Old Port Travel Guide

Portland
Old Port showing flowers and a bay or harbour
Explore the cobblestone streets in Portland’s historic district, which combines a wealth of history with a thoroughly modern city experience.

Discover metropolitan Maine at its most charming in Old Port. This historic district in Portland is both a working waterfront and a cultural hub. Sample its variety of shops and restaurants as you learn more about the city’s history.

The Old Port district looks remarkably close to its appearance when it was built up in the mid 1800s. Because of its historic significance, much of the Old Port Historic District has been included on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll down cobblestone streets lined with tidy brick buildings, as seagulls swoop above your head and foghorns blare in the distance.

Although it is a small city, Portland has a world-class dining scene. You will find many of its top dining destinations in Old Port. Duckfat, Eventide Oyster Co. and Fore Street, three of the most celebrated restaurants in the city, are within a three-block radius of each other. Enjoy freshly caught seafood, such as iconic Maine lobster, at one of the many local restaurants in the area.

Surround yourself by the hustle and bustle of Congress Street. The main thoroughfare in Portland serves as a great starting point to experience the city’s galleries, shops, restaurants and bars. Continue along Exchange Street, a quieter tree-lined street that features an array of cafés and boutiques.

Old Port is located where the Fore River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the views. Watch ships of all sizes sail by or see the fishermen coming home with their catch of the day.

Find things to see and do in every season in Old Port. Enjoy the warm weather in summer or take a snowy stroll down its streets in winter. Because of its central location within Portland, most destinations in the city are within easy driving or even walking distance.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Port

Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront
3 out of 5
321 Commercial St, Portland, ME
The price is ฿5,323 per night from 5 May to 6 May
฿5,323
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Q"

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Harbor Hotel
4 out of 5
468 Fore Street, Portland, ME
The price is ฿7,126 per night from 27 May to 28 May
฿7,126
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 coffee shops/cafes and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,177 reviews)
"The location was perfect the water dispenser gave me questionable water, but they had some Poland springs stocked in the fridge."

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

Portland Harbor Hotel
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
4 out of 5
9 Center Street, Portland, ME
The price is ฿7,284 per night from 12 May to 13 May
฿7,284
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (638 reviews)
"I was not happy with the surprise USF parking fee. That may be more and expedia issue then the hotel. By not advising when I booked you are not sharing the true cost of the hotel. Other then that everything was excellent"

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
20 Milk Street, Portland, ME
The price is ฿8,465 per night from 9 May to 10 May
฿8,465
per night
9 May - 10 May
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,070 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and recommend one of the best restaurants I've ever been to."

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
3 out of 5
65 Commercial St, Portland, ME
The price is ฿5,848 per night from 12 May to 13 May
฿5,848
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Thumbs up. Great experience."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
3 out of 5
433 Fore St, Portland, ME
The price is ฿6,194 per night from 20 May to 21 May
฿6,194
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Breakfast crew was great ,especially I think male manager so polite and hard working and pleasant in am"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Port

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Downtown Portland

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Portland is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Cross Insurance Arena and Wadsworth-Longfellow House.

Downtown Portland
Portland Museum of Art which includes art and interior views as well as an individual male

Portland Arts District

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Portland Arts District. A stop by Maine College of Art or Wadsworth-Longfellow House might round out your trip.

Portland Arts District
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West Bayside

When in West Bayside, you can plan a visit to Merrill Auditorium and Wadsworth-Longfellow House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Bayside
Portland featuring a park

East Bayside

If you're spending some time in East Bayside, Eastern Promenade and Maine Jewish Museum are top sights worth seeing.

East Bayside
Eastern Promenade featuring general coastal views, a bay or harbour and kayaking or canoeing

East End

While visiting East End, you might make a stop by sights like Eastern Promenade and East End Beach.

East End
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Munjoy Hill

If you're spending some time in Munjoy Hill, Eastern Promenade and Portland Observatory are top sights worth seeing.

Munjoy Hill

Old Port Travel Guide