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Free Things to do in Baltimore

Uncover hidden gems and explore the charm of Baltimore with our guide to free attractions and activities. Plan your budget-friendly adventure now!

Free Things to do in Baltimore

Whether you are on a budget, or you are just a lover of free things to do, there are a lot of activities in Baltimore, the biggest city in Maryland. Found just 40 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., ‘Charm City’ and its picturesque harbor offers a variety of experiences. 

Guests can explore parks, museums, libraries and more all for the price of free.

Charm City Circulator

Getting around Baltimore doesn’t have to cost you a  dime, use Baltimore’s charm city circulator. This hybrid bus takes you to most of the spots you would want to hit when visiting. With 4 routes and stops every 10 – 15 minutes, you will be connected to the city’s main attractions and rail and subway lines. 

See the Skyline from Federal Hill Park 

Situated on the south side of the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill Park is perhaps the best spot to explore Baltimore’s horizon, walk around or have a picnic! An adored spot in the city, with its recreation center and more than 10 acres of green , this is the place where 4,000 patriots observed Maryland’s approval of the U.S. Constitution in 1788. 

American Visionary Art Museum

In walking distance from federal park is the American Visionary Art Museum, which highlights non traditional art and has a glittery mosaic outside. You are free to walk around and take a look at the art outside, but it is worth paying to go inside.

Thinking of Visiting Other Major US Cities? Check out City Pass to save money.

Stop by the Edgar Allan Poe Memorial 

Pay homage to one of Baltimore’s most celebrated inhabitants, writer and Editor Edgar Allan Poe, by visiting his noteworthy gravesite and memorial inside Westminster Hall and Burying Ground. Poe was not just a writer; he is also known for starting the detective fiction genre and was one of the first in the nation to compose short stories. 

Explore the Baltimore Museum of Art 

Guests to the Baltimore Museum of Art will be satisfied to discover an exhibition hall loaded with works from the nineteenth century to contemporary occasions. The assortment of around 95,000 bits of workmanship incorporates the biggest number of works by Henri Matisse on the planet, as well as pieces by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and numerous others. Remember to go for a walk through the scripture garden, which is formed on nearly three landscaped areas. 

The historical center, open Wednesday through Sunday, has free admission all year, except for certain occasions and special events.

Explore Patterson Park

Once an encampment for Union Troops during the Civil War, Patterson Park is now a roughly 130-acre public playground with an ice-skating rink, swimming pool, lake, and basketball and tennis courts. Don’t miss the Victorian pagoda for catching some great views of downtown and various neighborhoods and landmarks. Activities are offered year-round at the “Best Back Yard in Baltimore”. Some activities such as swimming and ice skating have a small fee. 

Enjoy Creativity at the Maryland Institute College of Art 

Scattered all through the grounds of the Maryland Institute College of Art are a few exhibitions that feature an assortment of work made by best upcoming student artists (and many times local, national, or global artists). With a mishmash of structures that runs the array from neoclassical to present day, the whole campus itself can be viewed as a work of art. There are around 100 shows per year on the Bolton Hill grounds.

Get Back to Nature at Cylburn Arboretum 

Spanning 207 acres of land, Cylburn Arboretum is a nature preserve inside city limits. A Victorian chateau/mansion loaded with watercolor canvases is surrounded by forests with trails from which local and non-local trees, plants, and blossoms can be found. Some of the most notable flowers include beeches, hollies, Japanese maples, magnolias, and Maryland oaks. 

The arboretum is open to the public all year on Tuesday through Sunday and is free to enter (leashed dogs are welcome).

Browse at Antique Row 

The most seasoned antique district in the U.S. is situated in Baltimore, along the 800 block of N. Howard Street and the 200 block of W. Understand Street. The zone going back to the 1840s has been known by Antique Row throughout the years. These two blocks offer shops with English, American, and different decorations, artistic creations, uncommon books, and extra things. Going for a walk and discovering stores loaded with collectibles is free, yet chances are you’ll discover a treasure in these shops worth spending money on.

Conclusion

Baltimore is not just a hub of history and waterfront wonders, but also a playground for those with a keen eye for free experiences. From wandering the eccentric streets of Fells Point to soaking in the artsy vibes at the Walters Art Museum, the city truly unfolds its magic without asking for a dime in return

Common Questions

While there are attractions around the Inner Harbor that may charge an entry fee, simply strolling around, soaking in the views, and enjoying the ambiance won’t cost you a penny.

Baltimore hosts numerous free festivals and events throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Keep an eye on the city’s event calendar for the latest happenings.

Federal Hill offers not just panoramic views of the Inner Harbor but also a slice of history. Also, Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the U.S. National Anthem, offers free entrance days on select dates. Make sure to check in advance!

Start Planning Your USA Trip Now!

Book Your Flight:

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flights. A travellers favorite way to book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.

Book Your Bus or Transportation Within USA:

There are two ways to book your transporation, ask your hotel or hostel, go to the local bus terminal, or book online, for a less stressful trip using 12go.asia

Book Your Accomodation: 

Find the best hotels or hostels at HostelWorld, Booking.com, Agoda.com. Perks include with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and Free cancellations.

Dont Forget Your Travel Insurance:

Two popular choices are SafetyWing and WorldsNomads. A traveler should buy traveler’s insurance to protect themselves against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Useful Apps?

Checkmy Bus / Wanderu / Busbud – Booking Busses

Whatsapp / Groupme / Boostone – Communication

HiJiffy / Hotel Tonight / Agoda – Booking Hotel

Trip.com / Goibibo – Booking Train

Seamless / GrubHub / Uber Eats – Food Delivery

Uber / Lyft / Wingz – Booking Taxi

Want More Information On USA?

Be sure to check out my nomad travel guide on the USA for even more tips.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

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Justin Gonzalez

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