United States Maryland The Top 13 Things to Do in Baltimore's Inner Harbor 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 03/07/22 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara Instagram Emerson College Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. TripSavvy's fact-checking Kruck20 / Getty Images One of America's oldest seaports, Baltimore's recently-renewed Inner Harbor is home to some of the city's best attractions, including the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery Children's Museum, and Harborplace. The neighborhood is also an excellent blend of Maryland's new and old history, with 19th-century ships in the harbor and modern attractions like Baltimore's World Trade Center, with a 27th-floor viewing deck overlooking the city. Read on to discover the top 13 things to do in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. 01 of 13 Take in City Views at Federal Hill Park Dwight Nadig / Getty Images View Map Address Federal Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA Get directions On the south side of the Inner Harbor is Federal Hill Park, a former lookout during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Today, visitors can take in the dramatic view of Baltimore's cityscape from the top of the hill. The neighborhood around Federal Hill Park takes its name from the landmark. 02 of 13 Visit the National Aquarium Hisham Ibrahim / Getty Images View Map Address 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA Get directions Phone +1 410-576-3800 Web Visit website With a collection of more than 20,000 animals representing 700-plus species, Baltimore's National Aquarium is the city's most-visited attraction. Exhibits include a multi-story Atlantic coral reef, an open ocean shark tank, 4D immersion theater, tropical rainforest, a glass pavilion with Australian wildlife, and a mammal pavilion that holds Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. 03 of 13 Climb Aboard a Historic Ship Richard T. Nowitz / Getty Images View Map Address 301 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202-3134, USA Get directions Phone +1 410-539-1797 Web Visit website Instead of a traditional maritime museum, several historic ships are permanently docked in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Visitors can climb aboard and experience four landmark ships: A U.S. Navy tall ship first launched in 1854, a U.S. Coast Guard lightship from the 1930s, a submarine that took two war patrols in Japan during World War II, and the last ship floating that fought in the attack on Pearl Harbor. There's also a lighthouse dating back to 1855. All of the vessels are operated by Historic Ships in Baltimore, and tickets can be purchased for more than one ship at a discount. The lighthouse is free to all visitors. 04 of 13 Dine and Shop at Harborplace Mall Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images View Map Address 200 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA Get directions Phone +1 410-332-4191 Web Visit website This two-pavilion complex in the Inner Harbor is full of retail and dining options. Both local and national businesses abound, including The Cheesecake Factory and H&M. When the weather is nice, bands play along the waterfront. The mall is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Continue to 5 of 13 below. 05 of 13 Learn About Dinosaurs, Astronomy, and More at the Maryland Science Center Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images View Map Address 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA Get directions Phone +1 410-685-2370 Web Visit website Featuring three levels of exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater, the Maryland Science Center is fun for the whole family. Learn about DNA extraction and chemical reactions in the hands-on SciLab, "dig" for fossils and measure the length of a dinosaur's leg bone in the Dinosaur Mysteries exhibit, and watch a 30-minute show about the cosmos in the planetarium. However you spend the day, your kids will leave knowing a bit more about physical science, space, Earth science, and the human body. 06 of 13 Get Out on the Water Richard Cummins / Getty Images View Map Address 555 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202-6011, USA Get directions Phone +1 410-268-7601 Web Visit website One of the best ways to explore Baltimore's Inner Harbor and other waterfront attractions is by boat, and there is no shortage of vessels traversing the water. From dinner cruises to a pirate ship excursion, many different experiences can be had onboard boats in the harbor. For a brief introduction to the city, hop on Watermark's 45-minute Baltimore Harbor Cruise, during which you'll sail past neighborhoods and attractions such as Federal Hill, Fort McHenry, and Fell's Point. 07 of 13 Get a Bird's-Eye View of Baltimore Jeff Greenberg/UIG / Getty Images View Map Address World Trade Center Baltimore, 401 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA Get directions See Baltimore from above at the top of the World Trade Center, the tallest pentagonal building in the world. Head up to the observation deck on the 27th floor, where you can not only enjoy a 360-degree view of the city and harbor, but you can also browse rotating art exhibits. A memorial to the victims of the September 11th attacks is located on the pedestrian promenade outside the building. 08 of 13 Let Kids Play at Port Discovery Tracy Brown Photography / Wikimedia Commons View Map Address 35 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA Get directions Phone +1 410-727-8120 Web Visit website Port Discovery is a children's museum designed explicitly for children under 12 years old. The star attraction inside the historic Fish Market Building is a four-story jungle gym, but kids will also find attractions that stimulate their brains and creativity. Among these are Tiny's Diner—where kids can role-play as a server, cashier, or cook in a 1950s-themed diner—and a sensory wall. Continue to 9 of 13 below. 09 of 13 Admire Artists’ Work at the American Visionary Art Museum Rick Gerharter / Getty Images View Map Address 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA Get directions Phone +1 410-244-1900 Web Visit website At this mosaic-clad museum, visitors will find a collection of unique, innovative art. Self-taught individuals produce all art inside the museum, and throughout the year the museum hosts lots of fun events, like free outdoor movies and the Kinetic Sculpture Race. It's open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 10 of 13 Discover the Stories of Maryland's African American Community Raymond Boyd / Getty Images View Map Address 830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA Get directions Phone +1 443-263-1800 Web Visit website Baltimore's Reginald F. Lewis Museum is dedicated to preserving the stories of the state's Black community, past and present. The 82,000-square-foot space hosts rotating exhibits and a permanent collection covering topics ranging from slavery to African American art. The museum, which is the largest of its kind in Maryland, is located on the outer limits of the Inner Harbor. 11 of 13 Relive Baltimore's Industrial Revolution Romainbehar, Wikimedia Commons View Map Address 1415 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA Get directions Phone +1 410-727-4808 Web Visit website The Baltimore Museum of Industry, located in an old cannery, showcases the types of manufacturing and industry from the early 20th century. Much of the museum is dedicated to Baltimore's history; you'll learn about Dr. Bunting's Pharmacy, where Noxzema was invented, and the trials and tribulations of the food industry through Domino Sugar and McCormick. One of its star attractions is the oldest surviving steam tugboat, a National Historic Landmark called the "Baltimore." 12 of 13 Go Out on the Town at Power Plant Live! peeterv / Getty Images View Map Address 34 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA Get directions Phone +1 410-908-0650 Web Visit website Power Plant Live! is an entertainment complex with bars, clubs, restaurants, and arts attractions, located two blocks north of the Inner Harbor. Although the children's museum Port Discovery is situated in the complex, Power Plant Live! really comes alive at night when all of Baltimore's young professionals come out to play. The complex also hosts a wealth of events, including concerts, food festivals, and bar crawls; check the calendar to see the most up-to-date schedule. Continue to 13 of 13 below. 13 of 13 Get Recommendations at the Baltimore Visitor Center Hisham Ibrahim / Getty Images View Map Address 401 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202-1014, USA Get directions Phone +1 877-225-8466 Web Visit website You can get some personalized recommendations at the city's Visitor Center. Located just north of the Maryland Science Center, this building has touch screen kiosks that tell visitors where to go, as well as staff members who can help clue you into events happening in the city. There are also public restrooms inside. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email