Where to Stay in Baltimore

a marina filled with lots of boats on a sunny day

Where to Stay in Baltimore

The largest city in the US state of Maryland, albeit tiny Annapolis serves as its formal capital, Baltimore constitutes portion of the densely packed northeastern coastal district of the country, despite definitely lagging Washington DC further south, and Philadelphia and New York City to the north in tourist numbers. Unique and irreverent, much of Baltimore possesses a feel well off the beaten track, but TV shows such as The Wire only provide a partial depiction – the city boasts a rich cultural heritage, with the zone surrounding the harbor crammed with eateries, museums, and historic homes, as well as some of the freshest crab found anywhere in the world.

While exploring Downtown and the Inner Harbor on foot is relatively simple, public transportation is required to go further out. All the harborside attractions can be reached by water taxi (for example the National Aquarium, Fell’s Point, and Fort McHenry); tickets can be bought on board (minimal services Oct to April).

• The Baltimore-Washington International Airport is located 10 miles south of the city center. From there it`s just $1.90 into the city on the Light RailLink Line (roughly every 20 minutes, with a journey time of around 35 minutes).
• The MTA’s bus, subway, and light rail lines cover much of the city, but taxis or personal vehicles are necessary to experience everything – avoid public transport late at night for safety.

We’ve examined our favorite neighborhoods to explore and stay in more thoroughly below, but with extra time, these regions are also worthwhile to check out:

– Druid Hill Park: This expansive urban green space located northwest of Midtown Baltimore is home to several outdoor attractions such as the Maryland Zoo and the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens.

At the neighborhood of Pigtown, located just southwest of Downtown Baltimore, notable sites include the B&O Railroad Museum, the bookstore Charm City Books, the historic property Mount Clare Museum House within Carroll Park, and the dance venue Mobtown Ballroom, where regular dance lessons and social gatherings take place.

The prominent Johns Hopkins University campus spreads over 3 miles north of the Inner Harbor, home to historic architecture, the University Museums (2 historic houses, Homewood Museum and Evergreen Museum & Library), and the Baltimore Museum of Art, one of the city’s finest cultural institutions. The neighboring Charles Village community mainly caters to students with bars, inexpensive eateries, and live music venues. The top lodging selection around here is the Inn at The Colonnade

Best Places to Stay in Baltimore

Best Neighborhoods in Baltimore for…

  • Best Neighborhood for First Time Visitors/Sightseeing: Inner Harbor or Harbor East
    Staying close to the waterfront and attractions at Inner Harbor would be best, especially with kids. There is also plenty of accommodation further up in Downtown, but Inner Harbor is a much more relaxed neighborhood focused on tourism, entertainment, and outdoor activities (as well as being within walking distance of the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards). The modern hotels in Harbor East, a brief walk along the waterfront, should also be considered. From here it`s a short walk to the restaurants of Little Italy The most romantic neighborhood is considered to be Fell’s Point
    Though parts of Fell’s Point see many visitors during the day and partygoers at night, it remains one of Baltimore’s most appealing neighborhoods. Dating back to the mid-18th century, its paved roads (referred to as “Belgian block” streets) are lined with terra cotta row homes, gabled cottages, and Greek Revival structures – the Robert Long House dates back to 1765 and is thought to be the oldest residence in Baltimore. The neighborhood is well connected by water taxi to the rest of the city and offers a small collection of romantic hotels, including the plush Sagamore Pendry Baltimore hotel and the Inn at Henderson’s Wharf, as well as the more budget-friendly Admiral Fell Inn Harbor
  • Best Neighborhood for Nightlife: Fell’s Point
    Numerous restaurants, pubs, and sports bars occupy Broadway and the historic side streets in Fell`s Point, Baltimore`s traditional nightlife area. It has shifted dramatically over the last 40 decades – it used to be a working-class community of sailors, artists, and Polish immigrants – but it remains a fun location crammed with places to drink. Highlights comprise Bertha`s, an old-fashioned bar operational since 1972 known for its fresh mussels, and the more upscale Rye, a reputed craft cocktail bar. The Rockwell and Cat`s Eye Pub offer DJs and live music, modifying from bar to dance club as the evening wears on. We also appreciate Max`s Taphouse for the enormous collection of craft beers and renowned speakeasy Elk Room nearby in Little Italy).

    If you seek more provincial experiences away from the crowds, check out the watering holes in Canton east of Fell`s Point, where locations such as Cardinal Tavern,Of Love & Regret,The Chasseur, and Mahaffey’s Pub are well liked among the local 20-something crowd. There`s also an emerging nightlife scene in Federal Hill (along Charles Street) and adjacent Riverside (Fort Avenue).

    • Earn recognition by drinking “Natty Boh” (also called National Bohemian Beer) in Baltimore, the local lager with a cult following.

    • Bars in Baltimore must legally close by 2am sharp (some clubs are licensed for after-hours, but not many). Take a taxi or rideshare at night to be safe.

  • The neighborhoods of Harbor East and Remington have many wonderful food options and restaurants.

    • Baltimore has developed a growing reputation for its culinary experiences (in addition to its long-beloved Chesapeake blue crabs), but the top venues tend to be spread throughout the city – Hampden, Charles Village, Fell’s Point, and even the popular Inner Harbor are all home to excellent places to dine. For fine dining, we’ve selected Harbor East – it’s a secure, concentrated area filled with high quality eateries. Standouts include the Italian steakhouse Tagliata and Italian wine bar Cinghiale, though the authentic trattorias of Little Italy are also just a brief walk away. Renowned Japanese restaurant Azumi gets regular shipments direct from Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, while lavish Bygone is a luxurious homage to the 1920s. One of the first restaurants here remains one of the best, Charleston, founded by Tony Foreman and Chef Cindy Wolf. We also love Monarque, Chef Marc Hennessy’s French steakhouse).

    For more budget-friendly dining options, explore the laid-back neighborhood of Remington, located just north of Midtown. Noteworthy eateries include Clavel, the award-winning taqueria operated by Lane Harlan and Carlos Raba, and the hip food hall R. House serving cuisine from 10 counters. We also recommend PaperMoon Diner,Café Los Sueños, known for handmade biscuits at Blacksauce Kitchen.

    ‧ There are no hotels in Remington – the Residence at The Colonnade lies on the other side of the Johns Hopkins University grounds, and the hotels of Midtown are a brief trip away.
    .

    • Though it’s located somewhat in the isolated Locust Point region along the southern harbor shore, no Baltimore visit is complete without dining at L.P. Steamers for their legendary steamed crabs seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning.
    • Old Bay Seasoning is another popular local product with loyal devotees. It was created in Baltimore in 1939 and has been commercially produced by McCormick & Company since 1990.

  • Top neighborhoods for shopping are Harbor East and Hampden
    Like its culinary scene, shopping in Baltimore tends to be diverse and decentralized. Harborplace Mall anchors the Inner Harbor and is home to all the major chains as well as local souvenir shops, while Lexington Market in Downtown is the place for local foodstuffs. Mount Vernon is home to the city’s Antique Row (the 800 block of N Howard Street). However, Harbor East is probably the best choice for national chains and also locally-owned boutiques; it’s conveniently compact, pedestrian-friendly, and slightly less touristy. The flagship store for the Baltimore-based Under Armour is here, and so are J.Crew, Lululemon, Lush, Anthropologie, Sephora, and Free People, as well as independent clothing and accessories boutique Sassanova and home gift store Curiosity.

    We are also fond of the independent shops in Hampden, which is located just northwest of the Johns Hopkins University campus, where the main street runs along 36th Street (known as “The Avenue”). Notable places include women`s fashion at Doubledutch Boutique,Atomic Books, quirky gifts at Bazaar, and knitters` favorite spot Lovelyarns.

    • There are no hotels in Hampden – the Inn at The Colonnade lies on the other side of the Johns Hopkins University campus and the hotels of Midtown are a brief ride away.
    • From Central Baltimore, take the Light Rail Link to Woodberry. It’s a 10-minute walk to The Avenue in Hampden from there, or take bus #98 (aka Hampden Shuttle Bug; every 40 minutes) from the Woodberry station.

  • Best Neighborhood for Local Atmosphere: Hampden
    Because it’s away from the usual paths (and a little difficult to access), Hampden is one of Baltimore’s most intriguing and eccentric neighborhoods. In the 19th century, it evolved as a working-class mill town, but nowadays it’s more bohemians and artists than blue-collar workers. The main street, aka “The Avenue,” is a great place to absorb the atmosphere, shop, have a drink, or dine. Be sure to stop by Café Hon (as in “honey”), a classic Baltimore diner, or have a meal at The Food Market, followed by beverages at the Bluebird Cocktail Room.
  • Unsafe Areas of Baltimore
    Central Baltimore is generally much safer than it frequently seems (or is portrayed on television), though the standard safety precautions should be followed at night. Like in any big city, be conscious of the surroundings. The local tourist bureau recommends that visitors prepare the route before departing, avoid strolling alone in unlit areas, and keep valuables out of sight. Neighborhoods like West Baltimore and nearby Cherry Hill experience high crime rates, but tourists are highly unlikely to end up in these regions. Most of the neighborhoods listed here, like Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, and Harbor East, have a noticeable police presence and remain generally safe, even at night

The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Baltimore for Tourists

1. Inner Harbor

Originally a muddy location for ship construction and steel mills, Baltimore`s Inner Harbor has been transformed since the 1970s into a waterfront area with shopping centres, eateries, and family-friendly attractions. It is also the focal point for the harbor`s water taxi system, with quick links to the other major tourist spots of Harbor East, Fell`s Point, and Fort McHenry (the harbor itself is in fact the short but wide northwest branch of the Patapsco River). Downtown is a brief stroll to the north, with bus, Light Rail Link, and Metro Subway stations also within walking distance. Chief highlights include the National Aquarium, home to over 20,000 distinct marine animals, the Top of the World Observation Level on the 27th floor of the nearby World Trade Center Institute, and the Historic Ships in Baltimore, which feature Civil War veteran USS Constellation. Other attractions popular with children are the Maryland Science Center and the fun Port Discovery Children’s Museum, housed in a former fish marketplace building. Inner Harbor is also the place to take a cruise along the waterfront.

2. Fell’s Point

Dating back to the 1760s, Fell’s Point is one of Baltimore’s oldest neighborhoods and retains lots of appeal – its stone streets and clapboard and Federal-style structures appear largely unchanged. Today, Fell’s Point is no longer a gritty seaport but a famous district of restaurants, shops, and specifically bars, making it one of the top nightlife hubs in the city. In terms of sights, the Robert Long House is the oldest home in Baltimore and the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum preserves the first African American-owned shipyard in the country. A little inland, Broadway Market was built in 1786 and still houses delicatessens, bars, and food stalls. Another tourist favorite is the Horse You Came In On Saloon, said to have opened in 1775, easily making it Baltimore’s (and one of America’s) oldest bars. It was supposedly Edgar Allan Poe’s last stop before his mysterious death in 1849.

  • Lodging options in Fell`s Point remain somewhat limited, nevertheless the hotels here offer excellent quality despite higher prices. Additionally, water taxis connect it with other harbor neighborhoods, and it`s actually an easy walk from Harbor East, Little Italy, and even Inner Harbor.
  • Festivals here bring a lot of fun; the Fell’s Point Privateer Festival celebrates the city’s maritime heritage each July while the Fell’s Point Fun Festival features live bands and free events in October.
  • Premium Accommodations: Inn at Henderson’s Wharf • Sagamore Pendry
  • Top Choice for Moderate Hotel: Admiral Fell Inn Harbor

3. Little Italy and Harbor East

These two adjacent urban communities situated between the Inner Harbor to the west and Fells Point to the east. Harbor East is a comparatively modern development consisting of condominium towers and high rises along the waterfront, filled with upscale boutique shopping and fine dining restaurants. It`s also home to numerous hotels and is relatively easy to access. The sole real “sight” is a small civil war museum – the historic President Street Station – completed in 1850 and where President Abraham Lincoln once found shelter to avoid an assassination attempt. About a block farther north lies Little Italy, a far more historic community and the traditional home of the city`s Italian immigrants. It`s primarily known for its excellent Italian restaurants (we like Angeli`s Pizzeria and the murals at Café Gia), while Vaccaro`s has been the place for Italian desserts and pastries since 1956. In terms of sights, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum chronicles African-American history and culture in Maryland, while next door the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House preserves the 18th-century home of Mary Pickersgill. This resolute seamstress sewed the American flag at Fort McHenry that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the US national anthem. A little farther north lies the Jewish Museum of Maryland which encompasses 2 historic buildings, the Lloyd Street Synagogue and B’nai Israel.

4. Federal Hill (South Baltimore)

Federal Hill is another historic residential neighborhood, just south of Inner Harbor, with its elevated landscapes offering magnificent perspectives of the city center. The unique American Visionary Art Museum is situated here, with a periodically changing roster of colorful work primarily from self-taught and intuitive artists. Federal Hill Park itself boasts the finest perspectives of the city, while the absorbing Baltimore Museum of Industry charts the city’s prosperous industrial past. The commercial heart of Federal Hill is the bustling Cross Street Market, dating back to the 1840s (this version was built in 1952). To the east lies Locust Point, best known for the fresh crab at L.P. Steamers, and the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, whose protection in the War of 1812 inspired the Star-Spangled Banner (the site is marked by a colossal US flag).

  • Accommodations are scarce in this part of the city, but it’s readily accessible by public transportation or water taxi.
  • Best Hotel: Courtyard Downtown/McHenry Row

5. Downtown and Mount Vernon

Downtown Baltimore contains some run-down areas but remains the economic core of the city and is conveniently located near the attractions of Inner Harbor. New developments have led to the neighborhood becoming an increasingly popular place of residence in recent years, with good transportation options and a large presence of the University of Maryland. Prominent attractions for visitors include historic Lexington Market, open since 1782 and packed with local specialty shops, Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave, and just west, the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum. South is the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum commemorating the legendary baseball player, suitably positioned near Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles. The northern end of Downtown is dominated by historic Mount Vernon, a hub for eateries and bars as well as some key attractions, starting with the towering Washington Monument (which visitors can climb), the Walters Art Museum, the Maryland Center for History & Culture (where the original copy of the “Star-Spangled Banner” is exhibited), the ornately designed George Peabody Library, and the Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Center.

FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

You may also like

12 Amazing Things to Do on San Juan...

The Best Things to Do on Vashon Island:...

The Best Things to Do on Orcas Island:...

Exactly What to Do in Leavenworth, WA: A...

What to Do in Cinque Terre: Complete Guide...

How to Spend One Day in Córdoba (Day...

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

about me

ComfyUI_00005_

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

social

Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube Email

Search