Baltimore
Baltimore on a Budget: 7 Days of History, Art & Harbor Views
Free museums, harbor views, and hidden art meet budget-friendly eats
Discover Baltimore's rich maritime heritage, world-class free museums, and vibrant neighborhoods without breaking the bank. This itinerary maximizes free attractions, street food spots, and budget eateries while exploring the city's artistic edge and historic waterfront.
Where to Stay
HI Baltimore Hostel
Budget hostel with dorm beds and private rooms, common kitchen, and free breakfast. Walking distance to waterfront attractions.
Red Roof Inn Baltimore Inner Harbor
Budget hotel chain with basic clean rooms, pet-friendly, and harbor proximity. No frills but reliable.
Airbnb Studio in Fell's Point
Private studio apartments in charming Fell's Point neighborhood with local landlords. Often cheaper than hotels with kitchen access.
Good to Know
Maximize Free Museums
Both major art museums—The Walters and Baltimore Museum of Art—offer completely free admission. Plan multiple hours for each; this alone cuts entertainment costs dramatically.
Use the Free Waterfront Promenade
The 7-mile brick promenade is completely free and connects Inner Harbor, Fell's Point, and Canton. Use it as your main thoroughfare between neighborhoods.
Picnic Strategy at Federal Hill
Grab cheap deli sandwiches or market food and eat at Federal Hill Park or Fort McHenry grounds. Both offer free green space and views.
Street Art Self-Guided Tour
Baltimore has 250+ murals scattered throughout. Download a street art map or follow social media hashtags (#BaltimoreMurals) to find them yourself.
Lexington Market for Cheap Eats
Over a dozen food stalls offer sandwiches, seafood, and quick bites for $7-11. It's overwhelming but cheaper than restaurants.
Walking Tour Over Paid Tours
Most neighborhoods (Fell's Point, Little Italy, Mount Vernon, Canton) are best explored on foot without guides. Use free walking routes.
Best Transit Move: Day Passes vs. Single Rides
Consider a day pass for transit if using buses/light rail multiple days. Otherwise, walking and the waterfront promenade cover most attractions.
Avoid Paid Attractions Early
National Aquarium, Science Center, and paid museum spaces are expensive. Use your budget on food and free attractions instead.
Your Week Itinerary
Attman's Delicatessen
Classic Jewish deli with affordable breakfast sandwiches and corned beef hash. Order the egg and cheese sandwich.
Inner Harbor Waterfront Promenade
Stroll the free 7-mile brick promenade with views of the National Aquarium, Harborplace, and historic ships. Perfect for people-watching and photography.
Federal Hill Park
Climb the 99 steps to the summit for panoramic views of the Inner Harbor, skyline, and National Aquarium. Bring a picnic or sit on the grass.
Lexington Market
Historic indoor market with dozens of food stalls offering sandwiches, seafood, and quick bites. Try a cheap crab cake or sausage sandwich.
The Walters Art Museum
Free admission to seven millennia of art across five buildings including Islamic manuscripts, Egyptian artifacts, and two Fabergé eggs. Don't miss the sculpture garden.
The Washington Monument
Explore the 178-foot monument with free gallery access at the base featuring interactive touch screens and virtual tours. Built 206 years ago.
Nando's Peri-Peri
Budget-friendly chicken restaurant with flame-grilled peri-peri chicken and affordable sides. Quick service perfect for tired travelers.
20 activities across 7 days
Map
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