Baltimore, known for its rich maritime history and spooky folklore, comes alive at night in the heart of Fells Point. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the city’s haunted past, look no further than Baltimore’s Original Haunted History Tour, from Baltimore Ghost Tours. With a blend of historical anecdotes, ghost stories, and lively performance, this tour offers something for both the skeptics and believers alike.
“We balance the history with the theatrical side of things. The history here is already so theatrical on its own—it lends itself perfectly to storytelling,” said Tour guide Robert Varry, who has been leading the tours for over 16 years.
From the battle of Baltimore in 1814, to the brothels and taverns that once dominated Fells Point, every corner of the neighborhood is filled with history, and a few spirits too.
On this particular Saturday evening, my group of visitors, including a bachelorette party, laughed and gasped as we learned about Edgar Allen Poe’s alleged haunting at The Horse You Came In On.
“Weird things do happen on these tours, though most of it can be chalked up to drunk locals. But ghostly? Not really. It’s all just stories, you know,” Varry said.
That’s not to say the spirits of Fells Point aren’t making their presence known. Many of the stories involve bars like Duda’s Tavern, which holds the title of longest-running bar in the area, or Max’s Taphouse, formerly a slaughterhouse, where supernatural tales linger. Whether it’s jukeboxes playing polka on their own, or unexplained reflections of boots in bar windows, visitors can expect the unexpected on this tour.
Reflecting on what initially drew him into ghost tours, Varry recalled his college days in Gettysburg, a town famously haunted by Civil War spirits.
“I did ghost tours there as a side gig in college. Gettysburg is just overflowing with haunted history, but Baltimore has its own special kind of spooky. I don’t really believe in ghosts, but I do believe in ghost stories,” Varry said.
Part of what makes the Fells Point tour special is how it connects people to the city’s personality through its folklore, whether you’re local or just in town for the weekend.
“It’s a good way to learn about the place you’re visiting. It’s not a deep dive, but it’s a great introduction to Baltimore’s character—through the lens of its legends,” Varry said.
With every step through the shadowy streets of Fells Point, it becomes clear that the past is still very much alive in Baltimore, at least in spirit. The haunted history tour runs Friday and Saturday nights until November, and tickets can be booked at https://baltimoreghosttours.com.
“People come for the spookiness, but they leave with a better understanding of the city,” Varry said.