Charm City locals know the delicious food, storied history, and endless attractions that Baltimore has to offer; finally, the international community is catching on.
Baltimore was one of a handful of U.S. destinations named on National Geographic’s list of “The Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027.” Published Tuesday, the list features 25 destinations across six continents.
“History shines anew in the birthplace of the American railroad,” reads the subheading for Baltimore’s entry by writer Brooke Sabin.
National Geographic highlights the important role that Baltimore played in launching railroading across the United States with the nation’s first commercial railroad in 1827: the Baltimore and Ohio, or B&O.
The institution long known as the B&O Railroad Museum rebranded this summer as the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation, a name that the organization said honors Baltimore’s key part in America’s story and shines light on railroading innovations throughout history and across the country.
A $38 million expansion of the museum’s campus is full steam ahead and will culminate in the opening of its new Innovation Hall in January 2027, in time for the bicentennial of American railroading.
Lexington Market is home to dozens of merchants, including Baltimore fixture Faidley’s Seafood, the family-owned business that has served its beloved crab cakes for 140 years. One of several public markets across Baltimore, Lexington Market was established in 1782. More than two centuries later, it reopened in a new 60,000-square-foot building after a $45 million redevelopment project.
National Geographic also emphasizes Baltimore’s ties to the Chesapeake Bay, from the robust seafood industry that has given us the crab cakes and steamed crabs the city is known for, to its picturesque waterfront and expanded water recreation amenities.
“At the bustling Inner Harbor, home to attractions like the National Aquarium and the 1854 U.S.S. Constellation warship, a new promenade full of pocket parks, retail, and restaurants is replacing an aging mall,” the entry reads. “Also along the waterfront, the gradual redevelopment of the Baltimore Peninsula neighborhood, anchored by Sagamore Spirit whiskey distillery, has brought green spaces and restaurants like Nick’s Fish House (home to the city’s best steamed crabs) to a former industrial area. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Blueway has launched a network of kayaking trails—an active, eco-friendly way to explore waterfront landmarks across 20 miles.”
The entry closes with a nod to Fort McHenry, which braved against British forces during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Francis Scott Key was inspired by that victory to write his poem “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was later put to music and serves as the American national anthem.
The accolade from National Geographic caught the attention of Visit Baltimore, the nonprofit that serves as the official destination marketing organization for Baltimore.
“Being named one of National Geographic’s Best of the World destinations for 2027 is an incredible recognition for Baltimore and truly speaks to the many experiences that make our city so special,” said Kireem Swinton, President and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “This exposure shines a light on our beautiful waterfront, top-tier culinary scene, iconic attractions, and dynamic arts and culture scene.”
Swinton added, “As we celebrate 200 years of American railroading and Baltimore’s pivotal role in that history, we’re also celebrating the city we are today and the legacy of innovation that continues to shape our future. In that spirit, Baltimore continues to transform, and we’re excited to welcome visitors to discover our city in 2027 and for many years to come.”
Joining Baltimore on the National Geographic list were other U.S. spots, including California’s Pacific Coast Highway; Catalina Island; the Southern Ozarks in Missouri and Arkansas; Madison, Wisconsin; and Puerto Rico.
International mentions featured locations like Salvador, Brazil; Malawi; Chengdu, China; Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland; Melbourne, Australia; and many more.
While National Geographic is the most recent publication to honor Baltimore, last month the state of Maryland was also recognized on Lonely Planet’s list of the 50 best places to travel in 2027. Maryland was one of seven U.S. destinations on that list, and just one of only three states recognized in their entirety.
And last year, France’s oldest daily newspaper, Le Figaro, said Baltimore is “soon to be the most desirable destination” in the United States.
It looks like Baltimore’s charm is spreading.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to add a quote from Visit Baltimore president and CEO Kireem Swinton.
