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

Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square
3 out of 5
433 Fore St, Portland, ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$436 per night from 30 June to 1 July
AU$436
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,145 reviews)
"The location is perfect for a day in the city. Close to everything. The staff was friendly. The free shuttle to the airport was easy to arrange with the service offered 24 hours. I was transported at 3:20 am to the airport saving the cost of an Uber and assured safety at the hour. The gym was under ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun. 2025

Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
20 Milk Street, Portland, ME
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! (1,307 reviews)
"Wow! We went for our anniversary and it was amazing. We had a deluxe rooftop room with a fireplace, balcony, and jacuzzi tub. Great location, friendly staff. 5/5. We will be back!"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Harbor Hotel
4 out of 5
468 Fore Street, Portland, ME
The price is AU$515 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$515
29 June - 30 June
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! (1,527 reviews)
"Gh"

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Portland Harbor Hotel
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
4 out of 5
9 Center Street, Portland, ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$546 per night from 30 June to 1 July
AU$546
30 June - 1 July
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Great modern vibe. Nice rooms, attentive house cleaning, very good valey. Can't best the location either."

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2025

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
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$511 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$511
29 June - 30 June
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Great location. Walking distance to restaurants and businesses."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront
3 out of 5
321 Commercial St, Portland, ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$414 per night from 30 June to 1 July
AU$414
30 June - 1 July
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Great hotel, conveniently located and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 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 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 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 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 East End Beach and Portland Observatory.

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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