Baltimore's Inner Harbor has thrived following a massive urban renewal project that began in the 1970's. The result is a vibrant, active, waterfront area featuring the glass enclosed market of Harborplace, theNational Aquarium, the recently restored U.S. FrigateConstellation, the Maryland Science Museum and Davis Planetarium, and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The Baltimore Convention Center is located downtown, between the Inner Harbor and the Orioles Park baseball stadium. The address is One Pratt Street. Click here for a good map that shows where the convention center is located in relation to hotels and other downtown Baltimore features.
The Fells Point neighborhood, one of the nation's oldest maritime communities, has been designated as a National Historic District. Fells Point was the hub of the nation's shipbuilding industry in the late 1700's and early 1800's. As you walk the cobble stoned streets today, you will find some 350 original structures housing shops, galleries, pubs, and restaurants. The Little Italy neighborhood is located between the Inner Harbor and Fells Point and is the place to find great Italian food at one of its many restaurants.
The Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore's Major League baseball team, plays in downtown Baltimore at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Oriole Park is one of the best stadiums in baseball, with great seats, a retro design, and lots of great food. Plan to see a game when the O's are in town. You can order tickets in advance from the team's website, or get them at the stadium box office. If you can't make it to a game, Orioles ballpark tours are available. Tours include the Orioles dugout, press level, scoreboard control room, and suite level.
The Water Taxiconnects Baltimore's attractions and is a great way to get around. The Water Taxi stops at the Aquarium, Harborplace, the Maryland Science Center, Little Italy, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry.
Fort McHenry was constructed in 1803 to defend Baltimore's Harbor. The site of the flag flying over the fort during a War of 1812 attack, inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to the Star Spangled Banner. The fort is open for visitation and is accessible by water taxi and by car.
The Hyatt Regency is located in the historic Inner Harbor area. Skywalks link the hotel to the Baltimore Convention Center on one side and the Inner Harbor on the other. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison
Harbor Court Hotel. Harbor Court Hotel is Maryland's only Five Star/Diamond Award winner as determined by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. From its opening in 1986, Harbor Court has been considered one of Baltimore's finest luxury hotels. The hotel sits along Baltimore's Inner Harbor, half a block from Maryland Science Center and within three blocks from the National Aquarium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison
Conveniently located downtown on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, this award-winning hotel is adjacent to the Gallery Shops at Harborplace and connected by skywalk to the Harborplace Pavilion's vast array of restaurants and shops. The hotel is within walking distance of many popular attractions including the Maryland Science Center, National Aquarium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The hotel features deluxe accommodations including club level rooms, bar facilities and restaurant, business center, indoor swimming pool with outdoor sundeck, well-equipped health club and a glass-enclosed retail atrium with meeting and conference space overlooking the harbor. Read traveler reviews of the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel and search for the best rate
Abacrombie Fine Food and Accommodations. Historic Bed & Breakfast with award winning restaurant. Located in the heart of the cultural center, close to public transportation. The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall is across the street and Lyric Opera House is two blocks away. 58 West Biddle St., Baltimore, MD 21201. www.abacrombie.net Phone: 410-244-7227 FAX: 410-244-8415.
HarborView Marina. Located on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Harborview offers floating piers, pool, fitness center, ample parking, two restaurants on site, and easy access to Baltimore's many attractions. Located on the Patapsco River, at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. 500 Harbor View Drive, Baltimore, MD. Phone: 410-752-1122 FAX: 410-576-8509. www.coastal-properties.com/harborview.html
Reel Diamond Charters. We have competitive fishing rates and fish the whole Chesapeake Bay to put you on the fish at all times of the year. We depart from Deale, MD (April & May), Baltimore, MD (June-November) & Cape Charles, VA (December). Phone: 443-520-8977. www.reeldiamond.com
Teaser Charter Fishing. Parties of up to six can enjoy striped bass and bottom fishing trips aboard Teaser with Capt. Chris. Departing from Baltimore County June through November. Just minutes from downtown and I-95, and from Chesapeake Beach mid-April through May. Phone: 443-986-3048. www.teasersportfishing.com
Baltimore Entertainment:
Pier 6 Pavilion.The Pier Six Concert Pavilion is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful outdoor concert venues in the United States. Located directly on Baltimore's world famous Inner Harbor, Pier Six offers some of the biggest names in the business, from rock to jazz and from R&B to classical, while providing its guests with a view that is second to none. The Pier Six Concert Pavilion runs from June through late September.
The Baltimore Hippodrome, at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of first class entertainment. The Center encompasses three newly restored historic structures, including the Hippodrome Theatre. The Hippodrome is located on Eutaw Street, in Baltimore's west side. Click here for a map and directions to the Hippodrome Theater. Hippodrome calendar of shows and events.
Baltimore City Paper is the free weekly guide to music and entertainment in Baltimore. Check out their online version.
Center Stage. Center Stage, considered one of the top 10 regional theaters in the country, is honored as the State Theater of Maryland. This professional theater presents a variety of plays, from Shakespeare to August Wilson, in two state-of-the-art theaters.
Harborplace and the Gallery. Facing each other across Pratt Street, the Harborplace and The Gallery are home to a wide variety of popular and fun retail shops and restaurants. It's also a great place to sit and enjoy beautiful Harbor views.
Lexington Market.At Lexington and Eutaw Streets. Established in 1782, this Baltimore landmark claims to be the oldest continuously operating market in the United States. Lexington Market has more than 130 vendors selling fresh meat, produce, seafood, baked goods, delicatessen items, poultry, and food products from around the world. Faidley's Seafood's world famous crab cakes are available here.
Art Gallery of Fells Point. This cooperative gallery features works by Maryland and regional artists, from oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, sculpture, photography, pastels, and fibers, to jewelry. Closed on Mondays.
Dining in Baltimore:
Baltimore has lots of good restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine. Here are some online resources to help you find something to suite your tastes.
You will find many restaurants concentrated in the Fells Point and Little Italy neighborhoods of Baltimore. Both areas are within a short walk or water taxi ride of the Inner Harbor.
Visit Fodor's Online Travel Guide for a listing of Baltimore restaurants, with restaurant descriptions, price guide and user ratings.
City Guide's Baltimore Restaurants page includes a restaurant finder, information on new restaurants, and a top 10 Baltimore restaurants list.
2009 Baltimore Events
If you have a Baltimore event you would like to submit, please email us.
April 18. Privateer Day and Pyrate Invasion. A pirate themed celebration at Fell's Point will include tall ships, pirate re-enactors, live music, strolling entertainers, games, storytelling, costume contests for kids and adults, food, pirate gear and nautical arts and crafts. A Pyrate Invasion at many bars and restaurants will begin at 6:00pm. 11:00am to 6:00pm. Fells Point, Baltimore, MD. More Information.
July 4 -- Baltimore's Fourth of July Celebration. Baltimore's July Fourth Celebration features an array of entertainment throughout the day culminating with a fireworks show at 9:30pm over Baltimore's Inner Harbor.