Some of Baltimore’s best attractions are also the city’s best-kept secrets.
Some of the best places to visit in Baltimore are ones that people don’t often know about. Yeah, the city houses the National Aquarium and there’s the Inner Harbor, but what about a place that sells animal skulls or an outdoor sculpture garden with larger-than-life art pieces?
B-More’s got you covered there, too!
Go on an adventure and check out these hidden gems in Baltimore.
Graffiti Alley
- Address: 128 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201
You could drive by Graffiti Alley and not even realize you passed it. There’s a bit of graffiti that can be seen from the main road, but you don’t get the full emphasis of it until you’re standing in the middle surrounded by the works of local artists.
Bazaar
- Address: 3534 Chestnut Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211
I mean, you should still buy Old Bay and a crab-shaped magnet as souvenirs to take back with you but stop by Bazaar to purchase one-of-a-kind items too. I’ve seen them sell everything from a mummified opossum to framed antique opium prescriptions.
The curio shop could be a little shocking at first, but you’ll be glad you stopped by.
There are always spray paint cans lying around and visitors are welcome to add their own tag while there.
Edgar Allen Poe’s Grave
- Address: 515 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Many people don’t realize that renowned poet Edgar Allen Poe lived in Baltimore for years before he eventually died in the city in 1849. His burial site can be found minutes away from Downtown Baltimore and visitors can stop and pay their respects.
You can also visit the site of Poe’s death at Church Hospital (eight minutes away), and The Horse You Came In On Saloon which is a bar that claims to have given him his last drink (eleven minutes away).
Baltimore Museum of Art Sculpture Garden
- Address: 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218
I’m not proud to admit that I visited the Baltimore Museum of Art twice before I even realized there was a three-acre outdoor sculpture garden attached to the side of it.
Maybe I’m oblivious, but it really is easy to get distracted by the many exhibits displaying works by local artists as well as historic greats. The sculpture garden is truly a hidden gem; there are 33 unique contemporary art pieces and some of them are huge.
Be sure to dial into the cell phone audio tour to get details behind the sculptures and their artists.
The Book Thing of Baltimore
- Address: 3001 Vineyard Ln, Baltimore, MD 21218
If you love a good used bookstore and you also appreciate a bargain, you’re going to want to stop by The Book Thing of Baltimore.
THE BOOKS ARE FREE.
I repeat, you can pick up as many books as your literary heart desires at no cost. Their stock is fully composed of donations and the establishment is run by volunteers. They have a great collection and I always find a book or ten to grab.
NOTE: The Book Thing of Baltimore is only open once or twice a month and entry is limited to one hour (on the hour), though you are more than welcome to get back in line if an hour is not enough.
Elijah Bond’s Ouija Board Grave
- Address: 1501 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202
The second gravesite on my list, Elijah Bond patented the trademark Ouija board we’ve all grown up being terrified of. All this considering, his headstone is kind of comical and resembles the board that he created. It’s become a place for people to visit, photograph, and be weirdly proud of for visiting.
Round Falls
- Address: 2948 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211
I know Baltimoreans who have lived in the city for over a decade and still have not heard of Round Falls. Follow the Jones Falls hiking and biking trail near Druid Hill Park and look for a wooden signpost stating, “James W. Rouse Memorial Deck at Round Falls”.
You’ll be met with a scenic viewing platform and benches to relax on as you take in the stunning view. It’s amazing that such a peaceful natural haven lies in the middle of a bustling city.
Illusions Bar & Theater
- Address: 1025 S Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21230
One of Baltimore’s finest hidden gems, the Illusions Bar & Theater seems like any other themed bar that lines the streets of Baltimore.
What you don’t know is that there is a theater in the back where the family that owns the establishment puts on a comedic magic show unlike anything else in the city!
The show lasts around 90 minutes and I guarantee that you’ll simultaneously laugh and be shocked throughout.
Lumiere Candle Studio
- Address: 411 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
You can find the Lumiere Candle Studio situated in a spot you’ll barely notice if you walk by, right between Mount Vernon and Downtown Baltimore. I came across it only because I specifically looked for places where I can make my own candle.
For around $25, give or take, you can reserve a seat in their studio and an expert will walk you through creating your own candle. You can choose the jar, pick out fragrances from over 100 unique scents, and even choose the dye color to fully customize your candle. It’s a memorable experience!
Curtis Creek Ship Graveyard
- Address: 6100 Chemical Road, Baltimore, MD 21226
Did you know there is a spooky ship graveyard in Baltimore? Don’t worry, most people don’t. During World War I, the US built wooden ships that were supposed to carry provisions to Europe.
The ships weren’t strong enough and ended up never making the journey. Many of them were laid to rest in Curtis Creek and you can see their abandoned remains.
Take a boat or kayak through the shallow waters to experience the eeriness of the disintegrating ships.
