11 Areas to Avoid in Baltimore, MD [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As a frequent visitor to charming cities along the East Coast, I always look forward to my trips to Baltimore, MD. With its scenic waterfront, historic neighborhoods, and world-class museums, Baltimore offers plenty to see and do. However, as with any large city, there are certain areas in Baltimore that are best avoided, particularly for tourists and first-time visitors. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and insights on the top neighborhoods to steer clear of when visiting Baltimore.

After numerous trips to this great city, I’ve learned that although there are many things to do, there are quite a few areas travelers should avoid when visiting Baltimore. By being aware of the city’s more dangerous neighborhoods, you can have a fun and safe experience exploring all that Charm City has to offer. As you plan your Baltimore itinerary, keep reading to learn about the key areas to avoid in Baltimore.

areas to avoid in Baltimore

Areas to Avoid in Baltimore

1. Middle East

The Middle East neighborhood, situated just east of Johns Hopkins Hospital, is an area plagued by violent crime and poverty. Once a thriving German and Jewish community, this district saw rapid decline throughout the 20th century. Today it is rife with vacant homes and nearly half of residents live below the poverty line. Violent crime rates here are the highest in Baltimore, making it extremely unsafe for visitors. From muggings to carjackings, this area should be avoided altogether when visiting Baltimore.


Address: Middle East, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

2. West Baltimore

Spanning a large portion of the western part of the city, West Baltimore suffers from extensive poverty, urban decay, and violent crime. Neighborhoods like Greater Mondawmin, Harlem Park, and Poppleton have some of the highest homicide rates in the entire city, as drug trade activity and gang violence are rampant throughout the area. As a visitor, I do not recommend spending any time in West Baltimore, as robberies and assaults are common occurrences. Due to high crime and limited points of interest, it’s best to avoid West Baltimore neighborhoods.


Address: West Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

3. Grove Park

Situated between Greenmount Cemetery and Herring Run Park, Grove Park has long had issues with violent crime and gang activity. Low-income housing projects and vacant homes provide a breeding ground for drug trade and related violence in this East Baltimore neighborhood. As a visitor unfamiliar with the area, don’t risk your safety by spending time in Grove Park. This district is one of the most dangerous areas in Baltimore, so bypass it altogether on your travels.


Address: Grove Park, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

4. Cherry Hill

South of downtown, the Cherry Hill community is plagued by poverty and frequent shootings. As a result, I advise visitors to steer clear of this area when visiting Baltimore. Cherry Hill has worked to rebuild its image in recent decades, but it still grapples with violent crime linked to its open-air drug markets. Tourists wandering into this district risk robbery and assault. For your own safety, avoid Cherry Hill and stick to sightseeing in safer parts of Baltimore.


Address: Cherry Hill, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

5. Fairfield Area

The neighborhoods of Fairfield, Curtis Bay, and Brooklyn border the Patapsco River to the south of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Plagued by generational poverty and crime, Fairfield stands out as one of the most dangerous areas in South Baltimore. Shootings occur frequently within the neighborhood’s public housing units, while drug trade activity also contributes to the area’s high violent crime rate. With limited amenities for visitors, it’s best to avoid Fairfield and surrounding areas when touring Baltimore.


Address: Fairfield, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

6. Greenmount East

Historically a working-class community, Greenmount East has faced extensive decline over the past half-century. Abandoned homes, chronic drug activity, and frequent violence plague this East Baltimore neighborhood. As a visitor unfamiliar with Greenmount East, I strongly recommend avoiding it. Muggings and robberies pose a real threat in this district, so steer clear of the area for your own safety. Focus your sightseeing within safer neighborhoods in other parts of Charm City.


Address: Greenmount East, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

7. Greater Rosemont

The greater Rosemont area encompasses several west-side neighborhoods like Mondawmin, Coppin Heights, and Rosemont. Ongoing poverty and crime have long afflicted these communities. Illicit drug sales and related gang violence contribute to higher crime rates throughout Greater Rosemont. As with other west-side neighborhoods, I advise visitors to avoid Greater Rosemont when touring Baltimore. The lack of amenities, combined with safety concerns, make this an area for locals, not tourists.


Address: Greater Rosemont, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

8. Pulaski Industrial Area

Straddling the city’s eastern boundary, the Pulaski Industrial Area contains blocks of vacant homes, abandoned factories, and numerous public housing units. Chronic poverty and ongoing drug trade fuel high rates of violent crime in this district. Theft, burglary, and robbery pose significant risks, making Pulaski an unsafe area for visitors. For your own well-being, steer clear of the Pulaski Industrial Area when exploring Baltimore City.


Address: Pulaski, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

9. Sandtown-Winchester

Made famous by the hit crime drama The Wire, Sandtown-Winchester continues to suffer from extensive poverty, urban blight, and violent crime. Situated in West Baltimore, life in this community resembles what’s depicted on the TV show. As a visitor, I strongly advise against spending any time in Sandtown-Winchester. Robberies and assaults are commonplace, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Baltimore. For your own safety, avoid this neighborhood.


Address: Sandtown-Winchester, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

10. Orangeville

East of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Orangeville is another East Baltimore community plagued by violent crime linked to the drug trade. Chronic unemployment fuels illicit activities, while shootings and homicides occur frequently within this district. As an outsider traveling in Baltimore, using extra caution in Orangeville is prudent. Avoid the area altogether if possible, as muggings and carjackings pose too great a risk.


Address: Orangeville, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

11. Madison Eastend

North of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Madison Eastend grapples with many of the same issues facing other East Baltimore communities. Poverty, urban decay, drug trafficking, and associated violence persist in this neighborhood. Visitors should beware of walking in this area, as muggings are commonplace. Given its lack of amenities and dangerous conditions, Madison Eastend is best avoided when touring Baltimore.


Address: Madison Eastend, Baltimore, MD, USA

 

Conclusion

Baltimore, MD is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and charm. However, as with any major city, travelers should exercise caution and avoid certain high-crime areas. By steering clear of the neighborhoods listed in this article, you can safely explore all the sights and experiences this coastal city has to offer. Do your research ahead of time so you can map out a Baltimore itinerary that focuses on safer districts for visitors. Avoiding the most dangerous areas will help ensure you have an enjoyable trip discovering Baltimore’s many highlights.

20 BEST Things to do in Baltimore [2023 UPDATED]

Baltimore, Maryland, is a vibrant coastal city with a deep history. The largest city in Maryland, Baltimore always has something to do. From fresh fish and crabs to the largest collection of free Matisse paintings in the world, Baltimore is made of delightful surprises. A non-stop city, everyone will find something to love about Baltimore. Check out an ongoing events list, world-class museums, or the great outdoors when you visit Boston. We’ve made it easy to discover all the things to do in Baltimore with this top round-up of activities in the area. Read on to explore all there is to do when visiting beautiful Baltimore!

Things to do in Baltimore

See Also: Areas to Avoid in Baltimore

1) Fell’s Point

Fell’s Point is a historic and hip neighborhood, known for trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants. If you’re looking to experience Chesapeake Bay crap and oysters, this is the place to do it, with restaurants like Rip Tide and Thames Street Oyster House serving up the freshest seafood possible. Local shops and galleries line the streets of Fell’s Point, which runs parallel to Baltimore’s Promenade Harbor Walkway. This area was once a shipbuilding port and includes the first African-American-owned shipyard in the country.

Address: Fells Point, Baltimore, Maryland
Website: fellspointmainstreet.org

 

2) Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Oriole Park at Camden Yards is one of the first “retro” major league ballparks and is home to the MLB team, the Baltimore Orioles. Located in downtown Baltimore, Oriole Park is just two blocks from the birthplace of baseball’s most legendary hero, Babe Ruth. The stadium is surrounded by local eats and pubs on Eutaw Street, making it an all-day affair when you visit. Catch a game or a tour, which begins in April on non-game days.

Phone: (410) 685-9800
Address: 333 W Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Website: www.mlb.com

 

3) National Aquarium 

Baltimore is the perfect place to learn more about aquatic life, as it’s in living connection to the ocean. Located in the Inner Harbor area of downtown Baltimore, the National Aquarium provides the opportunity to come up close and personal with 20,000 different marine fish and animals. Award-winning exhibits like the Atlantic Coral Reef and the hands-on Living Seashore exhibit are stand-outs here. Adult tickets run for $39.95, and children are $29.95.

Phone: (410) 576-3800
Address: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Website: aqua.org

 

4) The Walters Art Museum

The Walters Art Museum is a public art museum with some 36,000 objects of art from around the world. The rich permanent collection includes 19th century European and American art, and the museum continually hosts events that span from lectures to family-focused programming. Ever-expanding, The Walters Art Museum has most recently acquired a contemporary vase with Frederick Douglass on it, as well as a 16th-century book of Finland’s Saami people.

 Phone: (410) 547-9000
Address: 600 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Website: thewalters.org

 

5) Historic Ships in Baltimore

Historic Ships in Baltimore is home to USS Constellation, the last sail-only warship created by the US Navy. Get a true feel for this ship as you step aboard the USS Constellation, as well as multiple other ships, and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. The ships are all docked in the Inner Harbor, and a standard Boarding Pass entitles you to visit all seven ships, valid until all ships are visited. In the winter months, not all ships are open, so plan accordingly.

Phone: (410) 539-1797
Address: 301 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Website: historicships.org

 

6) Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave Site and Memorial

Pay tribute to the king of macabre at Edgar Allan Poe’s gravesite and memorial, located within the University of Maryland. Poe died a mysterious death at the age of 40, but not before writing such formative works as “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” If you come on Poe’s birthday, January 19th, keep an eye out for the mysterious “Poe Toaster” who annually leaves three roses and a half bottle of cognac on Poe’s grave.

 Phone: (410) 706-2072
Address: 515 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Website: www.eapoe.org

 

7) B&O Railroad Museum

Railroad fans rejoice at the B&O Railroad Museum, home to historic railroad equipment and unique exhibits celebrating America’s past with the railroad industry. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the B&O Railroad Museum is more than just a museum with train rides and an onsite cafe. Known to be the most comprehensive collection of railroad memorabilia in the Western hemisphere, B&O Railroad Museum packs a ton of railroad information in one stop.

Phone: (410) 752-2490
Address: 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223
Website: www.borail.org

 

8) Little Italy 

Little Italy not only has a long history of Italian immigration to the neighborhood, but it continues to be a living enclave of mostly Italian-American people. Originally from Genoa, and southern Italy, the diaspora of Italians in Baltimore has added a strong culture and rich culture to Baltimore. Of course, this means delicious Italian food, and Little Italy is the place to be for delicious eats like pizza, paninis, and Italian pastries such as freshly-filled cannoli. If you’re in Baltimore during the summer months, Little Italy is especially fun with ongoing festivals and events celebrating Italian-American culture.

 Address: 1020 Stiles Street Baltimore, MD 21202
Website: littleitalymd.org

 

9) Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum

Babe Ruth is nearly synonymous with baseball; a legend so big, his name is etched in the mind of generations of baseball-lovers. Head to his birthplace, now turned museum, to learn more about the life of George Herman “Babe” Ruth. The son of a German saloon keeper, Babe’s start in the world was anything but easy. However, the baseball icon rose through the challenges of lower-income Baltimore and became beloved internationally. Discover his story here, at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.

Phone: (410) 727-1539
Address: 216 Emory St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Website: baberuthmuseum.org

 

10) Patterson Park Pagoda

This landmark Pagoda was built in 1890 and stands 60-feet tall in Victorian style. The Pagoda is limited in how frequently it is open to the public, however, a visit to see it from the outside is still worth the effort. The park itself is a lovely composition of grassy lawn, a lake, paved walkways, and impressive trees. 137 acres, this urban green space is beloved by locals and tourists alike.

 Phone: (410) 276-3676
Address: E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21224
Website: explore.baltimoreheritage.org

 

11) Cylburn Arboretum

Another natural gem of the city, the Clyburn Arboretum is an expansive arboretum and garden, open daily except for Mondays. Onsite, walk the three-and-a-half miles of trails, join the Baltimore Bird Club to spot unique birds or take the Mansion Drive Tree Tour. The arboretum can be accessed by car, light rail, or bus, making this oasis accessible to all.

Phone: (410) 396-0180
Address: 4915 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, MD 21209
Website: cylburn.org

 

12) American Visionary Art Museum

The American Visionary Art Museum is dedicated to outsider art; artists who are generally self-taught and come from outside of the art world. Revel in the thought-provoking art created by artists who are known for “intuitive artistry” such as farmer/artist Voller Simpson who repurposed “junk” to create art. Annual events include the Kinetic Sculpture Race which features human-powered contraptions.

 Phone: (410) 244-1900
Address: 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230
Website: www.avam.org

 

13) Federal Hill Park

A free attraction in Baltimore, hike up Federal Hill Park to gain some perspective on the city. On the south shore of Inner Harbor, Federal Hill Park is known as a signature Baltimore landmark. This historic site has been used as gathering grounds, as a lookout point, and now, as a place of refuge. For a special treat, head to Federal Hill Park at night to take in the starry view, as well as the harbor below.

 Address: 300 Warren Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
Website: bcrp.baltimorecity.gov

 

14) The Maryland Zoo 

Located in historic Druid Hill Park, the Maryland Zoo is a 135-acre zoo whose aim is to connect humans to animals. Ongoing exhibits and events, like live feedings animal encounters, and field talks help to engage visitors. The zoo has 130 different types of species, originating from different habitats. The Maryland Zoo also has additional attractions such as the Jones Falls Zephyr Train Ride and a carousel, making it a win for families.

Phone: (410) 396-7102
Address: 1 Safari Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217
Website: www.marylandzoo.org

 

15) Ministry of Brewing 

Formerly St. Michael’s Church, the Ministry of Brewing is now an eclectic beer hall and brewery. Still keeping in line with the church aesthetic, a stunning portrayal of Jesus floating in the heavens looks down upon you as you sip your cold one. Vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and repurposed altar wood throughout the hall elevate your beer experience to heavenly heights.

Phone: (410) 624-5623
Address: 1900 E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Website: ministryofbrewing.com

 

16) The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum

Sure, any wax museum is a little bit quirky, however, it’s fun to see African American culture honored at The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum. Gaze upon formative blacks from different eras, including Islamic Africa, The Underground Railroad, and the Harlem Renaissance. The museum is ever updating and expanding, continually adding notable black figures as they create history.

Phone: (410) 563-3404
Address: 1601-03 E North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21213
Website: greatblacksinwax.org

 

17) Maryland Science Center 

Another Inner Harbor attraction, the Maryland Science Center has three levels of science-related exhibits as well as a planetarium and observatory. Great for all ages, the Maryland Science Center offers interactive, hands-on exhibits, that make learning come alive. Check out the life-size dinosaur replicas, catch a movie at the IMAX theater, or partake in special programming that occurs daily at the museum.

Phone: (410) 685-2370
Address: 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Website: www.mdsci.org

 

18) The John Hopkins University

This prominent university is best known for being the first research university in the United States. Founded in 1876, the historic campus is worth strolling just to take in the cultural ambiance the campus provides. Onsite explore multiple museums including the Homewood Museum and the Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum.

Phone: (410) 516-8000
Address: 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218-2608
Website: www.jhu.edu

 

19) Lexington Market 

Lexington Market is a foodie’s haven, with food stands, greengrocers, and meat purveyors. Founded in 1782, this ongoing indoor food market is a piece of Baltimore’s history. Highlights of the market include Market Seafood where you can score fresh fish, Market Bakery which is best known for its Berger’s Cookie, and Garden Produce. The market’s current hours are Monday – Saturday from  8 am – 5 pm.

Phone: (410) 685-6169
Address: 400 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Website: lexingtonmarket.com

 

20) Washington Monument

The country’s first monument to founding father, George Washington, Washington Monument makes for a great destination. Part of the Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Washington Monument is a landmark in the neighborhood’s skyline. Climb the 227 surrounding steps to take in memorable views of the area. Open year-round, be part of 200 years of history when you visit the Washington Monument.

Phone: (410) 962-5070
Address: 699 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Website: baltimore.org

 

Conclusion

Baltimore is a historic, multilayered city that simply has so much to offer. From quirky art museums to sports attractions, there’s no way to be bored in Baltimore. With this list of things to do in Baltimore, you’re on your way to an excellent visit to The Monumental City.