Once a busy shipyard, Fells Point is now one of Baltimore’s most popular waterfront neighborhoods filled with restaurants, bars, and historic attractions.
With a history that goes back over 250 years, Fells Point has transformed from a neighborhood of bustling shipyards and warehouses to a gorgeous waterfront destination that’s been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore and the exquisite charm of its past exudes from every cobblestone street and brick building. Don’t skip out on exploring Fells Point during your next visit to Baltimore.
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Tips for Visiting Fells Point
- The neighborhood is very walkable, and you’ll find hotels, restaurants, and attractions within minutes of each other. While there are sidewalks, the streets are mostly cobblestone, so I’d avoid heels if possible.
- Even if you’re not a big drinker, there are tons of pubs and bars in Fells Point that have a really laid-back vibe. Have a meal and enjoy some live music but know that family-friendly places are far and few in between.
Parking in Fells Point
While there are usually lots of on-street parking spots in Fells Point, the pandemic has pushed restaurants to use these for outdoor dining alternatives. Never fear though, as there are several parking garages with discounted rates throughout the week.
Thames Street Garage Fells Point
- Address: 1530 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Rates range from $5 to $25, with hourly and daily rates.
Premium Parking
- Address: 915 S Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Rates range from $8 to $45, with hourly and daily rates.
Things to do in Fells Point
Fells Point Main Street
A mile-long cobblestone street stretch, Fells Point Main Street is filled with coffee shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, craft and antique stores, art galleries, and historic buildings full of character. A lot of these are open well into the night, especially on weekends, so you’ll love it if you’re a night owl.
Robert Long House
The Robert Long House was built in 1765, making it one of the oldest standing homes in Baltimore. Long built a home, garden, and warehouse on the plot of land and the restoration and preservation of it portrays the life of an 18th-century merchant even today.
There are tons of walking tours that cover the historic residence that is full of fascinating details about the structure as well as the man behind it.
Frederick Douglass – Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum
The Frederick Douglass – Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum looks at the lives of the two men it’s named after, chronicling their journey through enslavement, freedom, and the differences they made in Baltimore’s history.
The museum highlights the history of the first African American owned shipyard in the United States while also focusing on all of the contributions African Americans have made to Baltimore and the nation’s maritime industry. It’s an entertaining and educational way for kids and adults to spend the day in Fells Point.
The Baltimore Tattoo Museum
The Baltimore Tattoo Museum has been around since the late 1990s and is a pioneer in traditional tattooing as well as modern electric tattooing. The combined studio and museum preserve the history of American tattooing through its vast collection of imagery, tools, machines, and archives on display.
Walk-ins are welcome so use that time to get ink of your own from one of their talented artists.
Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church
The Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church is one of the first parishes in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore. It was founded in 1792 and still exudes so much of its original beauty even after suffering extensive damage from the 2011 Virginia earthquake.
The architecture is fantastic, internally and externally, and is definitely worth a stop when in Fells Point.
The Horse You Came In On Saloon
Beloved macabre poet Edgar Allen Poe’s work took him to a lot of cities across the US, including Baltimore, where he suddenly died at the age of 40. While you’ll surely come across the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum – the writer’s former home – don’t miss a visit to The Horse You Came In On Saloon where Poe was a regular patron. It’s even rumored to be his last stop before passing.
The bar has been around since 1775, making it the oldest in Baltimore and even operated during Prohibition. Today, the bar maintains a chill vibe and often has live music performances.
Fells Point Farmers’ Market
Open every Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM during the spring and summer season, the Fells Point Farmers’ Market is a fun way to spend a morning in Baltimore.
There are tons of vendors offering on-site eats and bites, home-baked treats you can grab and go, and fresh local produce.
Walking Tours in Fells Point
A walking tour is one of the best ways to get into the nitty-gritty of everything Fells Point offers.
- Fells Point Ghostwalk
- Original Fells Point Baltimore Haunted Pub Crawl
- Fells Point Wicked History Walking Tour
Annual Events in Fells Point
There are several annual events in Fells Point where you can immerse yourself into the neighborhood. Here are a couple of our favorites:
Fells Point Privateer Festival (July)
This festival honors patriotic citizens, or privateers, who assisted in the nation’s war effort against the British during the War of 1812. Today, the free festival includes interactive demonstrations, tours of historic ships, tons of reenactors, craft stalls, live music, delicious food, and more.
Fells Point Fun Festival (October)
Originally a movement against roadwork that would have cut through a majority of Fells Point, the Fun Festival is now a way for the neighborhood to get together and have a good time with stalls, games, and more.
Halloween in Fells Point (October)
With Fells Point’s spooky pasts, Halloween in Fells Point is perfect for your inner ghoul. There’s a parade on Main Street, pub crawls, costume competitions, and much more.
Fells Point Holiday Village (December)
Looking very ‘Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol’, Fells Point Holiday Village can be found on Broadway Square. There are retail and food stalls, Christmas decorations, and even hot chocolate to get you in the holiday spirit.
Fells Point Olde Tyme Christmas Festival (December)
Starting with the lighting of the tree, this festival goes all out! Santa arrives to Fells Point via tugboat and everyone’s invited to have breakfast with him or take pictures at the North Pole. There are carolers, a lighted boat parade, and even an eggnog contest!
Fells Point Restaurants
You’re going to see a pub, bar, cafe, eatery, and restaurant every which way you turn when in Fells Point – and so many of them serve delicious food!
Broadway Market
A famous Fells Point food hall, Broadway Market has year-round and seasonal vendors serving local and international cuisine.
The Point in Fells
This gastropub has an extensive dinner menu including their famed Chesapeake Pasta with crab, shrimp, and lobster tossed in Old Bay cream sauce.
Twist Fells Point
A Mediterranean-inspired neighborhood bistro, this spot is open from 10 AM to 10 PM every day of the week and the food always hits the spot.
Experience our favorite hotels in Baltimore
- Revival Baltimore: our favorite hotel in the Mount Vernon neighborhood
- Ulysses: Boutique hotel perfect for couples and girls getaways
- Baltimore Marriott Waterfront: Great city views, free Wi-Fi and laundry onsite
- Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel: indoor pool + great location
- Residence Inn by Marriott Baltimore Inner Harbor: perfect for families who need a little extra space.
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