Amazing architecture, historic monuments, and an unmatched vibe – each of these Baltimore neighborhoods has a distinct personality you’ll want to delve into.
Baltimore has been called many things, but boring is not one of them. The ‘greatest city in America’ has over 200 neighborhoods to explore and each of them are uniquely fantastic.
Want to visit giant turtles and electric eels? We have that.
What about a cold brew from one of our landmark breweries? We have that too.
Use our guide on the coolest neighborhoods in Baltimore to decide which areas you want to explore the next time you’re in the city!
Baltimore neighborhood map
Inner Harbor
Often considered the focal point of the city, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a bustling hub of waterfront attractions, restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues.
Spend your day checking out cool interactive exhibits or in the planetarium at the Maryland Science Center or visiting the dolphins at the National Aquarium (both are great for younger visitors too!).
Take a tour of one of the many historic warships docked at the port, check out the Baltimore lighthouses or take in breathtaking views of the city from the Top of the World Observation deck.
Read our full guide to Inner Harbor Baltimore
Harbor East
Harbor East is where you go when you still want the panoramic harbor views but in a more upscale experience. Stop at the numerous specialty boutiques for a shopping spree of one-of-a-kind pieces.
Instead of chain restaurants, you’ll find high-end dining establishments with fancy menus created by award-winning restaurateurs; the saffron risotto at Charleston is *chef’s kiss*.
Indulge in a spa session or stay overnight at one of the neighborhood’s upscale hotels, from the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore to the stunning Marriott Waterfront.
Read our full guide to Harbor East Baltimore
Fells Point
One of my personal favorites, Fells Point is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore. You’ll find yourself traveling back in time as you walk the picturesque stone streets that are almost identical to how they looked when it was a shipbuilding port so many years ago.
There’s tons of waterfront restaurants and modern boutiques, but it’s the bustling bars that attract people from far and wide – especially on the weekends. There’s tons of history that add to the charming mystique and lasting legacy of Fells Point.
Read our full guide to Fells Point Baltimore
Charles Village
Mostly filled with students because of its close proximity to Johns Hopkins University, Charles Village is where you want to go if you enjoy a laid-back atmosphere.
There are restaurants serving everything from pizzas to burritos – all the fuel a college kid needs! No fuss bars, outdoor seating, and live music give the neighborhood a vibe hard to find anywhere else.
Read our full guide to charles Village Baltimore
Canton
As soon as the weather seems even slightly warm, Baltimoreans flock to the Canton waterfront. The quaint neighborhood is to families what Fells Point is to a more rambunctious crowd.
While there are similar pubs, restaurants, and shops, Canton is much calmer and is a great example of quintessential Baltimore.
You’ll find rows of decorated traditional row houses surrounding the Canton Waterfront Park which hosts the annual Baltimore Seafood Festival, an outdoor summer concert series, and tons of other events that are often kid friendly.
Brewers Hill
Though it is a part of Canton and just a block away from the waterfront, Brewers Hill gets a special shout out because it is home to two landmark breweries.
Gunther Brewing and National Brewery – where the famed “Natty Boh” originated – have undergone historic renovations. The complex now comprises office, retail, and residential space that pays homage to the recognizable landmarks while housing a thriving community.
It’s a great place to see a big part of Baltimore history while you’re in Canton.
Read our full guide to Brewers Hill and Canton Baltimore
Patterson Park
Nicknamed “the best backyard in Baltimore”, the 137-acre Patterson Park is anything but shabby. Grab a snowball or ice cream from the famed Bmore Licks before heading into the grounds.
Enjoy it as you walk the paved walkways and come across several playgrounds, sports fields, and expansive green spaces that are perfect for a picnic. They even have historic battle sites, an ice skating rink, a swimming pool, and an Insta-worthy pagoda!
Read our full guide to Patterson Park Baltimore
Federal Hill
Federal Hill is prime real estate, especially on the 4th of July, when people lay on blankets to watch the fireworks over a sweeping panorama of the Inner Harbor.
While the actual hill/ park is the highlight, the surrounding brick row homes and locally-owned businesses add to the charm that makes Charm City. There are tons of great restaurants but the Cross Street Market is one of the oldest public markets in the USA and is filled with food vendors you’re going to want to check out.
Federal Hill is also home to the Baltimore Museum of Industry and the American Visionary Art Museum (a personal fave).
Read our full guide to Federal Hill Baltimore
Hampden
The focal point of Hampden is a stretch under a mile long called ‘The Avenue’ – and though it may not sound like much, it has become the physical definition of ‘Baltimore kitsch’.
From record stores and Indian small plates to the iconic Charmery ice cream parlor and hipster clothing stores, Hampden’s got it all. There are a handful of thrift stores scattered along the stretch that are often filled to the brim with eye-catching odds and ends you’re not going to want to leave behind.
You’ll also come across the famed Baltimore in a Box where you’ll find all things Baltimore like Old Bay hot sauce, Berger Cookies, artwork by local artists, Zeke’s coffee, and Edgar Allen Poe t-shirts.
Read our full guide to Hampden Baltimore
Mount Vernon
Now a National Landmark Historic District, Mount Vernon once housed rich 19th-century industrialists who filled the neighborhoods with grand old mansions that still stand today. The neighborhood’s elegance has transcended time and can still be seen in the nooks and crannies of Mount Vernon’s boutique hotels, shops, restaurants, and museums.
Spend your time exploring the Walters Art Museum and the Maryland Center for History & Culture or by watching the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra perform at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
Read our full guide to Mount Vernon Baltimore
Little Italy
A small community, Little Italy is full of families and businesses that have been there for generations. They often host events such as the Madonnari Arts Festival and the Feasts of St. Anthony every year, but don’t wait for an event to come around to visit this thriving cultural hub.
There’s tons of cafes, eateries, and restaurants you’re going to want to dine at such as Cafe Gia, Germano’s Piattini, La Tavola, and Sabatino’s.
