Baltimore City, a.k.a. Charm City, is a place of diversity and history for any traveler. Its roots go back to the earliest times of European settlement, and its most famous moments occurred during the War of 1812, when the Port of Baltimore came under severe fire from the British Navy.

Today, the Inner Harbor is the centerpiece of the tourist trade in the city. Visitors take leisurely walks along the paved path that runs the perimeter of the Inner Harbor. The eye is drawn to the tall masts of the famous U.S.S. Constellation, the last warship of its kind, now permanently docked here. A tour of the old ship, offering information about its place in history, is fun and fascinating.

If history is your bag, take a water taxi to Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner. This excursion makes an interesting half-day jaunt, and features a tour of the old fort where Americans defended against the British. The setting is lovely, with a fantastic view of the water approaches to the port of Baltimore.

Sitting at the water's edge is Baltimore's World Trade Center, which gives a spectacular view of the city and the harbor from its top floor. Within a block or two are many high-priced hotels. Views from the hotels are incredible, and especially fun during holiday fireworks, such as on New Year's Eve.

Specialty shops and restaurants are housed in both of the two-level malls that line the Inner Harbor. Across the street is a five-story shopping mall complex called The Galleria. It you're looking to spend money, you're in the right place! Clothing, gadgets, books, collectibles, antiques, furniture - you name it!

The National Aquarium (reviewed in one of my previous Epinions) and the fun-filled, educational Maryland Science Center (complete with its fantastic Imax Theater) are two of the main attractions here. A less known but recommended attraction, the Museum of Industry, sits behind the main portion of the tourist center, and features many educational and interesting exhibits.

For those sailors in the group, visit the Downtown Sailing Club. Rent a paddle boat for an hour or take a water taxi to one of the many other attractions bordering the water, including the community of Fells Point.

Abounding with unusual shops, pubs and restaurants, Fells Point is the "Greenwich Village" of Baltimore. It's a super place to go for good company, nightlife, drinks, good food, music, and ambiance. This area of town is really better suited for adults and not families, as the accent is on serious partying.

Party in Fells Point, but visit nearby Little Italy for dinner and dessert. This close-knit community has restaurants in almost every block, amid the classic row homes that typify the old neighborhoods. Be sure to visit Vaccaro's, a bakery offering a tremendous scrumptious variety of goodies! My recommendations are the pine nut cookies, the cannoli, or a slice of Italian cream cake.

Did you say you're a sports fan? Several blocks away from the Inner Harbor, you can't miss the city's stadiums – Oriole Park and PSI-Net Stadium (home of the champion Ravens.) Baseball enthusiasts will also enjoy a visit to Babe Ruth's birthplace. Enthusiasts of another sort will find a visit to Edgar Alan Poe's home and grave of interest.

Traveling slightly north by car or public transportation, you enter the cultural center of the city. Within a relatively short distance of one another are:
*Center Stage - a resident professional theater and a wonderful source of entertainment
*Walter's Art Gallery - in a building that's a tasteful blend of old and modern architecture
*Baltimore Museum of Art - houses Rodin's "The Thinker" along with other great works
Lyric Opera House - features the Baltimore Opera
*Meyerhoff Center - houses the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

In the cultural center, you'll also find the renowned Peabody Conservatory of Music and the Maryland School for the Arts.

Every summer in this area, the city hosts Artscape, a non-stop joy of music, art and theater in outdoor and indoor locations. It's a case of so much to see and hear and not enough time! Local performers and famous artists participate. It's also a showcase for budding talent, with new plays or musical pieces being previewed.

When dining, you won't have to rely upon familiar chain restaurants, because Baltimore offers a food establishment to satisfy almost any palate: Indian, Asian, Mexican (Nacho Mamas gets my nod), Greek, Caribbean, French, Italian, Steakhouses, Fish & Seafood (try Bertha's in Fell's Point, though the more touristy Phillip's in the Inner Harbor is a favorite of many), etc. Of course, the city is famous for its thick chunky Maryland crab cakes and hard shell steamed crabs. If you're lucky enough to visit during one of the ethnic festivals sponsored by various community organizations, you're in for a treat. Food, drink, costumes and music of that specific culture are highlighted. These festivals are a real indication of the diverse population in the city.

The city's architecture ranges from modern to Gothic. Some of the loveliest sights are the old stone and brick churches and 19th century homes and office buildings. Their beauty is not dwarfed by the surrounding glass and concrete high-rise office buildings. Somehow the styles blend to accent the diversity of the city. Skirting the harbor area are expensive condominium communities that have risen up where old factories and storehouses once stood. They provide a lovely view overlooking the harbor area.

How about cost for travelers? Some of the attractions mentioned here (and many others not mentioned)have hefty admission fees, so make your choices wisely if you're on a limited budget. The food ranges from reasonable to expensive, depending upon your tastes. Eating at the neighborhood places is less of a strain on the pocketbook than some of the larger restaurants located right in the harbor area. Public transportation costs are no worse than other major cities. Shop for discounted hotel prices at one of the many Internet travel sites, or you'll pay through the nose for lodging in the prime harbor area.

As with any major city, Baltimore has its drawbacks. Visitors venturing away from the Inner Harbor and surrounding business areas should be careful. Con artists and petty thieves sometimes target pedestrians. Also, some areas bordering the immediate downtown area are a bit seedy and warrant caution.

Transportation is available, but is not always smooth. The city has a Light Rail system that is pleasant and easy to ride. It stops by most of the main attractions in the downtown area. The city also has a Metro rail service. Both the Light Rail and Metro are reliable, but they are limited in terms of service areas. Cabs and buses reach a wider area, but bus service is certainly not as comfortable or as clean as the rail services. And if you're in town on a business day, the traffic will be unpleasant and parking will be sparse. Road repairs are a constant annoyance as you move further out from downtown.

Baltimore conveniently sits immediately off Interstate 95, which lands you only a few blocks from the Inner Harbor. State parks are easily accessible via short drives, and Maryland beaches and mountains alike are only 2 to 3 hours away by car.




Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime