Maryland's main city, Baltimore, may be found in the state's centre north, close to the water's edge on the western side of the Chesapeake Bay. Located around 40 miles north of the nation's capital, this destination is a popular weekend destination for East Coast residents, especially those from the big cities of New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Also, a day trip from Washington, DC, is well worth it. Historic districts, world-class museums, and delicious restaurants are just a few of the attractions of Baltimore. In addition, the city's waterfront position makes for a lively harbour and easy access to water transportation.

Preparing For Your Trip

Parking and traffic can be difficult in Baltimore, even though driving is the most convenient method of transportation. Walking and biking are both viable transportation options within the central business district. The MTA offers three types of public transportation.

Despite only being partially underground, the Metro SubwayLink is nevertheless considered a subway system. There is just one line in the system, and it travels north from Johns Hopkins Hospital to the suburb of Owings Mills, a total distance of around 15 miles.

The subway links to the city's large bus network and the Light Rail, which mostly serves the suburbs but includes stops at Camden Yards, the Convention Center, and other central hotspots.

Each ride costs $1.90, and a day pass will set you back $4.402. Taxis are available, and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are functional in Baltimore. Last but not least, you may take a water taxi to several spots around the bay.

The Future: Plans

Top attractions in Baltimore include the National Aquarium, historic Fort McHenry, the Camden Yards baseball stadium, and the city's world-class art institutions. You may take a water taxi from the Inner Harbor to nearby neighbourhoods like Fell's Point, a historic waterfront district with fantastic shopping and restaurants. Additionally, a trip to Charm City would only be complete with sampling some crabs seasoned with Old Bay, the local speciality.

To Drink and Eat

The seafood... have we mentioned that? You have to eat oysters, fresh seafood, and everything else you can get your hands on, especially Maryland blue crabs. Of course, the local Maryland seasoning, Old Bay, is a must.

Another local favourite is "Lake Trout," which is really breaded and fried whiting. You must finish your meal with a Berger's Cookie, a cakey cookie coated in fudgy chocolate, and a snowball, shaved ice drenched in flavoured syrup and topped with marshmallow fluff.

Visit the nation's oldest market, Lexington Market, to get many of these staples. However, the city is home to several inventive chefs who have won accolades for their dishes, such as Cindy Wolf, Spike Gjerde, and others.

How To Find A Place To Stay

There is a wide variety of hotels in Baltimore to choose from, whether you're travelling alone, with friends, a significant other, your family, or all of the above. Hotels ranging from the standard Marriott and Radisson to the luxurious Four Seasons, Kimpton, and Renaissance may all be found here.

If you want to try your luck at the casinos, you may stay at the Live! Casino & Hotel. Stay at a boutique hotel. There are several hotels and hostels, and house rentals are numerous and generally provide decent rates for those on a limited budget.

Reaching One's Destination

You may get to Baltimore easily by any of these transportation methods: automobile, bus, rail, or aircraft. If you're driving here, Interstate 95 is your best bet. The city of Baltimore is serviced by several bus companies, including Greyhound, OurBus, PandaNY Bus, and Wanda Coach.

Amtrak brings passengers from all over the East Coast and beyond to Baltimore Penn Station. At the same time, the MARC train connects the city to the District of Columbia and the neighbouring Maryland suburbs.

Savings Advice

• Baltimore offers several parks, waterfronts, and hiking paths. You may visit the Cylburn Arboretum, a vast park, without spending a dime.
• Free admission is offered year-round at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum.
• Playgrounds, an ice skating rink, a swimming pool, a lake, and basketball and tennis facilities may be free at Patterson Park.
• Go antiquing on Mount Vernon's Antique Row.
• Fort McHenry, the Edgar Allan Poe memorial, and the city's historic port ships are just a few of Baltimore's many historical monuments and landmarks. Though many are free, some may charge for entry to specific exhibits or areas.
• Lexington Market and Broadway Market are public marketplaces worth checking out for reasonably priced prepared foods and supplies.