Discover Baltimore: The Eclectic Harbor City of Eastern USA

Beer & Crabs, Free Concerts, Markets and Art Exhibits

With warm breezes flowing over, the Baltimore harbor beckons you to come and visit one of the most unique cities in North America. And lucky you there just happens to be one of the friendliest and welcoming hostels centrally located for your convenience, HI-Baltimore. When else do you get the chance to stay in an 1857 mansion? Voted ‘Best Scene’ by Rolling Stone magazine; Baltimore is overflowing with a vibrant DIY art scene, local music, warehouse parties and dance clubs lasting late into the night. If you want it, Baltimore has it. And better yet, at half the price of other major East Coast cities. Baltimore is located on the east coast near the Chesapeake Bay, which is known for its amazing fishing and hence, great seafood. Being only one hour away from Washington, D.C., the US capital, it’s easy to get to by bus, plane or train.

Summer in Baltimore means street festivals and outdoor movies. You know what’s great about that, they are FREE! Get out and explore the cobblestone streets of Fells Point, the local artisan shops in Hampden, and the historic Mount Vernon Square. HI-Baltimore staff is happy to tell you what’s happening around the city no matter what your interests may be. Another great place to visit is the famous Baltimore Aquarium which has a great dolphin show and rainforest area, which does come at a price, but has cheaper student rates and is worth the visit. Don’t forget to try the local specialty dish, Blue Crabs, which can be eaten in sandwich form, cakes or in soups or in a pasta!

Here are Top 10 Free Things to Do in Baltimore:

1. Walk down Antique Row The streets and shops of Antique Row are riddled with interesting and historical finds from art to collectibles to coins and old books. The windows on this promenade are full of intriguing and sometimes odd bits of history for you to enjoy.

2. Visit the Baltimore Museum of Art As a major cultural destination for the greater Baltimore region, The Baltimore Museum of Art organizes and presents a variety of dynamic exhibitions and innovative programs throughout the year.

3. Play Bocce Ball in Little Italy Located on Stiles St., get a real flavor of the 'old country' by watching some Little Italy locals play Bocce on the sandy courts in the evenings.

4. Cruise the Fell’s Point Art Loop Spend an evening mingling with artists, sampling cheese and wine, and soaking up the arts in Fell’s Point. On the first Friday of every month, the Fell’s Point Development Corporation presents the work of local artists. Thirteen galleries come together to display pieces from their artists. The types of art include, but are not limited to, woodworking, photography, sculpture and oil paintings. Restaurants offer specials and stay open late to accommodate visitors.

5. Tour the Galleries at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower has been transformed into studio spaces for visual and literary artists. Take part in Open Studio Day and view impressive artwork from talented artists. During this free event, guests can visit artists’ studios, view or purchase works of art, and enjoy refreshments and light fare at the newly renovated Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower.

6. Climb the Washington Monument Climbing the 228 steps to the top of the first monument to George Washington provides an excellent view of the city from historic Mount Vernon where it is located.

7. Walk through Cross Street Market The Cross Street Market is a historic marketplace located in Federal Hill. The Charles Street end of the market is home to Nick's Seafood, where crab cakes, steamed shrimp, oysters, and sushi can be enjoyed along with a 32oz draft of your favorite beer. But you don’t need to spend a dime to enjoy this scene. Pull up a stool and check out the local flare.

8. Take a walk around the Cylburn Arboretum The Cylburn Arboretum is a nature preserve and city park spanning about 207 acres. Experience the feel of a grand estate in a rolling countryside, all within city limits. Collections of Japanese maples, Hollies, Conifers, Maryland Oaks, Tree Peonies, Maples and Magnolias stand on spacious lawns and luscious gardens surround the Victorian Mansion. Explore trails that wind through the woodlands, where you can discover rare trees, native plants and wildflowers.

9. See Baltimore's Sports Heroes Visit statues of Baltimore’s sports heroes at M&T Bank Stadium (Johnny Unitas) and Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Babe Ruth) or catch a real baseball game (which won’t be free, though).

10. Explore the Walters Art Museum Free general admission except for special exhibits. There are displays of knights' armor, statues, colorful paintings, furniture, and many small and lovely trinkets-including Faberge eggs. The museum actually owns more than 25,000 pieces of art.

But the real place to be is inside of HI-Baltimore! From poetry readings to fiction to local music and local art, they fill the hostel to the brim with events for you to enjoy. Not to mention the pub crawls happening weekly and new movie showings on the projector happening Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights. Also be sure to keep an eye out for cookout nights on the back patio, taco nights, make your own pizza nights, and of course their regular Thursday night pasta dinner.

Here are a few of the upcoming events happening at HI-Baltimore:

Happening the first Saturdays of every month from 12-2pm - ‘First Saturdays Poetry Group’. Gather with locals, other hostellers, and volunteers in discussing your favorite works of poetry.

Live music concert series featuring Longbottom and guests on May 8th and “Me and Zombie Jesus” on May 27th. More shows will be happening throughout the summer. All shows are FREE to hostel guests and start around 7pm.

Their Parlor room walls become decorated with local art and we celebrate during the opening receptions happening May 14th from 6 to 8pm featuring works by Allison Pasarew, and on June 18th featuring works by Bia Riaz and Pat Cruz.

Hear works of fiction, poetry, and local acoustic acts performing on the last Sunday of every month during ‘Last Sunday, Last Rites.’ FREE to hostel guests, starting around 7pm.

Let’s celebrate the memories right with a Memorial Day BBQ! Meet new friends, eat grilled foods, and bask in the light of day on our back deck and patio. Burgers! Dogs! Popsicles! Ping Pong! And more! Happening 3 to 6pm ($5 suggested donation). And HI-Baltimore will do it all over again on July 4th (Independence Day), happening 5 to 8pm - just enough time for you to get your bottom down to the harbor to see the fireworks.

With so many events happening this summer and all throughout the city, book your hostel in Baltimore today!