Baltimore Travel: 100 Questions Answered

2. Is Baltimore walkable? The “L” shape of the city (Inner Harbor to Fells Point/Canton and up to Mount Vernon) is very walkable, but you’ll want a car or Uber for Hampden or the Zoo.

3. What is the Charm City Circulator? It is a free hybrid bus system with four routes (Green, Blue, Orange, Purple) that connect the main tourist hubs.

4. How do I pay for public transit? Download the CharmPass app. It works for the bus, Light Rail, Metro, and MARC train.

5. Is the Light Rail reliable for the airport (BWI)? Generally yes, and it’s the cheapest way ($2) to get from BWI to downtown, though it can be slow.

6. Where should I park my car downtown? Avoid street parking if you aren’t familiar with the signs; use the SpotHero app to find discounted garage rates.

7. Can I use the Water Taxi? Yes! It’s a great way to see the skyline. A day pass is usually around $20 and lets you hop on and off between the Inner Harbor and Fells Point.

8. Is the Baltimore Metro useful? It’s a single line. Unless you are going from Owings Mills to Johns Hopkins Hospital, most tourists won’t need it.

9. Are there scooters? Yes, Lime and Spin are everywhere. Just please don’t ride them on the narrow brick sidewalks of Fells Point.

10. What’s the best way to get to NYC? The Amtrak from Penn Station is fastest, but “OurBus” or “FlixBus” from downtown are much cheaper alternatives.

🦀 Food & Drink (The Maryland Staples)

11. Where is the absolute best crab cake? Travelers usually points to Faidley’s in Lexington Market or Koco’s Pub in Lauraville.

12. What is “Old Bay” and why is it everywhere? It’s the city’s lifeblood. It’s a celery salt-based spice blend used on seafood, fries, and even chocolate.

13. Where can I find a “pit beef” sandwich? Chaps Pit Beef on Pulaski Highway is the legendary spot (as seen on The Wire and No Reservations).

14. What are “Berger Cookies”? Shortbread cookies topped with a massive mound of fudge. Warning: they are extremely sweet.

15. Where should I go for a fancy dinner? Charleston in Harbor East for fine dining, or Thames Street Oyster House for high-end seafood.

16. Best place for a casual “Boardwalk” vibe? Head to the Inner Harbor for Pratt Street Ale House or the food stalls at Cross Street Market.

17. What is “National Bohemian” (Natty Boh)? The local “cheap” beer. It’s no longer brewed in Baltimore, but the one-eyed mascot (Mr. Boh) is still the city’s unofficial king.

18. Best neighborhood for a “Foodie” crawl? Hampden (The Avenue) or Fells Point.

19. Are there good vegetarian options? Absolutely. The Land of Kush (vegan soul food) and Golden West Cafe are local favorites.

20. Where can I get a late-night bite? The PaperMoon Diner or Honeygrow in Charles Village.

21. Best Italian food? Go to Little Italy. Sabatino’s or Vaccaro’s (for cannoli) are institutions.

22. What is an “Orange Crush”? The official drink of Maryland: Freshly squeezed orange juice, vodka, triple sec, and a splash of Sprite over crushed ice.

23. Where is the best coffee? Artifact Coffee in Woodberry or Order Mill in Station North.

24. Best brunch spot? Miss Shirley’s Cafe is the tourist favorite, while Iron Rooster or Blue Moon Cafe (get the Captain Crunch French Toast) are locals’ picks.

25. Where can I try local oysters? The Local Oyster or Dylan’s Oyster Cellar.

26. Is Lexington Market safe? It’s a gritty, historic market. Go during the day, stay inside the market or on the main paths, and you’ll be fine. The new renovation is beautiful.

27. Best brewery? Union Craft Brewing at Union Collective is a must-visit for the beer and the atmosphere.

28. Where can I find a “Snowball”? It’s Baltimore’s version of shaved ice. Look for roadside stands in the summer; always get it with marshmallow fluff.

29. Best pizza? Paulie Gee’s in Hampden or Verde in Canton.

30. Where to find Jewish deli food? Attman’s on Lombard Street (Corned Beef Row).

🏛️ Sightseeing & Museums

31. Is the National Aquarium worth the price? Yes. It is world-class. Pro-tip: Go after 5 PM on Fridays for half-price admission.

32. What is the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM)? It features art by self-taught individuals. It is weird, wonderful, and widely considered the best museum in the city.

33. Can I visit Fort McHenry? Yes. It’s where “The Star-Spangled Banner” was written. You can take the Water Taxi there.

34. Is the Walters Art Museum free? Yes! It has an incredible collection of world history and is located in the beautiful Mt. Vernon neighborhood.

35. What is the “BMA”? The Baltimore Museum of Art. It’s also free and houses the world’s largest collection of Matisse.

36. Where is Edgar Allan Poe buried? At Westminster Hall and Burying Ground. You can see his original and “new” grave sites.

37. Can I tour the USS Constellation? Yes, it’s docked in the Inner Harbor and offers tours of the 19th-century sloop-of-war.

38. What is the B&O Railroad Museum? The birthplace of American railroading. Great for kids and history buffs.

39. Where is the best view of the city? The top of Federal Hill Park or the Top of the World observation deck in the World Trade Center.

40. What is the George Peabody Library? Often called the “Cathedral of Books,” it’s one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Located in Mt. Vernon.

41. Is the Baltimore Zoo good? The Maryland Zoo in Druid Hill Park is excellent, especially the African Journey section.

42. What is “The Avenue” in Hampden? It’s 36th Street, filled with quirky shops, vintage stores, and great restaurants.

43. Where can I see a movie? The Senator Theatre is a gorgeous, historic Art Deco cinema.

44. What is Graffitti Alley? A legal graffiti space in Station North where artists are constantly changing the murals. Great for photos.

45. Can I visit the Washington Monument? Yes, Baltimore had the first one! You can climb to the top for a small fee for a great view of Mt. Vernon.

46. What is the Museum of Industry? A hidden gem on the south side of the harbor that showcases the city’s manufacturing history.

47. Are there any cool bookstores? The Book Thing (where books are free!) or Atomic Books (John Waters’ fan mail drop).

48. Can I see a show at the Hippodrome? Yes, it’s the main spot for touring Broadway shows.

49. Where is the best live music? The Ottobar for indie/rock, or An Die Musik for jazz.

50. What is “The Wire” tour? There isn’t an official one, but fans often visit the sites like the “Low Rise” projects or the courthouse. (Be respectful, these are real neighborhoods).

🛡️ Safety & Local Advice

51. Is Baltimore safe for tourists? Generally, yes. Stay in well-lit, populated areas (Inner Harbor, Fells, Canton, Mt. Vernon). Like any city, stay aware of your surroundings.

52. Are the “Squeegee Kids” dangerous? They are mostly just kids trying to make money. If you don’t want your windows washed, a firm “No thank you” and a wave usually works. Keep your doors locked and windows up.

53. Which areas should I avoid? Most crime is localized to areas tourists don’t visit. Stick to the “Bright Lights” and avoid wandering deep into West or East Baltimore unless you have a specific destination.

54. Is it safe to walk at night? In Fells Point or Harbor East, yes, as there are many people out. In quieter areas, take an Uber after dark.

55. What does “Hon” mean? It’s short for “Honey.” It’s a term of endearment you’ll hear from older residents, especially in Hampden.

56. Why are there so many rowhouses? It’s the signature architecture of the city, originally built for port and factory workers.

57. What are “Formstone” houses? The “fake stone” siding seen on many older rowhouses. John Waters called it the “polyester of brick.”

58. Do I need to tip the “Water Taxi” crew? It’s not required, but a dollar or two for the deckhand is common if they help you on/off.

59. What should I wear? Baltimore is very casual. Jeans and a nice shirt will get you into 95% of restaurants.

60. What is the “City that Reads” slogan? It’s an old slogan often joked about by locals because it appeared on benches during a period of low literacy rates.

⚾ Sports & Entertainment

61. Is Camden Yards worth visiting? Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, it’s consistently rated the best ballpark in America.

62. How do I get Ravens tickets? They are hard to come by and expensive. Buy them well in advance on secondary markets like SeatGeek.

63. What is “The Bun Shop”? A popular 24/7 (or late night) spot in Mt. Vernon for savory buns and coffee.

64. Where can I see a drag show? The Hippo is gone, but Leon’s or any of the bars in the “Gayborhood” of Mt. Vernon.

65. Is there a casino? Yes, Horseshoe Casino is near the stadiums.

66. Where is the best place to watch the Ravens? Any bar in Federal Hill will be packed and rowdy on game day.

67. What is the “Maryland Deathfest”? A massive metal festival held annually that brings fans from all over the world.

68. Can I go sailing? Yes, look for charters out of Fells Point or the Maryland Sailing Center.

69. Are there any festivals in the summer? Artscape is the big one—it’s the largest free arts festival in the country.

70. What is “Flower Mart”? An annual spring festival in Mt. Vernon featuring lemon sticks (a lemon with a peppermint stick).

🏘️ Neighborhood Specifics

71. What’s special about Fells Point? Cobblestone streets, over 100 bars, and 18th-century architecture. It’s the heart of the city’s history.

72. Why go to Canton? It’s a younger, post-grad vibe with a great central square (Canton Crossing) and waterfront parks.

73. What is Mount Vernon known for? Culture, museums, and the beautiful architecture of the 19th-century elite.

74. Is Federal Hill just for partying? During the day, it’s a family-friendly area with a great park and market. At night, it becomes a hub for the college/twentysomething crowd.

75. What is “Harbor East”? The “fancy” part of town with luxury hotels (Four Seasons), high-end shopping (Lululemon, J. Crew), and pricey steaks.

76. What’s in Remington? It’s an up-and-coming “hipster” area with R. House (a great food hall) and Ottobar.

77. Is Charles Village worth visiting? Yes, to see the “Painted Ladies”—colorful, brightly painted Victorian rowhouses.

78. What is Pigtown? A historic neighborhood near the railroad museum. It’s undergoing a bit of a revival.

79. What is Station North? The designated Arts & Entertainment district. Lots of theaters, galleries, and maker spaces.

80. Should I stay in the Inner Harbor? It’s convenient for families and first-timers, but locals recommend Fells Point or Harbor East for a more “authentic” stay.

💡 Random Tips & Trivia

81. Why do people yell “O!” during the National Anthem? It’s for the Orioles. It happens at every sporting event in the city.

82. Can I drink the tap water? Yes, Baltimore’s water comes from protected reservoirs and is generally very high quality.

83. What is the “Greatest City in America” bench? Benches all over the city have this slogan. It’s a point of pride and irony for locals.

84. Who is Mr. Trash Wheel? A solar-powered water wheel with googly eyes that cleans trash out of the harbor. He has a massive Twitter following.

85. What is “Hallowell”? It’s a local slang term for “Hello.” (Though mostly used ironically now).

86. Is Baltimore humid? In the summer, yes. It can feel like walking through soup in July and August.

87. What is the “Maryland State Flag” obsession? Marylanders love their flag. You will see it on socks, shirts, cars, and tattoos.

88. Where can I see the sunset? Canton Waterfront Park offers a beautiful view as the sun dips behind the skyline.

89. Can I swim in the harbor? No. Please don’t. Although it’s getting cleaner (thanks to Mr. Trash Wheel), it’s still not a swimming hole.

90. What are the “Poe Toasters”? For decades, a mysterious person left cognac and roses at Poe’s grave. The tradition has “ended,” but the legend remains.

91. Is Baltimore a “Union” town? Historically, very much so. The port and steel mills (Sparrows Point) defined the city for a century.

92. Best place for kids? Port Discovery Children’s Museum or the Maryland Science Center.

93. What is the “Charm City” nickname from? A 1970s ad campaign meant to improve the city’s image. It stuck!

94. Can I take a boat to Annapolis? Not a commuter ferry, but there are occasionally day-trip charters. It’s easier to drive or take a bus.

95. Where is the “Patterson Park Pagoda”? In Patterson Park. You can climb it on certain Sundays for a view of the East side.

96. What is the “Miracle on 34th Street”? A massive Christmas light display in Hampden where every house on the block goes all out.

97. Is Baltimore expensive? It is much cheaper than DC or NYC, but more expensive than most midwestern cities.

98. What is “The Block”? A stretch of Baltimore Street known for its adult entertainment. It’s right next to the police headquarters.

99. How is the airport (BWI)? One of the easiest airports to navigate on the East Coast. It’s a major hub for Southwest.

100. Should I come back? Ask any local, and they’ll say: “Baltimore is a city of neighborhoods. You can’t see it all in one trip!”

🏗️ Getting Around & Logistics