Baltimore Inner Harbor

The Basics

Highlights include the Harborplace shopping center, waterfront restaurants serving up fresh seafood and other specialties, and Baltimore’s pyramid-shaped National Aquarium—home to jellyfish, dolphins, and sharks. You can also learn about the city’s seafaring history at the Maritime Museum.

Whether you want to stroll along the promenade or cruise above the city in a helicopter, there are multiple options for exploring Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area. Dinner cruises and yacht charters are a good way to explore Chesapeake Bay, while ghost tours and walking tours typically depart from the Inner Harbor area and include visits to sites such as Key Bridge, Fort McHenry, and the Federal Hill neighborhood.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Inner Harbor is great for kids, as many of its attractions are within easy walking distance.

• Most of the Inner Harbor is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, with ramps and elevators throughout. Limited parking at the Visitor Center is specifically designed for visitors with disabilities.

• Dogs are allowed along the waterfront promenade.

• Many Inner Harbor restaurants serve up Baltimore's specialty: crab cakes and other crab-based dishes.

How to Get There

The Inner Harbor is bounded by President, Lombard, Greene, and Camden streets. Water taxis are a good way to get around; from the Inner Harbor, you can cross the Bay to Little Italy, Fells Point, and Canton. Day passes are also available for the Metro Subway and bus systems.

When to Get There

The Inner Harbor typically hosts events during spring, summer, and fall. Although summer can be hot and humid, the breeze off Chesapeake Bay cools things off a bit. Baltimore has milder winters than most Northeast cities, so this can still be a pleasant time to explore.

Haunted Baltimore

Baltimore's (and Maryland's) history is long and complicated. Learn all about it—and mingle with paranormal-activity buffs from all over the world—on a ghost tour or wicked-history tour, which includes stops at the city’s most haunted spots.

What is Baltimore Inner Harbor known for?

Once an industrial waterfront, Baltimore’s historic Inner Harbor neighborhood is now a bustling tourist destination known for shopping, entertainment, dining, and museums. Stroll along the Inner Harbor Promenade or enjoy a seafood dinner overlooking the water. The Inner Harbor also is home to the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center.

What shouldn’t I miss in Baltimore Inner Harbor?

Don’t miss bird’s-eye views overlooking the waterfront from the World Trade Center’s Observation Level on the 27th floor. Grab a cocktail while taking in the same view from the Four Seasons’ 29th floor bar, The Bygone. Those who prefer solid ground can enjoy the city panorama from Federal Hill Park.

Can travelers visit Baltimore Inner Harbor by boat?

Yes. While cruise ships only dock in the nearby Port of Baltimore, visitors can catch smaller boats and sailboats from the Inner Harbor. Options include brunch or dinner cruises, sightseeing rides, and narrated cruises that also pass by Fort McHenry (a stop on the Baltimore Water Taxi).

Is Baltimore Inner Harbor safe?

Yes—with sensible precautions. The Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Canton, and Federal Hill are among the city’s safest neighborhoods, and travelers are unlikely to encounter any problems during their stay. But, as with any big city, visitors should avoid walking alone at night or wandering outside of well-lit areas.

Is Baltimore Inner Harbor good for families?

Yes. The National Aquarium—featuring sloths and piranhas—is a hit with kids of all ages. Younger children (10 and under) can explore three floors of interactive displays at the Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Or, you can opt for a paddleboat rental or a tour of docked Navy warships and submarines.

Where can I catch the best concerts and nightlife in Baltimore Inner Harbor?

Head to the Inner Harbor’s entertainment district: Power Plant Live! Bars, nightclubs, lounges, and more are all within walking distance and boast a weekly roster of events. For a more casual night out, you can indulge in pizza and beers or try your hand at ax-throwing.

Ways to explore

Whether you want to stroll along the promenade or cruise above the city in a helicopter, there are multiple great options for exploring Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area. Dinner cruises and yacht charters are a good way to explore Chesapeake Bay, while ghost tours and walking tours typically depart from the Inner Harbor area and include visits to sites such as Key Bridge, Fort McHenry, and the Federal Hill neighborhood. You can also explore the area on your own after a city sightseeing tour that covers Baltimore’s historic and cultural highlights.

Accessibility

The harbor promenade is fully accessible, but some specific sights may have limited accessibility.

Age limits

Home of the city’s children’s museum, the Inner Harbor is a particularly family-friendly area. Still, it’s best to check age limits for individual businesses before you visit.

What to pack

Cash and credit card for shopping and dining, camera and battery pack

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers, hat and sunscreen in the summer

Not allowed

Swimming is not permitted in the Inner Harbor waters.

Amenities

The Baltimore Visitor Center has tourist information, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a souvenir shop.

Address

The Inner Harbor is located just south of downtown Baltimore, along the waterfront. It’s easy to reach by car, taxi, or rideshare service, as well as by public transportation; both the bus routes and water taxi services serving the harbor are free.

Driving

Take East Pratt Street if arriving from the east or west, or any north-south street between South Calvert and President Street. The area is ringed by several paid parking lots and garages.

Public transportation

Charm City Circulator (CCC) operates free shuttle buses along five routes in downtown Baltimore, all of which have stops near the Inner Harbor. There are also six free water taxi routes connecting different locations and attractions in the harbor.

Best times to visit

Visit during business hours to explore the museums, shops, and restaurants lining the harbor.

Best days to visit

Weekends are liveliest at the Inner Harbor, when there are often concerts and other events held from spring through fall. Each museum and attraction on the harbor has different opening days, so confirm in advance.

Best months to visit

The Inner Harbor comes to life from spring through fall, with outdoor concerts and festivals at Pier 6 Pavilion and other area venues.

Special events

This vibrant cultural and commercial hub is a backdrop to events, festivals, and concerts all year round. Check the official website for an updated schedule.