Little Italy - Baltimore, MD

During the mid to late 1800s, thousands of immigrants traveled to Baltimore through the waterfront President Street Station. During this time, Italians started migrating just a few blocks away from the waterfront to create a village-like atmosphere that mirrored the villages of Italy.

Since 1881, the heart of Little Italy has centered around the Catholic church of St. Leo the Great, a historic monument in the city and a local neighborhood gathering space. Little Italy's history also includes the struggles of African Americans in Baltimore, with their story told at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History and Culture.

Little Italy also played an important role in America’s declaration of independence. The house where the “Star-Spangled Banner” was sewn still stands in Little Italy today as a museum detailing the War of 1812.

Those seeking authentic Italian food can find no better place to taste this type of cuisine in all of Baltimore. This restaurant district features a number of family-owned establishments ranging from fine dining eateries to casual bars, sidewalk cafes and welcoming wine bars.

Those seeking a casual Italian bar and neighborhood meeting place can visit Amicci’s of Little Italy. Open for lunch and dinner, this establishment has been serving the area for more than 20 years. Try one of the signature entrees, or simply get the exact dish you want by first picking a pasta, then picking it with the perfect pasta sauce.

Little Italy may specialize in Italian food, but you can still find Baltimore’s signature dish: crabs. At Mo’s Crab and Pasta Factory try local blue crab and snow crab, a variety of seafood dishes and freshly made pasta. Order a bucked of fresh steamed crabs, the perfect appetizer for sharing, before diving into one of the restaurant’s famous pasta dishes.

Those seeking some more exciting nightlife in Little Italy can find a number of bars that cater to the night crowd. Looking for bright club lights, nationally recognized DJs and plenty of dancing? Visit Club Orpheus on Pratt Street for some late-night fun. At the neighborhood’s Howl at the Moon bar, patrons can not only enjoy late night drink specials but live dueling pianos designed to get guests on their feet and dancing.

Most residents of Little Italy travel by car, with nearby Interstate 95 providing access to surrounding suburbs and nearby Washington D.C. Look for metered street parking along the streets of Little Italy or one of the neighborhood's two large parking garages. Easily walkable, Little Italy's convenient location in the heart of downtown makes walking and riding around the community a breeze. Cabs are quite prevalent in Little Italy, or residents can call for a ride with the Uber ride-sharing service.

Just a few blocks away near the Inner Harbor, residents can jump on the MARC train, which takes residents around the city. The MTA bus line also takes Little Italy residents around the neighborhood and to other city neighborhoods, as does the free Charm City Circulator bus.

While there are no official parks in Little Italy, you can find several bocce ball courts set up in the alleyways of the community. Because of this game's popularity within the Italian community, several residents have set up public fields in the neighborhood for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

In the summer, the Little Italy community also projects free outdoor movies onto a wall at the corner of High and Stiles Streets. Many bring chairs and blankets and set up in the parking lot at the site to watch the movies. Those interested in enjoying some waterfront green space can take a leisurely stroll downtown to the Inner Harbor park. Here you can find volleyball courts, walking trails, grassy areas and a public carousel, all with waterfront views of the harbor.

Life in Little Italy typically carries an average to above-average cost of living when compared to the rest of the city. You can expect to spend $1,045 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. If you choose to take the MTA bus from stop to stop, expect to pay $1.60 for a ticket. Gas prices typically settle in at about 1 percent higher than the country’s average. You can expect to pay around $5 for a pint of beer at the local bars.

Both established brands and small local boutiques make up the shopping experience in Little Italy. Visit larger retail centers such as Harbor Place and the Gallery to shop well-known clothing brands such as J.Crew, Under Armour, and Lululemon. Shoppers looking for a more eclectic shopping experience can take a stroll down Antique Row and browse clothing, accessories, and home items from the past and pick up some one-of-a-kind pieces.

Residents can shop for specialty grocery items at DiPasquale’s Italian Marketplace, where residents can buy grocery essentials, fresh meat, and Italian wines. For a larger selection of grocery staples, stop by the community’s Whole Foods Market for natural and organic foods. Shoppers can also buy warm, ready-made dishes that make easy, on-the-go dinners.

For locally grown produce from area farmers, residents can stroll down to the Baltimore Farmers Market and Bazaar, which takes place every Sunday morning.