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$584 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$584
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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! (1,591 reviews)
"The sitting area was beautiful. Lawn size games and fire pits in every area like a private camp fire."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 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$572 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$572
per night
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Great location to walk around Downtown Portland!"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
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! (1,427 reviews)
"We were a 3-10 minute from almost everything."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 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$502 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
AU$502
per night
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Great location on historic waterfront"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
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$497 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
AU$497
per night
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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! (1,197 reviews)
"Great location, spacious room, friendly staff, & per friendly! The gym is small but equipment is new - they just need to have towels."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square
Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront

Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront

3 out of 5
321 Commercial St, Portland, ME
The price is AU$406 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$406
per night
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Close to everything!"

Reviewed on 13 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

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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