5 Bars You Have to Visit in Federal Hill, Baltimore

Federal Hill - often called Fed Hill - is THE most lively nightlife scene in Baltimore. It's definitely the best place to go in the city for a fun night of bar hopping. There are so many great bars in such a small area, it can be hard to know which ones you should go to. Plus, since most bars usually have a line to get in, you want to make sure the wait will be worth it.

Really, you can't go wrong. All of the bars are a lot of fun and have something unique to offer. After getting familiar with Fed Hill, you'll learn which ones are you're favorites and which ones you can go without. Until then, these are 5 of my favorite bars in Fed Hill and ones that you should definitely check out if you're new to the scene there.

1. Ropewalk Tavern

Ropewalk is one of the most well-known bars in Federal Hill. Everyone that goes out in the city should check this place out at least once, as it is always one of the most crowded and most lively bars on the weekends With two floors, a large dance floor, and a live pianist/singer that will sing you a custom song on your birthday, Ropewalk is a staple of Fed Hill that you have to experience. You could honestly even spend your whole night here.

2. Banditos Bar and Kitchen

Although pretty small, Banditos is a pretty popular bar. Since it is located right in the middle of Federal Hill on Charles Street, it tends to get a lot of traffic and is easy to stop at if you're bar hopping. With a fun atmosphere, plenty of room to dance, and two different bars, Banditos is always a good place to start your night out.

3. Stalking Horse

This one is my personal favorite. If you want to dance, Stalking Horse is the place to go. It has two floors, with two completely different atmospheres. Downstairs is a small bar and dance floor with a chill vibe, but upstairs there are two more bars, a huge dance floor, and a live DJ. With an electric atmosphere, plenty of space to move around, and its trademark Red Bull Vodka Slushies, Stalking Horse is always a really good time. Also, it's a little more tucked away, so it gets crowded without being so packed that you can't move (which is a HUGE plus for me!).

4. The Charles Baltimore

With more of an expensive nightclub feel and a lot to do, The Charles is one of the coolest bars in Federal Hill. With a second floor loft that overlooks the rest of the bar, dark lighting, and loud music, the place is super unique and has a very exclusive vibe. If you like to dance, this is also a great bar for that! It does get SUPER crowded, however, so be prepared to wait a while to get in. It's usually better to stop by earlier on in the night before it gets too packed - that way you still have room to dance!

5. Wayward Smokehouse

Also located right in the heart of Federal Hill, Wayward has a little bit of everything. Although it isn't a huge bar, there's some room to dance, some room to just hang out and talk, and plenty of room to stand around the bar. If you want a bar that is lowkey, but not at all boring, Wayward is a great option. And because of it's location, it's super easy to swing by for a little while bar hopping!

These are only a handful of the great bars Federal Hill has to offer. You'll have a fun night in Baltimore no matter where you end up, but these are good options if you don't know where to start!

So, go! Have fun and start figuring out what your favorite bars are in Federal Hill. The only way to know is to go and try them all!