Since 1729, Baltimore is a city that gives every visitor a very warm welcome and it is its hospitality that earned Baltimore the nickname Charm City . Founded as a port and shipbuilding town, Baltimore is a site of historic landmarks and museums that reflect the city's suffering, revival, history and culture.
Baltimore, getting there and around
Considered to be Maryland 's busiest airport and a major domestic and international hub, the Baltimore-Washington International Airport is just 10 miles south of Baltimore , off I-295. From the airport, you can take the Super Shuttle vans which travels from the airport to all major downtown hotels. Taking the light rail or Amtrak through the BWI and Penn Station will also take you to downtown Baltimore . American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Southwest, United and US Airways are among the domestic airlines that have flights to Baltimore .
It normally takes an hour of travel time from New York to Baltimore , 6 hours from Los Angeles , 2 hours from Toronto and Chicago .
For International travels, it takes around 9 hours from London and 24 hours from Sydney .
Getting around
With a systematic public transport system, it is easy to get around the city of Baltimore . Buses are the most used public transportation in the city but there are also train systems such as the subway and the light rails. Fare system for these transportation services are also the same with a one way fare that costs around $ 1.60. There are also one-day, weekly and monthly passes that are offered for those regular commuters. Buses operate nearly 24 hours a day while metro subway is open between 5 am-12 mn on weekdays and 6 am-12 mn on weekends. Light rail trains meanwhile operate from 6 am to 11 pm on weekdays, 7 am to 11 pm on Saturdays and 11 am to 7 pm on Sundays and holidays.
Aside from the three major transport systems, there are also water taxis, which have a scheduled route and stops on Inner Harbor , Little Italy and Fells Point, and pedicabs.
Baltimore, main attractions
National Aquarium in Baltimore
With a collection of 10,500 specimens and 560 species, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is considered as one of Maryland 's largest tourist attraction with an average annual attendance of 1.6 million visitors.
Among the famous attractions in the aquarium are the rooftop rainforest, the dolphins, the ray pool and the multi-storey shark tanks.
The aquarium is open daily but the hours that it is open depends on the season of the year. For more information log on to: www.aqua.org.
Baltimore Museum of Industry
Baltimore 's pride - past, preset and future - can be found in the Baltimore Museum of Industry. It is here where you can relive the early days of the Port City and witness the Industrial Revolution up close.
Among the famous attractions in the museum are the 1937 Mini Mariner, the 1922 steam roller and the 1914 moving van. Also found in the museum are replicas of the 1910 Bunting's Pharmacy, the 1865 Platt Oyster Cannery structure and the old Print Shop.
The Maryland Milestone Wall boasts local inventions that made and impact to the world such as the first disposable bottle cap and America 's first umbrella company.
Aside from the exhibits, Baltimore Museum of Industry also offers educational packages for children of different grade levels. Not only are these packages offered within the premises of the museum, but some packages also bring learning right into your classrooms.
Among the short courses offered are History Alive, Meet your Neighbors, Kids' Motorworks, and Design It, just to name a few.
The Baltimore Museum of Industry is open on Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.
Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center is a place where you can explore anything that science has to offer. From the time when dinosaurs ruled the world to the latest science discoveries, the Maryland Science Center allows its visitors to experience the beauty of science first hand.
Exhibits in the center are not just for sightseeing, but most of them are interactive and hands-on. Newton 's Alley, for example gives visitors the chance to look into Sir Isaac Newton's principles by trying out some interactive demonstrations.
Aside from the exhibits, Maryland Science Center also boasts of shows that are educational and fun. The center's famous IMAX is an entertaining 3D presentation that gives the chance to explore several places right at the comfort of your seat.
The Maryland Science Center is open from Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 8 pm and from Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm.
Port Discovery
Considered as one of the largest children's museum in the United States , Port Discovery is a three-storey museum filled with fun and learning that is definitely a must-visit place for kids. Port Discovery could ignite a child's imagination and at the same time inspire children to learn through playing.
There are several activities that can be done in the museum. One of the more famous attractions is KidWorks, which is a three-storey treehouse that allows children to climb, crawl, swing and slide their way through various obstacles, slides, bridges and tunnels. There is also the MPT studio where puppet shows, plays and various programs are performed to the enjoyment of children and even adults. Children could also work their imagination through the StudioWorkshop or R & D Dreamlab while cooking can be much so much fun for kids at The Diner.
In the second floor of Port Discovery, there is Adventure Expeditions, Sensation Station and the Oasis. The famous Miss Perception's Mystery House is found in the third floor together with the PD Kid Club and some interactive traveling exhibits.
Port Discovery is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Entrance fee costs around $11.
Balitmore, events
Summer is usually the time when Baltimore hosts a number of events. The Baltimore Waterfront Festival held in the Inner Harbor is celebrated sometime in April to early May. The famous races between turtles known as the Chesapeake Turtle Derby are usually held sometime in July at Patterson Park . What makes this turtle race interesting is that the competing turtles are named after famous Baltimoreans.
The anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore is celebrated on the 12 th of September at the historic Fort McHenry . There are also several concerts held from May to September.
Baltimore, important visitor information
Weather
The most ideal time to take a trip and enjoy the scenic attractions of Baltimore is during spring and autumn where the climate is most temperate. Rainy season is between July and August while because of the influence of the nearby ocean and the bay, the city normally experiences humid summers and cool yet humid winters