Thank you to Visit Baltimore for sponsoring today’s post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you’ve followed me long enough, you’ve probably seen me claim both Baltimore and D.C. as my hometown. Confusing, right? Let me explain.
I was born in Baltimore and lived there until I was five, before moving to Northern Virginia (aka the D.C. suburbs) with my mom. My dad and his side of the family stayed in Baltimore — he’s even worked at City Hall for decades — so I grew up bouncing back and forth between the two cities. Baltimore has always felt like home, and I love that half of my family still lives there.
As an adult, I’ve returned to Baltimore again and again — sometimes for work, sometimes for quick getaways, and most recently on a press trip with Visit Baltimore. Each visit has given me new reasons to fall in love with Charm City, from its food and art scene to its historic neighborhoods and waterfront views.
This guide is a compilation of my favorite Baltimore experiences over the years. While you won’t be able to fit everything into one weekend, I encourage you to pick what excites you most and make the trip your own.
Here is how to spend the perfect weekend in Baltimore.
Baltimore is only a 45-minute drive from D.C. and about an hour and a half from Philly (without traffic). You can also opt for the MARC train if you’re coming from D.C. — it’s an affordable and efficient option. If you’d rather skip the hassle of driving, Amtrak is your best bet: both the Northeast Regional and Acela lines serve Baltimore’s Penn Station.
If you’re flying in, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is incredibly convenient. It’s a major international airport located just minutes from downtown, making it a fantastic option for visitors traveling from farther destinations. I’d highly recommend it for anyone planning a longer getaway.
Weekend in Baltimore: The Best Hotels in Baltimore for Every Type of Traveler
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Ulysses
On this most recent trip, I stayed at Hotel Ulysses in Mount Vernon. It’s bold, colorful, and a little bit whimsical — the kind of boutique hotel that makes you want to dress up, take photos in the lobby, and linger over cocktails.
The on-site Ash-Bar offers a European café-inspired menu perfect for dinner or late-night bites, while Bloom’s, the sultry cocktail lounge, serves up drinks with a glamorous, Art Deco flair. Stop by for creative cocktails any night, or visit on a Tuesday evening to enjoy their live jazz music — the vibe is pure magic.
What impressed me most, though, was the service and just how unique and charming this property felt. It’s the kind of place that makes a trip extra memorable, and I know I’ll be booking here again for future visits. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth popping in.
Other Hotels I Recommend
Over the years, I’ve stayed at a handful of other Baltimore hotels that I also loved — here are a few worth checking out:
- Hotel Revival – A boutique gem in Mount Vernon, full of charm and character. Their rooftop restaurant, Topside, is one of the best spots in the city for cocktails with a view.
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore – Steps from the Inner Harbor, this property was named the Best Hotel in Maryland by Southern Living Magazine in 2019. Spacious suites, a luxurious Fuji tub, and thoughtful touches like yoga mats and complimentary wine hour make it one of my favorites.
- Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel – If you’re all about location, this is hard to beat. It’s right at the Inner Harbor, making it perfect for sightseeing or catching an Orioles game.
Weekend in Baltimore: Food & Drink Highlights
- Kneads Bakeshop & Café – We liked this bakery a lot. We visited their Harbor East location, and it was huge — with plenty of space that makes it great for coworking if you need to. Come for the fresh bread and flaky pastries, stay for the laid-back, community feel.
- Topside – This restaurant sits atop Hotel Revival in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, and the views are truly unmatched. We loved the fresh, imaginative, seasonal pairings here — it’s the kind of spot where the food is just as memorable as the sweeping city skyline.
- Bird in Hand – The coffee is good here, but the vibes are even better. This cozy coffee shop-meets-bookstore is just steps from the Baltimore Museum of Art, making it the perfect pre-museum stop. FYI, it can get packed with college students (it’s right by Johns Hopkins), but it’s still absolutely worth checking out.
- Mama Koko’s – This was such a fun spot. By day, it’s a casual café where you can bring your laptop and hang out, but at night it transforms into a cozy bar serving incredible cocktails and wine. The menu blends Black Southern, West African, and Caribbean flavors into vibrant small plates — and trust me, the chicken rice bowl is immaculate.
- Clavel – One of my partner’s absolute favorites in Baltimore. This Mexican-inspired restaurant and mezcaleria is vibey, lively, and so delicious. Their cocktails are incredible, and we may or may not have ordered every shrimp dish on the menu for our own unofficial shrimp tasting (zero regrets!).
- Wine Collective – A modern warehouse space redefining Baltimore’s wine scene with locally made wines in a laid-back setting.
- The Duchess – Cozy English tavern energy meets island-inspired flavors in Hampden. We really loved this spot and can’t wait to visit again. It’s a true community staple — lively on gamedays with football (aka soccer) matches on the big screen, and equally welcoming for a casual dinner.
- Bluebird Cocktail Room – Recently named one of The South’s Best New Bars, this literary-themed cocktail bar in Hampden has upscale vibes without pretension. Think cocktails named after authors (like Ernest Hemingway or Virginia Woolf), bistro fare, and a gas fireplace for cozy winter nights.
- Miss Shirley’s Café – A true Baltimore staple near the Inner Harbor. Their menu blends Southern comfort food with Chesapeake Bay flavors — the kind of hearty breakfast and brunch spot that lives up to the hype.
- The Charmery – Handcrafted, super-premium ice cream with playful Baltimore-inspired flavors like Old Bay Caramel and Berger Cookies & Cream. With locations in Hampden and Union Collective, it’s the perfect sweet stop.
Weekend in Baltimore: Art, History & Culture in Baltimore
One of my favorite things about Baltimore is how it blends world-class cultural institutions with quirky, only-in-Baltimore gems. Whether you’re into art, history, or just want something fun and unexpected, the city delivers.
- National Aquarium – Okay, this is the National Aquarium of the United States — and for good reason. With over 20,000 aquatic animals and some of the most stunning exhibits in the country, it’s a must for kids and adults alike. I hadn’t been in about 15 years, and yes, I was still just as excited to touch a jellyfish during my visit!
- American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) – A quirky, three-story museum (plus a sculpture garden) dedicated to self-taught artists. Expect colorful, thought-provoking, and sometimes downright whimsical exhibits that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) – Free admission and a collection that rivals larger cities, including the world’s largest public holding of works by Henri Matisse. Don’t miss their sculpture gardens — and if you’re hungry afterward, Gertrude’s (inside the museum) has one of the best brunches in town.
- Creatively Black Baltimore Exhibit – At Harborplace, this pop-up celebrates over 100 Black Baltimore artists, weaving together stories of resilience, innovation, and culture. It’s powerful, inspiring, and deeply rooted in the city’s creative community.
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum – Dedicated to Maryland’s African American history and culture. The TITAN exhibit on Reginald F. Lewis himself — the first African American to establish and lead a billion-dollar company — is both moving and motivational. Heads up: bring tissues.
- George Peabody Library – Often called one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, this Mount Vernon gem is free to visit and open to the public. Step inside for soaring stacks of 19th-century research volumes in a truly jaw-dropping setting.
- Monumental City Tour – For history buffs, this walking tour of Mount Vernon dives into Baltimore’s grand past. You’ll learn about Revolutionary War hero John Eager Howard, the city’s elite in the 19th century, and the Washington Monument that anchors the neighborhood. Pro tip: climb the Monument’s stairs for a bird’s-eye view of central Baltimore. Available April-November.
| 💡 Map Your Trip: Most of these cultural attractions are clustered around the Inner Harbor and Mount Vernon, which means you can easily combine a few in the same day. Rideshares and public transit make it simple to hop between neighborhoods. |
Know Before You Go: Tips for Visiting Baltimore ✨
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal — mild weather, outdoor festivals, and fewer crowds than peak summer. Winter is quieter (and more affordable), but bundle up! Summers can be hot and humid, so plan for lighter clothing, water breaks, and lots of sunscreen if you’re exploring outdoors.
- Getting Around: The Inner Harbor and Mount Vernon are very walkable. For farther neighborhoods, rideshares are easy and affordable.
- Amtrak Access: Baltimore’s Penn Station is located right in central Baltimore and is served by the Northeast Regional and Acela lines. If you’re visiting New York, D.C., or Philly, hop on the train and enjoy a quick trip to Baltimore — add it to your itinerary, you won’t be disappointed!
- Airport Access: BWI Airport is just minutes from downtown — one of the most convenient big-city airports around.
- What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be on your feet a lot!), layers for changing weather, and a small bag or backpack if you plan to pop in and out of museums and shops.
Pro Tip: Baltimore is known as “Charm City” for a reason — don’t be afraid to wander into a local café, bookstore, or bar. The best discoveries here often happen off the beaten path.
A Weekend in Baltimore: Final Thoughts
For me, Baltimore isn’t just another city I’ve checked off my travel list — it’s part of my story. I was born here, I grew up visiting my dad at City Hall, and I’ve spent countless weekends rediscovering what makes this place so special.
From soulful meals to world-class museums and cozy neighborhood gems, Baltimore blends culture, history, and creativity in a way that few cities can. Whether you’re sipping natural wine in Hampden, catching sunset views over the harbor, or wandering through thought-provoking art exhibits, Charm City will surprise and inspire you.
Each trip reminds me why I’ll always feel at home here — and why I’ll keep coming back again and again.
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