| With a population rapidly approaching 700,000, | | | | Mount Vernon area is becoming an equally appealing |
| Baltimore is the biggest city in | | | | place to stay. Historic hotels |
| Maryland and covers an area of more than 80 | | | | are plentiful in the Fells Point area, together with |
| square miles / 210 square kilometers. | | | | affordable family-run bed and |
| Close to Washington DC, Baltimore lies on America's | | | | breakfasts.Baltimore Shopping: |
| eastern coast and contains an | | | | For the best selection of shops in the city, head to |
| important port, complete with large harbor.Many of | | | | the Harborplace area, which |
| the main sights and attractions in the city can be | | | | contains over 200 shops, including a number of |
| found around the central | | | | independent outlets and fashion |
| downtown district, which is divided into a number of | | | | boutiques. Also, the nearby Village of Cross Keys is |
| notable areas, such as the city | | | | home to an array of appealing |
| center, the Inner Harbor, Camden Yards and also | | | | small shops and specialty stores. For antiques, take a |
| the West Side. Throughout this | | | | trip to Howard Street, where |
| area you will find a large selection of shops, | | | | you will find a cluster of notable antique stores, |
| restaurants, bars and important | | | | which have become known as the |
| structures. Also, the Fells Point area, close to the | | | | city's 'Antique Row'. Baltimore also features a |
| Inner Harbor, is known for its | | | | number of large and modern |
| vibrant and animated nightlife and entertainment | | | | shopping malls, such as Security Square and Owing |
| venues.Baltimore Tourism: | | | | Mills. The regular Lexington |
| There are plenty of places worth a visit in the | | | | Market is another major shopping draw card and has |
| Baltimore area and top attractions | | | | been established for more |
| include many notable landmarks, historical buildings, | | | | than 150 years, with an enormous selection of |
| appealing museums and a | | | | market traders.Baltimore Restaurants: |
| number of art galleries, which contain works by | | | | With its scenic coastal location, it is hardly surprising |
| many famous artists. Must-see | | | | that Baltimore restaurants |
| sights in the city include the National Aquarium, the | | | | specialize in seafood and all things fishy. Much of the |
| Basilica of the Assumption, | | | | local produce comes from |
| Robert East Lee Memorial Park, the Maryland Zoo | | | | the nearby Chesapeake Bay and many of the city's |
| African safari experience, the Star | | | | restaurants serve steamed crab, |
| Spangled Banner Flag House and also the city's most | | | | amongst other local dishes. For lively dining in |
| famous sight, the Fort McHenry | | | | Baltimore, look no further than the |
| National Monument and Historic Shrine.Museums in | | | | restaurants around Mount Vernon and Fells Point, |
| Baltimore are also plentiful and top museum | | | | while for more exclusive |
| attractions include the | | | | establishments, the restaurants along Charles Street |
| extensive Baltimore Museum of Art, the B&O | | | | are some of the most highly |
| Railroad Museum, the baseball-related | | | | regarded in the city.Baltimore Transport: |
| Babe Ruth Museum, and the Maryland Science | | | | A number of public transportation options are on |
| Center, complete with IMAX theater | | | | offer in the Baltimore area, such |
| and planetarium. Annual festivals in Baltimore include | | | | as buses, trains and popular trams. Many visitors to |
| the Baltimore Blues Festival - | | | | the city find that hiring a car is the most convenient |
| held in Paterson Park each May, July's Artscape | | | | way to travel around, being particularly useful for day |
| along the Mount Royal Avenue, the | | | | trips and |
| popular Taste of Baltimore festival in October, and | | | | excursions to nearby towns and cities, such as |
| December's festive Washington | | | | Annapolis and Washington DC. |
| Monument Lighting Ceremony.Baltimore Hotels: | | | | Situated just 10 miles / 16 km from the city, |
| Baltimore and its surrounding districts feature a | | | | Baltimore Washington International |
| range of fine hotels at all levels. | | | | Airport (BWI) is the state's main airport and caters |
| For budget accommodation, looks for motels along | | | | for large numbers of passengers |
| nearby Interstates and close to | | | | each day. A range of ground transportation is |
| the airport. Reasonably priced accommodation is | | | | available at the airport, including |
| available in the city center, | | | | taxis, shuttles and trains.Nia Rees writes for World |
| together with a number of top, five-star hotels, with | | | | Guides - |
| luxury facilities. Waterside | | | | providers of travel and tourist information for major |
| hotels around the Inner Harbor area are amongst | | | | cities throughout the world. |
| those most desirable, although the | | | | |