Baltimore City, Maryland

Baltimore City Local Guide

Settling In Guide

Enjoy the Area

Find a new favorite walk, spend an afternoon with local history, or make room for an everyday stop. 15 places to get to know Baltimore City.

15 local places
3 ways to explore

Time Outdoors

Parks, trails and places to pause

6 places
Rawlings Conservatory beside flower beds in Druid Hill Park
Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park, 2018Photo: Carol M. Highsmith

Northwest Baltimore Parks & Trails

Druid Hill Park

Baltimore’s first large municipal park combines shaded landscapes and walking routes with sports facilities. The Maryland Zoo and Rawlings Conservatory are also here, each with its own visitor arrangements.

Before You Go Choose the entrance and parking area for your intended activity. Zoo, conservatory and pool access follow separate schedules and admission arrangements from the surrounding park.

Official Visitor Information
Cylburn Mansion with its tower, porch and lawn
Cylburn Mansion, 2005Photo: Preservation Maryland

Northwest Baltimore Parks & Trails

Cylburn Arboretum

Explore an arboretum landscape with gardens, plant collections, a historic mansion and a nature education center. It provides a different pace from the waterfront, with opportunities to notice seasonal changes in trees and flowers.

Before You Go Check seasonal closing times and building hours separately. The arboretum closes on Mondays, and woodland trails are for walking rather than bicycles or strollers.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore4 More Places to Discover

  • Patterson Park

    East Baltimore Parks & Trails

    Paths, a boat lake and historic landmarks anchor a neighborhood gathering place.

    Explore a large neighborhood park with walking routes, recreation spaces and the distinctive Patterson Park Observatory. The Friends of Patterson Park connect visitors with local events, nature programs and the park’s history.

    Before You Go The Friends currently list the Observatory as closed for maintenance. Enjoy the grounds, but verify reopening before planning a climb or an interior visit.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park

    West Baltimore Parks & Trails

    Woodland trails and stream valleys within the city’s western park landscape.

    Walk among wooded slopes and streams in this extensive city park. Several entrances reach different parts of the landscape, including the Crimea Estate area and Winans Meadow.

    Before You Go Download the park map and choose a trailhead before leaving. Do not treat a generic Gwynns Falls address as directions to the route you want.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Federal Hill Park

    Federal Hill Parks & Trails

    A hilltop viewpoint over the Inner Harbor with lawns and a playground.

    Climb into a park that overlooks downtown and the harbor, then pause along its paths or explore the historically themed playground. The surrounding neighborhood offers an easy continuation of a city walk.

    Before You Go Use 300 Warren Avenue as the park destination, not the neighborhood generally. Plan for the hill’s changes in elevation when choosing your approach.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Rash Field Park

    Inner Harbor Parks & Trails

    Waterfront recreation, native planting and places to pause along the harbor.

    The newly completed park brings a nature walk, recreation spaces and skyline viewing areas to the waterfront. It is a city owned park managed and programmed with Waterfront Partnership.

    Before You Go Check the park’s current events calendar before planning around a specific activity. Choose the recreation area or walking route that fits your visit.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

History & Culture

Art, heritage and local stories

6 places
Brick ramparts and a United States flag at Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry in a photograph made between 1980 and 2006Photo: Carol M. Highsmith

Locust Point History & Culture

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Explore the fort associated with the defense of Baltimore and the story of the national anthem. National Park Service exhibits, self guided options and ranger programs offer several ways to understand the site.

Before You Go Historic Star Fort entry has its own admission requirements. Review seasonal hours and programs, and allow for limited parking during busy periods.

Official Visitor Information
Columns and steps of the Baltimore Museum of Art
Baltimore Museum of Art exterior, 2018Photo: Eli Pousson / Baltimore Heritage

Charles Village History & Culture

Baltimore Museum of Art

Explore changing exhibitions and collections spanning different cultures and artistic traditions. The museum’s sculpture gardens add an outdoor dimension to a visit near Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood campus.

Before You Go Reserve general admission and check whether a special exhibition needs a separate ticket. The museum currently directs entry through the Zamoiski East Entrance.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore4 More Places to Discover

  • The Walters Art Museum

    Mount Vernon History & Culture

    Art from around the world in a distinctive cultural district.

    The Walters brings works from many cultures into conversation across a group of museum buildings. Combine the galleries with a walk through Mount Vernon for a broader sense of the neighborhood.

    Before You Go Use the Centre Street entrance for limited mobility access. The museum currently notes that the Upper Charles Street entrance is closed for construction.

    Official Visitor Information

  • American Visionary Art Museum

    Federal Hill History & Culture

    Inventive art by self taught makers beside the Inner Harbor.

    Discover an institution devoted to intuitive artistry and the work of self taught creators. Its exhibitions offer a lively counterpoint to traditional art museum collections.

    Before You Go Timed tickets are recommended. Check current exhibitions and posted parking signs near Key Highway, rather than assuming street parking is unrestricted.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture

    Downtown Baltimore History & Culture

    Maryland’s African American stories through art, history and culture.

    Exhibitions, collections and public programs connect the lives of African American Marylanders across generations. The museum sits at Pratt and President Streets near the eastern side of the Inner Harbor.

    Before You Go Check the visiting calendar and current admission options. If using a participating garage, bring the parking ticket to the Visitor Experience desk for validation.

    Official Visitor Information

  • National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation

    Southwest Baltimore History & Culture

    Historic locomotives and railway stories at the former B&O Railroad Museum.

    The museum on West Pratt Street preserves the B&O legacy while exploring the wider story of American railroads. Its roundhouse, collections and exhibits connect transportation with industry, people and technological change.

    Before You Go Train rides are seasonal, separately ticketed and subject to availability. Check the calendar and campus updates before visiting during the museum’s transformation.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

Libraries & Community

Everyday places to learn and connect

3 places
Stone exterior of the Enoch Pratt Central Library
Central Library exterior, 2011Photo: Carol M. Highsmith

Mount Vernon Libraries & Community

Central Library

Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Central Library offers the Maryland Department, special collections, career resources and public programs. Public computers, WiFi and children’s and teen areas make it useful for everyday visits too.

Before You Go Contact the relevant department before a specialized research visit. Meeting rooms and scheduled assistance have their own arrangements.

Official Visitor Information
Waverly Branch entrance and library sign on East 33rd Street
Waverly Branch exterior, 2018Photo: Eli Pousson / Baltimore Heritage

Waverly Libraries & Community

Waverly Branch

The Waverly Branch combines public computers and WiFi with children’s and teen areas and community programs. The library also lists social service support, with schedules that should be checked for a planned visit.

Before You Go Use 400 East 33rd Street for this branch. Check program registration and service availability separately from regular library hours.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore1 More Place to Discover

  • Southeast Anchor Library

    Highlandtown Libraries & Community

    Reading, Spanish language materials and community learning on Eastern Avenue.

    This Pratt location offers public computers, WiFi, children’s and teen spaces and programs for different ages. Its Spanish collection and learning activities reflect its role as an anchor for surrounding neighborhoods.

    Before You Go Use the branch’s 3601 Eastern Avenue address. Review registration requirements for classes and reserve a meeting room before planning a group session.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

Check the official websites for current access, reservations, fees and seasonal operations before visiting. Destination information reviewed .

General information to help you find the right starting point. Requirements, eligibility, service areas, and application processes can change. Confirm details with the office or provider serving your exact address. Official links open in a new tab. Found a broken link or a changed office? Contact LizyTylerCo and include “Baltimore City Guide,” the link name, and what happened. Return to All Resources.