Old Port Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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
Old Port which includes 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

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
The price is AU$315 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$315
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 coffee shops/cafes, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,472 reviews)
"attractive hotel, fine location"

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2025

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 AU$268 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$268
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (973 reviews)
"Beautiful rooms and common areas."

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2025

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
3 out of 5
433 Fore St, Portland, ME
The price is AU$227 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
AU$227
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,119 reviews)
"Great clean room!!! No breakfast included in rates but available for a price. No other real in-house dining options even though the website states there is."

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
20 Milk Street, Portland, ME
The price is AU$262 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$262
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,240 reviews)
"Very clean fun area"

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

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 AU$210 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
AU$210
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
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! (1,005 reviews)
"The staff at check in were so cheerful and full of food choice recommendations, not just pushing their own dining. One in particular told us about some ‘hidden finds’ and where we could get a light night eat after our concert. I had booked a king room with sofa and we were given the corner suite ..."

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront
3 out of 5
321 Commercial St, Portland, ME
The price is AU$204 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$204
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Convenient and short walking distance to Gabriel’s not so fluffy tour comedy show. Several choices for food. Great hotel, Awesome staff!"

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2025

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, Maine Jewish Museum and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 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 Portland Observatory and East End Beach.

East End
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Munjoy Hill

While Munjoy Hill may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Portland Observatory and East End Beach.

Munjoy Hill

Old Port Travel Guide

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