day trip in April (Baltimore, Owings Mills: neighborhoods, taxi, bus)

[Urban Peasant]

Hello all,

I'm visiting DC in mid April but also plan a day trip to Baltimore. I'm primarily eager to ride Baltimore's metro, both the heavy rail and light rail lines, as I am a transit fanatic. How safe is it to ride during the day? Are there any stops or neighborhoods I ought to avoid? Also, what else is there to do in Baltimore in a day? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

[picardlx]

Metro just isn't that interesting, but I would probably take it from Charles Center to Owings Mills; then on the return trip I would board the light-rail at the Metro to light-rail connecting point of State Center. From there, I would board the light-rail to Cromwell and take that line all the way through. You'll encounter many different neighborhoods. If you're truly a fanatic, then you can take the return trip all the way to Hunt Valley! Be prepared to give-up more than 3 hours.

If you're up for a bus trip, I would take #21 from end-to-end. This will truly give you a feel for the true nature of the city (i.e. extreme wealth and extreme poverty without much in between). It will take you from Harbor East, through Mount Vernon, graze Bolton Hill; experience Penn-North and on through to Sandtown and eventually end-up at Mondawmin. Don't get off the bus though and start wandering around, if you do decide to take the trip (unless you're at either end point).

I thought I was the only weird one who sometimes ride transit for no particular reason but to see different cities. Nice to know others do it too.

[J_Lurk]

Ride the Water Taxi; it is the best transit in Baltimore.

[Urban Peasant]

Originally Posted by picardlx

Metro just isn't that interesting, but I would probably take it from Charles Center to Owings Mills; then on the return trip I would board the light-rail at the Metro to light-rail connecting point of State Center. From there, I would board the light-rail to Cromwell and take that line all the way through. You'll encounter many different neighborhoods. If you're truly a fanatic, then you can take the return trip all the way to Hunt Valley! Be prepared to give-up more than 3 hours.

If you're up for a bus trip, I would take #21 from end-to-end. This will truly give you a feel for the true nature of the city (i.e. extreme wealth and extreme poverty without much in between). It will take you from Harbor East, through Mount Vernon, graze Bolton Hill; experience Penn-North and on through to Sandtown and eventually end-up at Mondawmin. Don't get off the bus though and start wandering around, if you do decide to take the trip (unless you're at either end point).

I thought I was the only weird one who sometimes ride transit for no particular reason but to see different cities. Nice to know others do it too.

No, there are a few of us who do it too. Actually a group of transit fans I knew headed to Baltimore and DC last year to check out their respective systems. That reminded me I have to check out the one remaining subway system in the Northeast that I haven't ridden on yet and that is Baltimore. Thanks for the advice, I'll check out a few maps to see where I'm going.

Is there anything else to see or do in Baltimore in quick time?