltimore itinerary

For lesser-known museums that are well worth a look, consider visiting the B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore Museum of Industry, or Babe Ruth Museum.

To enjoy one of the best views of Baltimore (second only to the view over Baltimore via helicopter tour), head up to the 27th floor of the World Trade Center for incredible views of Baltimore and the Inner Harbor.

4 photos of baltimore including fells point inner harbor lighthouse and museum of art. black and red text on a white background reads "how to enjoy 2 days in baltimore"
About Kate Storm
Image of the author, Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “How to Have a Fun Weekend in Baltimore: Itinerary + Tips”

  1. Loved the guide! There’s so much more to do in Baltimore like both the Cross Street and Lexington market. Bonus that they both went under major renovations. Adding in the Science Center and Port Discovery for families.

    Reply

Leave a Comment