Have you visited all of the major sites in the nation's capital, but overlooked the surrounding cities you might have flown into? Baltimore, Maryland, might be the prime spot for your next visit to the Washington, D.C., area.
Baltimore is itself a historic city, the second-largest seaport in the Mid-Atlantic and at one time the second leading port of entry for immigrants to the U.S. Famous residents have included Edgar Allan Poe, Frederick Douglass, Billie Holiday and Babe Ruth. The city has 72 designated historic districts, distinct cultural enclaves representing Baltimore's diverse urban landscape, which has earned Baltimore the nickname "city of neighborhoods".
Today, Baltimore is also home to Johns Hopkins University and its world-renowned hospital. Maryland blue crabs fill the local crab shacks, along with some of the trendiest culinary destinations, including the bakery behind the Food Network's Ace of Cakes. Baseball fans will find the Baltimore Orioles in their iconic ballpark at Camden Yards.
It’s more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from Cincinnati to Baltimore in the next few months, and the prices aren't too shabby.
So if you're looking for a change of scenery, here are some deals to put on your to-do list.
(Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Prices and availability are subject to change.)
Flight deals to Baltimore
Currently, the cheapest flights between Cincinnati and Baltimore are if you leave on February 21 and return from Maryland on February 24. Delta currently has roundtrip tickets for $153.
There are also deals to be had later in February. If you fly out of Cincinnati on February 28 and return from Baltimore on March 3, Delta can get you there and back for $158 roundtrip.
Top Baltimore hotels
Regarding where to stay, here are two of Baltimore’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.
The Hilton Baltimore (401 W. Pratt St.)
For an all-around top recommendation, consider The Hilton Baltimore. The hotel has a 4.4-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $135.
This downtown Baltimore hotel is located adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards and very close to the USS Constellation, the Hippodrome Theatre and M&T Bank Stadium. Other attractions include the National Aquarium and the shops at Harborplace. The hotel is directly connected to the Baltimore Convention Center via an indoor walkway.
The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (700 Aliceanna St.)
If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. The hotel has a 4.8-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $179.
Set in the heart of Baltimore, this hotel is close to the Pier Six Concert Pavilion and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, as well as the American Visionary Art Museum. Additional attractions include the USS Constellation, the Fell's Point pub district and the shops at Harborplace.
Local restaurant picks
If you're looking to snag a bite at one of Baltimore's many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.
The Food Market (1017 W. 36th St.)
One of Baltimore's most popular restaurants is The Food Market, which has an average of 4.8 stars out of five reviews on Skyscanner.
"Chef Chad's menu is to say the least, stunning," wrote visitor Charles. "Service is great."
G&M Restaurant (804 N. Hammonds Ferry Road)
Another popular dining destination is G&M Restaurant, with 4.7 stars from 10 reviews.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of seafood, sandwiches, Greek specialties and authentic Italian and American cuisine.
Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop (222 Albemarle St.)
If you're looking for a solid place to grab some coffee and dessert, plan to visit Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop.
"Vaccaro's is famous among both locals and visitors," wrote Daniel. "Located in the heart of Little Italy in Baltimore, patrons flood in to have lunch or pickup a tasty treat with a warm beverage."
Featured Baltimore attractions
Not sure what to do in Baltimore, besides eat and drink? Here are a couple of recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.
Wockenfuss Candies (6831 Harford Road)
The top-rated visitor attraction in Baltimore, according to Skyscanner, is Wockenfuss Candies.
Wockenfuss Candies is proud to be one of the oldest candy makers in Baltimore. It's a family-owned business that is now in its fifth generation of candy making.
Oriole Park At Camden Yards (333 W. Camden St.)
Then, spend some time at Oriole Park At Camden Yards.
Pope John Paul conducted mass here in 1995 to an audience of 50,000. Religious experiences of a different sort, like that an Orioles fan will experience if the team ever makes it to the World Series again, are more the norm here, though. The Baltimore Orioles have called this retro-style baseball stadium home since it opened in 1992.
