Old Port Travel Guide

Portland
Old Port featuring 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

Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Harbor Hotel
4 out of 5
468 Fore Street, Portland, ME
The price is ฿4,482 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿4,482
฿6,240 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 coffee shops/cafes and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,375 reviews)
"Great location and service!"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 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 ฿4,292 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿4,292
฿4,742 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (816 reviews)
"Coffee shop staff was extraordinarily slow both times we visited the shop. What’s up with that??"

Reviewed on 26 Oct 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 ฿5,702 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
฿5,702
฿6,301 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,215 reviews)
"Great downtown location."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 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 ฿4,022 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿4,022
฿4,444 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 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 ฿3,711 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿3,711
฿4,101 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,022 reviews)
"We staying in a suite with a balcony- gorgeous view of the Bay !!"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront
3 out of 5
321 Commercial St, Portland, ME
The price is ฿3,408 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿3,408
฿3,766 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Very conveniently located, quiet and well maintained. The staff was very responsive and friendly."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

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

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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

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