Shopping in Baltimore really brings to life the neighbourhood feel of the city. The most brazenly commercial and modern spot is the Inner Harbor, with its Gallery and Harborplace malls, full of the latest designer and brand-name shops. Many of the districts surrounding the harbour area have their own specialities. Mount Vernon's renowned Antique Row, 700-800 North Howard Street, and 200-300 West Read Street, has 40 antique shops and 70 dealers.

A little to the east, on Charles Street, you'll find individual shops, cafes and restaurants. Fells Point's Broadway Market, with its stalls and shops, is the oldest existing building in the city (1785). Nearby are curio shops, galleries and bakeries. Little Italy has a slightly more upmarket feel.

The oldest market is Lexington, just west of Mount Vernon (see Further Distractions). Others include Cross Street Market (corner of Charles Street and Cross Street), Hollins Market (corner of Hollins Street and Arlington Street), Avenue Market - formerly Lafayette (corner of Pennsylvania Street and Laurens Street) and the new Northeast Market (corner of East Monument Street and Chester Street). Each has its own local colour and flavour. Most are open Monday to Saturday 0700-1800 (Cross Street is open until 1900 and Lexington opens at 0830). Hollins is also closed on Monday. Baltimore Public Markets (tel: (410) 685 6169; website: www.bpmarkets.com) provides further information. The Downtown Farmers' Market, Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay Streets, is open Sunday 0800-1200 (early May to late December).
 
Baltimore has several rare and used book stores; the first block of West 25th Street, close to the Johns Hopkins University campus and the Baltimore Museum of Art is known as 'Book Row'. Visit Kelmscott Bookshop (at 32-34), Royal Books (32), Tiber Books (24), and Johanson Rare Books (34).

The Village of Cross Keys, 5100 Falls Road, (a shopping complex about 10km (6 miles) from Downtown) is a sure fire winner for shoppers. Its open air setting is charming. It's best known for its locally owned, one of a kind boutiques but also features national retailers such as Ann Taylor and Chico's. Open Monday to Saturday 1000-1800 (until 2000 on Thursday) and Sunday 1200-1600.

On the Inner Harbor, visit the beautifully designed Harborplace and Gallery, 200 East Pratt Street, home to high street shops and good resturants. Open Monday-Saturday 1000-2100 and Sunday 1100-1900 (See Further Distractions). It also hosts free concerts.

For the perfect souvenir, get hold of some Old Bay spice (a local seasoning for crab cakes) or splash out on some Orioles baseball kit from the stadium shop.

Visiting shoppers should always retain receipts, as customs may ask to see that the 5% VAT has already been paid locally. Individual shops can provide tax and duty-free forms, allowing tax back on items upon departure from the USA.