Bangor Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A church with a white steeple and red brick walls, surrounded by autumn-colored trees.
A river with clear blue water, surrounded by autumn-colored trees and rocky terrain.
A red brick building with white window frames and a sign that reads "STANDARDCHO."
A rural road with houses and autumn foliage.
A street lined with buildings, a tree with yellow leaves, and a clear blue sky.

Walk through the historic streets of the home of horror writer Stephen King and discover heritage buildings, museums and a beautiful countryside.

The city of Bangor is one of Maine’s major cultural and historical sites. The Penobscot River runs through the municipality in the centre of the state. Find many historic monuments in the middle of the city, where most buildings date back to the 19th century. The area surrounding the city is picturesque countryside with many lakes.

Bangor is home to horror writer Stephen King. It has been the setting of many of his novels, in particular that of It.

Visit the Bangor Public Library. It was established in 1830 with a collection of seven books. Explore the impressive structure and gaze up at the elegant dome in the ceiling.

See the Thomas Hill Standpipe, a large 19th-century metal tank that is the oldest standpipe in the region. Climb to the promenade deck to enjoy panoramic views of Bangor. The 50-foot (15-metre) standpipe can be seen from most of the city due to its height and elevated position.

Browse the eclectic art collection at the University of Maine Museum of Art with more than 3,800 works by artists such as David Hockney and Pablo Picasso. Established in 1946, the museum focuses on 20th-century American art.

Families will enjoy the largest children’s museum in the state, the Maine Discovery Museum. Take part in interactive activities that educate kids about science. There are also informative exhibits that teach children about art and music.

Inspect antiques at the Cole Land Transportation Museum. Learn about the progression from horses to trucks. The site is home to early tractors, snowmobiles and other historic vehicles.

Music festivals abound in Bangor. August features the Kahbang discovery celebration of music, film and arts. Later in the month, enjoy traditional music and dance performances as well as food and crafts at the American Folk Festival.

Fly into Bangor International Airport or reach the city by bus from other major cities in Maine. Within Bangor, get around using the inexpensive local bus service, The Bat. Consider renting a car to explore the surrounding area, including the scenic Baxter State Park.

Our guide on where to stay in Bangor

Find the best Bangor areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Bangor

While visiting Downtown Bangor, you might make a stop by sights like Waterfront Park and Maine Discovery Museum.

Little City

When in Little City, you can plan a visit to Penobscot River and Waterfront Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Market Square Historic District

While West Market Square Historic District isn't home to many top sights, Penobscot River and Waterfront Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Great Fire of 1911 Historic District

A noteworthy feature of Great Fire of 1911 Historic District is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out University of Maine Museum of Art and Bangor Farmers Market.

High Street Historic District

While there might not be top attractions in High Street Historic District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Waterfront Park and Penobscot River.

Country Inn at The Mall

Country Inn at The Mall

2 out of 5
936 Stillwater Avenue Bangor ME
The price is AU$217 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
AU$217
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,408 reviews)
"Everything was good and as described. I wouldn't say the breakfast is exceptional like some other reviewers. It's good, has hot options and whatnot, but it's still a normal hotel hot breakfast--good, but it doesn't have exceptional things like berries or non-instant oatmeal, or freshly baked muffins, ..."

Reviewed on 17 July 2026

Country Inn at The Mall
Bangor Grande

Bangor Grande

2.5 out of 5
357 Odlin Rd Bangor ME
The price is AU$195 per night from 21 July to 22 July
AU$195
21 July - 22 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a free airport shuttle and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.2/10 Very good! (2,266 reviews)
"Room Easter clean and beds comfortable."

Reviewed on 14 July 2026

Bangor Grande
Hollywood Casino Bangor

Hollywood Casino Bangor

3 out of 5
500 Main Street Bangor ME
The price is AU$271 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$271
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bangor. Enjoy a casino, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,467 reviews)
"Always a good stay. Always clean and fun."

Reviewed on 17 July 2026

Hollywood Casino Bangor
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.
Charming studio in Bangor  Maine on Broadway park.

Charming studio in Bangor Maine on Broadway park.

Bangor ME
Stay at this apartment in Bangor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Maine Savings Amphitheater and Hollywood Casino at Bangor ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"Everything was great! Very cozy little place and was perfect for our time in Bangor. Location was close to all restaurants. They provided everything you could think of in the kitchen to cook. I highly recommend."

Reviewed on 16 July 2026

Charming studio in Bangor Maine on Broadway park.
Updated house close to downtown and the airport.

Updated house close to downtown and the airport.

Bangor ME
Stay at this holiday home in Bangor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Maine Savings Amphitheater and Hollywood ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (25 reviews)
"We were there for 1 night for graduation at Umaine very comfortable space light and bright. Quiet and everything we needed."

Reviewed on 9 May 2026

Updated house close to downtown and the airport.
Lake Side Guest Suite

Lake Side Guest Suite

Hermon ME
Stay at this cottage in Bangor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hermon Mountain and The Sports Arena are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"The unit was clean and spacious for 4 people, cozy atmosphere, lake view was beautiful from our unit. Fairly easy to find gps took us right to it. Our stay was focused around Bangor which was within a half hour."

Reviewed on 30 June 2026

Lake Side Guest Suite
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.

Stay near popular Bangor attractions