Once a seaport, this harbour has been transformed by shops, museums and family-friendly attractions to become one of the city’s most scenic areas.
Once a major national port, the picturesque Inner Harbor is a real community focal point and one of Baltimore’s most popular visitor attractions. Tourists flock here to see the sea life at the vast aquarium, enjoy a bite to eat in one of the waterfront restaurants, visit one of the fascinating museums and take in the wonderful panoramic views.
Established in the 1700s, the city’s port was a major trading point for both American and international ships. Following the economic downturn of the 1950s, trading ceased, and the area slowly fell into disrepair and was effectively abandoned. Towards the end of the 1960s and throughout the 1970s, new life was breathed into the area as the harbour’s warehouses and piers were transformed and hotels, offices, museums and shops were built.
The area is compact and can be covered on foot in around 15 minutes, but you could easily spend an entire weekend exploring here. Take a trip up to the observation deck on the 27th floor of the Baltimore World Trade Center for spectacular 360-degree views of the harbour and central Baltimore. With its impressive glass-walled entrance, the National Aquarium has dolphins and thousands of other fascinating sea creatures to discover.
There are excellent shopping and dining options to be found in the four-storey Gallery shopping centre and at Harborplace. You will also find a large open-air amphitheatre which plays host to concerts and performances in the evenings during the warmer spring and summer months.
The Inner Harbor is home to a large number of museums, including the Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery Children’s Museum and the Maritime Museum. At the latter, you will find the USS Torsk submarine. Take a tour of the harbour by boat or, during the warmer summer months, take a water taxi to visit the major port-side attractions, including the historical Fort McHenry.
Baltimore Inner Harbor can be easily reached by taking the Charm City Circulator, a free shuttle bus service that departs every 15 minutes. Metered parking is also available if you’re coming by car. A three-day pass is available at the Baltimore Visitor Center, which offers discounts on water taxis, cruises and attractions such as the Maryland Science Center, the Port Discovery Children’s Museum and the National Aquarium.
