I live in Baltimore so happy to share some recs. I've shared some of this before for when someone was asking about coming up for Astros/Orioles.
No I wouldn't stay downtown. And I wouldn't spend any time in Inner Harbor either. Its touristy and can get a little dicey at night. I would stay in Fells Point if you want to be near bars and restaurants and a nice walkable area that is still very central. If you are more into an artsy/hipster scene you might look a little north of downtown in Hampden.
I stick largely to Fells Point, Canton, Fed Hill, and Locust Point.
I wouldnt bank on public transportation. Its not like DC. Depending on what you want to do you could probably walk/uber for most of what you do.
A few favs:
- My two fav crab and seafood houses are LP Steamers and Nicks. Both pretty convenient to the stadium and central.
- Fells bars: Max's Taphouse good spot with a ton of beers on draft. Cats Eye has live music and is fun. The Wren is hot right now since it just made a NYT Best in the country list.
- Canton Bars: Lots of choices here. Lee's Pint and Shell is a one of the most happening. Claddaughs is in a square of bars/restaurants and is a big popular spot. Pig & Rooster has some free arcade games like Golden Tee and Buck Hunter. ODonnell's has shuffleboard. Going to get a very authentic big of Baltimore life at any of these (not the Wire authentic. Real regular people).
- Breweries: theres a couple areas where they sort of bunch together. Near the stadium theres a few (Checkerspot, M8, Pickett, Wico Street). In Hampden theres Nepenthe and Union and a few others.
- If you are looking for some nicer restaurants: I've never been disappointed with a meal or experience at any of the Atlas ones (which includes Ouzo Bay mentioned above). Tagliatta probably my favorite. Most of them are going to be convenient too as they are Harbor East and Fells mostly.
Happy to answer anything Baltimore specific. I'll be at the game too
