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Your complete guide to Baltimore

Baltimore in Maryland, known affectionally as Charm City among residents, is a patchwork of dynamic neighbourhoods teeming with culture, history, hip hangouts and natural beauty. Scroll down to navigate our expert guide to Maryland’s cultural capital

Mount Vernon

f you’re into food, make a beeline for Lexington Market, one of the US's oldest and most famous markets, with a history nearly as old as the nation itself. Inside, you’ll find rows of stalls and vendors selling an eclectic range of local goods. Here you’ll find everything from street food and freshly baked goods to regional classics like the celebrated Baltimore crab cakes and Berger cookies — indulgent, fudgy biscuits topped with a dollop of rich chocolate icing. They also host regular live music nights showcasing local talent. Fans of delicious, locally brewed beer should check out The Brewer's Art, a brewery and restaurant in a magnificent historic townhouse. They’ve been brewing Belgian-inspired ales since 1996. Opt for a seat in the window for a view of buzzy Charles Street.

This historic city is home to some of the best-preserved 19th-century structures in the entire country

This buzzy neighbourhood is a cultural powerhouse, home to a diverse range of museums and exhibits, including the American Visionary Art Museum

ower Plant Live! should be on any Inner Harbor travel bucket list. This buzzy entertainment and dining hub makes for a great day out. Inside the lively complex, you’ll find various restaurants and bars serving all kinds of cuisines, from classic American comfort food and smokey barbecue dishes to seafood from Chesapeake Bay and international fare. The venue also hosts regular gigs showcasing local and national artists. This area is celebrated for its rich historical legacy and vibrant maritime heritage. With roots dating back to the 1600s, it served as a pivotal seaport, playing a prominent role in the War of 1812. You can see the magnificent military vessels docked in the Inner Harbor, such as the Lightship Chesapeake and the USS Constellation, the last all-sail naval warship crafted by the U.S. Navy. You can also step on board the famous USS Torsk Submarine.

This charming area is known for its magnificent red-brick townhouses that line the picturesque streets

he area is known for its magnificent red-brick townhouses that line the picturesque streets. They’re typically built in traditional architectural styles commonly found throughout the 19th century and remain an iconic feature of this historic neighbourhood. Built in the 19th Century, Cross Street Market is one of Baltimore’s oldest markets. It’s home to a diverse range of vendors, including bakers, butchers, fishmongers and more. It’s one of the best places in the area to grab a quick bite to eat, with many stalls serving local Baltimore dishes like crab cakes. Check ahead if you want to plan your visit to coincide with any of their live music gigs or one of their other events, like a trivia night.

'Baltimore’s most popular waterfront neighbourhoods and a must-visit for anyone looking to embrace the authentic spirit of the city '

nce a bustling shipyard, the area is now teeming with incredible seafood restaurants and dozens of quaint boutiques, and it also has a flourishing live music scene. Catch a gig at The Cat’s Eye Pub, a longtime cornerstone of the local jazz and blues community. The neighbourhood also hosts several jazz and blues festivals throughout the year. Given its proximity to the water, it is no surprise that Fell’s Point serves some of the best seafood to boot. Hit up Thames Street Oyster House for Eastern coastal dishes paired with a pretty view over the harbour. Ampersea also serves excellent local fare, like lobster rolls in citrus butter marinade and crispy chicken on top of cinnamon waffles. This spot champions local Maryland farms and winemakers to craft an exquisite menu of the highest-quality fare. Fell’s Point is also home to several art galleries and exhibition spaces that showcase the work of local and regional artists. Regular art walks and open houses provide the opportunity to meet local artists to discuss their work and purchase art directly from them.

Fell's Point

hile away a couple of hours strolling through the streets here. The area is known for its vibrant street art, colourful row houses and townhomes. Most of the action happens around Hampden’s several-block stretch of 36th Street, known lovingly by the locals as The Avenue. Here, you’ll find locally-owned boutiques, vintage shops, kitsch dive bars and hipster cafés in old converted rowhouses. The area is particularly famous for its vintage shops and independent stores, like Atomic Books and Lovelyyarns, where you can try knitting, macramé or crochet. When it comes to brunch, The Avenue is the place to be, home to The Food Market by Chef Chad Gauss. This contemporary, industrial-style restaurant specialises in jazzed-up comfort food, like French toast drizzled with condensed milk and crispy bacon.

here is an endless stream of fun things to see and do in Harbor East, a chic waterside neighbourhood perched on a corner of the Patapsco River. This Baltimore bolthole comprises 12 blocks full of quirky boutiques, top-notch restaurants, bars and trendy hangouts. Strolling along the waterfront promenade is a great way to get stuck into the happenings of Harbor East. Chill at Harbor East Marina and soak up the views, or stop by Cinghiale for some authentic Italian cuisine: handmade pasta, delightful seafood and local ingredients all supported by an award-winning wine list. Take to the water to see the neighbourhood from a different point of view. There are guided kayaking tours, or you can rent one separately. If you don’t fancy doing the work, there are the trusty water taxis, or for an in-depth tour you can book a sightseeing cruise and learn all about Baltimore’s maritime history.

Produced by Independent Ignite Project Manager: Lydia Lockyer | Editor: George Clode | Senior Designer: Zimi Peche | Illustration: Vesa Sammalisto | Images: Alamy

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Inner Harbor

Federal Hill

Hampden

Harbor East

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque is one of the most famous smoked meat spots in the States

Listen to original Kansas City Jazz compositions at the atmospheric Green Lady Lounge

The Keeper of the Plains, an iconic 44-foot tall steel sculpture in downtown Wichita

Arthur Bryant's Barbeque is one of the most famous smoked meat spots in the States

Listen to original Kansas City Jazz compositions at the atmospheric Green Lady Lounge

The Keeper of the Plains, an iconic 44-foot tall steel sculpture in downtown Wichita

The replica cannons at the top of the neighbourhood’s namesake hill are there to honour Federal Hill’s role as a defensive stronghold during the War of 1812

Situated north of downtown Baltimore, Mount Vernon is one of the city's most historic neighbourhoods. This area is replete with elegant architecture, much of it crafted by renowned architects, and it has some of the best-preserved 19th-century structures in the entire nation. Beyond the architectural wonders, a visit to Mount Vernon offers a plethora of cultural activities in the heart of the city.

It’s not all about buildings and breweries here. Mount Vernon is also a wonderful place to enjoy some rest and relaxation in nature. While the area itself is more urban, there are plenty of parks and green spaces nearby. Little Mountain Park is Mount Vernon’s largest, with miles of hiking and biking trails. It has an unbeatable sunset during summer at the north viewpoint, overlooking the San Juan Islands and North Puget Sound. If you’re into books, visiting the George Peabody Library is a must. Renowned as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, its six floors of shelves are stacked with over 300,000 books. It’s built in a stunning Renaissance Revival style, and its symmetrical layout is reminiscent of a Wes Anderson movie.

Inner Harbor is the place to be for seafood and boardwalks. This historically significant waterfront district was once home to Baltimore's steel mills, but today, it offers all kinds of attractions. From state-of-the-art museums and unbeatable seafood restaurants to waterfront adventures and iconic landmarks.

From science and art to history and literature, Inner Harbor leaves no stone unturned in its museum offerings. This buzzy neighbourhood is a cultural powerhouse, home to a diverse range of museums and exhibits, including the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), which champions self-taught and visionary artistry and the Maryland Science Center, where you’ll find a giant planetarium theatre which is dotted with thousands of stars and planets.

Federal Hill beckons culture enthusiasts with its breathtaking vistas, vibrant arts community, and a rich maritime history spanning several decades.

No trip to Federal Hill is complete without a wander up to Federal Hill Park, which sits atop the hill and offers sweeping 360-degree views of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Chesapeake Bay and the historic downtown. Find a spot to perch with a picnic, with supplies from Cross Street Market, and soak up the unparalleled views.

Home to America’s oldest saloon, epic seafood joints and a bustling live music scene. Fell’s Point is one of Baltimore’s most popular waterfront neighbourhoods and a must-visit for anyone looking to embrace the authentic spirit of the city.

One of the ways people get about this waterfront destination is by jumping in a water taxi. These boats offer a unique vantage point of the city skyline, historic storefronts, and various landmarks along the riverbanks. You’ll sail past many of Inner Harbor’s main attractions, museums and restaurants, with the chance to hop off along the way to explore.

Founded in 1786, Broadway Market in Fells Point is the oldest of the existing Public Markets in Baltimore

Join the Fell’s Point Art Loop for a walking tour of the galleries, studios and boutiques, where you’ll see dozens of artists' work while sipping on wine and snacking on nibbles.

Catch a gig at The Cat’s Eye Pub, a longtime cornerstone of the local jazz and blues community.

Broadway Market

With so many things to see and do, it’s no wonder Hampden ranks among Baltimore's most sought-after neighbourhoods. This hip hangout is home to cosy wine bars, art galleries, eclectic boutiques and fantastic restaurants. It’s the epicentre of Baltimore’s alternative and, at times, rebellious spirit.

This popular waterfront neighbourhood is a must-visit for anyone looking to embrace the authentic spirit of the city

There are also plenty of places to sink a few beers here, including a bunch of local craft breweries. Union Craft Brewing is an independent brewery located inside Union Collective, where you’ll find a curated selection of Baltimore-based businesses in one space. There’s also Ottobar, although technically located in Charles Village, it’s only a stone’s throw from Hampden and is a go-to for live music. You’ll find everything from indie and rock to metal performed by local artists.

This exciting neighbourhood is alive with bars and restaurants overlooking the twinkling docks. Its infinitely walkable harbourside promenade connects the lively dining scene to the fascinating museums of Inner Harbor.

Fell's Point Art Loop

The Cat's eye Pub

'This Baltimore bolthole comprises 12 blocks full of quirky boutiques, top-notch restaurants, bars and trendy hangouts'

Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church and Asbury House is one of the most photographed buildings in the city of Baltimore

Don’t miss the spring tulips on display in the heart of the neighbourhood

The Washington Monument keeps watch over the neighbourhood of Mount Vernon

The USS Constellation anchored at Inner Harbor

The old power plant is now a thriving cultural hub

Enjoy picturesque views on the skyline at night

Watch the ships lining the waterways of Chesapeake Bay

Stunning skyline views are on every corner in Federal HIll

Take a moment up Federal Hill to take in views of Inner Harbor, Chesapeake Bay and the historic downtown

The Fell’s Point Art Loop is packed with independent galleries and wine bars

Once a busy shipyard, this area is now a seafood lover’s paradise filled with top restaurants

The neighbourhood is known for its rows of colourful houses

Explore the area’s boutiques, vintage shops, kitsch dive bars and hipster cafés

The National Katyn Memorial is dedicated to all mistreated prisoners of war

Take to the water to see this exciting neighbourhood from a new perspective

If you’re into books, visiting the George Peabody Library is a must. Renowned as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, its six floors of shelves are stacked with over 300,000 books. It’s built in a stunning Renaissance Revival style, and its symmetrical layout is reminiscent of a Wes Anderson movie.

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Produced by Independent Ignite Project Manager: Lydia Lockyer | Editor: George Clode | Senior Designer: Zimi Peche | Illustration: Vesa Sammalisto | Images: Alamy

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