Top 14 Things Baltimore Is Famous For

1. Berger Cookies

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Berger Cookies have etched its delectable mark in Baltimore’s culinary history since the early 20th century. These iconic treats, characterized by their thick layer of rich chocolate fudge atop a soft, cake-like cookie, were first created by German immigrant Henry Berger. Opening his bakery in 1835, Berger unknowingly set the foundation for a beloved Baltimore tradition. The cookies gained immense popularity over the years, becoming a staple at local bakeries and markets.

Berger Cookies’ unique and indulgent flavor earned them a special place in Baltimore’s culinary landscape, with locals and visitors alike savoring their sweet allure. The treat’s enduring fame is a testament to its irresistible taste and the city’s pride in this hometown delight.

Berger Cookies

Website: Berger Cookies

2. Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown, boasts a storied history that intertwines with Baltimore’s cultural fabric. Established in 1873, this thoroughbred horse race has become a celebrated tradition that captures the city’s heart and captivates horse racing enthusiasts nationwide. Taking place at Pimlico Race Course, the event’s rich legacy is epitomized by the spirited atmosphere, where spectators don their finest attire and revel in the excitement of the race.

The Preakness Stakes has gained enduring popularity in Baltimore due to its role as a sporting spectacle and a social occasion, bringing together diverse communities and fostering a sense of unity. Its tradition of the “Black-Eyed Susan” blanket and its place within the Triple Crown series contribute to the race’s allure.

As an integral part of Baltimore’s history and cultural heritage, the Preakness Stakes not only showcases elite equine athleticism but also embodies the city’s vibrant spirit and cherished traditions.

3. Mount Vernon Place

One of the renowned attractions in Baltimore that you should add to your itinerary is Mount Vernon Place, an urban square that is home to the famous Washington Monument. The monument serves as a centerpiece in the downtown district.

Besides visiting this landmark, some other things to do around Mount Vernon Place are having a chit-chat over coffee with your friends, eating a hearty meal at one of the brunch buffet spots, or simply finding a quiet place to read around the squares. This landmark is also a venue for quite a lot of events such as art classes, walking tours, movie screenings, and live performances.

Mount Vernon Place Conservancy

Address: 699 Washington Pl, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States

Website: Mount Vernon Place Conservancy

4. Artscape Festival

Baltimore is home to various events that bring the community together. If you’re an enthusiast of the arts, one of the festivals you must attend is Artscape. This annual festival is celebrated at Mount Royal, one of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. The first Artscape was held in 1982 and has since become one of the free art festivals in the country. Its popularity has resulted in big performance acts like Al Green, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin. Some of the activities featured at the festival are installation art, literary arts, and juried exhibitions.

Artscape Festival

Address: Mount Royal, Baltimore, MD

5. Baltimore crab cakes

If you’re planning a day trip to Baltimore any time soon, you have to try local treats such as these delicious Baltimore crab cakes. These are undeniably the most popular food item in the city. An epicurean delight, this crispy and delicious food is widely available across Baltimore. It should not be a surprise if you are treated to home-made crab cakes even during a visit to a localite’s home. Yes, it is a signature snack that you must try when in this city. If you don’t know what is Baltimore known for, it’s crab cakes!

6. The Iconic Lexington Market

Considered an authentic and iconic spot in Baltimore, the Lexington market is a world-class historic market and a fascinating landmark in Baltimore located in two building blocks right in the heart of Lexington and Paca Street. Formerly known as the Western Precincts Market, this stunning venue is a major tourist attraction site in Baltimore that showcases the rich and vibrant trade culture of Maryland.

This majestic trade center began its trade operations in about 1782 and is famed for being one of the longest-running and futuristic markets in the world. Currently, the market is home to stunning eateries that offer authentic Baltimore cuisines and mouthwatering dishes.

Lexington Market

Address: 400 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

Website: Lexington Market

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

7. Old bay seasoning

Named after the Old Bay Line, a passenger cruise ship that plied the gentle waters of the Chesapeake Bay to Norfolk, Virginia, Old Bay seasoning is a famous seasoning mix in the Mid-Atlantic states, Southern states and, specifically in Maryland, which is crafted from fresh ingredients including crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, celery salts, and black pepper. Old Bay seasoning is an exciting seasoning and an intricate spice that is chiefly used to prepare and season crabs, shrimps and other seafood delicacies enriching the taste and aroma making it worth your while. The seasoning is also used as a topping on salad eggs, baked potatoes, fried chicken and French fries.

8. Bohemian beer

Founded in 1872 and locally brewed until 1975, the National Brewing Company produced National Bohemian Beer, which became a popular Baltimore beer. Brewed using a traditional recipe, including sparkling water, grains, and wheat, which when combined, result in a distinctive colored and smooth-tasting beer. While the brewery has since moved to Wisconsin, you can still enjoy this historic beer of Baltimore while sitting in Inner Harbor.

9. Ledo Pizza

Feeling stressful after a hard day at work? Go to Ledo Pizza and pamper yourself by indulging in a delicious square-shaped pizza while satisfying your craving. Open in various locations, Ledo Pizza brings you close to the city’s attractions making it ideal for tourists. This long-running chain is famed for its eclectic hands-on approach in providing healthy and delicious gluten-free pizza which are freshly rolled into a high-quality dough, along with garden-fresh tomatoes and fine cheese. Other entrees include spaghetti, breadsticks, and lasagna.

Ledo Pizzaa

Address: 913 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA

Website: Ledo Pizza

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm

10. Johns Hopkins Hospital

The Johns Hopkins Hospital is a world-class facility in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, known for its excellent modern equipment, expert doctors, and an extensive research faculty. This unique establishment began its operations in the late1880s, with the aim of providing cutting-edge solutions to various ailments. Today, the hospital is a top-notch biomedical research giant with over 18 operational departments. This non-profit medical center is located conveniently along Orleans street and features a high level of service and patient care, which sets it apart from other medical facilities. Explore this brilliant state-of-the-art patient care facility for a full glimpse of modern and futuristic medical care.

John Hopkins Hospital

Address: 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA

Website: John Hopkins Hospital

Opening hours: 24/7

11. The fascinating Inner Harbor

Considered as one of the most comprehensive attractions in Baltimore, the Inner Harbor is an exhilarating venue, and unique dynamic space in Maryland offering some of the best city’s attractions including the Maryland Science Center, the National Aquarium, and the Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Inner Harbor is indeed a stunning landmark snuggled in the confines of a peaceful town neighborhood with a brilliant blend of Maryland’s old and new history with historic ships docked in the harbor and modern attractions sites like the World Trade Center, which offers sweeping views of this stunning landmark from the 27th floor.

Inner Harbor

Address: Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Website: Inner Harbor

12. Baltimore's renowned museums

Throw in a dash of art appreciation on your list of things to do in Baltimore by visiting the fascinating museums and exploring the rich history of Maryland. This beautiful city is home to dynamic museums and research centers that contain detailed catalogs and archived materials that explain Baltimore’s intriguing history making these museums a perfect spot for visitors who are overwhelmingly interested in unraveling the historical facts of this stunning city.

Baltimore features excellent museums such as Walters Art Museum. This is a free-entry museum in the peaceful Vernon neighborhood which is undeniably a cultural hub with exotic collections that span from more than 7 millennia, as far back as 5,000 BCE to the 21st century.

13. Fell's Point

Break the monotony of a quiet boring day and visit Fell’s point for a delightful tour of Baltimore, Maryland. Fell’s Point is a historic spot on the waterfront that dates back to the late 17th century. It’s famed for its charismatic cobblestone streets, historic buildings, antique stores, exciting street fairs, coffee houses, and fascinating art galleries. Located conveniently along the Northern shore of the Baltimore Harbor just 1.5 miles East of Baltimore’s central business district, this famous thing in Baltimore is an eclectic neighborhood with a fascinating Martine past and welcoming ambiance of a seafaring town. Immerse yourself in this beautiful town neighborhood and discover the levitating vibes of Baltimore.

Fell's Point

Address: Fell St, Baltimore, MD 21231

Website: Fell’s Point

Opening hours: 24/7

Price: Free

14. Baltimore's historic ships

Enjoy the fascinating maritime history of Baltimore through four of its stunning historic ships docked in the Inner Harbor. The “Historic Ships in Baltimore” museum was created as a result of the amalgamation between the Baltimore Maritime Museum and the brilliant USS Constellation Museum. It is situated conveniently in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore just a few minutes from the capital. The museum is undeniably a fascinating representation of Baltimore’s maritime charisma comprising of four historic museum ships and one lighthouse. The impressive collection of vessels include the USS Constellation a sloop of warships, USS Torsk, the Chesapeake lightship, USCGC Taney a coast guard cutter and the adorable Seven Foot Knoll Light which is a screw-pile lighthouse.

Enjoy a fascinating stay in Baltimore

If you’ve been wondering about what Baltimore is known for, this inclusive list is the only handy-dandy guide you need. The city is indeed a beautiful historic seaport city with lots of exquisite dynamic spaces to explore and discover. Visit these stunning venues and other fascinating places around Maryland for an intriguing and informative weekend trip. To enhance the experience, book a lavish stay at a hotel.