Baltimore

Baltimore, on the east coast of Maryland, is more than a once-great port city. Although it still has a fine nautical background, it has also grown into a modern, cosmopolitan city with world-class museums, a glittering skyline of buildings, a smartened-up historic quarter and an excellent eating-out scene. Above all, it is renowned for its friendliness. Our range of the best places to stay in Baltimore, lets you discover all sides of this historic city.

You will inevitably be drawn to the harbour, the best place to start. Here you'll find the National Aquarium, a seven-storey, glass-pyramid-topped building with 17,000 creatures, over 750 species, shark tank and rooftop rainforest. Stroll along Inner Harbor to the Baltimore Maritime Museum then explore the cobblestoned streets of portside Fell's Point, once the centre of the city's ship-building industry whose gentrified 18th-century buildings house intriguing shops and restaurants. This area is a good choice for dining or for a drink at one of the lively neighbourhood bars.

On the south side of the harbour, there's Fort McHenry National Monument, a star-shaped fort that inspired America's national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'

One of the finest views of the city is from the 178-foot-tall Washington Monument.

Afterwards, explore the Mr Vernon district, the city's oldest, with its 19th-century buildings and stunning George Peabody Library whose central atrium is ringed with five stories of cast-iron balconies. The collection contains 300,000 volumes, many dating to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Other museums include the Maryland Historical Society, which houses a staggering collection of curiosities, the American Visionary Art Museum, and the home of the poet Edgar Allan Poe.

Midtown-Belvedere, a neighbourhood just north of Mount Vernon, is the city's arts district, another good place for a drink with its range of brewpubs, bars and cocktail lounges.

One of the city's nicknames is 'charm city', due to its friendliness, something you're sure to discover when you choose one of our best places to stay in Baltimore.

The best downtown hotels in Baltimore

• The good-value, family-friendly Hotel Brexton offers a quirky mix of rooms, from traditional four-poster to bold contemporary. Breakfast-only, it's strolling distance to a great choice of restaurants.
• With original Tiffany light-fittings, marble staircases and sleek, contemporary rooms, Hotel Monaco is a stylish choice. Plus there's a daily wine-tasting.

The best waterfront hotels in Baltimore

• Combining original 18th-century interiors, antique furnishings and elegant public areas - plus outdoor dining - The Admiral Fell Inn makes a charming spot on the waterfront.
• Exposed brickwork, private terraces and handsomely large windows makes this converted tobacco factory, The Inn at Handerson's Wharf, a luxury choice. And there are personal butlers, too.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Baltimore for you? Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Baltimore, expand your search to include all our Maryland and Washington DC recommendations, or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.