The Best Sightseeing Tours in Baltimore

On Foot

Explore Baltimore's neighborhoods on foot with cultural walking tours.

Baltimore Black Heritage Tours

Founded by Baltimore native Lou Fields, Baltimore Black Heritage Tours is a go-to for planning your ideal trip to the city of Baltimore. Through every walking tour and itinerary plan, Fields and his team aim to preserve, protect and promote Maryland’s African American history and culture. You’ll see sites that are integral to Baltimore’s roots on each tour, such as Douglass Place, a row of houses in Fell’s Point built by Frederick Douglass for African American renters, the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum and so much more.

Baltimore Heritage Tours

Since 1960, Baltimore Heritage has been preserving and advertising Baltimore’s historic places through engaging, multifaceted tours, educational programming and extensive research. Their tours provide inside access to some of Baltimore’s lesser-known locales, such as the Mount Royal Soaps factory in Woodberry or the Metropolitan Community Church, Baltimore’s oldest LGBTQ+ religious organization—and they’re always adding new ones to their calendar.

Baltimore National Heritage Area Walking Tours

The Baltimore Heritage Area Association is dedicated to promoting, preserving and enhancing the city of Baltimore’s cultural legacy and natural resources. One way the organization is able to stick to that mission is by providing residents and curious visitors alike with self-guided walking tours that uncover local stories and surprises on every corner. Along the Historic Fell’s Point Trail, you’ll get to walk in Frederick Douglass’s footsteps and hear about the bombardment of Fort McHenry, while the Mount Vernon History Tour introduces you to some of the nation’s foremost cultural institutions – from the Walters Art Museum to the Peabody Institute. You can also learn more about Baltimore’s Native American community by taking a self-guided tour of East Baltimore’s Historic American Indian “Reservation.”

A view of The Washington Monument from The Revival Hotel in Baltimore.

I Love Baltimore Personal Tours

Led by born-and-raised Baltimorean Ira Cunningham, I Love Baltimore Personal Tours give you the chance to see Baltimore through the eyes of a local. Pick from several tour options—Baltimore Civil War Tour, Cathedral Tour, Harriet Tubman Tour, Johns Hopkins Tour, Black History Tour and more—to receive an in-depth look at the city’s culture, historic sites and local spots.

Pennsylvania Avenue Heritage Tour

Immerse yourself in Baltimore’s civil rights legacy along Pennsylvania Avenue on this tour led by the Baltimore National Heritage Area. Designated an official arts and entertainment district in 2019, Pennsylvania Avenue boasts some the city’s—and the nation’s—richest African American artistic and cultural history. The Royal Theatre, for example, provided a stage for legends like Duke Ellington, Etta James, Cab Calloway, The Temptations and the Supremes. Plus, you’ll stroll by Sharp Street United Methodist Church, home of the first African American congregation, the Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum and so much more.

Wheels to Water

By land or by sea, these traveling tours will give you a different perspective of Baltimore.

Baltimore Cruises by Watermark

Baltimore is recognized for its maritime history, so what better way to get to know it than from the waterway itself? Watermark offers a Baltimore sightseeing cruise with a 45-minute recorded narration to give you historical facts and information about what you’re seeing. You can also book more in-depth cruises to get even more knowledge about Baltimore.

Baltimore Rent-A-Tour

Whether you’re interested in taking an evening boat cruise through the Inner Harbor or would rather explore the city by foot, the talented guides of Rent-A-Tour are here to help. With decades of combined experience as historians and storytellers, the esteemed team will provide you and your group with an informative and entertaining exploration of the city. Plus, you have the option of choosing a transportation method like a bus or van, that will take you to famed sites such as the birthplace of baseball legend Babe Ruth, the resting place of Edgar Allan Poe and America’s first Roman Catholic cathedral. Can’t make it in person? Owner Chris Riehl has you covered with virtual tours, telling Baltimore stories about everything from Frederick Douglass to the Baltimore Orioles.

Inner Harbor Kayak Tours

Offered by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and Waterfront Partnership, this tour experience of the Inner Harbor is unlike any other, as you’ll be taking in the views of the city from your very own kayak. Once the group departs from the Maryland Science Center Water Taxi landing, you’ll have the chance to check out famed sites like the historic USS Torsk submarine, the USS Constellation and Mr. Trash Wheel—a vessel that removes trash from the Jones Falls as it empties into the Inner Harbor. Please note, this tour is recommended for experienced paddlers only.

A group of kayaks floating in the Inner Harbor in front of the city skyline

City Cruises Baltimore

Seeking the perfect venue for your next company outing or family reunion? Look no further than City Cruises to take you and your party on an excursion through the Inner Harbor. Once on the boat, you’ll find a newly designed dance floor, live music from an esteemed DJ, several bars and a chef-made buffet meal for everyone to enjoy, all while surrounded by the city’s remarkable skyline.

Out-of-the-Box

Try something different from the usual sightseeing tour and get to know the city from a pirate ship, segwey or a helicopter.

Baltimore Ghost Tours

Join Baltimore Ghost Tours for creepy walks through Baltimore’s haunted history. Experience the macabre as you’re introduced to the ghosts of Fell’s Point, hear the tales of missing sailors and walk by buildings where guests went in…and never came out. There’s even a haunted pub crawl worth joining, if you dare.

People walking on a tour through the street

Baltimore Wicked History Tours

Wicked History Tours, the sister company to Baltimore Ghost Tours, will take you back to a time when Fell’s Point was seen as a risky and bold place to visit, full of privateers, sailors and ladies of the night. Through the various tour programs, you’ll meet the nasty, the naughty, the wicked and the depraved who walked the streets. From speakeasies (did you know that Baltimore refused to cooperate during Prohibition?) to underhanded villains to celebrated personalities, this award-winning tour is different than any history lesson you’ll find in school.

Bike and Brunch Tours

Want to stay active and also love food? Then you’re in luck with these Bike and Brunch Tours! Join the group on your own bike or a rental and see Baltimore’s waterfront neighborhoods and Black Arts District. Learn about the history, legacy and culture of Baltimore’s historically Black communities and enjoy a delicious brunch designed exclusively for your tour group.

Charm City Helicopters

Check out Baltimore from the sky with Charm City Helicopters, the only helicopter tour company in the city. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, honoring a birthday or are simply looking for an unforgettable experience, this helicopter ride will take you around the Inner Harbor and its neighboring communities, giving you a bird’s eye view of the action below. Booking is available all-year round with special seasonal options, including the Fall Foliage Package or Christmas Lights Package.

Urban Adventure Quest

Get to know the city through this interactive, three-hour scavenger hunt along the waterfront, among museums and around famed historic buildings. All you have to do is take out your smart phone and prepare to embark on a journey through the city solving Urban Adventure Quest clues, completing challenges and working as a team to unravel hidden secrets of Baltimore. Along the way, you’ll see recognizable spots and hidden gems and get to know Charm City’s personality. To have the most entertaining experience, break up your large group into several teams and see who can make it to the finish line first.

Urban Pirates

Ahoy, matey! Climb aboard Fearless, a modern-day pirate ship that sails out of the Ann Street Pier in Fell’s Point from early summer to late fall. Urban Pirates‘ lively crew can guide families, private events, birthday parties or adults over the age of 21 for a ‘B.Y.O.G.’ (bring your own grog) affair, all for a few hours along the city’s edge. With every tour option, you’ll be entertained with pirate-themed dances, games and treasure hunts galore.

Sip and Grub

Knock out two things at once and enjoy a meal or a drink while you tour Baltimore.

Accent on Baltimore

Sometimes the best way to experience a new city is through its food scene, which happens to thrive in Baltimore. With Accent on Baltimore, you can give the dining scene a taste, as the company offers fully guided food tours and pub crawls for groups of all sizes, either just for one day or for an entire weekend. In addition to the cuisine-focused tours of Baltimore’s best eateries and bars, Accent on Baltimore offers a driving tour for newcomers, as well as custom tours where you can choose exactly how you want to experience everything Charm City has to offer.

Bite of Baltimore

In addition to boutique shops and historic sites, Baltimore is home to a diverse array of cuisine you’ll most definitely want to indulge in when visiting. And, if you’re itching to try it all in one fell swoop, Bite of Baltimore is the way to do it. This one-of-a-kind offering gives you the chance to try four plates of food from various local restaurants, and also learn historical fun facts about the culture and community of Fell’s Point, Mount Vernon or Federal Hill along the way.

City Brew Tours

Since 1892, when the bottle cap was patented in Baltimore, our city has been perfecting its role in the beer industry. Today, its home to over a dozen brewpubs and beer co-ops you won’t want to miss on your next visit. Thanks to City Brew Tours, you won’t have to, as you’ll get VIP, behind-the-scenes access to the top breweries, brewpubs and beer pubs of the city. All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the drive as you make stops along the way, tasting more than 15 different local craft beers and learning a little history about the industry between sips.

Three people enjoying beers outside