I visited there with my parents and my family many years ago, my son was maybe 4 at the time. I had a run-in with a rude Pakistani man (long story) who I came very close to beating the living hell out of.
Never been back and never want to. There were bums everywhere. I wasn’t impressed and I’m sure it’s way worse now, this story confirms it.
Yes, anyone who knows what goes on at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore knows that it’s not the fantasy land promoted by politicians and Chamber of Commerce types trying to rejuvenate downtown areas plagued by crime and filth. This area has not been safe or even pleasant for many years. Tourists are fooled into thinking it’s a great place to go. Locals know better.