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$278 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$278
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (1,465 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay. Right in downtown old port. Valet parking was easy and convenient. Walked to shops and restaurants. Staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 1 Mar. 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$266 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
AU$266
includes taxes & fees
3 Mar - 4 Mar
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! (1,242 reviews)
"Wonderful experience! Amazing staff! One of my favorite hotels to stay at ever!"

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2025

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
4 out of 5
9 Center Street, Portland, ME
The price is AU$256 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$256
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (924 reviews)
Solo traveler
"The staff was very nice. It’s located in a great spot walking distance to shops restaurants the harbor beds were comfortable room was clean."

Reviewed on 26 Feb. 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$203 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
AU$203
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,101 reviews)
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Reviewed on 1 Mar. 2025

Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
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$184 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
AU$184
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
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)
"Nice clean hotel in the Old Port across the street from the Casco Bay ferry and Maine State Pier. Walkable to many shops and restaurants."

Reviewed on 1 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$191 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
AU$191
includes taxes & fees
20 Mar - 21 Mar
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! (990 reviews)
"Staff was amazing"

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 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, 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

Old Port Travel Guide

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