A Long Weekend in Baltimore: Harbor Views, History, and Incredible Food

Baltimore is a city rich in history, culture, and food — and our recent trip reminded me why it’s such a fascinating place to explore. Over three days, we soaked up harbor views, ate some of the freshest seafood imaginable, and walked through historic neighborhoods where every corner seemed to tell a story. Here’s a look at our travel journal — and my recommendations if you’re planning a trip to Baltimore yourself.

Day One: Harbor Views & Crab Cakes

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor, and it was an excellent choice. Perfectly located with stunning views of the harbor, the hotel set the tone for our weekend — modern, comfortable, and right in the heart of the action.  The hotel places delicious flavored waters out every day, ranging from fruit-infused water to cool cucumber water. It was a refreshing stop after our wanderings.

For dinner, we couldn’t resist the iconic Phillips Seafood, known for its Maryland crab. The crab cakes lived up to their reputation — perfectly seasoned, meaty, and simply unforgettable. After dinner, we strolled along the Inner Harbor, enjoying the buzz of the waterfront. We loved looking at the old ships and plan to tour a couple. There is also a place to rent paddleboats. We capped off the evening with a stop at the Hard Rock Café, because sometimes you just need a little rock ’n roll energy to end the night.  We like to collect Hard Rock Cafe pins and found a darling tee shirt for our grandson.

Day One Recommendations:

• Stay: Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor

• Eat: Crab cakes at Phillips Seafood

• Do: Evening harbor walk + Hard Rock Café

Day Two: A Breakfast to Remember & Cultural Gems

We kicked off the day at Blue Moon Too, a funky, welcoming spot with a breakfast that absolutely wowed us. Their dish called Sweet Baby Jesus featured Maryland crab, crispy hash browns, and eggs cooked to order — hearty, flavorful, and a true taste of Baltimore.  We loved the eclectic decor and the wait staff was incredibly friendly.

Lunch was a highlight of the trip: Thames Street Oyster House. The oysters were the freshest we’ve ever had, briny and cold, paired with a light and lovely caprese salad. The setting, right on Thames Street and with views of the harbor, made the experience even better.  The tables are covered with white tablecloths and nice china.  Beautiful spot to rest with outstanding food.

In the afternoon, we visited two cultural treasures: the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first Roman Catholic cathedral in the U.S., and the Walters Art Museum, a gem of world art and history. Both stops provided us with a sense of Baltimore’s rich cultural and religious heritage. We loved the Basilica and read all the information we could inside it. The earliest date we found was 1700, when the first bishop was ordained.

Day Two Recommendations:

• Breakfast: Blue Moon Too (order the Sweet Baby Jesus)

• Lunch: Thames Street Oyster House (don’t skip the oysters!)

• Visit: The Basilica + Walters Art Museum

Day Three: Poe, Federal Hill, and Foodie Delights

Our final day began with a somber but fascinating stop at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, where Edgar Allan Poe’s final resting place draws admirers from around the world. It was a moving visit — a reminder of the city’s literary ties and enduring history.  There are a lot of Edgar Allen Poe things to do, and he is one of our favorite poets, but we will have to return to visit those sites in the future.

From there, we wandered through Federal Hill and Fell’s Point, two neighborhoods brimming with character. Federal Hill offers sweeping views of the harbor, while Fell’s Point charms with its cobblestone streets and bustling pubs.  Delightful shopping and sightseeing, particularly if you love architecture.

The highlight of the day was a food tour in Fell’s Point, where we sampled local specialties, heard stories of the neighborhood, and connected with Baltimore through its flavors. If you love food and history, this experience is a must. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, and the pace was lively but not too rushed.

Day Three Recommendations:

• Visit: Westminster Hall & Poe’s Grave

• Explore: Federal Hill + Fell’s Point

• Do: Fell’s Point food tour

Final Thoughts

Baltimore surprised and delighted us at every turn. From the iconic crab cakes and oysters to the historic neighborhoods and cultural landmarks, the city seamlessly weaves together food, history, and community.

The city felt safe, and we walked nearly everywhere from our hotel.  Uber drivers were efficient and responded quickly.  The seafood was incredibly fresh and delicious.

If you’re planning a long weekend trip, I can’t recommend enough: stay near the Inner Harbor, eat as much seafood as you can, and take the time to wander — because Baltimore reveals its heart most when you slow down and let it.

A city of history, flavor, and charm — Baltimore is well worth the visit.