World Travel Guide

Home -  City Guide  - Baltimore  - Sightseeing
Sightseeing

Much of Baltimore's sightseeing centres on the revitalised harbour front and the adjacent districts of (clockwise from the south side of the Inner Harbor) Federal Hill, 'SoWeBo' (South West Baltimore), Mount Vernon, Little Italy and Fells Point. The harbour is still very much a working, ocean-going port, which adds to the interest. Viewing it as a whole from The Water Taxi service is by far the best introduction. This gives a sense of how the city all fits together, but also provides one of the most fantastic views (from the traditional point of entry - the Atlantic Ocean) of the seafront skyline, especially eye-catching when illuminated at dusk.

Baltimore has relied on transport - water, rail, road - for much of its prosperity. As a result of the subsequent great movements of people and goods, the city has museums and centres recalling immigration, war, the development of the interior agricultural hinterland and the growth of science. There is a healthy respect for and interest in nature, with marine life centres at the harbour area and hiking trails beyond the city. On Druid Hill, in the north of the city, the Baltimore Zoo has a highly praised children's section, not far from the John Hopkins University. A useful landmark across the square in Mount Vernon is the Washington Monument - a massive obelisk - with far-reaching views from its pinnacle, giving another means of orientation over the harbour area. On the harbour front itself, great views are to be had from the Top of the World Observation Level on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center, the world's tallest pentagonal building.

Tourist Information

Baltimore Area Visitors Centre
451 Light Street, Inner Harbor
Tel: (410) 837 4636 or (800) 282 6632, toll free USA and Canada.
Fax: (410) 727 6769.
Website: www.baltimore.org
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1000-1700.
Another branch is located at 345 North Charles Street.

Passes
There are no dedicated tourist passes in Baltimore, although there is free admission to many attractions on the first Thursday of each month.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
 
GETTING THERE
Air
Road
Rail
 
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
Excursions
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
Sport
Shopping
Culture
Special Events
Food and Drink