It may be hard to muster the energy to venture outside of the hotel. Particularly when you’re sitting in the parlor enjoying a pot of tea (try one of the unique oak-barrel-aged teas) and a tower of nibbles. Paradoxically, one of the great things about Baltimore is that there isn’t an overwhelming amount to do and see. There is more than enough to keep you busy, to be sure, but there isn’t the “must see and do it all” pressure that comes with, say, a weekend in New York City. Pick and choose a few things that interest you and earmark plenty of time to sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast in bed, and maybe read a book by the fire in the library. And when you do decide to head out, The Ivy has a house car and driver to get you there and back in comfort.

Start by taking a stroll around the hotel’s immediate Mount Vernon neighborhood. The area surrounding the Washington Monument is particularly picturesque, and is only a short walk from the Maryland Historical Society, which has the Star-Spangled Banner manuscript on display, among other treasures. Make time for the Walters Art Museum (it’s free) to see everything from Renaissance paintings to Etruscan pottery, and be sure to visit the beautifully arranged Chamber of Wonders, meant to replicate what a wealthy 17th-century nobleman’s collection may have looked like. Stop in the Mount Vernon Marketplace food hall for a bite or the Korean-inspired café, Dooby’s. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, a few antiques shops still remain on what used to be a bustling Antiques Row on the 800 block of North Howard Street. Then wander down West Read Street, which seems to be adding quaint stores at a fast clip (the oddly named Bottle of Bread is great for vintage and cool accessories) and is home to The Bun Shop, a quaint spot for, yes, sweet and savory buns and a good cup of coffee.

The National Aquarium is a must. Yes, perhaps it’s a more obvious choice for families with little ones, but the 225,000-gallon, enveloping “shark alley” is just as impressive for grown-ups, too. It’s also a great opportunity to take a walk along the harbor. The area immediately around the museum is touristy, so continue east along the water toward the Fells Point neighborhood for a slightly more quaint assemblage of restaurants and shops, but make a point of stopping at Ekiben for lunch—the fluffy, spicy Tofu Brah bun is unreal, as is the fried broccoli.

Spend some time walking around the Hampden neighborhood and you’ll stumble over quite a variety of charming shops, cafés, and antiques stores, particularly along West 36th Street, also known as The Avenue. If you’re still in the area in the evening, consider making a reservation at Aromes, a tiny farm-to-table BYOB restaurant with a surprisingly affordable tasting menu ($65 for six courses or $45 for three). If you’re planning to bring a bottle, stop by The Wine Source—it has a thoughtful selection.

Also be sure to pay a visit to the American Visionary Art Museum, a stunning collection of outsider art that should unquestionably be a must-see for every visitor. Visit the Baltimore Museum of Art for everything from 19th-century to contemporary art and the largest holding of works by Henri Matisse in the world, and stroll around the picturesque Johns Hopkins University campus afterward. Of course, if you’re in town during baseball season, snag a few Orioles tickets and spend a day at Camden Yards, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017.