Things to see in Baltimore
Attractions
The National Aquarium
Admire the 10.5m (35ft) waterfall adorning the entrance and then marvel at marine and freshwater wildlife as well as crocodiles, poison dart frogs, puffins and lizards. You can touch stingrays, crabs and jellyfish, and come face to face with sharks. It can get busy so booking tickets online is recommended.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 410 576 3800.
Opening times:
Opening hours vary through the year (and are subject to change without notice) so check the website or ring for updates.
Website: http://aqua.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Reginald F Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
The museum chronicles slaves' ironwork, sail making, tobacco and caulking skills and goes on to look at sporting and entertainment achievements in modern times. The museum takes its name from Maryland-born and Harvard-educated lawyer Reginald F Lewis, who went on to become one of the country's most successful entrepreneurs.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 443 263 1800.
Opening times:
Wed-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700.
Website: http://www.lewismuseum.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
American Visionary Art Museum
The Main Building, with its shining mosaic walls, is acclaimed as an architectural jewel. The Tall Sculpture Barn accommodates towering sculptures, rotated on a regular basis. Popular permanent exhibits include a model of the Lusitania ship created from more than 193,000 toothpicks. The Giant Whirligig is a 17m (55ft) wind-powered outdoor installation.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 410 244 1900.
Opening times:
Tues-Sun 1000-1800.
Website: http://www.avam.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Baltimore Museum of Art
The museum's vast collection includes the largest holding of Henri Matisse in the world. Masterpieces by Picasso, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Rembrandt and Van Dyck are also on show alongside examples of abstract expressionism and pop art. Sisters Etta and Claribel Cone's collection of textiles, jewellery, furniture and art has its own wing.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 443 573 1700.
Opening times:
Wed- Fri 1000-1700, Sat-Sun 1100-1800.
Website: http://artbma.orgAdmission Fees:
No.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
During the Battle of Baltimore, this star-shaped fort, built in 1803, was valiantly defended against the British, inspiring Frances Scott Key to pen the words of the US national anthem. The sprawling grounds still play host to military ceremonies and drills during the summer. Exhibits include historical and military artefacts, an electronic battle map and recreations of different historical buildings.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 410 962 4290.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700 (grounds) and 0900-1645 (fort and visitor centre); extended hours in summer.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/fomcAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum
A trail of 60 painted baseballs on the sidewalk leads from the Babe Ruth statue at Oriole Park to the home where baseball legend George Herman 'Babe' Ruth was born. Filled with baseball memorabilia (including his catcher's mitt, jersey and schooldays hymn book), it's a fitting tribute to the 'Sultan of Swat'.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 410 727 1539.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700 (1900 on game days) (Apr-Sep); Tues-Sun 1000-1700 (Oct-Mar).
Website: http://baberuthmuseum.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Kids go wild for this fun and educational museum. Youngsters can burn off energy in 'Kidworks', a three-storey tree house built for climbing, crawling and swinging. 'Adventure Expeditions' offers a spooky recreation of ancient Egypt, where kids can search for a lost Pharaoh's tomb. Tot Trails lets toddlers dig for fossils, play with puppets and listen to stories.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 410 727 8120.
Opening times:
Tues-Fri 0930-1630, Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700 (Oct-May); Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700 (late May-early Sep); Fri 0930-1630, Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700 (Sep).
Website: http://www.portdiscovery.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
The Walters Art Museum
Spanning 55 centuries of art, the Walters houses everything from Greek, Roman, Islamic and Egyptian artefacts to European Renaissance art and medieval armour. The sculpture court is designed as a copy of an Italian Genoan palace and the main entrance features a dramatic hanging staircase within a soaring glass atrium. Exhibits change regularly.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 410 547 9000.
Opening times:
Wed and Fri-Sun 1000-1700, Thurs 1000-2100.
Website: http://thewalters.orgAdmission Fees:
No.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
This museum is on the site of the USA's first railway depot and station. You can spend all day perusing the huge assortment of locomotives and models, as well as railroad china and silver. From April to December (Thursday to Sunday) and on weekends in January, take a ride on the miniature steam locomotive.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 410 752 2490.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1600, Sun 1100-1600.
Website: http://www.borail.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Maryland Science Center
Scientists of all ages can discover the ins and outs of dinosaurs, the human body, and life beyond earth through hands-on exhibits. A display on Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem features a gigantic mechanical blue crab, live terrapins and fish. The centre also contains an IMAX cinema and a planetarium, with presentations introducing you to the night sky.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 410 685 2370.
Opening times:
Hours vary. Check website.
Website: http://www.mdsci.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Visit Baltimore
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 877 225 8466
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1800.
Website: http://www.baltimore.orgThe city's modern tourist office offers reservations, ticketing services and a wide selection of maps and brochures. It also has phone-charging points.
Tourist passes
The Harbor Pass provides admission to the National Aquarium and the Top of the World Observation Level plus two additional attractions (various pass combinations are available covering different sights). It's valid for four consecutive days. You can buy it from the Baltimore Visitor Centre, either in person, online or by phone.
