There’s a word that perfectly describes cities like Baltimore: palimpsest. While the term is typically used to describe writing material such as parchment or a tablet, it also refers to an object or location that has many layers apparent beneath the surface. A place where old and new meet in one harmonious confluence.
Baltimore is a city steeped in history, layered with culture, and rich in new discoveries: a café you return to, a study spot that becomes routine, a park that helps you reset. Over time, all those places–some familiar, some a surprise–start to define your rhythm.
When current MBA student Saunak MukherjeeI first came to Baltimore, he expected a strong academic environment. Looking back on the past two years, he says that expectation was met, but what surprised him was just how deeply the city itself has shaped his experience.
Here are five experiences that consistently stand out to MukherjeeI.
1. Start the weekend at Café Dear Leon (Canton)
This French-inspired café offers a rotating, seasonal menu of beverages and pastries that reflect both craftsmanship and creativity. A quick 12-minute drive from Carey’s Harbor East building or a leisurely 1.6-mile walk, this café truly does live up to the hype and the lines out the door.
“There’s a clear focus on technique. Everything is made in-house, and you can tell,” said MukherjeeI. “It’s the perfect example of not trying to do too much but instead doing a few things well. One standout is their crab dip bagel. It has become a staple association with the place and a distinct (and proud) representation of Baltimore’s culinary identity.”
2. Long study sessions at Pitango (Fells Point)
Pitango is a local chain of bakeries and gelato shops across the DMV area. While best known for its artisanal gelato and rustic italian sandwiches, the Fells Point outlet has a completely different association for students.
“This is where you go to get some serious work done,” he said. “Most days, but especially on the weekends, students from Johns Hopkins descend on this spot with their laptops in hand and deadlines in mind. That’s how I first found myself there, studying for an exam. Since then, I’ve spent countless hours working through assignments, sometimes alone, sometimes with classmates."
The environment has a balance that’s hard to find: an indoor space with plenty of seating and a calm outdoor area overlooking the waterfront. It’s energizing enough without being distracting. “What makes it especially student-friendly is that no one ever rushes you. Once you find a spot, you can stay and focus for as long as it’s open,” he says. “The fact that they have a full-service café and sandwich setup makes it all the easier to settle in for long hours.”
Travel tip: If you’re moving between neighborhoods along the harbor, Baltimore’s water taxi is a great transportation option. It’s scenic, efficient, and a nice break from the usual commute. Their easy-to-use phone app provides all the information you need to know about routes, schedules, and pick up and drop off locations. The Harbor Connector is another great way to get around the city while avoiding traffic, all you have to do is find the route that works best for you. It’s an extension of the Charm City Circulator, which is a free option to navigating the city by bus.
3. Resetting at Fort McHenry (Locust Point)
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is one of Baltimore’s most historically significant landmarks. It’s best known as the site where Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812 after witnessing the fort’s defense. Today, the national monument is a scenic park with open green space, walking paths, and waterfront views that make it an ideal place to step away from the pace of the city.
“This is a perfect place for me to go when I want to disconnect, usually with a book. There’s something about the combination of open space, fresh air, and quiet that makes it easy to slow down. This gem is easily accessible by land as well as water,” he said.
Travel tip: The Charm City Circulator buses are free and connect to major parts of Baltimore, including areas near Fort McHenry. With over 100 stops along five routes, it’s one of the easiest ways to get around the city on weekdays and weekends without having to plan too much. Online, you can find a live map of where the Circulator is around town, and time it up with when and where you need to go.
4. Focus at the Enoch Pratt Free Library (Cathedral Street)
Enoch Pratt Free Library is Baltimore’s public library system, founded in the late 19th century through a donation from Enoch Pratt. His goal was to make knowledge accessible to everyone in the city.
Today, that vision lives on through a network of branches across Baltimore. The Central Library–Enoch Pratt Free Library–on Cathedral Street is close to Carey, offers an extensive collection of academic resources, general literature, and everything in between.
“A space like this makes a real difference in the hustle and bustle of a city. Whether I’m reading or working, this is a constant place where I can stay present and productive,” said MukherjeeI.
5. Evenings in Fells Point
Fells Point is one of Baltimore’s oldest neighborhoods. Known for its cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and long history as a maritime hub, the relaxed and scenic atmosphere during the day comes alive at night with a different kind of energy.
Restaurants, taverns, live music, and people moving between them turn the area into one of the city’s most active social hubs, especially for students and young professionals.
“You can keep it low-key or make a full evening out of it. Even just walking along the waterfront after dark is worth it–the lights reflecting on the water give the area a completely different feel,” said MukherjeeI. “A few of my go-to spots are Admirals Cup for a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere, Kooper’s Tavern for some of the best burgers in town, and Kilwins for ice cream to wrap up the night.”
Baltimore doesn’t present itself all at once
Baltimore is a city you get to know over time, through routines, small discoveries, and places you return to without thinking twice. As a student, MukherjeeI says that’s been important.
“The academic experience is intense, and rightly so. But having a city that balances the space to focus, unwind, and explore, has made the experience more complete,” he says. “And in many ways, these moments outside the classroom are what make the time here truly memorable.”