Attractions in Baltimore

Several tour companies offer guides who will accompany you on specialized tours focusing on Baltimore historical sites, architecture or art.

Tour companies include Baltimore Rent-A-Tour, (410) 464-7994; Baltimore Shuttle, (410) 254-8687; City Hall Tours, (410) 396-4947; Convention Management Services Ltd., (410) 377-8181 and Presenting Baltimore Inc., (410) 539-1344.

Boat Tours
Visitors who would rather not walk can travel between attractions at the Inner Harbor aboard water taxis that run approximately every 15 minutes in season, about every 45 minutes the rest of the year. The taxis operate Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight and Sun. 10-9, May 1-Labor Day; Mon.-Thurs. 11-9, Fri. 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight and Sun. 10-9 in Apr. and day after Labor day-Oct. 31; daily 11-6, rest of year. Unlimited 1-day pass $8; $4 (ages 0-10).

Stops include the Maryland Science Center, IMAX Theater and Davis Planetarium; the National Aquarium in Baltimore; Harborplace; Little Italy; the Rusty Scupper restaurant; the Pier 6 Concert Pavilion; and piers 5 and 6. Boats also travel to Fells Point and Canton. Phone (410) 563-3901 or (800) 658-8947.

Walking Tours
Baltimore's old neighborhoods add much to the city's charm. A pleasant day can be spent visiting the historic areas of Federal Hill, Fells Point and Mount Vernon Place, or such ethnic neighborhoods as Little Italy.

"Urban homesteading" got its start in Baltimore's old neighborhoods. Under this program, an old house was purchased for as little as $1 with the understanding that the resident would restore or remodel it within a certain number of years. The eye-catching results can be seen in the Otterbein area on Conway Street near Sharp Street and in the Stirling Street section off the 1000 block of Monument Street.

Literature, maps and brochures for a walking tour of the city may be obtained from the Baltimore Visitor Information Center, 401 Light St.; phone (410) 659-7300 or (877) 225-8466. A variety of options are available, including heritage, ghost and architectural tours. In addition, tour information is available at the information kiosks on the west shore promenade of the Inner Harbor and at the Penn Central Railroad Station.