Baltimore — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetAug 28, 2026

The Top 16 Things to Do in Maryland

Maryland, full of American history, mixes southern charm with a savvy northern attitude. Here are the top things to do there.

22 things in this story

National AquariumAquariumConsidered to be one of America’s best.
Camden Yards StadiumSightFans cheer on the Baltimore Orioles.
Inner HarborNeighborhoodAttraction-crammed area with plenty to see.
Top of the World Observation DeckSightBird's-eye view of the city.
Baltimore World Trade CenterSightObservation deck offers city views.
USS ConstellationMuseumShe was built in 1854, using a small amount of material salvaged from the frigate USS Constellation, which had been…
Maryland Science CenterMuseumThe Maryland Science Center (MSC), located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, opened to the public in 1976.
Frederick Douglass-Isaac Meyers Maritime ParkSightMostly open-air, education-focused.
Fells PointNeighborhoodKnown for diverse neighborhoods, cobbled streets, restaurants, pubs.
Federal Hill neighborhoodNeighborhoodEnjoy imaginative artworks.
American Visionary Art MuseumMuseumCommunity-oriented, imaginative artworks.
Baltimore Museum of IndustryMuseumHuman perspective on city's industrial history.
Oriole Park at Camden YardsSightCatch an Orioles game.
Baltimore Museum of ArtMuseumFree to visit, known for Matisse paintings.
Walters Art MuseumMuseumSpans ancient Egypt to Renaissance Europe.
Reginald F Lewis MuseumMuseumFor African American history and culture.
National Great Blacks in Wax MuseumMuseumSpotlights famous and lesser-known African American figures.
USS Torsk submarineSight
Davis PlanetariumMuseum
Elsewhere
Chesapeake BaySightMaryland, United StatesWaterways have provided a livelihood for generations.
Deep Creek LakeSightMaryland, United StatesOffers year-round outdoor fun.
Eastern ShoreNeighborhoodMaryland, United StatesSoaking in the laid-back vibe.

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National GeographicAug 18

The Oldest Farmers Markets in America You Can Still Visit Today

America’s oldest farmers markets are more than places to buy produce or catch up with neighbors. They offer a view into a city’s history while continuing to do what public mar ...

25 things in this story

Lexington MarketTrain stationBegan in 1782, present building opened in 2022.
Faidley’s SeafoodRestaurantPart of Lexington Market for over 138 years.
Garden ProduceRestaurantContinues the market's tradition of selling fresh produce.
Connie's Chicken & WafflesFast foodBaltimore's best hand-breaded fried chicken.
Platinum AmalaRestaurant
Lumbini Nepali FusionRestaurant
Elsewhere
Cafe du MondeCaféNew Orleans, United StatesHas served café au lait and beignets since 1862.
Central MarketMarketLancaster, United StatesBuilt in 1889, red-brick, twin-towered building still stands.
Long's HorseradishRestaurantLancaster, United StatesFive-generation tradition grating horseradish in small batches.
Groff’s VegetablesRestaurantLancaster, United StatesLongest family-owned business, brings produce from a 10-acre farm.
Old Town Farmers MarketMarketAlexandria, United StatesOperated for over 270 years on the same plot of land.
Gadsby’s TavernRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesNearby landmark that George Washington would still recognize.
Maribeth’s BakeryRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesBegan at the market over 38 years ago.
Lobster Maine-iaRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesSells seafood.
Hog HavenRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesSells breakfast sandwiches.
Blackhouse CoffeeRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesSells coffee.
Portland Farmers’ MarketMarketPortland, United StatesBegan in 1768, producer-only market under Maine law.
Emily’s OystersRestaurantPortland, United StatesSells oysters, a taste of the Maine sea.
Balfour FarmRestaurantPortland, United StatesSells cheese.
Snell’s Family FarmRestaurantPortland, United StatesSells apples.
The French MarketRestaurantNew Orleans, United StatesOriginated as an informal open-air trading site.
Aunt Sally’s Praline ShopRestaurantNew Orleans, United StatesVisitors can watch Creole pralines being made.
Southern CandymakersRestaurantNew Orleans, United StatesSells caramels and chocolates.
Carnival Candle CompanyPlaceNew Orleans, United StatesOldest operating candle company in the French Quarter.
Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-OpSightNew Orleans, United StatesShowcases work by regional artists and designers.

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 13

The Best Aquariums in the US

Marine life encounters, giant whale sharks, and conservation programs are all on the table at the best aquariums in the US.

13 things in this story

National AquariumAquariumExplore award-winning exhibits and meet all the animals at the National Aquarium, located on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Elsewhere
Georgia AquariumAquariumAtlanta, United StatesAward-winning program with puppyish sea lions.
Tennessee AquariumMuseumChicago, United StatesIt opened in 1992 on the banks of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, with a major expansion added in 2005.
Seattle AquariumMuseumChicago, United StatesThe aquarium opened in 1977 and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Monterey Bay AquariumMuseumChicago, United StatesKnown for its regional focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay, it was the first to exhibit a living kelp forest…
Shedd AquariumAquariumChicago, United StatesChicago's aquarium.
OdySea AquariumAquariumScottsdale, United StatesOnly rotating aquarium in the world, features OdySea Voyager.
Birch AquariumAquariumSan Diego, United StatesIt serves as the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San…
Alaska SeaLife CenterAquariumSeward, United StatesIt is located on the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward.
Adventure AquariumAquariumCamden, United StatesThe Adventure Aquarium, formerly the Thomas H.
Oregon Coast AquariumMuseumChicago, United States
Aquarium of HawaiiMuseumChicago, United States
Audubon Aquarium of the AmericasAquariumNew Orleans, United States

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OutsideMay 27

The Rise of Urban Swimming in the U.S.

From Portland to Baltimore, once-toxic rivers are becoming the nation’s newest playgrounds as swimmers reclaim their right to city waters.

11 things in this story

Chicago River SwimFestivalFirst in a century, offers unique city perspective.
Swimmable CitiesPlaceGlobal movement chartered in 2024, champions urban waterway swimming.
A Long SwimPlaceNonprofit supporting ALS research, runs Chicago river swims.
Human Access Project (HAP)PlaceLed way to permanent access at seven beaches and two docks.
Willamette RiverSightSeven beaches and two docks now offer permanent access.
Baltimore Open Water SwimmersPlaceStarted by Katie Pumphrey for harbor swims.
Chesapeake BaySightThe bay is located in the Mid-Atlantic region and is primarily separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Delmarva…
Waterfront Partnership of BaltimorePlaceNonprofit group aiming to make harbor safe for swimming.
+POOLSightFloating pool concept with filtered river water.
Pier 35SightLocation for a smaller pilot pool being tested this summer.
Coney IslandRestaurantDesignated beach area outside of classified swimming waterfront.

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Atlas ObscuraOct 29, 2025

Baltimore’s Painted Ladies in Baltimore, Maryland

From the late 90s to early 2000s, the Charles Village area of Baltimore had a house-painting contest inspired by San Francisco’s famous “Painted Ladies” to celebrate and reinvigorate the neighborhood’s architecture. While the contest has long been discontinued, many residents still keep up their colorful homes as a sign of community pride. While there are brightly-painted houses all around the…

3 neighborhoods in this story

Charles VillageNeighborhoodArea had a house-painting contest for architecture
AbellNeighborhoodHighest concentration of colorful homes
Abell neighborhoodNeighborhood

Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →