Discover the City

Baltimore City has a small town feel within a big city setting.  For many visitors it is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the bigger east coast cities.  The hostel is located downtown in the heart of the vibrant city center full of restaurants, clubs, attractions, museums, and historic buildings with beautiful architecture.  Whether you are looking to spend your day shopping, visiting one of the many attractions, sitting by the water doing some people watching, or exploring one of the more than 200 neighborhoods - Baltimore City has something for everyone!

 
Baltimore Visitors Association - General visitor information on Baltimore City. 

Baltimore City Paper- Free alternative paper distributed weekly.  Has information on upcoming events and happenings in the city. 

Baltimore Fun Guide - Things to do in Baltimore City. 

Downtown Baltimore - Information about downtown Baltimore including events. 

Baltimore City Government - Information on Baltimore from the City Government.

Click on Map for Larger View

Happenings you Don't Want to Miss!!

Inner Harbor

Located a short 15 minute walk from the hostel, the Inner Harbor is Baltimore City's main tourist attractionn.  The Inner Harbor is a great place to go for shopping at Harborplace and the Gallery.  If you are looking for something to eat, sit down and belly up to a table at one of the many Inner Harbor restaurants.  Ever wanted to look a shark in the eye?  Take a trip to the  National Aquarium and get up close and personal with a few sharks in the GIANT shark tank.  If you want to explore the weird side of life, be sure to check out the Maryland Science Center.  

 If you want to see the city from the water, rent a paddle boat or take a trip on one of the many cruises.  Or for a more practical venture, take the water taxi  to other destinations along the waters edge. 

If you are more budget minded, take a stroll down to the harbor and simply take in the crowds.  Enjoy the people watching, be entertained by one of the many street performers, or catch an outdoor live show near the Hard Rock Cafe.  Be sure to walk past the Science Center to the south side of the Harbor and climb to the top of Federal Hill for a view you will not soon forget.   

If you are in the mood for a movie or some more shopping, walk past the Hard Rock Cafe to the new neighborhood of Harbor East.  Harbor features freatures modern shopping, fine restaurants resturants, a brand new movie theater, and a health food grocery.   

The Neighborhoods

Baltimore City is a city of neighborhoods.  With over 200 neighborhoods to explore you are sure to find something that meets your fancy.  Here are a few neighborhoods that their thier own unique "downtown" areas and are all within a short distance from the hostel. 

Fells Point is just east of the Harbor East neighborhood and offers cobble stone streets filled with small pubs, local shops, dozens doezens of eateries.  Located along the water, and one of the stops on the Water Taxi, Fells Point is a must see stop for those looking for a unique night life experience or wanting to pick up some local Baltimore fare.  It is also great for relaxing along the water or in the square, as it is not as commercialized or crowded with people as the Inner Harbor.

Fells Point often closes its streets for a festival or special event, but it is the place to be during the Fells Point Fun Festival held in early October.  The streets become crowded with costumed clad locals on Halloween (October 31) as the streets are once again closed for the best Halloween party on the east coast. 

Little Italy is a little piece of Italy located right here in Baltimore City.  Located just north of Harbor East and between the Inner Harbor and Fells Point, Little Italy is full of traditional eateries, shops, and culture.  If you are looking for a traditional home cooked Italian meal, stop in on a Friday night at the Little Italy Sons of Italy Lodge and fill up for only $8.  Be sure to attend the Italian Festival in early June and take a seat for the FREE outdoor movies held Fridays throughout the Summer months.       

Federal Hill is located just south of the Inner Harbor and offers restaurants, bars, and shopping.  The music venue 8 x 10 sees both local and national acts to the stage.  If you are in the neighborhood be sure to stop in the Cross Street Market for one of the best indoor markets in town.  The Cross Street Market offers locally grown fresh vegetables, meat, seafood, and lots of really great prepared food.  It is the perfect spot to grab lunch. 

Mount Vernon is history come alive, and it happens to be the neighborhood the Baltimore Hostel borders.  The center of it all, the (original) Washington Monument, is located just a quick 5 minute walk from the hostel.  Climb to the top and get a view of the entire city or relax in any one of the four parks that surround its base.  At anytime of the year you can find events happening around the monument like the Baltimore Book Festival and Flower Mart.  Mount Vernon is rich with culture and hosts dozens of restaurants, shops, and lots of great architecture.  It is also home to Baltimore's gay district, which holds the annual Gay Pride parade and street festival in late June.  Be sure to stop into Brewers Art for a brewed on site local beer that is one of the best you will ever taste.  Also, while you are at it, take a stroll just up the street and venture into the historic Belvedere Towers for a bite at the Owl Bar located on the first floor.  Then jump into the elevator and experience the 13th Floor with live music, dancing, and a surrounding of windows that give you a wonderful view of the city.  If it is history you are after, get your fill at the Maryland Historical Society.