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

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

4 out of 5
9 Center Street, Portland, ME
The price is AU$377 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
AU$377
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,017 reviews)
"It was the perfect location - walkable distance from all the restaurants, bars, coffee shops, art district, ferry, etc. Great rooftop and downstairs restaurant/lounge."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Portland Harbor Hotel

Portland Harbor Hotel

4 out of 5
468 Fore Street, Portland, ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$404 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$404
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,598 reviews)
"Clean, nice location, walkable area & nice VIP perk… bottle of Coppola wine."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
20 Milk Street, Portland, ME
The price is AU$285 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$285
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,439 reviews)
"Lovely historical hotel right in the heart of Portland’s old port area. Charming!"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

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 AU$265 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$265
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,207 reviews)
"Disappointed that they charge extra for breakfast. Been using Hyatt and Hyatt Place’s for years and was never asked before to pay for breakfast."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$287 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$287
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,023 reviews)
"Front desk associates weren’t overly helpful on local sites and recommendations for dinners etc. Valet service and restaurant employees were excellent ."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 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$294 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$294
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,006 reviews)
"The remote for the TV in the bar did not work; no bottled water was provided; and parking was more expensive than advertised. Other than that, we enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 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 Merrill Auditorium.

Downtown Portland
Portland Museum of Art showing 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 Cross Insurance Arena or Portland Museum of Art 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 Cross Insurance Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Bayside
Portland which includes 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 which includes a bay or harbour, kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views

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
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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 East End Beach and Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal.

Munjoy Hill


Old Port Travel Guide

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