About Baltimore!

Baltimore is colorful city on the water that allows visitors to let go and explore at their own pace. Whether exploring the city’s unique neighborhoods, arts and culture scene, family-friendly attractions or historical treasures, Baltimore makes it easy to get around and easy to enjoy.

• In 2005, 12 million visitors spent a record $2.96 billion marking a sevenyear high. When you add in the more than 5 million daytrippers from the Washington D.C. area, annual visitation tops 17 million.


• The population of Baltimore City in 2005 was 640,064*


• Baltimore is a vibrant downtown waterfront community that is “walkable” for visitors. With restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions and museums in close proximity of each other, Baltimore is an easy city for visitors to navigate on foot.


• Baltimore is a destination that is ever-evolving with new and expanding attractions and one-of-a-kind offerings — the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Australian exhibit with species not seen anywhere else except Australia, a museum dedicated to pop culture, the East Coast’s largest museum of African American history and culture.


• There are more than 130 attractions to visit in Baltimore — from high art to crazy kitsch, from interactive to entertaining. Where else can visitors explore the beginnings of the American railroad, or visit the fort (Fort McHenry) that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the National Anthem during the War of 1812.


• Whether you are looking to participate or watch from the stands, Baltimore has recreation activities for all interests. Two state-of-the-art sports stadiums are located within the heart of the city, with professional baseball, football and soccer teams. There are also historical walking trails, sailing and a trapeze school overlooking the Inner Harbor.


• Baltimore is easily accessible by car, plane or train. Baltimore/ Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), a Southwest Airlines hub, is located just 10 miles south of the city. Amtrak provides service from Penn Station 24 hours a day, seven days a week along the Northeast corridor and BWI and the city is within a day’s drive from half of the nation’s population.


• A stop at the Baltimore Visitor Center (401 Light Street) allows visitors to purchase tickets for events and attractions; pick up brochures; make reservations for dining and lodging; and learn about the city's history, arts, neighborhoods and shopping — all in one convenient location. Visitors can also view "The Baltimore Experience," an 11-minute film that captures the new, the old and the offbeat highlights of the city and state.


• For additional information on Baltimore, visit www.baltimore.org or call 877-BALTIMORE.

Provided by the Baltimore Convention & Visitors Association.