The Brooklyn
of Baltimore is
Hampden.

See the 22 venues →Where to stay
Craft beer Vintage Gritty Emerging Walkable Coffee culture
The case for Hampden

Hampden is the coolest neighborhood in Baltimore for oyster bars, vinyl and vintage shops, and dogs strolling The Avenue.

Hampden is a former mill town that never fully shook its blue-collar roots, and that's exactly the point. 36th Street, known as 'The Avenue,' runs through the whole thing. Vinyl shops next to oyster bars next to places selling vintage Orioles gear. People bring their dogs everywhere. The Christmas lights on 34th Street are unhinged.

In just its third year, the Hampden Highlights Festival packs 150+ local vendors, from food and beverage purveyors to artisans, retailers, and makers, onto W. 36th Street, The Avenue.
Close contenders

Other cool neighborhoods in Baltimore.

Remington

Remington is Hampden's younger sibling, a little rawer, a little cheaper. R. House food hall anchors the neighborhood. Great for a Wednesday night with nowhere specific to be.

Station North

Station North is the arts district with actual artists still in it. Galleries, murals, and late-night shows at the Metro Gallery. It earns its grit.

Highlandtown

Highlandtown is Baltimore's Latino and immigrant heart with a growing creative scene. The Creative Alliance keeps things interesting. Real neighborhood energy, not a performance of one.

See the full shortlist, ranked →
Three sides of the neighborhood

Where to go in Hampden.

01
Stay in Hampden

Hampden puts you on The Avenue, which means everything is walkable and nothing requires a car.
02
Eat & Drink in Hampden

Baltimore is an oyster city.
03
Do & Shop in Hampden

Walk The Avenue on a Saturday.
All 22 spots mapped out

Hampden, corner to corner.

Open in Maps →
Our 22 top picks

The Hampden guide.

Practical info

Good to know.

The boring numbers that decide whether you stay three days or four.

CurrencyUSD
LanguageEnglish
Cost level $$Moderate
Best monthsMid-April to late May, and September to October
Local time UTC-4
Plug type US plug · 120V/60Hz
Emergency911
Local tip
Park on Chestnut Ave and walk to The Avenue. 36th Street parking on weekends is a blood sport nobody wins.
North America · USA

If you like Baltimore, try one of these.

Pittsburgh — Lawrenceville
The Brooklyn of
Pittsburgh
Lawrenceville
USA · North America
Philadelphia — Fishtown
The Brooklyn of
Philadelphia
Fishtown
USA · North America
Detroit — Corktown
The Brooklyn of
Detroit
Corktown
USA · North America
Raleigh-Durham — Downtown Durham
The Brooklyn of
Raleigh-Durham
Downtown Durham
USA · North America
Head to head

How does Baltimore stack up?

All comparisons →

Baltimore vs Detroit

North America

Baltimore vs Philadelphia

North America

Baltimore vs Pittsburgh

North America
Common questions

Things to know about Hampden.

What is the Brooklyn of Baltimore?
The Brooklyn of Baltimore is Hampden. Hampden is a former mill town that never fully shook its blue-collar roots, and that's exactly the point. 36th Street, known as 'The Avenue,' runs through the whole thing. In just its third year, the Hampden Highlights Festival packs 150+ local vendors, from food and beverage purveyors to artisans, retailers, and makers, onto W. 36th Street, The Avenue.
What is the coolest neighborhood in Baltimore?
Hampden is widely considered the coolest neighborhood in Baltimore. Hampden is a former mill town that never fully shook its blue-collar roots, and that's exactly the point. 36th Street, known as 'The Avenue,' runs through the whole thing. Vinyl shops next to oyster bars next to places selling vintage Orioles gear. People bring their dogs everywhere. The Christmas lights on 34th Street are unhinged.
Where should I stay in Hampden, Baltimore?
The boutique hotel to know in Hampden is guesthouse by good neighbor. Seven individually designed rooms above the good neighbor cafe on Falls Road, where every item from the Maryland oak bed frames to the handmade concrete sinks is shoppable. Over 25 Baltimore-based makers are represented throughout, and guests get their own private entrance with smart lock codes.
Is Hampden in Baltimore safe at night?
Hampden is one of the safer neighborhoods in Baltimore, residential and walkable day and night along the main commercial strip. Standard city awareness applies: keep nothing visible in parked cars, which is the most common issue here. The blocks immediately south toward the expressway feel emptier after dark, so stick to the main avenue when walking back to your rental.
Is Baltimore expensive?
Baltimore sits mid-priced, and Hampden is one of the gentler corners for your wallet. A rideshare from BWI runs about 25 to 35 minutes, and tap water is free on request if you ask for it. Book January or February and rates often run 30 to 40% below spring peaks.
When is the best time to visit Baltimore?
Baltimore is at its best from mid-April through late May and again from early September into late October, when days run in the 50s to 70s with lower humidity. Skip July and August, when highs climb into the upper 80s and 90s with heavy summer rain and the heaviest crowds. Winter is cold, with highs only in the 40s and 50s, but it's the quietest stretch for visitors.

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