Overview

Lord Baltimore founded Maryland, one of the first 13 states of the United States, in 1634. The Atlantic Plain rises above the rolling hills and scenic farmland of the state’s center up to the Allegheny Mountains in the northwest. Tourist attractions range from the total 10 miles of white sandy beaches from Ocean City to the bustling Port of Baltimore. The 4,000-mile coastline of the Chesapeake Bay (the largest estuary in the United States), including its tributaries, separates the Eastern Shore from the rest of the state. The huge Chesapeake Bridge connects both parts.In Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is the United States Naval Academy. Hugely popular with sailors, the Chesapeake Bay enjoys sailing season most of the year. The yachts of the famous Volvo Ocean Race also make a stop in the port of Annapolis. Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, is located just 40 miles from the US capital, Washington, DC.

• Travelationary: Covers basic information about Maryland geography and economy.

Getting there

Flight times

Baltimore – Frankfurt: 13 hrs 30 mins (with 1 stop); Baltimore – London: 7 hrs 40; Baltimore – New York: 1 hour 15. There are no direct flights from Vienna or Zurich, all connections go via Frankfurt/M., Düsseldorf or Munich.

Note on arrival by car

Average car travel times: Baltimore – Washington DC: 50 minutes; Baltimore – Philadelphia: 2 hrs; Baltimore – New York: 4 hrs; Baltimore – Chicago: 15 hrs; Baltimore – Miami: 23 hrs; Baltimore – Dallas: 29 hrs; Baltimore – Los Angeles: 56 hrs; Baltimore – Seattle: 59 hrs Average bus travel times: Baltimore – Washington DC: 1 hr; Baltimore – Philadelphia: 2 hrs 15; Baltimore – New York: 3 hrs 40.

Arrival by train

Baltimore is on Amtrak’s main East Shore line, giving it direct connections to New Orleans and Miami. There are also frequent services to Washington DC and New York (see New York for approximate travel times). Additional information from Amtrak (website: www.amtrak.com).

Passport and visa regulations

Entry with children

Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.

Attractions

• Usaers: Provides a full list of major rivers and mountains in Maryland.

Frederick

Frederick is a town of pretty brick buildings and parks. There is a lot to see in and around Frederick. Gambrill State Park
is west of town and offers excellent panoramic views from the Catoctin Peaks. The Camp David Presidential Retreat near Thurmont is the traditional vacation spot for US Presidents. Access is not open to the public, but the scenery in the surrounding Catoctin Mountain Park is just as beautiful. Cunningham Falls State Park is nearby. Other Maryland attractions include Smith Island and Tangier Sound
, home to the fishermen of the Chesapeake Bay, known for its oysters, clams and crabs.

Annapolis

Annapolis, the state capital, has an attractive harbor, the impressive US Naval Academy and beautiful contemporary architecture.

Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, is a bustling port city. The restored Inner Harbor district attracts many tourists. Baltimore has a cosmopolitan population of over 2.5 million yet has an appealing, village-like vibe.
The frigate Constellation, the U.S. Navy’s first ship (1797) and the world’s oldest ship still afloat, is anchored at Pier 1 of the Inner Harbor. Also in the 3 acre area are the World Trade Center, the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center and two waterfront pavilions with shops and restaurants. A street artist festival takes place in the open-air amphitheater every year. A few minutes by boat is the star-shaped, brick Fort McHenry National Monument, whose 1814 bombardment prompted the composition of the national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. Nearby is the Charles Center with 8.8 hectares of offices, skyscrapers, elevated walkways, fountains and plazas including the Morris Mechanic Theater. Also nearby is the Baltimore Arena and Festival Hall, which hosts hockey games, music concerts, and other events. Among the museums are the Baltimore Museum of Art (lots of post-impressionist work), the Walters Art Gallery and the City Life Museum, a block of buildings depicting 19th-century city life, are particularly worth seeing. Mount Vernon Place features 19th-century homes and plazas, as well as many cultural venues such as B. the Maryland Historical Society and the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Here is also the Washington Monument, from which one has a good panoramic view. Fort McHenry National Monument hosts special military parades and ceremonies during the summer.

Shopping

Overview

The larger department stores are in and around Howard Street, Harbor Place and Antique Row. Charles Street offers elegant fashion and furniture stores. Mount Vernon Place is an area full of shops and boutiques set amongst grand 19th-century buildings.

Nightlife

Introduction

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Oregon Ridge Park. The Baltimore Opera company performs at the Lyric Theater. Restaurant theaters are very popular in Baltimore; Hotels and clubs offer excellent performances. The Left Bank Jazz Society hosts Sunday afternoon concerts in the Famous Ballroom. Many concerts are held in Hopkins Plaza and Center Plaza (rock music). Baltimore Street is known for its variety shows.

Culinary

Overview

Baltimore is known for its many fine restaurants featuring fresh seafood from the Chesapeake Bay.

Climate

Best travel time

Muggy, wet summers and mild, wet winters.

Country data

Area (sq km)

31849

Population

6,045,680

Population density (per square km)

189

Population statistics year

2019