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.

Fortunately, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Raleigh and Baltimore, at least according to travel site Skyscanner.

Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions in Baltimore to get you excited about your next excursion.

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Cheapest Baltimore flights

The cheapest flights between Raleigh and Baltimore are if you leave on May 30 and return from Maryland on June 3. Spirit Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $77.

There are also deals to be had later in May. If you fly out of Raleigh on May 31 and return from Baltimore on June 4, Spirit Airlines can get you there and back for $106 roundtrip.

Top Baltimore hotels

To plan your stay, here are some of Baltimore’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do 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 the Oriole Park at Camden Yards and very close to the USS Constellation, the Hippodrome Theatre and M&T Bank Stadium.  

The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (700 Aliceanna St.)

A pricier alternative is The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. Rooms are currently set at $179/night. It has 4.8 stars. 

Set in the heart of Baltimore, this hotel is close to the Pier Six Concert Pavilion, the National Aquarium and the American Visionary Art Museum.  

The Home2 Suites by Hilton Baltimore Downtown (8 E. Pleasant St.)

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, there's The Home2 Suites by Hilton Baltimore Downtown. The 4.4-star hotel has rooms for $71/night.

Top picks for dining and drinking

Don't miss Baltimore's food scene, with plenty of popular spots to get your fill of local cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated eateries from Skyscanner's listings.

G&M Restaurant (804 N. Hammonds Ferry Road)

One of Baltimore's most popular restaurants is G&M Restaurant, which has an average of 4.7 stars out of 11 reviews on Skyscanner.

Expect seafood, sandwiches, Greek specialties and authentic Italian and American cuisine at this spot.  

Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop (222 Albemarle St.)

Don't forget the essentials: where to get dessert. For a popular option, check out Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop, with 4.5 stars from 20 reviews.

"I recommend the Napoleons over the cannolis since they come in multiple flavors," wrote reviewer Daniel.  

The Food Market (1017 W. 36th St.)

Also worth considering is The Food Market, with 4.8 stars from five reviews.

"One of Baltimore's best spots! I love the atmosphere, food, drinks and service here. The pretzel is unbelievable," wrote Spencer.

What to see and do in Baltimore

Baltimore is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are some popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.

The National Aquarium (501 E. Pratt St.)

First up is The National Aquarium, with 4.5 stars from 101 reviews.

"This is by far the best aquarium I've been to so far. It's great for all ages and you can easily spend half a day here," wrote visitor @_Mick_E. 

Inner Harbor (Baltimore)

The Inner Harbor is another popular destination, with 4.5 stars from 79 reviews.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor is a favorite stop for tourists who have an interest in the history of early America. The harbor is one of the major seaports in the United States and has been since the 1700s. The area provides many choices in dining, nightlife and cultural experiences.  

Wockenfuss Candies (6831 Harford Road)

Finally, consider checking out Wockenfuss Candies. It checks in with five stars from seven reviews. 

Wockenfuss Candies is one of the oldest candy makers in Baltimore. This is a family-owned business that is now in its fifth generation of operation.  

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This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.