10 Best Things to Do in Baltimore Inner Harbor

One of the world’s tallest pentagon-shaped skyscrapers, Baltimore’s World Trade Centre is famed for its Top of the World observation deck, which delivers unbeatable views of the skyline and harbor from the 27th floor. This iconic Maryland building was designed in the 1970s by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners (with the principal designers being esteemed American architects Henry N. Cobb and Pershing Wong).

After you’ve taken in the breathtaking vista, head to East Pratt Street directly below for a bite to eat at a waterfront restaurant. Try Phillip’s Seafood for crispy fried oysters and soft-shell crab sandwiches or the Hard Rock Café for American burgers.

For more than 40 years, the Maryland Science Center has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, delivering 3 floors of awe-inspiring exhibits that families flock to, time and again. From paleontology and astrology to the mystery of the dinosaurs, the venue’s rotating exhibits are always fascinating.

What’s more, the Maryland Science Center also houses a mammoth IMAX where you can watch dazzling documentaries like Flight of the Butterflies and Mountain Adventure on a 5-story screen (the largest in the entire state). The on-site Davis Planetarium wows with its “dome of stars” theatre that transports would-be astronauts through the cosmos to see galaxies and nebulas.

Billed as Baltimore's premier dining and entertainment destination, Power Plant Live! is an Inner Harbor hotspot that teems with atmospheric restaurants, bars, and clubs. One can easily spend 24 hours here enjoying some of the city’s best gastronomic offerings before taking in a comedy show or dancing ‘til dawn.

Music lovers can hit the neon-lit Angels Rock Bar for all-you-can-drink beer and blistering live gigs while foodies can quell their hunger pangs at the Vegas-themed Luckie’s Tavern with its cheesy nachos, juicy cheeseburgers, and pork belly tacos. Miller Lite’s Hot Country evenings showcase some of the best talent, direct from Nashville, like Michael Ray, Jackson Dean, and Kameron Marlowe.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards is Baltimore’s premier baseball stadium, situated a few blocks east from the Inner Harbor. Home to the city’s famous Orioles team, this retro beauty features 45,971 seats, as well as a street-side statue of Babe Ruth – the renowned Major League baseball player.

This former railroad center boasts plenty of popular fast-food joints that serve tasty treats to game-day punters. Try Charm City Diner for mouthwatering patty melts, Boog’s BBQ for pit beef sandwiches, Harris Creek Seafood for fried Cajun catfish, and Stuggy’s for gourmet hot dogs.

Harborplace Mall is a popular Baltimore shopping destination, as beloved for its stunning Inner Harbor views as it is for its select retail, enticing dining options, and outdoor events that include everything from street performers to Sunday summer concerts. This family-friendly space champions B’more-centric retailers and offers 5 levels of convenient underground parking.

Shop trending fashion accessories at Crystal Cove, Neighborhoods, and Bombay Beadz before feasting on delicious fare at one of the mall’s restaurants or cafes. Swing by Crepe Lena Ice Cream for fancy French pancakes, It’s Sugar for novelty sweets, or Mason’s Lobster Rolls for seafood bisque and hearty sandwiches.

Boating enthusiasts will cherish a day at Historic Ships: a Baltimore Inner Harbor museum that invites visitors to walk the decks, learn the ropes, and live the seafaring life. Here, you’ll experience the ocean as it was in the 19th century aboard some of the world’s most impressive military vessels.

Explore extraordinary ships including the USS Constellation, USCG Cutter 37, LV116 Chesapeake, and the USS Torsk. Pier 5’s striking Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse impresses with its circular shape and tomato red hue and contains an extensive collection of 50,000 artifacts and information on Chesapeake lighthouses.

To admire the Charm City skyline from a whole different vantage point, nothing beats a luxurious cruise. Depart from the Inner Harbor on one of Baltimore’s many boating tours and enjoy a sumptuous buffet, top-deck cocktails, after-dark dancing, and live gospel music.

The Spirit of Baltimore offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience aboard a sleek modern ship while American Sailing Tours delivers a classic schooner experience under romantic vanilla-white sails. For a swashbuckling adventure, book a seat on Urban Pirates where you’ll blast watercannons in buccaneer costume before knocking back BYO booze.

Constructed in the late 1700s, the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House was the home of Mary Young Pickersgill. This entrepreneurial craftswoman, with the assistance of her daughter Caroline and her enslaved servant Grace Wisher, launched an industrious business making flags for Maryland locales. Her most famous commission was for the pentagonal-shaped Fort McHenry: a focal point of the 1814 Battle of Baltimore (and the inspiration behind the American national anthem).

This National Historic Landmark is now a fully operational museum that offers guided tours of the property’s interiors and its picturesque, landscaped grounds. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at one of Little Italy’s many eateries including Angeli’s Pizzeria, La Tavola, Café Gia, and La Scala Ristorante.

Federal Hill Park is a historic 10.3-acre green space, located south of Downtown Baltimore on the shores of Inner Harbor. Boasting one of the city’s most eminent skyline and river views, this sweeping emerald hillside (dating back to 1880) attracts dog walkers, bikers, joggers, picknickers, and Insta-savvy photographers.

Federal Hill Park is abundant with excellent amenities, making it one of B-mores more popular places to take the family for a day of free outdoor fun. Enjoy a history-themed children’s playground, plenty of bench seating, Civil War cannons, and a basketball court.