Old Port Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Old Port which includes a bay or harbour and flowers
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

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$402 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
NZ$402
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"This hotel is in the perfect location to walk to everything around the waterfront. I had a really late check in because of a delayed flight and the staff was very accommodating. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Portland!"

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Harbor Hotel
4 out of 5
468 Fore Street, Portland, ME
The price is NZ$449 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
NZ$449
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 coffee shops/cafes, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,200 reviews)
"One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at"

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 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 NZ$641 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
NZ$641
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (670 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 7 Jun. 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 NZ$463 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
NZ$463
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,117 reviews)
"This hotel was perfect for my wife and I’s first time to Portland. It was extremely clean and you were in walking distance of a lot of things. I would recommend it to anyone."

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2024

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
3 out of 5
433 Fore St, Portland, ME
The price is NZ$570 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
NZ$570
per night
18 Jun - 19 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"We took the hotel shuttle from the airport and could walk everywhere in the old port area. Upgraded breakfast was quite good, with fresh and hot options daily. Just make sure to check your bill when you leave... Breakfast was included in our Expedia booking, but they charged us for it half of our ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jun. 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 NZ$466 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
NZ$466
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Well run , as new , great location! All staff very motivated especially Maurisha on reception who went the extra mile to solve several problems. The lady who made up our room(314) was meticulous and listened to our requests 👍👍"

Reviewed on 29 May 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

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 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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