Lexington Market Baltimore: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Lexington Market sits at the heart of Baltimore as one of America’s oldest continuously operating public markets, established in 1782. More than a bustling marketplace, it serves as a living symbol of the city’s cultural diversity, economic vitality, and community spirit. Over centuries, the market has evolved—both structurally and socially—mirroring Baltimore’s growth and the dynamic stories of its people. Following a $45 million redevelopment completed in 2023, Lexington Market now offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it a must-visit for anyone eager to experience authentic Baltimore.

This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the essential details for your visit: updated hours, ticket and admission information, accessibility, travel tips, nearby attractions, and cultural highlights. Whether you’re a foodie, history enthusiast, or cultural explorer, Lexington Market provides an unforgettable Baltimore experience. For the latest updates, consult the official Lexington Market website and related resources (Baltimore Public Markets; Hey Ms. Traveler).

Table of Contents

Historical Overview

Founding and Early Years (1782–1850s)

Lexington Market began as an open-air market on land donated by Revolutionary War hero John Eager Howard. Named after the Battle of Lexington, it quickly became a hub for commerce, serving Baltimore’s burgeoning population. By 1805, the first market shed was built, and its location near the port solidified its status as a commercial center. The market’s role extended beyond commerce, serving as a key social gathering place.

Growth Through Diversity and Immigration

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, waves of immigrants contributed to the market’s growth and diversity. Lexington Market became a true melting pot, offering global products and cuisines, and fostering entrepreneurship among Baltimore’s diverse communities. Legendary vendors such as Faidley’s Seafood—established in 1886—are enduring symbols of this legacy (Hey Ms. Traveler).

Architectural Changes and Resilience

The market’s architecture has transformed over time. After a fire in 1949, Lexington Market was rebuilt in 1952 and later expanded in the 1980s. The most recent redevelopment included the demolition of the outdated arcade, the addition of a new public plaza, and the construction of a modern, sustainable 60,000-square-foot building (BCT Design Group).

Recent Redevelopment (2018–2023)

A major revitalization launched in 2018 has renewed Lexington Market’s infrastructure and public spaces. The project prioritized sustainability, accessibility, and a welcoming environment for all. Public art, including installations like “Robert & Rosetta,” now adorn the site, and the historic catacombs beneath the market offer a unique glimpse into Baltimore’s past (CBS News Baltimore).

Cultural Significance

Lexington Market remains a beacon of economic empowerment and social mobility for Baltimore’s communities. As a venue for cultural events, music performances, and food festivals, it strengthens community ties and celebrates the city’s rich heritage. The market continues to serve as a launching pad for local and minority-owned businesses (Baltimore Public Markets).


Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

  • Monday–Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Vendor hours may vary; check the official merchant directory for details. Holiday hours may differ.

Admission and Tickets

  • Entry: Free for all visitors; no tickets required.
  • Tours: Guided tours of the market and its catacombs are occasionally available. Check the Lexington Market website or contact [email protected] for details.

Accessibility

  • Fully wheelchair accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
  • Designated accessible parking spaces available in nearby garages (Antique Ace).
  • SNAP and FSP benefits accepted by many vendors.

Directions and Parking

  • Address: 112 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201
  • Public Transit: Directly served by Baltimore Light Rail (Lexington Market stop) and Metro Subway (Lexington Market station).
  • Bus: Multiple MTA lines and the Charm City Circulator stop nearby.
  • Bike: Bike racks onsite; accessible via several city bike lanes.
  • Parking: West Market Garage (210 N. Paca St.) offers 24-hour parking; street parking is also available (Lexington Market Parking).

Vendor Highlights and Culinary Offerings

Lexington Market boasts over 45 merchants, reflecting Baltimore’s multicultural culinary landscape (TripJive). Highlights include:

  • Faidley’s Seafood: Legendary for Maryland-style crab cakes and fresh seafood (Lexington Market - Our Story).
  • Berger’s Bakery: Renowned for Berger Cookies and classic baked goods.
  • Brookdale Farms: Poultry, turkey, and rabbit specialties.
  • Plum Good: Homemade sauces, hot dishes, and condiments.
  • Garden Produce: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and smoothies.

International cuisines—Malaysian, Jamaican, Korean BBQ, German, Latin American—and Baltimore staples like pit beef, fried chicken, and pizza are also available (Jim’s Dining Guides; The Tourist Checklist).

Events, Tours, and Photography

  • Live Music & Festivals: Regular performances and cultural events animate the space (Hey Ms. Traveler).
  • Tours: Occasional guided tours of the market and catacombs—check scheduled dates (CBS News Baltimore).
  • Photography: The market’s colorful stalls, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere make it a favorite for photographers.

Nearby Attractions

  • Inner Harbor & National Aquarium
  • Walters Art Museum
  • Oriole Park at Camden Yards
  • Bromo Seltzer Tower
  • Edgar Allan Poe’s Gravesite & Memorial

All are within walking distance or accessible via public transit (Lexington Market Visit).


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Lexington Market’s hours?
A: Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Sundays.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No; entry is free.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only service animals are permitted.

Q: Is the market accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Yes, fully accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating are provided.

Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: Most vendors accept cash, cards, and SNAP/FSP benefits; some may be cash-only.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, but only on select dates—check the official website or email [email protected].

Q: Where can I park?
A: West Market Garage (210 N. Paca St.) and street parking nearby.



Conclusion and Call to Action

Lexington Market is a living testament to Baltimore’s enduring spirit, diversity, and resilience. Its modern facilities, historical significance, and vibrant vendor community make it a unique urban experience. Whether you’re sampling iconic crab cakes, browsing specialty goods, or soaking in the atmosphere of a bustling city market, Lexington Market is an essential stop in Baltimore.

Plan your trip by checking the latest hours and event listings on the official website. Download the Audiala app for personalized guides and exclusive offers, and follow Lexington Market’s social media for real-time updates. Discover the flavors, stories, and traditions that continue to shape Baltimore—your authentic city adventure begins at Lexington Market!


References


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Baltimore

American Visionary Art Museum
American Visionary Art Museum
Arch Social Club
Arch Social Club
Babe Ruth Birthplace And Museum
Babe Ruth Birthplace And Museum
Baltimore Arena
Baltimore Arena
Baltimore Arena Station
Baltimore Arena Station
Baltimore City Archives
Baltimore City Archives
Baltimore City Hall
Baltimore City Hall
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore Museum Of Art
Baltimore Museum Of Art
Baltimore Museum Of Industry
Baltimore Museum Of Industry
Baltimore National Cemetery
Baltimore National Cemetery
Baltimore Penn Station
Baltimore Penn Station
Baltimore Streetcar Museum
Baltimore Streetcar Museum
Baltimore World Trade Center
Baltimore World Trade Center
Bank Of America Building
Bank Of America Building
Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Battle Monument
Battle Monument
|
  B'Nai Israel Synagogue
| B'Nai Israel Synagogue
B&O Railroad Museum
B&O Railroad Museum
Bohemian National Cemetery
Bohemian National Cemetery
Bolton Hill
Bolton Hill
Business And Government Historic District
Business And Government Historic District
Butchers Hill
Butchers Hill
Camden Station
Camden Station
Carroll Park
Carroll Park
Cathedral Hill Historic District
Cathedral Hill Historic District
Center Stage
Center Stage
Centre Theatre
Centre Theatre
Church Home And Hospital
Church Home And Hospital
Clifton Park
Clifton Park
Coppin State University
Coppin State University
Creative Alliance
Creative Alliance
Cylburn Arboretum
Cylburn Arboretum
Dickeyville Historic District
Dickeyville Historic District
Edgar Allan Poe House And Museum
Edgar Allan Poe House And Museum
|
  Edgar Allan Poe'S Grave
| Edgar Allan Poe'S Grave
Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower
Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower
Evergreen Museum & Library
Evergreen Museum & Library
Everyman Theatre
Everyman Theatre
Fallsway Fountain
Fallsway Fountain
Federal Hill Park
Federal Hill Park
|
  Fell'S Point
| Fell'S Point
Flag House & Star-Spangled Banner Museum
Flag House & Star-Spangled Banner Museum
Fort Armistead
Fort Armistead
Fort Mchenry
Fort Mchenry
Fort Mchenry National Monument And Historic Shrine
Fort Mchenry National Monument And Historic Shrine
Francis Scott Key Bridge
Francis Scott Key Bridge
Franklin Square Historic District
Franklin Square Historic District
Frederick Douglass High School
Frederick Douglass High School
George Peabody Library
George Peabody Library
Grace Medical Center
Grace Medical Center
Green Mount Cemetery
Green Mount Cemetery
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Hamburg Street Station
Hamburg Street Station
Hampton National Historic Site
Hampton National Historic Site
Harborplace
Harborplace
Hippodrome Theatre
Hippodrome Theatre
Historic Ships In Baltimore
Historic Ships In Baltimore
Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church
Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church
Homewood Campus
Homewood Campus
Homewood Museum
Homewood Museum
Inner Harbor
Inner Harbor
James Lawrence Kernan Hospital
James Lawrence Kernan Hospital
Jewish Museum Of Maryland
Jewish Museum Of Maryland
John Eager Howard Monument
John Eager Howard Monument
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins School Of Medicine
Johns Hopkins School Of Medicine
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Lexington Market
Lexington Market
Loudon Park Cemetery
Loudon Park Cemetery
Lyric Performing Arts Center
Lyric Performing Arts Center
Maryland Center For History And Culture
Maryland Center For History And Culture
Maryland General Hospital
Maryland General Hospital
Maryland Line Monument
Maryland Line Monument
Maryland Science Center
Maryland Science Center
Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Medstar Union Memorial Hospital
Medstar Union Memorial Hospital
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium
Mercy Medical Center (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mercy Medical Center (Baltimore, Maryland)
Morgan State University
Morgan State University
M&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium
Mt. Royal/Mica Station
Mt. Royal/Mica Station
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
National Alliance On Mental Illness
National Alliance On Mental Illness
National Aquarium
National Aquarium
National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
National Katyń Memorial
National Katyń Memorial
National Museum Of Dentistry
National Museum Of Dentistry
National Slavic Museum
National Slavic Museum
Notre Dame Of Maryland University
Notre Dame Of Maryland University
Oriole Park At Camden Yards
Oriole Park At Camden Yards
Patterson Park
Patterson Park
Peale Museum
Peale Museum
Phoenix Shot Tower
Phoenix Shot Tower
Port Discovery
Port Discovery
Port Of Baltimore
Port Of Baltimore
Provident Hospital
Provident Hospital
Queensbury Playground
Queensbury Playground
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
Radecke Playfield
Radecke Playfield
Rash Field
Rash Field
Reginald F. Lewis Museum Of Maryland African American History & Culture
Reginald F. Lewis Museum Of Maryland African American History & Culture
Reitz Arena
Reitz Arena
Ridgelys Delight Historic District
Ridgelys Delight Historic District
Riverside Park
Riverside Park
Roland Park
Roland Park
Royal Theatre
Royal Theatre
Schenley Recreation Center
Schenley Recreation Center
Seven Foot Knoll Light
Seven Foot Knoll Light
Sinai Hospital
Sinai Hospital
Ss John W. Brown
Ss John W. Brown
St. Agnes Hospital
St. Agnes Hospital
|
  St. Mary'S Seminary And University
| St. Mary'S Seminary And University
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
State Center
State Center
Swann Park
Swann Park
Sydenham Hospital For Communicable Diseases
Sydenham Hospital For Communicable Diseases
The Maryland Zoo
The Maryland Zoo
Towanda Recreation Center
Towanda Recreation Center
Traci Atkins Park
Traci Atkins Park
Transamerica Tower
Transamerica Tower
Union Square-Hollins Market Historic District
Union Square-Hollins Market Historic District
United States Coast Guard Yard
United States Coast Guard Yard
University Of Baltimore
University Of Baltimore
University Of Maryland, Baltimore
University Of Maryland, Baltimore
University Of Maryland Medical Center
University Of Maryland Medical Center
University Of Maryland Medical System
University Of Maryland Medical System
Uplands Park
Uplands Park
Uscgc Taney
Uscgc Taney
Uss Constellation
Uss Constellation
Uss Torsk
Uss Torsk
Walter J Dewees Recreation Center
Walter J Dewees Recreation Center
Walter P Carter Center
Walter P Carter Center
Walters Art Museum
Walters Art Museum
Washington Monument
Washington Monument
West Baltimore
West Baltimore
Western Run Park
Western Run Park
William Donald Schaefer Building
William Donald Schaefer Building
Wyman Park
Wyman Park
Zion Lutheran Church
Zion Lutheran Church