United States Maryland Baltimore Baltimore Guide Things To Do Essentials Getaways All Baltimore 7 Things You Have to Do in Baltimore By Libby Zay Libby Zay Libba Zay is an experienced travel writer and the author of "34 Miles Away." She lives in Baltimore, Maryland. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 10/02/19 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Glowimages/Getty Images Ask any Baltimore local and they'll agree there are a few things you simply have to do during your stay here. From chowing down on steamed crabs to can't-miss landmarks, here are some of the things you shouldn't leave Baltimore without doing and seeing. 01 of 07 Get to Know Baltimore's Many Neighborhoods Greg Pease/Getty Images Baltimore has more than 225 neighborhoods, each with their own personality. Exploring them all while on the trip to the city—or perhaps even in a lifetime—would be impossible, but there are a few well-known neighborhoods that are perfect for a day or night on the town. One such neighborhood is Fells Point, a neighborhood famous for its maritime past that has more than 120 pubs (along with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, music stores, boutiques, and more). There's also Federal Hill, known for its nightlife and the Cross Street Market, and Hampden, an electric neighborhood known for its restaurants, bars, shops, and small-town atmosphere. 02 of 07 Pick up Some Steamed Crabs g01xm/Getty Images Baltimore is world famous for its crab houses, and getting some friends together to pick fresh crabs is a Baltimore tradition. Don't know how to pick crabs? Never fear, the link above will help you find the best crab spots. Other Baltimore food specialties include pit beef, lake trout, Berger cookies, and snowballs, which have their origins in Baltimore. 03 of 07 Drink a Natty Boh or Local Beer Seth Sawyers/CC BY 2.0/Flickr Although it hasn't been brewed in Baltimore for years, National Bohemian (known in Baltimore as Natty Boh or in some parts simply as National) is still the beer of choice in Charm City. While visiting, you'll come to know the beer's mascot, Mr. Boh, a one-eyed, handlebar-mustachioed caricature who graces t-shirts and advertisements across the city. Local breweries available on tap across the city include Heavy Seas, Union Craft Brewing, and DuClaw. 04 of 07 Explore the Inner Harbor Edwin Remsberg/Getty Images Baltimore's Inner Harbor is a historic seaport that has been turned into a tourist attraction. Known as one of the models for post-industrial waterfront redevelopment, some of the attractions around the water include the National Aquarium, Harborplace, Maryland Science Center, Power Plant Live!, Port Discovery, several historic ships, and more. The Inner Harbor is also within walking distance of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium. Continue to 5 of 7 below. 05 of 07 Learn About the Star-Spangled Banner Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The Star-Spangled Banner, the National Anthem of the United States, was written by Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry. Today, visitors can stop by the star-shaped Fort McHenry National Park to learn more about the storied history of the War of 1812. 06 of 07 Check Out the Art Scene Smith Collection/Getty Images In addition to several world-class art museums—including The Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Museum, and the American Visionary Art Museum—Baltimore has a tight-knit community of artists. Consider stopping by one of the many art galleries in Baltimore, catching a theater production or a movie at the historic Charles Theater or checking out the workshops and programs at The Creative Alliance at the Patterson, a non-profit community arts group. If you visit during summer, you can't miss Artscape, the largest free public arts festival in the country. 07 of 07 Take Part in an Event or Festival JHU Sheridan Libraries/Getty Images Year-round, Baltimore has a whole host of annual events and ethnic festivals. From Preakness to the Polish Festival, or the Great Halloween Lantern Parade to the Greek Folk Festival, nearly every day is filled with one activity or another. There are also many monthly discounts and free events, including gallery tours and discount museum admission days, worth looking into. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit