Baltimore is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with their own distinct character and history. While it may be impossible to explore them all on your next getaway to Charm City, these five neighborhoods filled with museums, restaurants and historic sites are a great preview of all that Baltimore has to offer.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Fell’s Point
Established in 1763, Fell’s Point is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore, and much of it remains unchanged. Visitors can still walk the streets paved with the original Belgian stone bricks brought by trade ships from Europe and explore the oldest standing residence in Baltimore City, the Robert Long House.
Broadway Market, built in 1786, is a year-round indoor market-turned-food-hall offering nine local food concepts and one local flower shop. Also in Fell’s Point is the first African-American-owned shipyard in the United States, which is now the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum, which celebrates the life of abolitionist and Marylander, Frederick Douglass.
For those that don’t scare easily, book a haunted walking tour with Baltimore Ghost Tours or Baltimore Wicked History Tours. Fun fact: Fell’s Point was the last place Edgar Allan Poe was spotted before his mysterious death in 1849.
Inner Harbor
The first stop on any trip to Baltimore should be to the Baltimore Visitor Center along the waterfront Inner Harbor Promenade. We know this may sound crazy, but hear us out because this isn’t your average visitors center.
The state-of-the-art building is completely interactive, with touch-screen maps featuring information about city attractions, hotels and restaurants; plus there are artifacts and works of art on display so you can sample Baltimore’s museums and galleries before committing.
After planning your visit, take advantage of all there is to do right along the Inner Harbor. Learn about Baltimore’s maritime history on one of the Historic Ships in Baltimore floating museums, view more than 20,000 aquatic animals at the National Aquarium and walk little ones through three levels of hands-on exhibits at the Maryland Science Center.
In the evening, view Baltimore from above at the Top of the World Observation Level on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center, the world’s tallest pentagonal building.
Harbor East
Harbor East is one of Baltimore’s most recently developed neighborhoods. Where there once were industrial warehouses, there are now vibrant restaurants and bars, high-end shopping and cultural institutions.
Learn about Baltimore’s connection to the Underground Railroad at The Civil War Museum, housed in President Street Station, the oldest surviving railroad station in an urban setting.
Take your pick of award-winning restaurants in Harbor East, including Charleston, a James Beard–nominated fine dining establishment, and Tagliata, an Italian chophouse with the largest wine list in Baltimore.
For dessert, pop by Charm City Cakes Harbor East for a cake jar, cupcake or macarons. Trendy shops fill the neighborhood, as well, including Warby Parker, Sassanova and Arhaus.
Canton
When visiting a new place for the first time, it’s important to have your priorities in order. When it comes to Baltimore, your number one priority should be eating all the Maryland blue crabs you can.
Canton is one of the best neighborhoods in Baltimore for a traditional crab feast, with restaurants like Captain James Seafood Palace serving the steamed and Old Bay–spiced crustaceans right along the waterfront.
Located within a mixed-use retail and commercial space with buildings constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is the Chesapeake Wine Company, one of Baltimore’s longest running wine shops.
In addition to regional, domestic and international wines and spirits, there’s an in-store wine bar with a full menu, including antipasto and pizzas, and a performance area for live music during the fall and winter.
Canton Waterfront Park is also the perfect green space to enjoy a picnic and views of Fort McHenry.
Mount Vernon
Described by the Baltimore Sun as “city living at its finest,” the Mount Vernon neighborhood is the perfect blend of historical sites and modern attractions. Nineteenth-century mansions have been repurposed as museums, galleries, shops and restaurants, but the heart of this charming neighborhood is the Washington Monument.
Not to be confused with the Washington Monument in downtown Washington, D.C., Baltimore’s version was erected in 1815 (33 years before construction started on the D.C. monument) and is the first monument dedicated to America’s first president. Visitors can learn about its history at the base before climbing the 227 steps to the monument’s summit.
Nearly every medium of art is available in Mount Vernon, as well, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, dramatic performances at the intimate Baltimore Center Stage, and 55 centuries of art at the Walters Art Museum.
Take the opportunity to dine at Baltimore’s oldest and most beloved restaurants, like Tio Pepe, a Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant opened in 1968, or The Helmand, serving fine Afghan cuisine since 1989.
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