Overview
Portland is on a peninsula in Casco Bay on the Southern Maine coast approximately 100 miles (161 km) north of Boston, Massachusetts. It has more than 65,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city in Maine. Portland is a small seaside city with a high concentration of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, tours and many things to see and do. Many people commute to Portland to work, and the city's population significantly increases in the summertime.
14 sights · 8 things to do · 15 places to eat · 15 bars & cafés · 14 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Portland
Portland Observatory
Built in 1807 by Captain Lemuel Moody, this National Historic Landmark is the only existing historic maritime signal station in the United States. Educational tours are offered at the 65 ft tower and you can climb to the…
Portland Museum of Art
Consisting of the historic McLellan House, the L.D.M. Sweat Galleries, and the Payson building designed by I.M. Pei, this museum houses a large collection of Winslow Homer works, as well as 17,000 sculptures, paintings, …
Victoria Mansion
Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is the finest example of residential design from the pre-Civil War era in America. With superb architecture and well-preserved original interiors that were among the…
Deering Oaks
A 51 acres area in Portland with a tennis court, baseball diamond, playground and pond. You can ice skate on the pond in the winter. In the summer, you can enjoy a wading pool and, on Saturday mornings, an extensive farm…
Cross Insurance Arena
The main event space in Portland, this 6,733 seat arena host concerts, expositions, and the Portland Pirates, the minor league affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL).
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum
Founded in 1992 and housed in the former Portland Company and Grand Trunk Railroad yard, the museum features a miscellany of antique and vintage locomotives and objects. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad offers scenic trips al…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Dec. (climate data from nearby Seacoast)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PWM Portland International Jetport, Portland — 2 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PSM Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, Portsmouth — 49 mi away. Directions
Interstate 95. Access from the north and south on the Maine Turnpike (I-95). Many drivers coming from the south take Exit 44 to I-295 into downtown Portland. This exit carries a toll. An alternate route to avoid the toll involves continuing approximately half a mile north on I-95 to Exit 45 (marked for the Maine Mall), exiting, then taking the second exit on the right for I-295. The route is less than a mile out of the way and is toll-free, such that many Portland residents refer to Exit 44 as the "Tourist Exit" because local residents know to avoid the toll.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, Maine Irish Heritage Center and Museum
- Lunch Mr. Bagel
- Afternoon Cross Insurance Arena, Portland by the Foot
- Dinner Arabica
- Evening Aura
Day 2
- Morning Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland Sea Dogs, Western Promenade
- Lunch Local 188
- Afternoon Stroudwater Village, Casco Bay Lines
- Dinner 1 City Center
- Evening The Great Lost Bear
Day 3
- Morning Portland Observatory, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum, Portland Schooner Company
- Lunch Benkay
- Afternoon Eastern Promenade, East End Beach
- Dinner The Front Room Restaurant & Bar
- Evening MaineMeadWorks
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Portland offers a sophisticated restaurant scene, with chefs focused on locally sourced food. The city offers white tablecloth restaurants serving tasting menus to cheap eats selling burritos. The abundance of lobster, haddock, clams, scallops and other seafood allows restaurants to sell these usually expensive items at reasonable prices. In the Old Port and especially on Commercial Street, there are many seafood restaurants. Portland is the most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Maine. This means the city offers up Vietnamese, Thai, Polish, African, Middle Eastern, Greek, Japanese and Indian restaurants. Most of these places are inexpensive and delicious. Being home to many eco-conscious people, Portland offers a number of dining options for vegetarians and vegans. Portland also has the second highest restaurant per capita in the country, second to Seattle.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Get in
By plane
Domestic
Go Portland International Jetport (PWM)
Nonstop flights from and (departures per day and airlines): Atlanta (Delta), Baltimore (Southwest), Charlotte (American), Chicago (United, Southwest on Saturdays), Detroit (Delta), New York-JFK (Jetblue), New York-LaGuardia (Delta), Newark (United), Orlando (Jetblue F Sa Su), Philadelphia (American), Washington-Dulles (United), Washington National (American). Taxis and shuttle bus transfer downtown (5 mi/9 km).
International
Go Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
The Amtrak Downeaster connects Boston to Portland, from Boston's North Station. Concord Coach Lines also offer direct express buses from all terminals at Logan International Airport to Portland without transfer through Boston South Station. (See below under By bus).
By bus
Go Concord Coach Lines (formerly Concord Trailways)
Goes north to University of Maine in Orono along several coastal cities and on another route to University of Maine along I-95 corridor through Augusta and Bangor. Goes south to Boston Logan Airport on one route and an express route to New York on another.
Go Greyhound
Greyhound travels primarily on Interstate 95 between Boston South Station and Bangor (via Porstmouth, Wells, Portland, Lewiston, Augusta and Waterville) and a divergence from Portland to Brunswick on I-295 and then over to Lewiston and then northwards towards Bangor on I-95. Passengers can transfer in Boston, Bangor, or Portsmouth to get to other cities & towns.
By train
- Route stopping at Portland:
- Downeaster operating five or six trains in each direction daily between Brunswick and Boston with stops Freeport, Portland, Old Orchard Beach (seasonal), Saco, Wells, Dover, Durham, Exeter, Haverhill, and Woburn. Travel time to Portland from Boston is 2.5 hours ($25 one, way $39 round trip)
By car
Interstate 95. Access from the north and south on the Maine Turnpike (I-95). Many drivers coming from the south take Exit 44 to I-295 into downtown Portland. This exit carries a toll. An alternate route to avoid the toll involves continuing approximately half a mile north on I-95 to Exit 45 (marked for the Maine Mall), exiting, then taking the second exit on the right for I-295. The route is less than a mile out of the way and is toll-free, such that many Portland residents refer to Exit 44 as the "Tourist Exit" because local residents know to avoid the toll.
U.S. Highway 1 is the more scenic route, while U.S. Highway 302 provides access from West.
By boat
The Cat, a high-speed passenger and auto ferry, operates a route between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Get around
Portland, and Maine in general, does not have an extensive public transportation system, so renting a car is generally the best option. While 5PM traffic can get a little congested, driving in Portland is not a daunting task.
The Old Port and Downtown Arts District areas are very walkable and pedestrian friendly.
By bus
Go Metro
Bus line has a regular schedule, and provides a high level of service for a city of its size. Metro is not the best option for late night socializing; there are numerous taxicab companies. Walking is probably the best option downtown and especially in the Old Port or by the waterfront.
By rental car
Place Avis
Place Enterprise
By Uber
UberX should be available 24/7. It's slightly cheaper than a taxi. Surge pricing generally happens only on Friday and Saturday nights after 1AM when the bars close. UberX is also available to pick up and drop off at the Portland International Jetport.
By taxi
Place Old Port Taxi
By boat
Go Casco Bay Lines
Year-round scheduled ferry service from the Portland waterfront to Peaks, Great Diamond, Little Diamond, Long, Chebeague, and Cliff Islands in Casco Bay, as well as a summer-only daily tourism cruise to Bailey Island. Leashed dogs and bicycles are carried for an additional fee.
See
See Portland Observatory
Built in 1807 by Captain Lemuel Moody, this National Historic Landmark is the only existing historic maritime signal station in the United States. Educational tours are offered at the 65 ft tower and you can climb to the top on your own. Either way, you get great views of the waterfront.
See Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM)
Located next to the Museum of Art, this museum features 3 stories of interactive exhibits, including "Our Town," an area that includes an interactive grocery store, farm, vet and firetruck, and the "Explore Floor," which includes "LL Bear's Discovery Woods" and a mini planetarium. At the top of the building is the Camera Obscura, which offers panoramic views of the city and teaches children about light.
See Victoria Mansion
Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is the finest example of residential design from the pre-Civil War era in America. With superb architecture and well-preserved original interiors that were among the most lavish and sophisticated in their day, it is an unparalleled document of America's highest aspirations in architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts.
See Old Port
Next to the downtown area along Commercial St. next to Casco Bay. The Old Port is filled with neat shops, restaurants, and cafés, and has something of a European feel to it thanks to its many narrow cobbled streets and old brick buildings. Go here to shop and eat at both high-end and casual, local establishments. The Old Port is a great place to take a walk and smell the ocean air.
See Eastern Promenade
A notable street providing amazing views of the Casco Bay and the islands, as well as historic homes. The street also borders green space that is home to walking trails, public tennis courts, swimming options at East End Beach, and, in the warmer months, a range of food trucks.
See Western Promenade
A more residential area where you can see examples of mansions built by wealthy sea captains long ago.
See Deering Oaks
A 51 acres area in Portland with a tennis court, baseball diamond, playground and pond. You can ice skate on the pond in the winter. In the summer, you can enjoy a wading pool and, on Saturday mornings, an extensive farmers' market. Outdoor concerts, Shakespeare in the Park, and the Festival of the Nations take place here as well.
See Fore River Gallery
Located in Portland's historic Old Port, Fore River Gallery is owned and operated by four Maine artists, Elizabeth Prior, Mike M. Marks, TJ McDermott and Liz Marks. Displaying the work they create, they offer a wide range of fine art including jewelry, paintings, sculptures and ceramics.
See Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum
Founded in 1992 and housed in the former Portland Company and Grand Trunk Railroad yard, the museum features a miscellany of antique and vintage locomotives and objects. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad offers scenic trips along the city's East End waterfront including the popular "Pumpkin Train" and "Polar Express" tour during the autumn and winter holiday season.
Do
Do Back Cove
This large inlet connected to the sea by a small canal, has a recreation path over 3 mi (5 km) long and was designed by the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted and lined with linden trees to memorialize World War I dead.
- U.S. Highway 1. Be sure to drive up this scenic coast-hugging road whether on a clear or foggy day.
Do Portland Hearts of Pine ("Hearts")
Hearts of Pine is Portland's soccer team playing in USL League 1. "Hearts" have already gained a reputation as one of the best supported clubs in the US at any level. Matches at Fitzpatrick Stadium (aka "Fort Fitzy") usually sell out, though tickets are available on the secondary market. For real hardcore soccer fans, look to buy in the supporters' sections (118-119-120)--fans here stand and sing throughout the match and flags sometimes impact visibility from time to time. However, even the other seats at the stadium offer a tremendous experience.
Buy
The Old Port
The Old Port is nestled against the busy port and home to 19th century streets filled with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The district sells everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry and designer jeans to best-selling books and surf boards. The Movies is a small independent movie theater on Exchange Street and The Nickelodeon is a larger theater on Temple Street. Fore Street and Wharf Street offer a number of bars and the area fills with partiers on Friday and Saturday nights in the summer. The Casco Bay Ferry to the islands leaves from Commercial Street. The Narrow Gauge Railway and Museum is located off Commercial Street.
Shop Simply Scandinavian
Store that sell only Scandinavian food, clothing, toys, books, art, decorations, etc.
The Arts District
The Arts District centers around Congress Street, which runs through the center of the city. The Portland Museum of Art sits in Congress Square across from the Eastland Park Hotel and next to the Children's Museum of Maine. Galleries abound in the Arts District, as do restaurants and watering holes. The Maine College of Art, which houses the Institute of Contemporary Art, and SPACE Gallery are both located on Congress Street. The music venue One Longfellow is located on Congress where it enters the West End and the Portland Stage Company is housed among a cluster of galleries at the top of Forest Avenue, near Congress. Congress street is home to an L.L. Bean outlet store and in Monument Square you can find a permanent farmers' market called the Public Market House. On Wednesdays between May and November other local farmers sell local produce and flowers and in the square.
The Arts District includes more businesses that cater to local residents, but there are also several great used books and music shops:
Shop Yes Books
Overflowing with used books, including a behind-the-shelf collection of rare and valuable volumes.
The East End
The East End includes India Street, Middle Street, Washington Avenue and Congress Street as it heads up Munjoy Hill. This neighborhood contains many restaurants, galleries and small shops. At the top of Munjoy Hill is the Portland Observatory and the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center.
Eat
Portland offers a sophisticated restaurant scene, with chefs focused on locally sourced food. The city offers white tablecloth restaurants serving tasting menus to cheap eats selling burritos. The abundance of lobster, haddock, clams, scallops and other seafood allows restaurants to sell these usually expensive items at reasonable prices. In the Old Port and especially on Commercial Street, there are many seafood restaurants. Portland is the most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Maine. This means the city offers up Vietnamese, Thai, Polish, African, Middle Eastern, Greek, Japanese and Indian restaurants. Most of these places are inexpensive and delicious. Being home to many eco-conscious people, Portland offers a number of dining options for vegetarians and vegans. Portland also has the second highest restaurant per capita in the country, second to Seattle.
Eat Becky's Diner
A fixture of the working waterfront. Becky's is a well-loved greasy spoon that starts serving breakfast a 5AM. Fisherman and other waterfront workers start their early days here. On the weekends you can also find many people ending their nights with pancakes and famous homefries. Bumper stickers can be seen all over town reading, "Becky's Diner -- Nothing Finah".
Eat Flatbread Co.
Right on the water with one of the best views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay in town, a fun and funky staff that toss your pie in a wood-fired clay oven. Flatbread is a great place to go for a fun night out in the old port and also family friendly. It offers organic food and many vegetarian and vegan offerings.
Eat Fore Street Restaurant
This place is reserved weeks and sometimes months in advance. But, you can get in just about any night if you arrive at opening about 5PM and get on the list for their open seating. It is worth it. Start looking for it early, some people drive past this place three or four times before finding it and ask where it is when they are right in front of it. Very small sign. It's located on the south side of Fore Street between Franklin and Pearl streets, and is to the right of the Bangor Savings Bank / Baker Newman Noyes building. If you see the private garage on the first floor of the bank building, you'll notice a staircase to the right, and then a one-story building that doesn't remind you of a restaurant.
Eat Ribollita
Excellent Italian food. Fresh pasta, creative specials and the best mussels in Portland!
Eat Susan's Fish and Chips
Known for its large portions, freshness, and those reasonable prices.
Eat Gilbert's Chowder House
Taste great New England Clam Chowder here.
Eat The Front Room Restaurant & Bar
A neighborhood restaurant started in the first floor of an apartment building on Munjoy Hill near the Eastern Prom, chef Harding Lee Smith's restaurant is getting an excellent reputation off the Hill as well. Excellent food for a good price, with a small bar available. The kitchen is in plain view from the seating area, and that's just the way the owner likes it. Weekend evenings will involve a wait, and the waiting area is rather limited.
Eat Arabica
Chess can be played here. Coffee, biscotti.
Eat Benkay
Classic sushi bar on the Waterfront.
Eat Local 188
Bohemian elegance with locally produced food and a great wine list.
Eat 1 City Center
Dunkin', Donuts and other food places are here.
Eat Old Port Sea Grill and Raw bar
Fresh seafood, simply prepared and one of the largest raw oyster selections in the area.
Drink
Portland, and especially the Old Port, has a reputation for many bars and pubs of varying caliber. From bars for longshoremen and lobster men, to pub serving micro-brews brewed on-site, to night clubs, there's something for everyone.
In addition there are numerous bars and clubs along Wharf Street a cobblestoned alley in the Old Port.
Drink The Great Lost Bear
Located outside of Old Port, this is a must for the discerning beer drinker. With over fifty beers on tap, "The Bear" has gained national renowned for the variety, quality, and depth of its local and imported brews. Extensive pub menu with everything from burgers to vegan chili.
Drink The Top of the East
Located in the Eastland Hotel, it offers impressive views of the city and top-shelf libations.
Drink Gritty McDuffs
Brew pub and good micro brews.
Drink Ri Ra's Irish Pub
Irish pub with Irish food and live entertainment.
Drink Three Dollar Deweys
German beer hall atmosphere in the Old Port.
Drink Geno's
Rock club featuring original local and regional rock acts in the Punk, Metal, Hardcore, etc, genres.
Drink Amigo's
Inexpensive drinks and Mexican food with a nice fenced-in outdoor patio and bands on weekends in the summer.
Drink Blue
Live music in a casual beer and wine bar setting.
Drink Novare Res Bier Café
The place in Portland for Beer. More than 300 bottles, 25 constantly rotating taps with rare beers, single malt scotch, wines, tequila, meats, cheeses, and small plates. Novare Res features a large expansive deck with table service, a large bar area, proper glassware, and a cozy brick building basement feel.
Drink Old Port Sea Grill and Raw bar
Beautiful locally made concrete bar, flat screen tvs, full bar, specialty cocktail list, wine list, and in the old port.
Microbreweries
Drink Gritty McDuff's Brewing Co.
Wineries
Drink MaineMeadWorks
Small winery making hand-crafted meads(wines made with honey) using 100% Maine wildflower honey and other local ingredients. Complimentary tasting and tour available on site.
Sleep
Hostels
Hotels
Stay Portland Regency Hotel and Spa
In the Old Port waterfront district. The building dates back to 1895 and includes exquisite turret rooms, working fireplaces and ornate brickwork. Sauna, therapeutic steam room and Jacuzzi. Beautiful chandeliers, towering windows and a working brick fireplace set the mood of the Portland Regency's premier steakhouse.
Bed and breakfast
Stay safe
In keeping with Maine's reputation as a relatively crime-free U.S. state, there is no place in Portland a visitor should feel like they shouldn't visit during the day. As in any city, be alert in areas that are not well lit at night or deserted. Act with common sense and you should have no trouble.
Maine state liquor laws require all bars to close promptly at 1AM. The Old Port's numerous bars empty into the street at this time. Some rowdiness is to be expected, but there is always an increased police presence on busy nights.
Go next
- South Portland
- Falmouth. A northern suburb of Portland, offering Mackworth Island, an island with a pleasant hiking trail.
- Bailey Island/Orrs Island Home of the world's only cribstone bridge, allowing water to flow through uninterrupted.
- Old Orchard Beach, a beach resort town reminiscent of the Jersey Shore. 19 mi south of Portland.
- Freeport, home of L.L. Beans and many outlet stores.
- Kennebunkport 30 mi south, charming fishing village offers beaches, antiques and a sneak peek at George H.W. Bush's summer estate.
- Cape Elizabeth for beaches and lighthouses.
- Saco on Route 1 south of the city has an amusement park (FunTown USA), waterpark (Aquaboggin), IMAX and a variety of tourist shops and restaurants.
Nearby
South Portland
City / town · 12 listings · 2 mi away
Mackworth Island
Park · 3 mi away
Peaks Island
City / town · 9 listings · 4 mi away
Great Diamond Island
Rural area · 5 listings · 4 mi away
Westbrook
City / town · 13 listings · 5 mi away
Falmouth
City / town · 7 listings · 5 mi away
Long Island
City / town · 9 listings · 5 mi away
Scarborough
City / town · 5 listings · 7 mi away
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