10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Baltimore

Baltimore Inner Harbor is always bursting with activity. The area once home to shipbuilding and steel mills now hosts tourists visiting the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center and Davis Planetarium, and Top of the World Observation level, with its panoramic views of the waterfront.

The popular destination also has numerous seafood restaurants with waterfront views. The neighborhood is known for its great views of both the city skyline and the harbor itself from its numerous high-rise apartment and condo buildings. Residents enjoy the best of the city and its nightlife just steps from their door.

Considered the “Brooklyn of Baltimore,” Hampden is a hipster epicenter. If you like shopping and dining at independently owned and operated shops and restaurants, this is the neighborhood for you. Located in North Baltimore, the neighborhood of rowhomes and townhomes also has lots of open space, including a skate park.

The “main street” of the neighborhood is known as “The Avenue” and features quirky stores and restaurants. The Avenue is also a hotbed of events and festivals, such as the kitschy Hon Fest, a nod to the shortened version of “honey,” as in “What can I getcha, hon?” Other events include the annual Christmas Parade and the Miracle on 34th Street celebration.

One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, Fell’s Point is known for its charming stone streets and preserved historic homes. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in fact, is home to the oldest standing residence in the city’s history, the Robert Long House. Homes include wood-framed rowhouses from the 1700s as well as new, luxury townhouses.

Fell’s Point, located in the southeastern part of the city, is also a hot spot for fun, featuring tons of boutique shops, trendy taverns, venues for live music, and seafood restaurants. This neighborhood is only 1 mile away from Inner Harbor.

Located smack in the middle of the city is the Station North neighborhood, the city’s first official Arts & Entertainment District. This district actually spans 3 neighborhoods: Charles North, Greenmount West, and Barclay. This arts hub features artist live-work spaces and many art galleries.

This gritty arts district features dozens of vibrant murals and street art installations. It even has a section called Graffiti Alley, where graffiti is legal! Due to its central location, Station North has easy access to public transportation.

Federal Hill is a more elevated neighborhood, which gives it sweeping views of the Inner Harbor. Located in South Baltimore, it gets its name from the hill located at the northern edge of the neighborhood. Many homes are historic, brick rowhomes, and many of the buildings in this section of town are on the National Register of Historic Places. There are also new luxury condos mixed into the historic neighborhood.

The neighborhood features locally owned shops and restaurants. Given its proximity to Inner Harbor, access to transit is convenient. There are also 2 public parks in this section of town, including Federal Hill Park.

Mount Washington is a quaint neighborhood in the northwest part of the city and has often been called more of a village. This neighborhood features amazing architecture, including Victorian, Colonial, and Tudor styles, as well as detached, cozy cottages.

Going out in this part of the city will take you to antique stores and cozy down-home eateries. There’s also access to tons of recreational opportunities here, including lacrosse, running trails, and golf. Most of this neighborhood is residential, with a few small commercial areas for shopping staples.

Highlandtown, a neighborhood home to generations of immigrant families, is well known for its food, arts, and culture. Located in the southeast of the city, this neighborhood is known for its iconic rowhouses, amazing international restaurants, and bustling bar scene. This neighborhood is a diverse one, home to long-time residents and newcomers.

In addition to culture, Highlandtown has tons of art galleries and studios as well as the landmark Patterson Movie Theater. Once an iconic theater in the days before television, the Art Deco landmark now offers arts and education programming.

Much of Baltimore’s charm comes from its dedication to historic preservation. Mount Vernon’s iconic 19th-century architecture is on full display in the affluent neighborhood, considered the cultural center of the city. These elegant homes used to belong to old industrialists in the city. Its central location provides residents and visitors with convenient access to museums, dining, and shopping opportunities.

Mount Vernon is a National Historic Landmark District and a City Cultural District. The original Mount Washington Monument is in this neighborhood, and residents gather for the annual lighting of the monument. You can also find the Maryland Center for History & Culture here as well as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

If you like the water but don’t want the crowds of tourists, Canton might be the neighborhood for you. It’s located in the southeastern part of the city and is known for its waterside promenade, perfect for afternoon picnics. Canton Waterfront Park has 8 acres of outstanding harbor views and open space and often hosts events and festivals.

O’Donnell Square Park is a cute square surrounded by pubs, restaurants, and shops. The coziness of Canton extends to its eateries, boasting crab shacks, gastropubs, pastry shops, and sports bars.

Charles Village is the neighborhood home of the renowned Johns Hopkins University. The North Baltimore neighborhood buzzes with student activity and culture. Adding to the neighborhood vibe are vintage shops, bookstores, and independent music venues. The charm of this neighborhood is its dense, urban vibe, bursting with coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.

Charles Village is also home to the Baltimore Museum of Art, where visitors can see ancient art and artifacts as well as contemporary works. The permanent collection hosts numerous works from Matisse and Picasso.