USA Guide
The Capital Region
The Inner Harbor
By most estimates, the Inner Harbor is a success story of urban revitalization. The rotting wharves and derelict warehouses that stood here through the 1970s have been replaced by the sparkling steel-and-glass Harborplace shopping mall (Mon– Sat 10am–9pm, Sun noon–6pm; 
410/332-4191, 
www.harborplace.com ), though the businesses inside aren't too different from what you'll find in any other consumer zone. Sweeping views of the entire city and beyond can be admired from the 27th-storey Top of the World observation deck at Baltimore's own World Trade Center, on the north pier (May– Sept 10am–9pm; Oct– April Wed– Sun 10am–6pm; 410/837-VIEW, www.viewbaltimore.org ; $5). Nothing in the Inner Harbor dates from before its rebuilding, but to lend an air of authenticity, the graceful USS Constellation (April– Oct 10am–5.30pm; Nov– March 10am–4.30pm; 410/539-1797, www.constellation.org ; $8.75) has been placed here, the only Civil War vessel still afloat and the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy – it was constructed in 1854 and restored in 1999. More ships – a Coast Guard cutter that survived Pearl Harbor, a Chesapeake Bay lightship, and a World War II diesel submarine – along with a squat, 1856 lighthouse that's been moved here make up the Baltimore Maritime Museum (daily 10am–5pm; 410/396-3453, www.baltomaritimemuseum.org ; $6) on the next pier.
Opening time: Daily
Price: Free