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.

What Not To Miss

• 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.

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.

For downtown

• The good value, family friendly Hotel Brexton offers a quirky mix of rooms, from traditional four-poster to bold contemporary. Breakfast only, it's within strolling distance of 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 daily wine-tasting.

For waterfront

• 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.

For luxury

• The luxury 5* Ivy Hotel was built in 1889 and offers elegant accommodation in downtown Baltimore. The rooms are designed in a traditional manner but with plenty of colour to liven things up, whilst meals at their superb Magdalena restaurant aren't to be missed. An upmarket and classy stay!

For an apartment

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option this holiday, don't hesitate to visit our online partner Booking.com for a selection of centrally located properties, perfect for exploring all the city has to offer.

Travel Information

• Fly to Baltimore–Washington International Airport located 19km (12 miles) from Baltimore with a shuttle bus to the Amtrak train station just off airport grounds. The airport flies to most major cities in the U.S. along with several International destinations including London and Frankfurt.
• Catch a train to Baltimore with frequent Amtrak services. There's also services between Baltimore and Washington D.C.
• There's also plenty of bus services, including routes from New York.
• If you want to rent a car, for prices visit our online partner Rentalcars
• Best time to visit - the Summer from June to August is peak time to visit, with lots of things to see and do.

Still not sure?

• 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.