City: Baltimore, MD

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (410) 332-4191

Description: The two Harborplace wings and The Gallery across Pratt Street are the places where most visitors will shop. There’s food, entertainment, and souvenirs—sensible and ridiculous—from one end to the other. More than 10 million people a year visit the 130 shops, restaurants, and eateries, many of which feature outside tables that face the Inner Harbor. Boaters can pull their vessels right up to the dock and eat lunch at their choice of waterside cafes. Or they can get carryout and sit on their boats to watch the street performers at the Harborplace Amphitheater between the two glass pavilions.The shops are as diverse as the eateries. Although the concept of this type of marketplace (think South Street Seaport in New York or Faneuil Hall in Boston) is a heavy dependency on locally owned and operated stores with little reliance on national chain outlets, there are several chain stores. So, look for Hats in the Belfry with fancy and everyday hats for men and women or the specialty Harborplace Store. A Five Guys hamburger stand is available, frequently considered the best burgers in the mid-Atlantic. There is no parking at Harborplace and no free parking Downtown, unless you are extremely lucky and find that odd place on the street. If you’re driving, consider The Gallery’s parking, which is above Pratt Street on Calvert Street, or at one of the many meters or lots nearby. An hour’s parking will cost $1 in quarters. Harborplace and The Gallery shops, restaurants, and eateries offer a $2 validation stamp for valet parking with any purchase.