The '''Inner Harbor''' is at the center of Baltimore, and contains the lion's share of Baltimore's tourist attractions, and accordingly, its tourists.
Get in
'''Driving''' - The most direct route to the Inner Harbor area from outside the city would be from I-95. Take exit 53, which dumps you on to Howard St. Parking can be messy and/or expensive, so look around.
See
'''American Visionary Art Museum''', Inner Harbor, [http://www.avam.org/]. Tu-Su. The most eclectic and interesting collection of contemporary art from non-professional artists. Adults $9 / Concessions $6.
'''Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum''', [http://www.borail.org]. Located in a beautiful historic railroad roundhouse is a large collection of locomotives and railcars dating back to the very earliest railroads of America. Train rides are sometimes available. Very kid friendly.
'''Baltimore Maritime Museum''', [http://www.baltomaritimemuseum.org]. At the piers near the National Aquarium is a genuine Chesapeake Bay lighthouse and a collection of historic ships that you can tour on your own. The ships include the USS Torsk (a World War II era submarine), the USCGC Taney (a coast guard cutter that survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor), and the Lightship Chesapeake (a floating, mobile lighthouse).
'''Maryland Science Center''', [http://www.mdsci.org]. Great family outing, full of hands-on, interactive science exhibits for kids of all ages.
'''National Aquarium''', [http://www.aqua.org]. One of the best aquariums in the nation, the Baltimore Aquarium is famous for its tropical rain forest exhibit, its efforts to saving marine mammals, and its large shark tanks. Well worth the price of admission, it's a draw for marine scientists and civilians alike.
'''Top of the World'''. [http://www.viewbaltimore.org] An observation deck in the I. M. Pei-designed 31-story "World Trade Center". It is located directly on the water front and is the tallest pentagonal building in the world. It is about 5 dollars a person to go up and it is a great way to view downtown,the inner harbor and bay, and all of the little neighborhoods surrounding downtown. It is on the 27th or 28th floor and it provides amazing views.
'''U.S.S. Constellation''', [http://www.constellation.org/]. The last all-sail warship built by the U.S. Navy and the only Civil War-era vessel still afloat.
Do
'''Baltimore Heritage Walk''' [http://www.heritagewalk.org/] +1 443 514-5900. Guided and self-guided three-mile tours departing from the city's Visitor Center [http://baltimore.org/visitor-center], and covering territory through Downtown, and historic Jonestown, Little Italy, and Fells Point. Free guided tours, 1 May-2 November, departing 10AM.
'''Ride the Ducks''' [http://www.baltimoreducks.com/]. +1 877 887-8225. Departing from Harborplace, a tour around the city and the harbor on an absurd looking amphibious vehicle.
'''Urban Pirates''', [http://www.urbanpirates.com/]. A swashbuckling adventure on a pirate ship in the Inner Harbor! As you might expect, this is very popular with younger kids.
Buy
'''Harborplace & The Gallery''' [http://www.harborplace.com/]. Right on Pratt St. Broken up into 3 different nearby buildings. Essentially the same stuff that you would find in a normal big mall, but still decent. Nice view of the harbor from some of the restaurants.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Mid-range
'''Brookshire Suites''' 120 E Lombard Street, ''410'' 625-1300, [http://www.harbormagic.com/Brookshire/brookshire_default.asp]. Brookshire Suites is the perfect place to revel in the beauty and magic of Charm City. In the heart of the city_fs famous Inner Harbor, Brookshire Suites is just steps away from many of Baltimore_fs fabulous attractions, restaurants and the thriving business district.
'''Courtyard Baltimore Downtown/Inner Harbor''', 1000 Aliceanna Street, ''+1 443'' 923-4000, Fax: ''+1 443'' 923-9970. Despite the purposefully misleading name, Courtyard is not located in the downtown area—indeed is not really within walking distance of the major business areas. It is, however, one block from the waterfront and right between the National Aquarium, Fells Point, and Little Italy. [http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwidt-courtyard-baltimore-downtown-inner-harbor/]
'''Hilton Garden Inn Baltimore Downtown Inner Harbor''', 625 S. President Street, ''+1 410'' 234-0065, Fax: ''+1 410'' 234-0299. Another purposefully misleading name, located right by the Courtyard. It's in the extreme east of the district, but that does make it convenient for the same attractions listed for the Courtyard. [http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=BWIIHGI]
'''Homewood Suites Inn Baltimore Downtown Inner Harbor''', 625 S. President Street, Spacious suites and pet-friendly hotel at the same address as the Hilton. [http://homewoodsuites1.hilton.com/en_US/hw/hotel/BALHWHW-Homewood-Suites-by-Hilton-Baltimore-Maryland/index.do]
'''Pier 5 Hotel''', 711 Eastern Avenue, ''410'' 539-2000, [http://www.harbormagic.com/Pier5/pier5_default.asp]. Pier 5 Hotel has an enviable waterfront location with impressive harbor views (if facing west/southwest), and modern decor.
Splurge
'''Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor''', ''410'' 962-0202, [http://www.innerharbormarriott.com]. Upscale chain in the west of the district, just north of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the M&T Bank Stadium (where the Ravens play), just a few blocks from the Convention Center.
'''Baltimore Marriott Waterfront''', 700 Aliceanna St, ''410'' 385-3000, [http://www.BaltimoreMarriottWaterfront.com/]. The largest meeting room in Baltimore.
'''Hyatt Regency Baltimore''', 300 Light St, ''410'' 528-1234, fax ''410'' 685-3362, [http://www.baltimore.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels].
'''InterContinental Harbor Court''', 550 Light Street, ''410'' 234-0550, [http://www.harborcourt.com]. Great views over the harbor (on the east side).
'''Renaissance Harborplace Hotel''', 202 East Pratt Street, ''410'' 547-1200, fax ''410'' 539-5780, [http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwish-renaissance-baltimore-harborplace-hotel/]. About as centrally located as a hotel can get in Baltimore.
'''Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel''', 300 South Charles Street, ''410'' 685-3362, [http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=197]. Connected to the Convention Center and two blocks east of the Inner Harbor and west of Camden Yards.
Contact