Old Port Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Old Port showing a bay or harbour
Old Port showing a bay or harbour
Old Port which includes a bay or harbour and flowers
Old Port which includes street scenes
Old Port featuring a bay or harbour and a sunset

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

Activities


Our pick of the best Old Port Hotel Deals

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! (1,777 reviews)
Location was great, staff was friendly (especially adam at the front desk) but the bed was very uncomfortable, pillows were cheap and deflated, and the whole "resort fee" was very offputting. I would rather just be told a real rate when I book over getting an extra few hundred in charges. The 35$ ...

Reviewed on 23 Feb 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 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,592 reviews)
The staff were Courteous

Reviewed on 25 Feb 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 NZ$173 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
NZ$173
17 Mar - 18 Mar
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! (1,334 reviews)
good typical hotel

Reviewed on 24 Feb 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 NZ$181 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
NZ$181
5 Mar - 6 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! (1,014 reviews)
Friendly and helpful staff!

Reviewed on 24 Feb 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 NZ$259 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
NZ$259
8 Mar - 9 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. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
The hotel is pretty basic, but overpriced. I burned myself (blisters) from hot tea. The staff did not respond until I asked for first aid supplies. Accidents happen, how a company responds decides whether the customer returns. I won’t be returning here.

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront

Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront

3 out of 5
321 Commercial St Portland ME
The price is NZ$182 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
NZ$182
15 Mar - 16 Mar
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! (1,004 reviews)
The receptionist was very rude. Needs to go back to school to learn how to talk to people all she said was your room ready till 3 o’clock very mean she could’ve said happy Valentine’s Day. It won’t be ready till 3 o’clock thank you

Reviewed on 21 Feb 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.

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Other neighbourhoods around Old Port

State Street Church

Downtown Portland

4/5(1 area review)

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 Merrill Auditorium.

Downtown Portland
Charles Q. Clapp House featuring 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 Cross Insurance Arena or Portland Museum of Art 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, Neal S. Dow House and Fitzpatrick Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Parkside


Old Port Travel Guide

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