First Time in Baltimore

Question

I will be in Baltimore in November attending the amateur baseball federation convention accepting a photojournalism honor. While there, I'd like to visit a few highlights in the city. I have done a little research and it sounds like an Uber from the DoubleTree where the convention is taking place is the best way to get to Inner Harbor and/or Fell's Point. I plan on just enjoying the waterfront and visiting the National Aquarium, but are there specific other things in/around Fell's Point or that area that I should seek out? I will basically have two days (daytime) to enjoy the city. Any suggestions of other things to do would be appreciated! Although a female senior citizen, I am active and able to walk! I visit Philadelphia often so I understand all big cities can be dangerous, but overall in touristy areas in daylight they are just fine.

Answer

Congratulations on receiving your photojournalism honor, and it's wonderful that you'll have a chance to explore Baltimore! With two days to enjoy the city, there’s plenty to see and do, especially around the Inner Harbor and Fell's Point areas. Here are some great suggestions for things to check out during your visit:

1. Inner Harbor:

The Inner Harbor is Baltimore’s iconic waterfront area, filled with great attractions. The National Aquarium is a must-see, but there are a few other things worth checking out in this area:

National Aquarium: World-renowned, with impressive exhibits, including tropical rainforests, aquatic ecosystems, and an amazing shark tank. It’s a fantastic spot to spend a few hours.
Harborplace & The Gallery: A shopping and dining complex along the waterfront, great for a casual stroll, shopping, or grabbing a meal. There are also some cool outdoor vendors here.
USS Constellation: Located at the Inner Harbor, this is the last Civil War-era sloop still afloat, and you can explore its decks and learn about its history.

2. Fell’s Point:

Fell’s Point is a charming, historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and plenty of places to relax and explore. In addition to the harbor views, here are a few more things to do:

Walk along Thames Street: This is the heart of Fell’s Point, full of boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and pubs. It's a lovely area to stroll, do some shopping, and enjoy the architecture.
Visit the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park: This museum tells the story of African American contributions to the maritime industry and offers a fascinating historical perspective.
Sample local seafood: Fell’s Point has some great seafood restaurants. Try a crab cake or local oysters at places like Thames Street Oyster House or The Crab Shack.

3. The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM):

If you're interested in something a little different, AVAM is located near the Inner Harbor and is one of the most unique museums in the city. It focuses on visionary, self-taught artists, and the collection is very eclectic. The museum itself is also visually striking and offers great walking opportunities around the grounds.

4. Baltimore’s Arts District and Mount Vernon:

If you have time and enjoy art and history, head to the Mount Vernon neighborhood, which is just north of the Inner Harbor. This district has the Baltimore Museum of Art (home to a significant collection of works by Matisse) and the Walters Art Museum, which holds a wide range of collections from ancient to modern art. The neighborhood itself is historic and lovely to walk around, with beautiful architecture.

5. Check Out Baltimore’s Street Art:

Baltimore is known for its murals and street art. As you're walking around, take a few extra moments to look at the colorful murals around the city. The Station North Arts District and areas around the Charles Village neighborhood have some great public art displays that are fun to explore.

6. Walk or Take a Water Taxi to Fort McHenry:

If you enjoy history, consider taking a water taxi to visit Fort McHenry, located on the outskirts of the Inner Harbor. This is the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and a nice way to combine history with beautiful views of the harbor.

General Safety Tips:

As a senior citizen traveling solo, it's great to be cautious, but the areas you're planning to visit—such as the Inner Harbor and Fell’s Point—are generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours. Stick to well-trafficked areas, particularly in the evenings, and if you’re walking around after dark, consider taking a quick Uber or Lyft if you're unsure. The city is quite walkable and many of the areas you’ll visit are bustling with tourists and locals alike.

Enjoy your time in Baltimore—there’s so much to see and do, and it’s a great city to explore on foot!