Baltimore was designated as an independent city by the Constitution of Maryland [b] in 1851. Though not located under the jurisdiction of any county in the state, it forms part of the Central Maryland region together with the surrounding county that shares its name.
Baltimore is full of surprises, steeped in history (home of the birthplace of our national anthem!) and culture, from the gritty graffiti alley to the vast collections at our art museums.
Brandon M. Scott is the 52nd Mayor of Baltimore City, and the youngest person elected to the position in over a century. Mayor Scott is committed to ending gun violence, restoring public trust in local government, and building a more equitable Baltimore for families to thrive.
Spend a day in Baltimore and you'll understand how its beautiful waterfront views, people and experiences earned it the name "Charm City." Explore the wonders of the undersea world at the National Aquarium. Open your mind with out-of-this-world art at the American Visionary Arts Museum.
Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland and the state’s economic center. Lying about 40 miles (65 km) northeast of Washington, D.C., it constitutes the northeastern hub of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. It was established in 1729 as a port for shipping tobacco and grain.
Ranking of the top 15 things to do in Baltimore. Travelers favorites include #1 Baltimore Museum of Art, #2 The Walters Art Museum and more.
National Aquarium, Inner Harbor, Culinary Tours, Specialty Museums. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product. See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Baltimore.