Baltimore

One of the USA’s major seaports, Baltimore has a history that spans everything from Captain John Smith sailing into Baltimore Harbour and the penning of the American National Anthem (at Fort Henry) to the Industrial Revolution and the story of the African American’s journey to freedom. Baltimore is truly American and a hip, contemporary city with plenty to discover.

Start with Baltimore’s thriving downtown area, Inner Harbour, with its beautiful waterfront, delicious dining and iconic attractions like the National Aquarium and the USS Constellation, the last Civil War-era vessel still afloat. From the harbour to the inner city, sweet Maryland blue crabs are a local specialty so embrace the local cuisine around a newspaper-covered table at least once during your trip.

Baltimore boasts many culturally rich neighbourhoods and museums, especially for those interested in art. The Baltimore Museum of Art holds the largest collection of works by Henri Matisse, the Walters Art Museum spans 55 centuries of art, and the American Visionary Art Museum displays fantastical works by contemporary artists. Other notable institutions include the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture and the Peabody Institute, and many of these are located in Mount Vernon, an area of the city with grand mansions, elegant townhouses and the Washington Monument which provides panoramic views of the city. Other must-visit neighbourhoods include the historic Fell’s Point with its Belgian block streets, preserved 18th-century architecture, and vibrant nightlife.

For those looking for some time outdoors, Federal Hill Park offers spectacular views of the Inner Harbour and Patterson Park features one of the city’s iconic landmarks, a pagoda.