Downtown Baltimore: The Heart of the City

Downtown Baltimore is an important element in the daily lives of Baltimore citizens as the neighborhoods of Cite Centre, Westside, Camden Yards and Inner Harbor are all located in the downtown area. Visitors will find a wide array of activities and attractions as well as excellent views of the panoramic cityscape. Whether you are interested in viewing the skyscrapers that reach high into the skyline or wish to investigate the fine dining and shopping options, you will find plenty to keep you active in the downtown district of Baltimore.

The downtown Baltimore district was originally chartered in 1796 and since that time has contributed to the history of the city as well as the country. It was in the harbor that Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1814 during the War of 1812. The area was almost destroyed in 1904 when an extensive fire swept through the area and totaled more than $150 million in casualties and damage. The district's importance to national history and events continued well into the future; however, following renovation after the fire. In 1973, Vice President Spiro Agnew chose the Garmatz Federal Office Building at Charles Centre in City Centre to resign his office.

Westside

Located on the western edge of the city, Westside includes Market Center as well as some of the most recent developments in the city. Over the years it has become the preferred residential neighborhood of the downtown district. In the past, Westside was the home of some of the most famous department stores in the city. Today the University of Maryland Health System as well as the Hippodrome Theatre are located in Westside.

City Centre

Hundreds of businesses can be found in this historic financial district. Over the years the district has shifted somewhat to the east; however, the center of financial life can still be found in City Centre. Most of Baltimore's skyscrapers are located in this district.

Inner Harbor

Inner Harbor serves as the main tourist district as well as the major commercial district in the city of Baltimore. The area is visited by more than 13 million people each year and has been voted as one of the ten most attractive vacation spots in the entire world. A large selection of restaurants, retail shops and clubs are all clustered within the district.

Camden Yards

Camden Yards includes the Camden Yards ballpark, where the Baltimore Orioles play their home games. M&T Bank Stadium is also located in the district and is home to the Baltimore Ravens.
Mt. Vernon

Mt. Vernon is widely regarded as the cultural district in Baltimore and is a popular site for some of the most popular nightlife options in the city including clubs, bars and lounges. There are also several historic town homes scattered throughout the district. The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Lyric Opera House are located in Mt. Vernon. In addition, the Peabody Institute and Penn Station are also located in Mt. Vernon.