A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Bar Harbor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming, picturesque, and relaxed coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Baltimore and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Bar Harbor are popular destinations, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium. Bar Harbor is famous for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Baltimore different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bar Harbor and Baltimore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Bar Harbor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Baltimore and Bar Harbor both to be superb destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Bar Harbor has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Baltimore or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Baltimore offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Baltimore or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is very good for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Baltimore or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is very good for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bar Harbor to enjoy the beach. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Baltimore or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bar Harbor and Baltimore.

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Baltimore or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Baltimore is a very family-friendly place to visit. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly city. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Baltimore or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Bar Harbor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Bar Harbor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Baltimore is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Baltimore or Bar Harbor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Baltimore or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Baltimore and Bar Harbor both are superb when exploring on foot.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Bar Harbor. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baltimore than Bar Harbor. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Baltimore than Bar Harbor. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Baltimore, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Baltimore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bar Harbor that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Bar Harbor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Baltimore.

One day in Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

Baltimore, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

Baltimore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baltimore Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Bar Harbor, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Baltimore or Bar Harbor?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Baltimore is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Baltimore usually gets less rain in October than Bar Harbor. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

Both Bar Harbor and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. Baltimore can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Baltimore is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bar Harbor. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

In April, Baltimore is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Baltimore usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Baltimore