30 Best Places to Shop in Baltimore, Maryland

The AIA/Baltimore Bookstore carries all kinds of architecture books.

Amaryllis specializes in handcrafted jewelry from more than 400 artists.

Atomic Books specializes in obscure titles and small-press publications, including independent comics and 'zines, along with videos. There's also a formidable selection of pop-culture toys such as lunch boxes, cookie jars, and stickers.

Avenue Antiques is a collection of multiple dealers, selling antiques from Victorian to mid-century modern.

Barnes & Noble, in the Power Plant complex at the Inner Harbor, is the city's largest general-interest bookseller.

Designers come from all over the world for the incredibly wide selection of beads at Beadazzled; there's also a selection of already-made jewelry.

About 7 mi north of downtown, at Northern Parkway and York Road, is Belvedere Square, a small, open-air mall with shops for women's and children's clothing, furniture, and gifts, as well as a number of gourmet food shops (the soup at Atwater's is delicious).

Best of Baltimore carries city-related souvenirs and local specialty products.

Book Thing takes donations and gives away free books—as many as you like, as long as you promise not to resell them; it's open weekends 9–6.

Broadway Market has many stalls with fresh fruit, prepared foods, a raw bar, and baked goods that can be eaten at counters or taken outside for picnics along the waterfront.

The Children's Bookstore is a cozy, well-stocked resource for current and classic children's literature.

Cross Street Market has stands selling produce, sandwiches, steamed crab, and baked items. Cross Street is open late on Friday and Saturday, when the market hosts one of the city's most popular happy-hour scenes, attracting crowds of youngish professionals.

At the Inner Harbor, the Pratt Street and Light Street pavilions of Harborplace and the Gallery contain almost 200 specialty shops that sell everything from business attire to children's toys. The Gallery has Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, and the Gap, among others.

Jones & Jones carries stylish sportswear and business attire.

Jos. A. Bank's Clothiers is a century-old Baltimore source for men's tailored clothing and casual wear.

The Kelmscott Bookshop is known for its enormous, well-preserved stock of old and rare volumes in every major category, especially art, architecture, American and English literature, and travel.

The city's oldest and largest public market, Lexington Market has more than 150 vendors selling meat, produce, seafood, baked goods, delicatessen items, poultry, and food products from around the world. Don't miss the world-famous crab cakes at Faidley's Seafood; other local specialties with market stalls are Rheb's chocolates, Polock Johnny's Polish sausages, and Berger's Bakery's chocolate-iced vanilla wafer cookies.

Ma Petite Shoe sells chocolates as well as funky, fabulous shoes.

Shop for top-name designer goods accompanied by courteous, service-oriented sales staff and live music from a grand piano at Nordstrom.

Ruth Shaw sells the work of European designers like Gaultier and Paul Smith as well as chic evening wear.

Samuel Parker Clothier carries a fine selection of updated traditional clothing by the likes of Ralph Lauren and Samuelson.

Second Chance salvages unique architectural pieces from old buildings being renovated or destroyed; the five large warehouses are open Tuesday–Saturday 9–5.

The museum store at the American Visionary Art Museum features over 2,000 square feet of books, jewelry, cards, toys, accessories, costumes, and other novelties. Only a fun and wacky place like this would have a coin-operated Zoltar Machine (the same as in the movie Big) and Whoopee cushions. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake comes here to buy her fabulous costume jewelry. There's a second location inside the Lord Baltimore Hotel.

Something Else is the source for sophisticated hippie wear: Flax-brand clothes, flowing skirts, big scarves, and colorful sweaters.

South Moon Under specializes in the latest trends. Whether you're a bohemian free spirit, yoga groupie, or plaid aficionado, this chic boutique will suit your style.

The Store Ltd. has an eclectic mix of top-quality (and pricey) jewelry, women's sportswear, glassware, and other high-design gifts.

Su Casa, located in Fells Point, sells home decor, accessories, and furniture that runs the style gamut from classic to sleek. Many pieces are made by Maryland artists.

Towson Town Center has nearly 200 shops, including Hecht's, Nordstrom, the Gap, and Anthropologie.

The Turnover Shop is a consignment shop selling high-end antiques.

Village of Cross Keys, about 6 mi north of downtown, is an eclectic collection of 30 stores, including Talbot's, Chico's, Williams-Sonoma, J. Jill, and some small, high-end boutiques for women's clothing and gifts.