Perfect Weekend in Baltimore: 48-Hour Itinerary & Top Things to Do This Weekend
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Why This Weekend is Perfect for Baltimore
Baltimore, a city brimming with history, culture, and waterfront charm, is the ideal destination for a memorable weekend getaway. From its cobblestone streets to its bustling Inner Harbor, the city offers a delightful mix of attractions that’ll keep you engaged all weekend long.
The weekend of March 14-16, 2025, is especially exciting, with the 63rd Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade lighting up the streets on Sunday! One thing I’ve learned from my travels is that experiencing a city during a festival gives you a special glimpse into its heart and soul.
🌟 My Experience: As I wandered through Baltimore last year during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I was struck by how the city’s vibrant community shines during this festive time. The streets were alive with music, the pubs were packed with friendly locals, and even strangers greeted me with “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!” It truly creates a perfect blend of tradition and modern fun that you won’t want to miss!
Whether you’re a foodie seeking the best crab cakes (trust me, I’ve tried them ALL), a history buff eager to explore charming neighborhoods, or an event enthusiast looking for unique experiences, this 48-hour itinerary has everything you need for things to do in Baltimore this weekend.
Friday Evening: Arrival and First Impressions
Kick off your weekend in Baltimore with a smooth arrival and a taste of the city’s vibrant evening scene. After checking into your hotel, you’ll be ready to dive into the Charm City experience!
Check-in and Accommodation
Settle into a hotel near Inner Harbor for convenience and easy access to top attractions. Here are your best options:
Best Hotels in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Luxury Prime Location
Finding the perfect hotel is crucial for a seamless Baltimore weekend. I’ve personally stayed at several options and narrowed down the best choices based on location, comfort, and value.
Top Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore — Indulge in upscale amenities and stunning harbor views with floor-to-ceiling windows. Their spa is absolute heaven!
- Mid-range: Hampton Inn Inner Harbor — Comfortable rooms in a central location with free breakfast. I stayed here last spring and loved being able to walk everywhere!
- Budget: Days Inn Baltimore North — Affordable with quick access to downtown via light rail. Perfect if you’re watching your wallet but still want convenience.
- Boutique: Admiral Fell Inn — Historic charm in the heart of Fell’s Point with unique, character-filled rooms.
Price Range: $120-$450 per night
Dinner Recommendations
After checking in, head out for a delicious dinner. Baltimore’s food scene is seriously underrated! Make reservations ahead of time, as these spots are popular:
💡 Pro Tip: Most Baltimore restaurants offer online reservations through OpenTable or Resy. I learned the hard way that showing up without a reservation on a Friday night can mean waiting over an hour at popular spots like Thames Street Oyster House. I now always book at least 2-3 days in advance when visiting on weekends!
- Thames Street Oyster House (Fell’s Point) — A local favorite for crab cakes and fresh seafood. Their lobster roll is also to die for!
- Café Gia (Little Italy) — Cozy Italian eatery with authentic pasta and desserts. The homemade cannoli will transport you straight to Sicily!
- Blue Moon Cafe (Fell’s Point) — Perfect for vegetarians, with hearty comfort food. Their Captain Crunch French Toast is Instagram-famous for good reason.
Thames Street Oyster House
Seafood $$
Thames Street Oyster House has become my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting Baltimore. Tucked away in historic Fell’s Point, this restaurant serves the freshest seafood in an atmosphere that perfectly balances casual comfort with upscale dining.
Must-Try Menu Items:
- Maryland Crab Cake (purist style with minimal filler)
- Maine Lobster Roll (warm with butter or cold with aioli)
- Chesapeake Oysters (locally sourced and impeccably fresh)
- Grilled Whole Fish (changes daily based on what’s freshest)
Price Range: $25-45 for entrees
Evening Activity
Start your weekend with some entertainment:
Friday Night Events in Baltimore This Weekend
Entertainment Evening Fun
Kick off your Baltimore weekend with these exciting entertainment options that showcase the city’s vibrant nightlife scene:
Featured Events:
- Sebastian Maniscalco’s Comedy Show — Catch the laughs at CFG Bank Arena at 7:30 PM. His observational humor about everyday life is guaranteed to have you in stitches!
- Cabaret of Mysteries: Shamrock Soirée — Enjoy a themed performance at The Lord Baltimore at 8:00 PM. This intimate show combines magic, burlesque, and comedy for a truly unique night out!
- Live Jazz at Keystone Korner — For a more relaxed evening, enjoy world-class jazz performances in an intimate setting with excellent cocktails.
⚠️ Warning: Book these events in advance as they often sell out, especially on holiday weekends! Prices may also increase as the date approaches.
Price Range: $35-85 per ticket
Saturday: Exploring Baltimore’s Attractions
Saturday is your chance to dive into Baltimore’s rich offerings, from world-class attractions to cultural gems. This is when you’ll really get to experience the best things to do in Baltimore this weekend!
Morning: Visit Top Attractions
Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel or pop into Miss Shirley’s Cafe for some Southern comfort food that’ll fuel your adventures.
💡 Pro Tip: Miss Shirley’s gets extremely busy on weekends! I arrived once at 10am and faced a 90-minute wait. Either go early (before 8:30am) or put your name on the list through the Yelp app while still in your hotel room to minimize wait time. Their Coconut Cream Stuffed French Toast is absolutely worth planning ahead for!
Then head to the National Aquarium, ranked among the best in the U.S. with its dazzling exhibits of dolphins, sharks, and tropical fish. The blacktip reef exhibit is absolutely mesmerizing!
National Aquarium Tickets
Top Attraction Family-Friendly
The National Aquarium is a must-visit, but tickets can be pricey at the door (and you’ll face long lines). When I visited last May, I spent nearly 3 hours exploring the multi-level exhibits. My favorites were the immersive tropical rainforest and the mesmerizing jellyfish displays.
Visitor Highlights:
- Blacktip Reef (360-degree coral reef viewing)
- Dolphin Discovery (check schedule for demonstration times)
- Amazon River Forest (recreated rainforest ecosystem)
- Shark Alley (walk through a ring-shaped tank surrounded by sharks)
⚠️ Tip: Arrive early (before 10am) to beat the crowds, especially on weekends! The aquarium gets increasingly busy throughout the day, with peak crowds between 12-2pm.
Price Range: $39.95 for adults, $29.95 for children
Afterward, stroll around Inner Harbor. Take in the waterfront views or hop on a water taxi to Fell’s Point for lunch. The water taxi is not just transportation—it’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective!
Baltimore Harbor Water Taxi
Transportation Sightseeing
The water taxi is the most scenic way to get around the harbor area! A day pass gives you unlimited rides between popular destinations like Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, Canton, and Fort McHenry. I spent an entire afternoon hopping between neighborhoods this way, getting amazing photos of the city skyline from the water.
Key Benefits:
- Unlimited hop-on, hop-off access all day
- Connects all major waterfront attractions
- Provides unique photo opportunities of the skyline
- Entertaining commentary from boat captains about city history
Price Range: $17 for an all-day pass
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Afternoon: Cultural Experiences
Spend your afternoon soaking up Baltimore’s culture:
The Walters Art Museum
Free Admission Art & Culture
The Walters Art Museum is one of Baltimore’s hidden gems that many tourists overlook. With free admission and a diverse collection spanning 7,000 years of art history, it’s an incredible cultural experience that won’t cost you a dime!
Museum Highlights:
- Medieval armor collection (one of the best in America)
- Egyptian antiquities and mummies
- Impressionist gallery featuring Monet and Sisley
- Ancient Roman and Greek sculptures
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Chamber of Wonders on the fourth floor! This recreated 17th-century collector’s cabinet is filled with curiosities and is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the museum. I spent almost an hour exploring just this room alone.
Price Range: FREE (donations welcome)
Walking Tour of Fell’s Point
Historical Photo-Worthy
Fell’s Point is my absolute favorite Baltimore neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and waterfront charm. This former shipbuilding district now houses boutique shops, restaurants, and pubs in buildings that date back to the 1700s.
Self-Guided Walking Tour Route:
- Start at Broadway Square and take in the waterfront views
- Wander past historic homes and boutique shops on Thames Street
- Check out The Horse You Came In On Saloon, allegedly the last place Edgar Allan Poe had a drink
- Browse the eclectic shops along Broadway
- End with lunch at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood for what many locals consider the best crab cakes in town
🌟 My Experience: I spent a rainy afternoon ducking in and out of Fell’s Point’s unique shops and was surprised when the owner of a small bookstore offered me tea while I browsed. This neighborhood has maintained its small-town feel despite being in the heart of the city. I ended up chatting with locals at a corner pub who shared their favorite hidden gems across Baltimore!
Price Range: FREE for self-guided, $25-45 for guided tours
How to Save Money on Attraction Tickets:
- Purchase a Baltimore Harbor Pass for discounts on multiple attractions
- Visit free museums like The Walters Art Museum and Baltimore Museum of Art
- Check Groupon for last-minute deals on tours and activities
- Use student, military, or senior discounts where applicable (bring ID)
- Visit the Baltimore Visitor Center for exclusive coupon booklets
Evening: Cultural Entertainment
Cap off Saturday with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (8:00 PM). This sophisticated performance is a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration. When I attended last year, their rendition of Gershwin absolutely blew me away!
Saturday Night Entertainment
Cultural Evening Event
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra offers world-class performances in a stunning venue. Their performances range from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions and even movie score nights. It’s a sophisticated yet accessible way to spend your Saturday evening.
Evening Options:
- Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall – A sophisticated cultural experience
- Live Music at The Ottobar – For a more casual atmosphere with indie and rock performances
- Comedy at Magooby’s Joke House – If you’re in the mood for laughs instead of music
- Harbor Nightlife – Bar-hopping at Power Plant Live! entertainment complex
🌟 My Experience: Last April, I caught the BSO performing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” and the acoustics in Meyerhoff Hall were incredible. The venue has a stunning modern design where there isn’t a bad seat in the house. After the performance, we found a cozy wine bar just two blocks away to discuss the music over a glass of merlot – a perfect cultural evening!
Price Range: $35-95 for BSO tickets
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Sunday: St. Patrick’s Day Festivities
Sunday brings the highlight of the weekend: St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that showcase Baltimore’s festive spirit. This is what makes this particular weekend in Baltimore extra special!
Morning: Active Start or Leisurely Beginnings
Choose your own adventure to start the day:
| Option | Activity | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Shamrock 5K Run | 1:00 PM | Fitness enthusiasts, festive runners |
| Leisurely | Miss Shirley’s Brunch | 8:00-11:00 AM | Foodies, late risers |
| Cultural | Sunday Mass at Basilica | 9:30 AM | History/architecture buffs |
| Early Bird | Federal Hill Sunrise Views | 6:30 AM | Photographers, morning people |
Altra Kelly Benefits St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5K
Active Festive
Join over 5,000 runners for this festive 5K that winds through downtown Baltimore. The energy is incredible, with participants decked out in their best green attire and Irish-themed costumes. Even if you’re not usually a runner, the party atmosphere makes this event accessible and fun for all fitness levels.
Race Details:
- Start/Finish: Power Plant Live!
- Time: 1:00 PM (arrive by noon)
- Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)
- Post-Race: Celebration with live music and beer
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you’re not running, the Shamrock 5K is worth checking out as a spectator! I joined my friends last year just to cheer them on and ended up having a blast watching all the creative costumes and joining the post-race party. Position yourself near the finish line for the most exciting views!
Price Range: $45-55 registration fee
Afternoon: Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Head to the 63rd Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade at 2:00 PM, starting at the Washington Monument. Expect lively floats, music, and green-clad crowds. Last year, I watched from a spot near the reviewing stand on Pratt Street, which offered great views of the passing bands and dancers.
The parade route typically runs from the Washington Monument down Charles Street, then east on Pratt Street through the Inner Harbor. Stake out your spot early (around 1:00 PM) to get a good view!
🌟 My Experience: I was amazed by the scale of Baltimore’s St. Patrick’s Day parade last year! The bagpipe bands were my favorite, and the atmosphere was incredibly festive with families, friends, and visitors all celebrating together. I found a perfect viewing spot along Charles Street near the Barnes & Noble, which had the added benefit of being close to restrooms and coffee shops. The parade lasted about 2 hours, so having access to these amenities was clutch!
Parade Viewing Tips
The parade is the highlight of things to do in Baltimore this weekend! Make the most of it with these insider tips:
Smart Viewing Strategy:
- Bring a folding chair if you plan to stay for the whole parade
- Wear green to get into the spirit (and avoid playful pinches!)
- Pack water and snacks—parade watching builds an appetite
- Position yourself near a restaurant or pub for post-parade celebrations
- Mount Vernon area has fewer crowds than Inner Harbor viewing spots
- Charles Street between Lexington and Pratt offers good viewing with less congestion
⚠️ Warning: Parking will be extremely limited and many streets close for the parade. Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services to avoid the hassle. If you must drive, park in a garage several blocks from the parade route.
Price Range: FREE
Evening: Choose Your Entertainment
End your weekend with a bang by choosing one of these exciting Sunday evening events:
Sunday Evening Entertainment Options
Entertainment Evening Events
Cap off your Baltimore weekend with these entertaining evening options:
Featured Evening Events:
- The Millennium Tour — R&B vibes at CFG Bank Arena at 8:00 PM. A nostalgic music experience featuring 2000s hitmakers.
- The Harlem Globetrotters — Family-friendly fun at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena. Amazing basketball skills and entertaining comedy for all ages.
- Nina Simone Project — Intimate jazz performance at Keystone Korner Baltimore celebrating the legendary singer’s work.
- Maryland Opera’s Heritage Series Concert — Classical performances at Church of the Redeemer with exceptional acoustics.
- Irish Pub Crawl — Join organized groups or create your own tour of Baltimore’s best Irish pubs, all offering special St. Patrick’s Day menus and entertainment.
Price Range: $25-95 depending on event
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Additional Tips and Recommendations
Make the most of your weekend with these practical pointers for things to do in Baltimore this weekend.
Where to Eat
Baltimore’s food scene is incredible! Here’s a table of my favorite options:
| Meal | Recommendation | Cuisine | Location | Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Miss Shirley’s Cafe | Southern | Inner Harbor | Crab Cake Eggs Benedict |
| Breakfast | Blue Moon Cafe | Vegetarian | Fell’s Point | Captain Crunch French Toast |
| Lunch | Jimmy’s Famous Seafood | Seafood | Various | Classic Crab Cakes |
| Lunch | Banditos | Mexican | Federal Hill | Street Corn Guacamole |
| Dinner | Charleston | Fine Dining | Downtown | Lobster Soup with Curry |
| Dinner | Ekiben | Asian Fusion | Various | Neighborhood Bird Sandwich |
Foodie Tour Option
Culinary Local Experience
Want to sample multiple Baltimore specialties in one go? A food tour is the perfect way to taste the city’s best offerings while learning about its culinary history and traditions. These guided experiences take you to multiple eateries in a single afternoon, with carefully curated tastings at each stop.
Food Tour Benefits:
- Sample 6-8 different Baltimore specialties in one experience
- Skip the lines at popular eateries with reserved tastings
- Learn about the history and cultural significance of local dishes
- Discover hidden gems you might not find on your own
- Meet fellow foodie travelers in a social setting
🌟 My Experience: The Fell’s Point Food Tour was one of my favorite Baltimore experiences! Our guide took us to 6 different spots where I tried everything from authentic crab soup to chocolates made with local beer. The small group size (just 8 of us) made it feel personal, and by the end of the 3-hour tour, I was comfortably full but not uncomfortably stuffed. The historical tidbits about each neighborhood made the experience educational as well as delicious!
Price Range: $65-85 per person
Getting Around
- Walk downtown areas like Inner Harbor and Fell’s Point. The streets are very pedestrian-friendly!
- Use the Charm City Circulator, a free bus service hitting major spots. The Purple Route is particularly useful for tourists.
- For longer trips, opt for Light Rail, Metro Subway, or rideshares (Uber/Lyft).
Transportation Money-Saving Tips:
- The Charm City Circulator is completely FREE and connects most tourist areas
- MTA day passes ($4.60) provide unlimited access to buses, light rail, and metro
- Walking is free and the most scenic way to experience downtown Baltimore
- Water taxi day passes ($17) are cheaper than taking multiple single rides ($10 each)
- Use ride-sharing apps’ fare splitting features when traveling with friends
Safety Tips
⚠️ Warning: Like any major city, Baltimore has areas that require extra awareness, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, particularly in the Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, and Federal Hill neighborhoods. During special events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.
- Stick to well-lit areas at night, especially after events.
- Keep valuables secure in crowded spots like the parade.
- Use public transport or rideshares if walking alone after dark.
- As with any city, stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in unfamiliar areas.
FAQ Section
Is there anything fun to do in Baltimore?
Absolutely! Baltimore boasts cultural attractions (museums, theaters), outdoor spaces (parks, waterfronts), and seasonal events (concerts, festivals). This weekend offers comedy shows, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and more. The Inner Harbor alone has enough activities to fill an entire day!
How do you spend a day in Baltimore?
Here’s a sample day:
- Morning: Explore the National Aquarium and grab coffee at a local cafe.
- Afternoon: Stroll Inner Harbor or tour historic Fell’s Point.
- Evening: Dine in Little Italy, then catch a show or concert.
This weekend in particular offers special events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade that make for a unique Baltimore experience!
What events are happening in Baltimore this week?
For March 14-16, 2025:
- Friday: Sebastian Maniscalco comedy show or Cabaret of Mysteries: Shamrock Soirée.
- Saturday: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concert.
- Sunday: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Shamrock 5K, and concerts like The Millennium Tour.
These events make it an especially exciting weekend to visit Baltimore!
What is Baltimore famous for?
Baltimore shines with:
- Seafood — Especially crab cakes that are second to none. My personal obsession!
- History — Fort McHenry and “The Star-Spangled Banner” origin story.
- Neighborhoods — Charming Fell’s Point and Federal Hill with their distinct character.
- Culture — The Walters Art Museum, National Aquarium, and vibrant arts scene.
Ready for Your Baltimore Adventure?
Don’t miss out on this perfect weekend in Charm City! Book your hotel now and secure tickets to the weekend’s hottest events before they sell out.
