Things To Do In Inner Harbor, Baltimore

Baltimore might look like any old American city, but its blend of cultures show you otherwise
Baltimore might look like any old American city, but it's blend of cultures show you otherwise | Chris Boswell / Alamy Stock Photo
Frank Lopez

Writer

At first glance, the Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore might seem to be focused on tourism, but it’s not simply Baltimore’s Times Square. While this area was once deprived of love and investment, it is now a thriving hub of culture, leisure, shopping and entertainment for all. Young professionals in the city have embraced it as the place to come out and party or relax on weekends. Redeveloped in recent years, the public space shows just how much Baltimore is thriving. Here is Culture Trip’s pick of Inner Harbor’s highlights for you to explore.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

View from the top of the World Trade Center

The experience of seeing a city from the top of a ’70s skyscraper never gets old. The observation deck is on the 27th floor and provides a 360-degree view of both the city and the harbor. Enjoy a sunset or check out the exhibits which show the development of the city as a port and Baltimore’s importance as a global hub. A memorial to the victims of the September 11 attacks, containing parts of steel from the twin towers, is located on the promenade outside the building.

Not many museums can be described as vibrant, but with rotating exhibitions, films and live musical performances from gospel jazz to steel drums this is a fantastic example of where education can also be fun. Learn not only about the history of soul food but also taste what may be the best Baltimore has to offer on site. A detailed history of African Americans in the state of Maryland with the rise from slavery to freedom and a proud future beyond is on display.

Baltimore Water Taxi

The Water Taxi is not just a way to navigate your city trip but it also has the added bonus of being an adventurous way to experience Inner Harbor. With a cheap all day pass and 14 ports of call around the harbor, you get more than your value for money. Clean, efficient boats and friendly staff whizz you along with the spray of waves in your face and the wind in your hair.

Baltimore Beach

If you want to get a sweat on and meet new like-minded people there are seven beach volleyball courts on 2,000 tons of sand located right on the harbor. Exercise to a great backdrop with a smile on your face. All levels are welcome to drop in on weekend beach volleyball games. In the summer you have the added joy of the perfect breeze coming off the water.

Power Plant Live!

A perfect summer evening hang out, Power Plant Live! is animated with young professionals descending in celebratory mood on what is a complex filled with bars, restaurants and clubs. Eat, drink and play is the motto and once within the complex, the choices can go from an EDM night club to mechanical bull riding in a whiskey bar. It’s fun, lively and attended en masse.

National Aquarium

Gaze close up at hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, marine mammals and sharks. The aquarium’s mission is to inspire conservation and actively participate in the preservation of the world’s natural resources and living systems. That message rings true throughout. The humid rainforest recreation and of course the giant shark tank are big favorites. Come eyeball to eyeball with rare and very colorful creatures, that more than likely do not want to eat you.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article