Baltimore, Maryland is a grand old city that according to some has seen much better days in the past. True, some neighborhoods of the city are not “ideal tourist attractions,” shall we say. But there is still plenty to do and see in Baltimore for the whole family on most weekends.

1) Inner Harbor is the obvious jewel of Baltimore’s crown. It’s a gorgeous horse-shoe shaped inner harbor surrounded by restaurants and eateries, and a great promenade that features the all-sail man-of-war battleship ship USS Constellation, launched in 1854.

2) National Aquarium, also at the Inner Harbor, is a must see indoor collection of all kinds of fishes (including sharks), reptiles and endangered species. Don’t forget to stop by at the glass-encased “Tropical Forest” at the top of aquarium’s cylinder-shaped imposing structure.

3) Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum is a modest little three-story house where the horror master lived during the 1830s and ’40s until he died. “This place gives me the creeps!” said Vincent Price, for a good reason. Find out why.

4) Babe Ruth Museum and the Oriole Park at Camden Yards (home of Baltimore Orioles) with seating for 48,000 are perfect for all baseball fans. Babe Ruth’s house on 216 Emory Street – not that far from the Oriole Park – is the place where the legendary slugger was born in 1895.

5) Baltimore Museum of Art is right next to Johns Hopkins University campus in North Baltimore. It’s an important art center, like the private Walter’s Art Museum, where important exhibitions are held around the year. Admission is free, except for special shows.

6) The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum is a unique delight for all history buffs and a great place to visit to appreciate the contributions of many important African-Americans.

7) Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is where the American National Anthem was born during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The star-shaped fort is not within Baltimore City itself and is ten miles down south. But it is a unique and important historic site that is worth the extra travel.