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Sightseeing Overview
Much of Baltimore's sightseeing centers on the revitalized harbor front and nearby districts of Federal Hill, Mount Vernon, Little Italy and Fells Point. The harbor is still very much a working port, which adds to its appeal. Viewing by water taxi is the best introduction. This not only gives a sense of how the city fits together but also provides a fantastic view of the seafront skyline from the traditional point of entry, the Patapsko River. This view is especially breathtaking at dusk, when the city is illuminated.

Transport (water, rail and road) has played a key role in the city's prosperity and its geographical location made it popular with immigrants. The city's museums explore immigration, war, science and the development of farming in the area.

There is a healthy respect for and interest in nature, with extensive hiking and biking trails in and around the city. On Druid Hill, to the north of the city, is Maryland Zoo: ride a camel or feed the giraffes.

A useful landmark across the square in Mount Vernon is the Washington Monument, a massive obelisk with far-reaching views from its pinnacle. On the harbor front itself, there are amazing 360 degree views from the Top of the World Observation Level, situated on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center, the world's tallest pentagonal building.

Tourist Information
Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association
100 Light Street, 12th Floor
Tel: (410) 659 7300.
Website: www.baltimore.org
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1800.

Passes
The Harbor Pass provides admission to the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, the Top of the World Observation Level and Port Discovery (a fabulous children's entertainment center) as well as a one day ticket for Ed Kane's Water Taxi. It also includes discounts on hotels, dining, shopping and various other attractions.

Learn about Baltimore's social history with the Heritage Pass. It includes admission to the Baltimore Maritime Museum, the Carroll Mansion, the Star Spangled Banner Flag House Museum, the Reginald F Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, the Jewish Museum of Maryland, the USS Constellation Museum and the Top of the World Observation Level.

All passes are available at the visitors' center.

Key Attractions:

American Visionary Art Museum
The main building is acclaimed as an architectural jewel, worth the admission price alone. The Tall Sculpture Barn accommodates towering sculptures, rotated on a regular basis; previous exhibits have included Uri Geller's art car made of 5,000 psychically bent spoons and forks and an interactive chess set of aliens and angels. The Giant Whirligig is a 17m (55ft) wind powered extravaganza.
 
800 Key Highway
Tel: (410) 244 1900.
Website: www.avam.org
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1800.
Admission charge.

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
You don't need to be a trainspotter to enjoy the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum. It houses the oldest American railroad collection in the world on its 16 hectare (40 acre) site, where the USA's first railway depot and station were originally located. You can spend all day perusing the huge assortment of locomotives and models, as well as railroad china and silver. From April to December (from Wednesday to Sunday), take a ride on the miniature steam locomotive: included in ticket price.

901 West Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 752 2490.
Website: www.borail.org
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1600, Sun 1100-1600.
Admission charge.

Baltimore Museum of Art
The museum's outstanding collection encompasses 90,000 works, including the largest holding of Henri Matisse in the world. Masterpieces by Picasso, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Rembrandt and Van Dyck are also on show alongside examples of abstract expressionism and pop art - with many late works by Andy Warhol. Sisters Etta and Claribel Cone's wonderful collection of textiles, jewelry, furniture and art has its own wing. It also houses one of the most important African collections in the country, with notable pieces from the Ancient Americas, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Grab lunch at Gertrude's restaurant (see Restaurants).

10 Art Museum Drive
Tel: (443) 573 1700.
Website: www.artbma.org
Opening hours: Wed- Fri 1100-1700, Sat-Sun 1100-1800.
Admission charge only for some special events.

The National Aquarium
Admire the 10.5m (35ft) waterfall adorning the entrance and then marvel at marine and freshwater wildlife as well as crocodiles, poison dart frogs, puffins and lizards. The aquarium receives regular newcomers - such as a Giant Pacific Octopus who likes to play with Mr Potato Head. It can get busy so booking is recommended, available up to 30 days in advance from the Aquarium or from Ticketmaster (tel: (410) 547 7328 or 1 800 551 7328; website: www.ticketmaster.com).

Pier 3, Inner Harbour, 501 East Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 576 3800.
Website: www.aqua.org
Opening hours vary through the year (and are subject to change without notice) so check website or ring for updates.
Admission charge.

National Historic Seaport
The National Historic Seaport is an alliance of maritime heritage attractions in and around Baltimore's Historic Inner Harbor. It includes Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, the USS Constellation, a reproduction of an 1812 Clipper, Coast Guard Cutter Taney (a survivor of Pearl Harbour) WWII submarine Torsk and lightship Chesapeake, as well as the 1833 Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse and Baltimore Maritime Museum. Its Sail Baltimore group organizes tours of visiting ships - from high-tech naval warships to those of historical interest. The surrounding historic neighborhoods of Federal Hill, Canton and Fells Point are also worth a visit.

Inner Harbor, 802 South Caroline Street
Tel: (410) 783 1490.
Website: www.natlhistoricseaport.org

Baltimore Maritime Museum
Inner Harbor, 802 South Caroline Street
Tel: (410) 396 3453.
Website: www.baltomaritimemuseum.org
Opening hours for ships: 1000-1730 (Mar-Oct); 1000-1630 (Nov-Feb).
Admission charge.

USS Constellation
Pier One, 301 East Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 539 1797.
Website: www.constellation.org
Opening hours: 1000-1730 (March-Oct); 1000-1630 (Nov-Feb).
Admission charge.

Baltimore Museum of Industry
1415 Key Highway
Tel: (410) 727 4808.
Website: www.thebmi.org
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1000-1600, Sun 1100-1600.
Admission charge.

Maryland Science Center
The center promotes science to children through interactive exhibits. Learn about dinosaurs, space, your body and the secrets of Chesapeake Bay. Spring 2009 will see Chinasaurs open - a collection of Chinese fossils, including 20 skeletons. The center also features traveling exhibitions, an IMAX cinema and a Planetarium - showing images from the Hubble space telescope.

601 Light Street
Tel: (410) 685 5225.
Website: www.mdsci.org
Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1100-1700.
Admission charge.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
During the Battle of Baltimore, this star-shaped fort, built in 1803, was valiantly defended against the British, inspiring Frances Scott Key to pen the words of the US national anthem. The monument and grounds cover 17 hectares (43 acres) and military ceremonies and drills are still performed during the summer. Exhibits include historical and military artifacts in addition to an electronic battle map and recreations of different historical buildings.

2400 East Fort Avenue
Tel: (410) 962 4290.
Website: www.nps.gov/fomc
Opening hours: 0800-1700 grounds and 0800-1645 fort and visitor center (Sep-May); extending to 2000 grounds and 1945 fort (June-August).
Admission charge.

Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum
More than half a century after his death, the baseball legend George Herman 'Babe' Ruth is honored daily by fans visiting the Baltimore home where he was born. Filled with baseball memorabilia - including his catcher's mitt, jersey and schooldays hymn book - it's a fitting tribute to the 'Sultan of Swat'.

216 Emory Street
Tel: (410) 727 1539.
Website: www.BabeRuthMuseum.com
Opening hours: 1000-1800 (1900 on game days) (Apr-Oct); 1000-1700 (Nov-Mar).
Admission charge.

Sports Legends at Camden Yards
Located in the historic former Camden railroad station (the first blood of the Civil War was shed outside the north entrance), this spectacular sporting museum features a comprehensive Orioles Hall of Fame as well as exhibits on the Baltimore Colts and Ravens. It also details the Negro League teams and the Preakness Derby. See World Series trophies and tributes to state athletic teams and try on sports gear in the authentic locker room.

301 West Camden Street
Tel: (410) 727 1539.
Website: www.sportslegendsatcamdenyards.com
Opening hours: 1000-1800 (1900 on game days) (Apr-Oct); Tues-Sun 1000-1700 (Nov-Mar).
Admission charge.

Further Distractions:

Geppi's Entertainment Museum
Take a trip through 250 years of American pop culture and relive your childhood. Geppi's is home to old friends like Superman, Mickey Mouse and G.I. Joe. It's a shrine to toys, games, TV shows and comics that have shaped the America we know today. Star Trek and Star Wars fans will be delighted. There's even an original Ben Franklin cartoon, dating back to the late 18th century. Rooms are organized by era. Special exhibitions for 2009 include a Barbie extravaganza and a tribute to The Wizard of Oz.

301 West Camden Street
Tel: (410) 625 7060.
Website: www.geppismuseum.com
Admission charge.

The Harborplace and Gallery
This shopper's delight is enclosed within two waterfront pavilions and boasts a beautiful four-floored glass atrium. From here, board a clipper, paddle steamer, schooner or oyster boat - or hop on a water taxi. The waterfront path leads to the World Trade Center, the National Aquarium and the Maritime Museum.

Inner Harbour, 200 East Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 332 4191.
Website: www.harborplace.com
Free admission.

National Katyn Memorial
This impressive sculpture by Andrew Pitynski is dedicated to all mistreated prisoners of war - the Polish officers murdered by the Soviets in 1940 in Katyn Forest being an extreme example.

131 S. Potomac Street (Inner Harbour East)
Tel: (410) 960 6890.
Website: www.KatynBaltimore.com
Free admission.

Lexington Market
This true focal point of the community is a wonderful place for people-watching. Established in 1782, it quickly became the first farmers' market in the USA and continues to thrive today, with a hubbub of dazzling sights and smells. Chocoholics shouldn't miss the October Chocolate Festival; another highlight in the market's busy calendar is the Preakness Crab Derby in May. Local celebrities ‘jockey' blue crabs to the finish line. Don't leave the market without sampling a Faidley crab cake.

400 West Lexington Street
Tel: (410) 685 6169.
Website: www.lexingtonmarket.com
Free admission.

Port Discovery, the Kid-Powered Museum
Created by Walt Disney Imagineering, this unique museum is both fun and educational for the whole family. Those with energy to burn will love 'Kidworks', a three-story tree house built for climbing, crawling and swinging. The 'Sensation Station' is the equivalent for those aged four and under. Its 'Adventure Expeditions' offers a spooky recreation of ancient Egypt, where youngsters can search for a lost Pharaoh's tomb. It's suitable for older children, as is the R & D Dreamlab - which encourages their inner engineer to get creative. Play detective at 'Miss Perception's Mystery House', where every room is filled with clues as to the whereabouts of the Baffeld Family.

35 Market Place
Tel: (410) 727 8120.
Website: www.portdiscovery.org
Admission charge.

Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park
This 'living museum' presents the maritime history of Baltimore's 19th-century African-American community and honors two African American leaders. Douglass was a former slave who, after buying his freedom, became a renowned anti-slavery activist while Myers was born free and started the first African-American shipyard. Educational programs are offered on the first floor.

1417 Thames Street, Fells Point
Tel: (410) 685 0295.
Website: www.douglassmyers.org
Admission charge.

Reginald F Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
The museum chronicles slaves' ironwork, sail making, tobacco and caulking skills and goes on to look at sporting and entertainment achievements in modern times. The museum takes its name from Maryland-born and Harvard-educated lawyer Reginald F Lewis, who went on to become one of the country's most successful entrepreneurs.

830 East Pratt Street
Tel: (443) 263 1800.
Website: www.africanamericanculture.org
Admission charge.

The Walters Art Museum
Spanning 55 centuries of art, the Walters houses everything from Greek, Roman, Islamic and Egyptian artifacts to European Renaissance art and medieval armour. Exhibits change regularly, encompassing such wonders as 5,000 years of jewelry and Japanese autumnal paintings. The sculpture court is designed as a wonderful copy of an Italian Genoan palace and the main entrance features a dramatic hanging staircase within a soaring glass atrium.

600 North Charles Street
Tel: (410) 547 9000.
Website: www.thewalters.org
Free admission.

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