Hampden
A neighborhood full of Baltimore's quirky character, with independent shops lining 36th Street and famous for its Christmas light displays.
Hampden was once a mill workers' community and is now among Baltimore's most distinctive neighborhoods. The stretch of 36th Street that locals call 'The Avenue' is lined with vintage clothing shops, independent bookstores, cafés and restaurants. In December, households along 34th Street decorate their homes with exaggerated Christmas lights, known as the '34th Street Miracle,' which draws large crowds. The June Honfest festival celebrates Baltimore's local dialect and beehive hairstyles. It is about 15 minutes by taxi from downtown.
Opening hours
Open all day; shops mostly 11:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Johns Hopkins University (Homewood Campus)
- Baltimore Museum of Art
- Maryland Zoo
- Washington Monument & Mount Vernon Place
- Walters Art Museum
- Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
- Baltimore Basilica
- Lexington Market