Jongwoo Lee for The New York Times

Tour of Baltimore City

by Jongwoo Lee for The New York Times

Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland and the 26^th largest city in the country, is located in the central area of the state along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. It is also the second largest seaport in the Mid-Atlantic United States. A well-known city, Baltimore has many locales that tourists can visit and enjoy during their stay.

Visit: The National Aquarium

Annually, more than 1.6 million people visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore. It houses more than 17,000 creatures, including stingrays, sharks, sea turtles, bullfrogs, phytoplankton, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and puffins. These animals are all housed in their natural habitats. On weekends, the aquarium can get extremely crowded. Be ready to wait in line with crowds of people all trying to get in! If you can visit Baltimore on a weekday, that would be the best time to visit the aquarium, because most students will be in school. Also, don’t miss the dolphin show happening every day!

Baltimore Trolley

This is among the best ways to explore the city without spending too much time. With the Baltimore Trolley Tour of the Monumental City, you can take a tour of the whole town with a tour guide. In a vehicle, you will see the various sights and charms of a city with historical neighborhoods. You can also wave to friendly pedestrians while underway. While sightseeing, you will learn about the houses in the natural historic districts, as well as about the businesses and lives of sailors, sea captains, and immigrants in this 18^th century maritime community. Tours depart daily at 10:30 and 12:30 from the Baltimore Visitor Center, and at 10:40 and 12:40 from Presidents Street Station. Ticket fees are $26.95 for adults,  $14.95 for children (ages two through ten), and children under two years of age ride free. 

Baltimore Ghost Tours

Baltimore Ghost Tours provide award-winning haunted walking tours of Fell’s Point and Mount Vernon. Walking through the scary streets, you will hear about the ghosts who never checked out of the Belvedere hotel. You can also step through the doors of some of Fell’s Point’s most haunted pubs on this fascinating tour of the historic maritime neighborhood. Even in the cold whether, you will stay warm in the Haunted Pub Walk. The ticket costs $20 for all.

Urban Pirates

Urban Pirates is one of the most popular activities in Baltimore, with 455 positive reviews out of 480. Urban Pirates offers family adventure cruises in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The pirate ship Fearless is based near Fell’s Point, close to many shops and restaurants. The adventure takes about 90 minutes. Everyone can dress up and try temporary tattoos and face painting. The cruise consists of three pirates leading an interactive adventure that consists of many songs, dancing, games, and finding treasure! It is good to arrive early to look around the area. Enjoy a great sea tour, and see the beautiful sights of Baltimore. This event is for all generations.