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Why?  The main reason why people choose to holiday in Baltimore is because of its lively, attraction-packed waterfront and its mouth-watering Maryland crabs (and other seafood) served up in a multitude of guises in numerous excellent restaurants. Add to this a temperate climate, lovely setting on Chesapeake Bay and a vibrant nightlife and it becomes very worthwhile to travel to Baltimore.

When?  Set on the east coast, on the brink of the South, Baltimore's weather is moderated by the ocean, meaning summers are warm and winters milder than inland. Any time of year is pleasant for a Baltimore holiday but locals recommend October as the best month to travel to Baltimore.

Who for?  A holiday in Baltimore is well suited to families, with a host of fun and educational attractions, like one of the country's top Children's Museums and an excellent aquarium. It is also a favoured destination for seafood lovers.

More Info?  Smooth the way for your Baltimore holiday by consulting our up-to-date, comprehensive Baltimore travel guide, which gives an overview of the city and details of attractions, events and restaurants.

Overview

As Maryland's biggest city and one of the USA's busiest ports, Baltimore's position at the end of the Patapsco River that feeds into Chesapeake Bay gives the city easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and it became an important port and shipbuilding centre. It was home to a large number of US Navy vessels as well as the famously swift Baltimore clipper ships that destroyed or captured many of the British merchant ships during the War of 1812. Unlike Washington DC, Baltimore survived the vengeful attack by Britain, and with the triumphant flying of the American flag over Fort McHenry the country's national anthem, the 'Star-Spangled Banner', was born.

Since its important role in the Revolution, Baltimore has experienced a turbulent history. Its fortunes have see-sawed from post-Revolution prosperity to a city crippled by the violence of divided loyalties during the North/South Civil War; from a railroad-rich 19th century to the devastation caused by the fire of 1904; and the economic despair of the Great Depression.

Nicknamed 'Charm City' for its fusion of small town hospitality and city finesse, Baltimore combines an interesting mix of neighbourhoods, a diverse range of attractions, and delicious seafood specialities of the Inner Harbor that include the abundant Maryland steamed blue crabs. The distinct neighbourhoods are an attractive feature of Baltimore, among them the historic maritime district of Fells Point, the broad avenues of wealthy Mt Vernon, the village ambiance of Little Italy and the Bohemian neighbourhood of SoWeBo, or Southwest Baltimore. The dividing line between the northern and southern US states runs through the city and its southern heritage is visible in the wide front porches of the houses, and the typically laid-back attitude of its residents.

The waterfront area and Inner Harbor are the heart of this vibrant and growing city and has become a major tourist destination featuring the World Trade Center with its 27-storey high Top of the World Observation Level, the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and the Port Discovery children's museum covering everything from art to black history and archaeology. There are also numerous restaurants, hotels and shops, and the fact that it is still a working port adds to its attraction. The water taxi service, besides providing an efficient means of harbour transport, is an excellent way to experience the waterfront and affords fantastic views of the city's skyline.