How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Baltimore, Maryland, United States
1. Fells Point Marketplace
A lively market offering souvenirs and food. Avoid overpriced items by shopping around.
- Variety of Shops: Plenty of stalls to compare prices and quality.
- Local Artisans: Support local talent by buying unique, handmade items instead of mass-produced souvenirs.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visit early or late to avoid crowds and high prices.
2. Inner Harbor Boutique Shops
Tourist-focused boutiques surrounding the Inner Harbor. Seek out independent shops nearby for authentic finds.
- Independent Businesses: Support local, independently-owned businesses to find unique products.
- Explore Side Streets: Delve off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems.
- Ask Locals: Talk to locals for recommendations on lesser-known shops.
3. The Baltimore Aquarium
Popular aquarium with inflated ticket prices. Purchase tickets in advance online for discounts.
- Online Discounts: Save money by purchasing tickets ahead of time online.
- Timed Tickets: Choose a specific entry time to avoid the busy crowds.
- Combination Deals: Consider bundle deals with other attractions for added savings.
4. Pit & Pub Seafood Joint
Famous seafood spot with overpriced menu items. Opt for lunch or happy hour specials.
- Happy Hour Deals: Take advantage of discounted drinks and food during happy hour.
- Off-Peak Meals: Dine at non-peak hours for smaller crowds and more affordable prices.
- Neighborhood Restaurants: Explore local eateries in nearby neighborhoods for less touristy dining experiences.
5. National Aquarium's Dolphin Show
Pricey dolphin show at the National Aquarium. Purchase a general admission ticket and skip the extra shows.
- General Admission: Enjoy the aquarium's numerous exhibits with a general admission ticket.
- Self-Guided Tour: Explore at your own pace without paying extra for guided tours or shows.
- Budget Your Time: Prioritize which exhibits and shows are most important to you.
6. Fish Head Cantina
Popular seafood restaurant with high prices. Visit during happy hour or order from the bar menu.
- Happy Hour Deals: Take advantage of discounted drinks and food during happy hour.
- Bar Menu Items: Opt for less expensive options from the bar menu.
- Off-Peak Hours: Dine at non-peak hours for smaller crowds and more affordable prices.
7. Museum of Industry
Pricey museum showcasing Baltimore's industrial history. Purchase tickets online for discounts.
- Online Discounts: Save money by purchasing tickets ahead of time online.
- Timed Tickets: Choose a specific entry time to avoid the busy crowds.
- Free Days: Check for free admission days or discounts for Baltimore residents.
8. Power Plant Live!
Touristy entertainment complex with overpriced food and drinks. Visit during happy hour or opt for nearby eateries.
- Happy Hour Deals: Take advantage of discounted drinks and food during happy hour.
- Nearby Restaurants: Explore local eateries in the surrounding area for less touristy dining experiences.
- Off-Peak Hours: Dine at non-peak hours for smaller crowds and more affordable prices.
9. Baltimore Orioles Game
MLB baseball game with pricey tickets. Consider buying in advance or opting for less popular games.
- Advance Purchase: Purchase tickets well in advance for better prices.
- Less Popular Games: Attend less popular games for cheaper ticket prices.
- Group Discounts: Look into group rates or consider buying tickets with friends.
10. B&O Railroad Museum
Expensive railroad museum. Check for discounted tickets online.
- Online Discounts: Save money by purchasing tickets ahead of time online.
- Timed Tickets: Choose a specific entry time to avoid the busy crowds.
- Free Days: Check for free admission days or discounts for Baltimore residents.
11. The Charm City Candy Bar
Tourist-focused candy store with high prices. Seek out local candy shops nearby.
- Local Candy Shops: Support local, family-owned businesses for unique treats.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visit early or late to avoid crowds and high prices.
- Custom Orders: Order custom candies for personalized, affordable options.
12. Baltimore Sports Pubs
Sports bars with overpriced food and drinks. Opt for happy hour specials or nearby eateries.
- Happy Hour Deals: Take advantage of discounted drinks and food during happy hour.
- Nearby Restaurants: Explore local eateries in the surrounding area for less touristy dining experiences.
- Off-Peak Hours: Dine at non-peak hours for smaller crowds and more affordable prices.
13. Fort McHenry National Monument
Historic site with expensive admission. Purchase tickets online or seek out discounted days.
- Online Discounts: Save money by purchasing tickets ahead of time online.
- Discounted Days: Check for discounted days or military, senior, and student rates.
- Self-Guided Tour: Explore at your own pace without paying extra for guided tours.
14. Lexington Market
Iconic market with overpriced food and souvenirs. Shop around for the best prices.
- Variety of Stalls: Compare prices at multiple stalls before making a purchase.
- Local Vendors: Support local vendors by buying fresh, authentic foods.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visit early or late to avoid crowds and high prices.
15. Baltimore Diamondback Games
MLB baseball game with pricey tickets. Consider buying in advance or opting for less popular games.
- Advance Purchase: Purchase tickets well in advance for better prices.
- Less Popular Games: Attend less popular games for cheaper ticket prices.
- Group Discounts: Look into group rates or consider buying tickets with friends.