Visitors to Baltimore are fortunate to have not one, but four traditional markets in close proximity to many of the important sites and attractions. Each market provides space for many vendors, and most (if not all) of the market stalls deal in food or drink.
Maintained and sponsored by the city, the markets are many things to many people: For locals, they're treasure-houses of locally-grown foods. If you're looking for the freshest fish, the crunchiest new vegetables, or fresh bread right from the oven, head for a market. Whether it's locally made Polish or Italian sausage or fine pates and cheeses, the market vendors have covered it all.
For visitors, they provide a wonderful opportunity for that inexpensive breakfast, lunch, or snack. Freshly ground gourmet coffees abound, and there are stalls specializing in any kind of ethnic food you can imagine, from Chinese, Thai, and Vientamese to Italian to Polish to fresh, simple foods prepared in Amish country.
Markets are located in several neighborhoods, all reasonably close to visitor attractions:
1. Broadway Market: Located at the foot of Broadway in Fell's Point. Many gourmet foods, specialties, and fresh seafood.
2. Cross Street Market: Located in Federal Hill, Baltimore's first "Renaissance" neighborhood, just a few blocks south of the Inner Harbor. Fresh fish and meats, ethnic foods, and unexpectedly, an assortment of good wines, beers, and cigars. Light and Cross Streets, Federal Hill.
3. Lexington Market: This enormous market is the granddaddy. Shop for food and snacks or souvenirs, or outfit your whole family for the winter. :) It's all at Lexington Market. Howard and Lexington Streets, just a block or two north of the Inner Harbor.
4. Northeast Market: Located on Monument Street a few blocks west of the Johns Hopkins Hospital campus. This is the most local of the markets and the one that caters least to tourists and visitors. It's also somewhat off the beaten track.
While as a visitor you won't be able to take any of that lovely food home to prepare, try a market to start out your day. Or better yet, shop in a market for a picnic lunch to enjoy at your leisure as you tour the city.