Baltimore City Guide

Try Maryland blue crabs, crab cakes, and Berger cookies. The city offers diverse international cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Some late-night diners and restaurants stay open especially in entertainment zones.

Nightlife includes historic pubs in Fells Point, live music venues in Federal Hill, and upscale bars in Harbor East.

There are many local and specialty coffee shops, with neighborhoods like Hampden and Fells Point known for their cafes.

Tipping is expected for services. Restaurants and rideshares usually 15-20%. Bartenders $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab. Hotel housekeeping $2-5 per day.

SIM cards are available from carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. eSIM is increasingly available depending on the phone. No ID usually needed for prepaid SIMs.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood. Tourist and affluent areas stay cleaner. City provides regular waste and recycling services.

Some 24/7 services exist like late-night pharmacies and convenience stores. Diners and fast food places are open late in parts of the city.

Supermarkets include Giant Food, Safeway, Harris Teeter, and Whole Foods. Lexington Market offers fresh local produce. Stores usually open 7 AM to 10 PM, with some Sunday and holiday reduced hours.

Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards. Cash is still accepted but rarely needed for daily use.

ATMs are common at banks, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Fees for out-of-network ATMs range from $2.50 to $5.00 per withdrawal.

Baltimore City Public Schools serve the area, mostly in English. International schools are rare but available nearby. Program details and waitlists vary by school.

Baltimore’s digital nomad community is growing but still small. Meetups exist but are less frequent than in major hubs.

Major parks like Druid Hill and Patterson Park are easy to access. Smaller parks and tree-lined streets are common too.

Popular routes include the Inner Harbor promenade and city parks. Running groups are active. Safety is good during daylight in busy areas.

Gyms and fitness centers are widely available across the city.

Public courts are at parks like Druid Hill and Patterson. Private clubs offer equipment rental and coaching. Padel courts are rare.

Padel courts exist but are uncommon, mostly at private clubs.

Many yoga studios offer various styles with drop-in classes and English-speaking instructors.

Martial arts options include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Boxing. Training gyms have English-speaking instructors.

Ski resorts like Wisp Resort and Liberty Mountain are 2-3 hours away. Season runs December to March, with mostly artificial snow.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in the Inner Harbor with rentals available. Sailing is common on Chesapeake Bay with many charter options.

Surf spots are limited nearby. Ocean City, 2.5 to 3 hours away, is best for surfing with schools and rentals. Fall and spring offer better waves.

Diving in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is limited. Chesapeake Bay offers some wreck diving, but options are sparse.

Hospitals like Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical Center offer high-quality care with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are common and carry OTC medicines.

Tap water meets federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Playgrounds like Patterson Park and Druid Hill Park are common. Attractions include the National Aquarium, Port Discovery Children's Museum, and Maryland Science Center. Kid-friendly cafés are available.

Baltimore is LGBTQ+ friendly with safe and inclusive venues, especially in Mount Vernon. Pride events occur annually.

Pet-friendly parks and many vet services. Dog parks like Canton and Patterson Park are common. Pet supplies and accommodations are readily available.