Traveling to Baltimore: 10 Things You Need To Know

Are you traveling to Baltimore for the first time?

Trust me, a lot of people visiting Baltimore for the first time forget to check the basics.

Baltimore is one of the biggest cities in Maryland so knowing where to stay, how to get around, and having a bucket list for Baltimore is actually helpful.

Just keep reading my article on What You Really Need to Know Before Traveling to Baltimore!

Traveling to Baltimore: 10 Things You Need To Know

Decide If You Actually Need A Rental Car

If you plan to stay around Inner Harbor and spend most time exploring the nearby neighborhoods, then you don’t need a car.

However, if you are traveling to Baltimore for the first time and want to explore it properly, then you can rent a car.

The city is quite spread out, and public transport is not frequent in each neighborhood.

The only problem is parking, as there are few free parking spots.

So, I suggest you check your itinerary first and then decide whether you will need a car or not.

If you will be doing a short Baltimore trip then you can skip getting a car

but if you are planning to explore a long list of places, then renting a car makes sense.

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Know How To Get Around Baltimore

Now let’s talk about how you can get around Baltimore.

Baltimore has an extensive public transport system that includes Metro SubwayLink, Light RailLink, and buses.

Plus, there is a Charm City Circulator, which is perfect for first-time visitors because it’s free and connects several areas around central Baltimore.

You can use this to visit the Inner Harbor, downtown, and areas around attractions such as Fort McHenry.

For those who want more comfort, Uber and Lyft available as well.

Once your Baltimore flight lands, you can take the BWI.

There is a Light Rail station outside the airport terminal so you can easily reach downtown Baltimore without spending a fortune.

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Pick Your Baltimore Neighborhood Before Booking A Hotel

There are so many neighborhoods to choose from that it can get a little confusing at times.

So, let me break it down for you.

If you are visiting Baltimore for the first time and want to stay close to the famous attractions, then Inner Harbor is the best choice.

You will be close to the waterfront, National Aquarium, and more.

But for those who want historic streets, restaurants, bars, etc., Fell’s Point is a better choice.

You can easily walk around this neighborhood for hours.

Another great option is Federal Hill for anyone who wants pretty historic streets and classic harbor views.

If you are more interested in museums, culture, and architecture, then consider staying in Mount Vernon.

There are plenty of nice neighborhoods to stay in Baltimore, so figure out what you want to do first and then choose your hotel.

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Traveling to Baltimore: Know What Baltimore Weather Will Throw At You

I tell this to anyone planning a trip: always check the weather if you want to explore more of the outside.

In the case of Baltimore, you can expect hot and humid summers.

If you aren’t used to humidity then you might want to include more indoor Baltimore attractions.

Personally, I love spring and fall seasons in Baltimore.

The weather is pleasant for walking around, but there can be occasional rain so always check the forecast.

Winter is the least popular time to visit because it is mostly cold and snowy here.

If you do end up here in winter, then pack a good jacket to keep warm during your Baltimore trip.

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Give Yourself Time To Explore Baltimore On Foot

The biggest mistake I see a lot of travelers make on a trip to Baltimore is planning every single minute.

Some of my favorite moments of visiting Baltimore are just walking around, without any specific attraction in mind.

There are plenty of places to explore on foot in Baltimore, such as the Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, etc., and grab something to eat or drink.

Just wear comfortable shoes. It doesn’t matter if you are planning to walk a lot or not because Baltimore can surprise you at times.

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Look Beyond The Inner Harbor

Baltimore is more than just the Inner Harbor.

Yes, it’s popular, so you should visit it, especially if you want the National Aquarium, museums, historic ships, and more.

But please, don’t spend your entire trip there.

Make sure to explore other neighborhoods as well, such as Federal Hill, Fell’s Point, Mount Vernon, and more.

Trust me, my bucket list for Baltimore includes not just paid attractions but plenty of such free sights as well.

Check Out: Baltimore: Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

Know How To Stay Safe Without Overthinking It

Like any major city, there are a few things to be careful about.

There are some areas better suited for exploring during the day than night time.

So, use common sense and don’t explore unfamiliar or poorly lit areas at night.

And if you get somewhere and don’t feel comfortable walking back, take an Uber or Lyft.

Trust me, saving a few dollars isn’t worth feeling uneasy for 20 minutes.

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Plan For Baltimore’s Paid Attractions

If you aren’t careful, you can easily blow up your budget trying to cover the Baltimore attractions.

One of the most expensive attractions is the National Aquarium where you can end up paying around $39.95 or more for the entry. .

But there are plenty of fun activities that are free or low cost to enjoy as well.

You can do Fort McHenry or National Park Service or something similar.

I would especially spend time enjoying free experiences such as walking in the neighborhoods,

enjoying the waterfront views, visiting historic streets, and so on.

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Come Hungry For Maryland Seafood

The one thing that you should be most excited about when traveling to Baltimore is food!

If you visit during crab season, then you have to give Maryland blue crabs a try.

And don’t forget to have a proper crab feast.

It is part meal, part activity, and part exercise as you try to figure out how to get the last bit of meat out of the crab shell.

Another popular dish you cannot miss in Baltimore is the crab cakes

but there is plenty of more delicious seafood to try here such as oysters, rockfish, and more.

And if you are not a seafood person, no worries.

You can find plenty of other food options in Baltimore including Italian food around Little Italy.

Check Out: Discover Baltimore: Fells Point Culinary Food Tour

Traveling to Baltimore: Essentials Packing List

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.

Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle. 

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

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