Walking Tours

Walking tours in Maryland are a top choice for visitors who want to discover the state’s layered history, local food and legendary ghost stories on foot. With 66 options—nearly a quarter of all tours sold here—there’s a route for every interest and budget, from Frederick’s colonial streets to Baltimore’s bustling Fells Point.

These tours attract travelers looking for an in-depth, local perspective, whether that’s sampling crab cakes, tracing Civil War tales, or chasing ghost legends after dark. Most last one to four hours, and 89% are rated four stars or better, making them a reliable way to experience Maryland’s cities up close.

With 66 walking tours on offer, Maryland has more options in this category than almost any other type—just behind historical tours. Prices start as low as $15, with a median of $63, and nearly half of all options cost under $30. The most expensive reach over $100, typically including food tastings or drinks.

Compared to the destination’s overall median price of $94, walking tours are a budget-friendly way to see the state. They’re also on par with historical and private tours, both of which share a $63 median. Food-focused walks and longer experiences push into higher price bands, but most people pay $15–$80 for a guided experience.

The range covers everything from 60-minute ghost walks in Annapolis and Baltimore to four-hour foodie explorations, so travelers can pick by interest and stamina.

For travelers who want the most for their money, the sweet spot is $26–$80. At the low end, $15–$30 gets you a classic guided walk—often focused on local history or ghost stories, like the well-reviewed Frederick tour or the popular Fells Point ghost walks. These are best for those who want a quick, affordable introduction to a city’s past.

Food tours cluster at $78–$110 and last up to four hours, with tastings at several restaurants and a side of local history. The Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point stands out for its high rating (4.91★) and nearly 200 reviews, making it a favorite for visitors who want both a meal and a story. Annapolis and Fells Point both offer food tours that get strong marks for knowledgeable guides and a good mix of stops, though some reviews note that the food isn’t always unique to the city.

Ghost tours are a Maryland staple, especially in Baltimore and Annapolis. Most run $26–$31 for an hour or so and are popular with families and groups. Ratings are solid but not as high as the food tours, and some reviewers mention that the stories can feel repetitive or the experience less theatrical than expected. Pub crawls, priced around $29, add a social element but may disappoint those expecting more drinks or a deeper dive into haunted lore.

What lets people down? About 11% of walking tours are rated below four stars. The most common issues, based on reviews, are guides who don’t show up (Frederick), tours that feel too short or limited in scope, or experiences that don’t match the advertised theme—such as ghost tours that aren’t spooky or historical enough (Baltimore Bewitched). Some food tours get dinged for generic tastings or too few stops. Cancellations, especially last-minute, also frustrate guests, as do guides who lack enthusiasm or organization.