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Baltimore Nightlife

Baltimore's nightlife is as diverse as any comparable US city, with a good mix of Irish bars, neighbourhood brewpubs, boot-stomping live-music venues and lively clubs. For the most accessible tourist options, Inner Harbor, Little Italy, Fells Point, Canton, Federal Hill and Mount Vernon are the areas to head for.

Dress code and admission are specific to the venue but photo ID is necessary, as the minimum drinking age is 21 years. Most bars and nightclubs are open 1100 to 0200.

Publications providing nightlife listings and information include the daily Baltimore Sun (www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment), the Baltimore City Paper (www.citypaper.com) and Baltimore Magazine (www.baltimoremagazine.net/events).

For tickets, try Ticketmaster (tel: +1 410 547 7328; www.ticketmaster.com) or the Baltimore Visitor Center, 401 Light Street (tel: +1 877 225 8466; www.baltimore.org).

Bars in Baltimore

Brew House No 16

Locals and visitors mingle in this family-run brewery housed in a former firehouse. Specialising in craft beer and farm-to-table dining, the bar pours an inventive line-up of ales such as New Belgium Heavy Watermelon and dishes up high-end pub grub including Maryland crab soup and oyster po'boys.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 410 659 4084.
Website: http://www.brewhouseno16.com

Cat’s Eye Pub

A long-standing Baltimore favourite, this old-school pub sits on the cobbled waterfront in the historic neighbourhood of Fell's Point. There's a choice of more than two dozen international draught beers, and you can tap your toes to live music seven nights a week.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 410 276 9866.
Website: http://www.catseyepub.com

Sugarvale

Tucked in a basement in the artsy Mount Vernon neighbourhood, this tiny bar packs a punch when it comes to cocktails. Whether you order the Motorcycle Diaries (rum, Byrrh, cucumber and lime) or brave a Miriam No 2 (tequila, vermouth and Cynar), be sure to soak up the booze with Chesapeake dumplings or Korean hot wings.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 410 609 3163.
Website: http://sugarvalebmore.com

Clubs in Baltimore

Howl at the Moon

Live musicians belting out rock, pop and hip-hop tunes draw partygoers to the dancefloor here. It's a mix of piano bar and nightclub, with drinks aplenty and crowd-pleasing hits that typically have the audience dancing, singing and swinging their arms in the air in no time.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 410 783 5111.
Website: http://www.howlatthemoon.com/baltimore/

Mosaic

Smart lounge seating, DJs spinning chart hits and an extensive Champagne and vodka menu draw a well-dressed crowd to this large upscale club. There's an outdoor seating area for cooling off and VIP tables if you're on a special night out.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 443 468 5308.
Website: http://www.mosaic-baltimore.com

The Depot

Local and visiting bands play regularly at this lively spot near Penn Station. You can expect to hear anything from reggae to hip hop to house. Come on a Friday for 1980s dance party night or on the first Sunday of the month for Drag-A-Mania, a drag queen contest.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 410 528 0174.
Website: http://www.depotbaltimore.com

Live music in Baltimore

Ottobar

Ottobar features smaller-scale bands ranging from indie rock to hip hop and folk. Head downstairs to the snug basement, which has an intimate stage area and a surprisingly spacious dance floor area. If you're not really digging the band that's on, you can retreat upstairs to the ground floor bar for a couple of drinks before the next set.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 410 662 0069.
Website: http://www.theottobar.com

Rams Head Live

Downtown, the Rams Head is a major nightspot, accommodating up to 1,600 people, offering great seafood and several sleek bars with daily drink specials. It's mainly a rock venue, with medium-sized touring bands and no small number of tribute acts (Journey, Led Zeppelin) that you can let your hair down to.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 410 244 1131.
Website: http://www.ramsheadlive.com

The 8x10

The 8x10 hosts up-and-coming local talent. It's been a city fixture since the early 1980s, and the stomping ground for many local bands that went onto bigger and better things. You can buy flash drives of the very show you just watched should you be so impressed. Beer and cocktails are discounted early in the evening.

Address: , , ,
Telephone: +1 410 625 2000.
Website: http://www.the8x10.com

Classical music in Baltimore

Dance in Baltimore

Theatres in Baltimore

Music and Dance in Baltimore

Culture in Baltimore

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Wilson House Bed & Breakfast

Housed in a grand 19th-century mansion this elegant 10-room bed and breakfast offers cosy accommodation near Penn Station. It was here that William Jennings Bryant made deals that led to Woodrow Wilson taking the presidency in 1912. The home is within easy reach of Mount Vernon's cultural venues and eateries and around 5km (3 miles) from the Inner Harbor.

Lord Baltimore Hotel

A fixture in the city since 1928, this is a classic hotel in the French Renaissance style, the huge lobby chock full of chandeliers, staircases and everything you really want on old-style hotel to be. You're only a few blocks from Inner Harbor, and its 400-plus rooms are mostly a good size.

Sleep Inn & Suites Downtown Inner Harbor

A short stroll from the Inner Harbor this hotel puts you within walking distance of Baltimore's main attractions. Rooms are smart and modern with a choice of two double beds or a king bed. Many also have a pull-out sofa bed. A hot buffet breakfast is included.

Inn at 2920

This hip urban bed and breakfast lies in Baltimore's trendy Canton neighbourhood, a short stroll from the waterfront. It's more mini boutique hotel than traditional B&B, featuring exposed 19th-century brick walls and contemporary, individually designed rooms. A hot breakfast is included, with options such as French toast and creamy blueberry bread pudding.

Days Inn Inner Harbor Hotel

This 250-room high-rise is just three blocks from the Inner Harbor and is close to the Convention Centre. It offers a fitness centre, heated outdoor pool, business centre, lobby bar and Harbor Grill restaurant, serving hearty American fare. Rooms are smart, comfy and contemporary.

Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore

Contemporary style meets traditional elegance in this grand hotel overlooking the Inner Harbor. Cosy guest rooms are well appointed and spacious. For extra space, book a suite with separate living room. You can dine in Explorers' Restaurant & Lounge, and enjoy an indoor saltwater pool and fitness centre.