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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- North America
- United States of America
- Baltimore
Baltimore
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 Mount 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.
No holiday in Baltimore is complete without sampling its active
nightlife. Fells Point is the most popular district for
entertainment, with a large selection of restaurants, cafes, bars
and nightclubs. The Powerplant Live! area near the Inner Harbor has
several blocks of nothing but restaurants, bars and clubs. Other
neighbourhoods in Baltimore with good nightlife include Canton
Square, Mount Vernon, Hampden, Federal Hill, and the Station North
Arts and Entertainment District.
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. 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.
Information & Facts
Climate
The climate of Baltimore is coastal temperate, with a high
annual rainfall spread throughout the year, common with most USA
east coast cities. The city experiences hot, humid summers and
cold, damp winters. In the height of summer, temperatures in
downtown Baltimore can rise to 91°F (33°C), while during January,
the coldest month, it is often just below freezing. The ocean
moderates the weather, so it is not as cold in winter or as hot in
summer in Baltimore as it is in eastern cities that are further
inland. Snow does fall in winter though, usually in the form of a
few snowstorms that deposit a few inches on the city streets.
Getting Around
Most visitors to Baltimore will head for the compact Inner
Harbour and downtown areas, which are easy to navigate on foot or
by public transport. Water taxis act like a bus service and are a
cheap and convenient way to get around the Inner Harbour, servicing
many attractions as well as other districts. The inexpensive bus
network connects all parts of the city and is an easy way of
getting around, although usually involving a number of transfers.
The metro and light rail system provide limited coverage, mainly
aimed at commuters, connecting downtown with the northern and
southern suburbs. Taxis are usually ordered by phone, but they can
be found at taxi ranks or hailed on the street. Driving in central
Baltimore is unnecessary and not recommended due to difficult and
expensive parking, but the layout is fairly easy and congestion
limited to rush hour.
Language
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.