Downtown Baltimore and the neighboring Inner Harbor together make up the focal point of Charm City. A bustling business district, it’s also a hub of entertainment, sports, cuisine, and waterfront activities. Located two miles south of Penn Station and Mount Vernon and north of historic Federal Hill, Downtown’s easy access to I95, I83, the Metro, Lightrail, and the Water Taxi continues to attract more residents as new apartment and condo complexes continue to open.

 

We’re outlining a few of our favorite experiences downtown, but keep in mind there’s truly something for everyone.

 

Sip & Socialize 

Enjoy happy hour overlooking the Inner Harbor and the Chessie Dragon paddle boats at the iconic Hard Rock Cafe. Then stroll over to the revamped Rash Field, the newest addition to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor where you can climb a pair of 35-foot wooden towers for an exclusive skyline view in the Adventure Park, check out Jake’s Skatepark, or admire the sunset from the overlook at the BGE Pavilion.  

 

Looking to explore even more of the Harbor? Book an excursion with City Cruises, Yacht Charters on the Bay by Watermark, boat rentals, and sailing tours. Check out Visit Baltimore to learn more. 

 

Sports enthusiasts prefer Pratt Street Ale House or the cozy neighborhood Corner Bistro and Winebar–both great spots to pregame for an Orioles game at Camden Yards or a Raven’s game at M&T Bank stadium. We hear the Bistro’s crab cake sandwich and chicken wings with sweet potato waffles are top-notch. 

 

Live music lovers can swing by Forno for modern Italian cuisine and an eclectic wine list before experiencing a concert at the Royal Farms Arena or a show at the Everyman Theatre, a nationally recognized live performing arts and education center.

 

For a genuine Baltimore experience, swing by Lexington Market, home to more than 40 diverse vendors, many of which serve local cuisine you can’t get anywhere else. 

 

Perhaps the most notable sip and socialize experiences lie a block from the Inner Harbor at Power Plant Live, an all-in-one hot spot for restaurants, bars, and entertainment that features Rams Head Live, Mosaic Night Club, Luckie’s Tavern, Angels Rock Bar, and PBR Baltimore.  

 

Dining Downtown

For a traditional steakhouse experience with exceptional service, head to The Capital Grille, located directly across from the Aquarium. McCormick and Schmick, located along the harbor in the Pier 5 hotel, is known for its signature oysters, steaks, and seafood.  

 

New to the Inner Harbor are three dining destinations located in the new apartment high rise, 414 Light Street. Ramen Utsuke serves Japanese comfort food–including dumplings, sushi, sashimi and of course, a full menu of ramen, in a casual atmosphere. Double Zero is a plant-based pizza concept by celebrity chef Matthew Kenney featuring a custom-built wood-burning oven. Liora, another concept by Kenney, is Baltimore’s first fine-dining all-vegan restaurant. Locally sourced ingredients like barbecued beets replace the meat in its creative seasonal menu. The restaurant also hosts weekend brunch.
 

Authentic Italian cuisine and a hip contemporary vibe can be found at Sotto Sopra, located in the cultural district of downtown. Nearby, the B&O American Brasserie is one of the most unique dining experiences downtown located inside the Kimpton Hotel. The former home of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad headquarters, the building’s stunning architectural features remain intact alongside contemporary design elements paired with nostalgic touches, like chairs and table lamps from original B&O dining cars. 

 

Shop

Neighboring Federal Hill and Harbor East may be Baltimore’s most well-known shopping destinations, however, downtown is home to dozens of unique shops owned by local merchants. For example, Motion Athletic is a new streetwear brand that drops new styles every Friday. Get a one-of-a-kind scent experience a Lumiere Candle Studio, a candle shop that invites you to blend your own fragrance to create a truly custom candle. 

 

Situated on N. Charles St., The Doll House boutique has been an award-winning destination for couture women’s fashion for almost two decades, providing local designers with a platform to showcase their collections. Meanwhile, Gian-Marco Menswear is a destination for men, bringing  talented new fashion from small bespoke shops in Europe.

 

Downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor districts continue to evolve – offering memorable experiences that residents and visitors alike can enjoy year-round.