This chic waterfront neighborhood in Baltimore is filled with high-end hotels, upscale boutiques, and award-winning restaurants where you can treat yourself to the lap of luxury.
There’s always something new to experience and delicious to eat at Baltimore’s trendiest region, Harbor East. Just off the Inner Harbor, this opulent neighborhood is the city’s premier destination for elegant accommodation, boutique shopping, and gourmet dining.
Over half a billion dollars was invested into Harbor East and its transformation in the last decade is nothing short of magnificent. The best part about it is its walkability; hotels such as the Four Seasons, Marriott, and the Hilton are minutes away from a variety of shopping and dining options as well as health clubs and spas that locals and visitors flock to.
Make a day of it and indulge in everything Harbor East has with this neighborhood guide!
Tips for Visiting Harbor East
- Splurge and stay at one of the waterfront hotels; you can find cheaper alternatives in surrounding neighborhoods but the money you have to spend on transport, etc. will add up to the same amount in the end.
- There is a bakery factory and outlet store in Harbor East that has the entire block smelling like delicious freshly baked bread. Pick up a loaf of white bread for under a dollar!
Parking in Harbor East
There’s quite a lot of streetside parking in Harbor East; the parking meters accept credit cards and change but do have a maximum of three hours so if you’re planning on staying longer, you’ll have to go back midway.
Keep in mind that almost all restaurants have valet parking and if you’re staying at a Harbor East hotel you won’t have to take your car out from check-in to check-out since you could walk everywhere.
Exeter Street Garage
- Address: 650 S Exeter St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Rates range from $8 to $25, with hourly and daily rates.
Fleet and Eden Garage Parking
- Address: 501 S Eden St, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Rates range from $6 to $40, with hourly and daily rates.
Things to do in Harbor East Baltimore
Stay at a nice hotel
Even though I live in Baltimore I still indulge in staying at a Harbor East hotel once in a while just because it is such a relaxing experience. You’ll find the city’s only five-star luxury hotel, the Four Seasons Baltimore, as well as other options such as the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront and the Hilton Garden Inn.
These hotels are so nice that you’ll never want to leave; get some room service delivered and unwind with panoramic views of the harbor. Don’t forget the luxury services and amenities like terry bathrobes and private in-room minibar.
Loosen up with a spa treatment
Treat yourself to a massage, body treatment, or a beauty regimen at one of the many high-end spas in Harbor East.
The in-house Four Seasons Spa is open to resort guests and non-resort guests and offers everything from restorative, therapeutic treatments to advanced medical-grade treatments.
The Inspire Nail Bar and Spa is another local favorite; pamper yourself with manicures, pedicures, waxing, extensions, facials, and more. Specialize in self-care at a serene retreat amidst the bustle of Baltimore.
Go on a shopping spree
Harbor East is a dream come true for shoppers. Here are a couple of the boutiques located in the neighborhood:
- Sassanova of Baltimore
- Curiosity
- Madewell
- Free People
- Anthropologie
- lululemon
- South Moon Under
- Bonobos
- Under Armour
- J. Crew
- Arhaus
- Allen Edmonds
- White House Black Market
- LUSH
- Warby Parker
Walk the waterfront promenade/ Harbor East Marina
Take in the beautiful views of Harbor East, the Inner Harbor and Patapsco River, and all the docked boats and ships with a stroll on the waterfront promenade.
It’s very easy to navigate and is perfect for sightseeing, walking, jogging, running, biking, and more.
It will eventually lead you to Harbor Point which has a family-friendly, summer-only beach called Sandlot that comes complete with food trucks, tropical drinks, live music, and volleyball courts.
Rent a Duffy Boat right out of Harbor East Marina and take in views of Baltimore and the Inner Harbor in one of the most unique ways possible! The Duffy Boats can seat up to ten passengers and you can take your own food, drink, and music for a good time out on the water.
Watch a movie
It might seem silly to spend your time in Baltimore watching a movie at Harbor East’s Landmark Theater, but believe me, the experience is different.
As with everything else in Harbor East, the Landmark Theater is a more refined movie-going experience complete with gourmet concessions, cocktails, coffee, wine, and more brought directly to your seats. I also like that they show new releases as well as independent films.
National Katyn Memorial Park
More of a monument than a park, the National Katyn Memorial is a stunning bronze statue that you’ll immediately see as you enter Harbor East. Standing at 56 feet, it is the tallest statue in Baltimore.
The statue memorializes the Polish national victims of the 1940 Katyn massacre. Baltimore’s Polish-American community played a huge role in having the statue made; it was sculpted by the famed Andrzej Pitynski and sent directly from Poland.
Grab a Bite to Eat
If you crave it, Baltimore probably has it. The cultural hub is renowned for having everything from a delicious slice of pizza to trays of Yemeni food. It’s no different in Harbor East and here are some of my favorite dining and drinking options.
Keystone Korner
Offering the perfect combination of music and a meal, this jazz restaurant and bar is the brainchild of Jazz Master Todd Barkan and 2-star Michelin Chef Robert Wiedmaier. With indoor/ outdoor seating, live music, and a menu with pan-roasted ribeye, this restaurant is a great choice.
Ouzo Bay
This restaurant brings the Mediterranean to Harbor East with authentic Greek cuisine and a world-class bar and lounge.
Harbor East Delicatessen & Pizzeria
The best casual eatery in Harbor East, you can grab your choice of hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, subs, and more. Don’t miss out on the Boardwalk Fresh Cut Fries!
