Please Review My 3 Night Itinerary

Question

Hello!

My wife and I will be visiting Baltimore for the first time in May for three nights. We’re arriving from DC by train and will continue to Philadelphia before flying back home.

A little about us: We’re in our mid-50s, originally from San Francisco but now living in Yucatán, Mexico. We enjoy urban hiking/exploring, museums, architecture, street art, casual restaurants, and dive bars. We’re usually in bed by 10 pm, so not really interested in nightlife

This is our plan:

Monday 5/5

- Arrive around 1pm by train from DC

-Check in Marriott Courtyard - Inner Harbor

-Walk around and explore the Inner Harbor and Fells Point neighberhoods

Tuesday 5/6

- Walk or take a water taxi to Federal Hill

- Walk or Uber to visit Fort McHenry

- Visit the American Visionary Art Museum

- ???

Wednesday 5/7

- Walk to Mount Vernon neighborhood:

- Breakfast at the Dashery Cafe

- Visit the Washington Monument

- Walters Art Museum

- George Peabody Library

- Walk to Hampden neighborhood

- Walk to Remington for street art

Thursday, 5/8

11am train to Philadelphia

Transportation from DCA to our hotel

Questions: We’re traveling with carry-on-sized luggage. To and from Union Station to our hotel is the Charm City Circulator feasible, or would a taxi/Uber be a better option?

Any other suggestions for things to do on Tuesday afternoon?

Does this plan seem reasonable? Are there any recommendations for must see places, casual restaurants, or dive bars along the way? Thanks in advance!

Answer

Your itinerary looks fantastic, and you’ve planned a great balance of urban exploring, museum visits, and interesting neighborhoods! I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time in Baltimore. I’ll address your specific questions and provide a few additional suggestions to make your trip even better.

Transportation from Union Station to Marriott Courtyard - Inner Harbor: The Charm City Circulator is definitely a convenient and cost-effective way to get from Union Station to your hotel. It’s free and runs on several routes, including a route that passes near the Inner Harbor. However, if you're carrying luggage and prefer a more direct and comfortable option, a taxi or Uber might be a better choice. The distance isn’t far, but the Circulator stops can sometimes be a little further from the entrance of your hotel. If you're traveling with smaller luggage, though, the Circulator should work fine.

Tuesday Afternoon Suggestions: You’ve planned a great lineup for the day, but here are a few suggestions for things to do on Tuesday afternoon if you have some extra time:

Explore the Inner Harbor further: Since you'll be in the area already, take some time to explore the Inner Harbor more. You could visit the National Aquarium, which is one of the top attractions in Baltimore, or simply enjoy a stroll along the waterfront with views of the harbor. You can also visit the historic ships at the Baltimore Maritime Museum.
Visit the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture: If you enjoy museums, this one is an excellent stop for its exhibits on Maryland's African American history. It’s located near the Inner Harbor and would be a great addition to your Tuesday itinerary.
Explore the neighborhood around the American Visionary Art Museum: After visiting the American Visionary Art Museum, take a walk through the nearby Federal Hill Park, which offers panoramic views of the Inner Harbor. It's a peaceful and scenic spot to take a break and enjoy the city skyline.

Does this plan seem reasonable? Your plan for the three days seems very reasonable, especially given your interests. The mix of urban hiking, museum visits, and exploring different neighborhoods is a good way to experience the best of Baltimore. One thing to note is that the weather in May can vary, so make sure you have comfortable shoes for walking and check the forecast in case you need a jacket for cooler evenings. Also, be mindful of your walking pace if you're in the Mount Vernon and Hampden neighborhoods, as they can involve some hills.

Must-see places & casual restaurants: Here are a few recommendations for must-see places, casual dining, and dive bars along the way:

Casual Restaurants:
- Woodberry Kitchen: If you enjoy farm-to-table dining, this spot in the Clipper Mill area is fantastic for a casual meal with a rustic, cozy atmosphere. It's a little further from the city center but worth the trip if you have time.
- Ekiben: This is a popular spot for delicious Asian fusion with a Baltimore twist. Their steamed buns and fried chicken are a hit. It's located in the Fells Point neighborhood and great for a quick, tasty bite.
- Miss Shirley’s Café: Known for its delicious brunch offerings, Miss Shirley’s Café is a great spot for casual dining. They have a location in the Inner Harbor area and serve up Southern-inspired comfort food.
Dive Bars:
- Cat's Eye Pub: Located in Fells Point, this dive bar has a great atmosphere and live music. It’s a local favorite for a laid-back evening with drinks.
- The Horse You Came In On Saloon: Known as the oldest continuously operating saloon in the U.S., this dive bar in Fell’s Point has a lot of history and a great vibe.
- Delia Foley's: If you’re in the Mount Vernon area, Delia Foley’s is a welcoming dive bar with a relaxed atmosphere, great for grabbing a drink and chatting with locals.

Final Thoughts: Your plan to walk through Baltimore’s neighborhoods, especially Fells Point, Mount Vernon, and Hampden, will give you a nice taste of the city’s architecture, street art, and local vibe. Don't forget to enjoy the little quirks that make Baltimore unique, like the “Charm City” mural in Hampden and the eccentric street art around the city. Overall, this itinerary is well thought out, and you’ll get to experience a lot of what Baltimore has to offer!

Enjoy your trip and happy travels!