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Home - City Guide - Baltimore - Sightseeing | ||
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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. |