What to do in Baltimore while house and pet sitting

The birthplace of Babe Ruth and the inspiration behind The Star Spangled Banner, Baltimore has secured its place in American history. Today’s visitors to this attractive Maryland city can explore its history while enjoying its relaxed and diverse modern vibe.

There are plenty of things to see in Baltimore, from world-class museums to waterfront bars. Life here centers around the old Inner Harbor and the shiny new development, Harborside. If you love a stroll around boats and chilling out in a waterside cafe, this is the perfect place for you.

With plenty of welcoming green spaces around “Charm City”, it’s also a great place to be a dog! Here’s our guide to what to do in Baltimore while house and pet sitting.

Baltimore attractions

If you love history, you’ll have some great days out in Baltimore. The city has an astonishing amount of excellent museums, and it was very hard to come up with a shortlist! Here are a few of the must-see Baltimore tourist attractions.

1. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: visit the place where the famous and inspirational banner hung. Fort McHenry was built in 1798 to command the entrance to the harbor, and did a great job keeping out the Brits. Today you can explore the fort and grounds, and learn more about its history in the fascinating visitors’ center. 

2. USS Constellation: the old Inner Harbor has a choice of amazing old vessels that you can tour. If you just visit one, we’d recommend the USS Constellation, a National Historic Landmark. The three-masted sloop-of-war dates from 1854 and saw action in the Civil War.

3. Federal Hill Park: this popular park is on the south shore of the Inner Harbor and gives you incredible views down over the water and boats. Bring a picnic and enjoy relaxing in this beautiful green space.

4. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum: find out about Baltimore’s role in American railroad history in this fabulous museum. It’s located in an impressive roundhouse and its centerpiece is the old railroad turntable, surrounded by original locos and carriages.

Free things to do in Baltimore

If you’re in Baltimore on a budget, you’ll be delighted to know that some of its world-class attractions are free to visit. Here are our favorite free things to do in Baltimore.

1. Baltimore Museum of Art: the largest art museum in Maryland has wonderful collections of modern, American and African art. It’s famous for having the world’s largest Matisse collection. Don’t miss the museum’s beautiful sculpture garden.

2. The Walters Art Museum: explore the history of world art, from the third millennium BC right up until the 20th century. It’s home to every period, style and medium you can think of, and there's also a program of talks and events.

3. Inner Harbor: take a stroll around the city’s old harbor, admiring the historic ships. The waterside promenade takes in views of many of Baltimore’s famous attractions. It’s also a great place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a spot of people watching.

4. Fell’s Point: if you don’t mind spending a few dollars, take a water taxi from the harbor to Fell’s Point. The brick buildings of this old harbor quarter have been beautifully restored and it’s now a buzzing district of shops and cafes. Call into the market to stock up on local food.

Fun things to do in Baltimore

Don’t leave town without trying some of these fun things to do in Baltimore. Here are a few of the attractions that are uniquely Baltimorean. 

1. Oriole Park at Camden Yards: try to catch a game at Oriole Park, the home of the Baltimore Orioles, the city's Major League baseball team. If you can’t, you can still take a behind-the-scenes tour and also visit Babe Ruth’s birthplace museum, which is just two blocks from the Park.

2. Patterson Park: as well as its gorgeous views, come here for the famous Patterson Park Pagoda, a 19th-century Oriental-style observatory made from iron, wood and glass. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

3. Top of the World Observation Level: for the ultimate in views across the city, climb to the 27th floor of the World Trade Center and gaze out across Baltimore. Make this one of the first places you visit during your stay, as it’ll help you get your bearings.

4. Graffiti Alley: for an artscape that never stops moving, visit Graffiti Alley, Baltimore’s only legal graffiti zone. The talent on display is incredible and gives you a feel for the modern city. It’s behind the Motor House theater, itself worth a visit.

What to do in Baltimore with pets

If you’re pet sitting in this city, you’ll have a great time, because there are plenty of things to do in Baltimore, Maryland with your new furry friend.

1. Locust Point Dog Park: located at Latrobe Park, this popular off-leash spot boasts a water slide, as well as lots of places for busy pooches to explore.

2. Paw Point Dog Park: if you’re looking after a water-loving dog, it’s worth getting a membership to this lovely dog park (or asking if your owner already has). There’s access to Lake Roland, where happy mer-pups can enjoy a cooling swim.

3. Cylburn Arboretum: stroll around over 200 acres of beautiful gardens at Cylburn Arboretum. Leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the many walking trails through the varied gardens. Check out our blog about how much walking your dog needs every day.

4. Watermark Cruises: pets travel free on the regular scheduled cruises around the waterways of Baltimore. Dogs aren’t allowed on the special event sailings, so it’s always worth double-checking.

5. Fell’s Point (dog’s perspective): this is a great place to bring your pooch if you’re looking for dog-friendly dining. There are lots of bars and cafes with outside seating, and several of these will bring water and treats for your pet. Fell’s Point is also home to Happy Dogs Boutique & Spa.

Best restaurants in Baltimore: Food and drink

As you’d expect, Baltimore is a fine place for seafood, and the city’s signature dish is steamed crab seasoned with the famous Old Bay.

We've chosen a few of the best restaurants in Baltimore for this and other fantastic local dishes, as well as places that serve cuisines from all over the world.

Best restaurants in Baltimore for lunch 

With its lively waterfront scene, one of the best things to do in Baltimore is to go out for lunch. Try one of these Charm City favorites.

1. Locust Point Steamers: come here for Baltimore’s famous steamed crab, enjoyed while sitting on the rooftop deck overlooking the harbor.

2. Ekiben: grab a steamed bun sandwich from one of Baltimore’s two branches of Ekiben. Both offer great-value, Asian-fusion food that’s sure to hit the spot. 

3. Urban Oyster: when you’re in Baltimore, you must try a quart of cream of crab soup from Urban Oyster. It’s like a hug in a bowl.

4. Samos: this traditional Greek restaurant is much-loved among locals, and when you taste their authentic cuisine, it’s easy to see why. (Just remember it’s cash-only).

5. Gertrude’s: local food cooked to perfection and served against the elegant backdrop of the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Best restaurants in Baltimore for dinner

We love Baltimore in the evening, with the lights reflected in the water and the lively atmosphere. Make a night of it with a meal out in one of the city’s many excellent restaurants. Here are a few suggestions…

1. La Cuchara: they serve wonderful Basque cuisine in this old industrial building. Enjoy the great atmosphere around the bar and the wood-burning grill.

2. Clavel: come here for fantastic Mexican food (and margaritas) and a lively atmosphere. The family-owned restaurant is famous for its specialty tortillas. 

3. Charleston: treat yourself to dinner at this East Harbor restaurant. It serves sophisticated takes on South Carolina comfort food, beautifully presented.

4. The Food Market: more comfort food, this time served in a laid-back, open-kitchen style environment. There’s braised pork, lobster, cheesesteaks…

5. Captain James Seafood Palace: a restaurant that looks like a ship, serving steamed crab. It doesn’t get more Baltimore than this.

Imagine: waking up in your comfortable house sit and asking yourself, “What things to do in Baltimore today?”. If you enjoy visiting museums, there can be few finer towns to spend time in. It’s also a great city for pet sitting, with a choice of dog-friendly parks and even boat tours. And if you love good seafood, well…! We hope we’ve inspired you to check out Baltimore.

House and pet sitting in Baltimore

Is the Charm City your kind of place? If so, have a look at our list of house and pet sitting assignments to see what’s coming up in Baltimore and elsewhere in Maryland. If you’re new to this, find out about why our sitters love pet sitting so much.