Old Port Travel Guide

Portland

Old Port featuring a bay or harbour
Old Port showing flowers and a bay or harbour
Old Port featuring street scenes
Old Port which includes a sunset and a bay or harbour
Old Port showing street scenes as well as a small group of people

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

Portland Harbor Hotel

Portland Harbor Hotel

4 out of 5
468 Fore Street Portland ME
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 coffee shops/cafes and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,772 reviews)
Nice hotel. From check in to check out, we had everything we needed and pleasant and informed staff to help us enjoy our stay

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
20 Milk Street Portland ME
Stay at this spa hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,606 reviews)
I love to stay at the Regency because it gives that authentic Portland feel. It’s a renovated armory, so don’t expect it to be brand new and modern. But it’s clean, comfortable and quirky. Kinda like me.

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square

Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square

3 out of 5
433 Fore St Portland ME
The price is ฿3,053 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
฿3,053
฿3,378 total
12 Apr - 13 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,318 reviews)
Clean. Easy check-in. Friendly staff. Perfect location for Old Port. Parking cost a little steep at $45/day. Overall a good room at a reasonable price during mid March.

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

3 out of 5
65 Commercial St Portland ME
The price is ฿3,419 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿3,419
฿3,783 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Hot tub didnt work and was very dirty. Only reason we booked that particular place for that reason!!!!!

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

4 out of 5
9 Center Street Portland ME
The price is ฿4,549 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿4,549
฿5,033 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront

Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront

3 out of 5
321 Commercial St Portland ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,217 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
฿3,217
฿3,559 total
2 Apr - 3 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Room was clean, very friendly and helpful reception staff. Glad your cafe was open for coffee and pastries. Would have liked room service. They did not clean the room after our first day’s stay. Was able to get fresh towels.

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront
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

State Street Church

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
Charles Q. Clapp House which includes heritage elements and a house

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 Wadsworth-Longfellow House or Cross Insurance Arena might round out your trip.

Portland Arts District
Aerial view of Cape Elizabeth Lights, also known as Two Lights, at the south end of Casco Bay in town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine ME, USA.

West Bayside

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

West Bayside
Religious

East Bayside

If you're spending some time in East Bayside, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Maine Jewish Museum are top sights worth seeing.

East Bayside
sunny morning in Portland

East End

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in East End and surrounding area, you can visit East End Beach and Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal.

East End
Aerial view of Portland East End, Fish Point, Munjoy Hill and Portland Harbor panorama in city of Portland, Maine ME, USA.

Parkside

If you're spending some time in Parkside, Fitzpatrick Stadium and Neal S. Dow House are top sights worth seeing.

Parkside


Old Port Travel Guide