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Portland is located on a peninsula in Casco Bay on the Southern Maine coast approximately 100 miles (161 km) north of Boston, Massachusetts. It has more than 65,000 inhabitants making it the largest city in Maine. Portland is a small seaside city with a high concentration of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, tours and many things to see and do. Many people commute to Portland to work, and the city's population significantly increases in the summertime.

Understand

Skyline of Portland

Get in

By plane

Domestic

International

  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS IATA). 105 miles (169 km) southwest of Portland. The Amtrak Downeaster connects Boston to Portland, from Boston's North Station. Concord Coach Lines also offer direct express buses from all terminals at Logan International Airport to Portland without transfer through Boston South Station. (See below under By bus) 

By bus

  • Concord Coach Lines (formerly Concord Trailways), Portland Transportation Center @ 100 Thompson Point Rd (Same location as Amtrak off of Exit 5/5a of I-295 and east of the Fore River from the airport.), ☏ +1 207 828-1151, toll-free: +1-800-639-3317. Goes north to University of Maine in Orono along several coastal cities and on another route to University of Maine along I-95 corridor through Augusta and Bangor. Goes south to Boston Logan Airport on one route and an express route to New York on another. (updated Jul 2015)
  • Greyhound, 950 Congress St (Depot), 389 Congress St (City Hall bus stop) (Depot is on Congress St & St John a couple of blocks west of the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in the west end of Portland.), ☏ +1 207 772-6588, toll-free: +1-800-231-2222. Greyhound travels primarily on Interstate 95 between Boston South Station and Bangor (via Porstmouth, Wells, Portland, Lewiston, Augusta and Waterville) and a divergence from Portland to Brunswick on I-295 and than over to Lewiston and then northwards towards Bangor on I-95. Passengers can transfer in Boston, Bangor, or Portsmouth to get to other cities & towns. 
  • Megabus, Portland Transportation Center @ 100 Thompson Point Rd. Portland ME & Boston. (updated Jul 2016)

By train

There are multiple daily Amtrak services to Portland. The Downeaster has seven daily departures (five on weekends) from Boston's North Station, with some trains continuing to Brunswick. The train ride is about 2.5 hours, and a one-way ticket costs only $25. (A same-day round trip ticket is available for only $39.) Kids 15 and under ride for $11. Trains call at 2 Portland Transportation Center, located at 100 Thompsons Point about two miles east of downtown.

By car

Interstate 95. Access from the north and south on the Maine Turnpike (I-95). Many drivers coming from the south take Exit 44 to I-295 into downtown Portland. This exit carries a toll. An alternate route to avoid the toll involves continuing approximately half a mile north on I-95 to Exit 45 (marked for the Maine Mall), exiting, then taking the second exit on the right for I-295. The route is less than a mile out of the way and is toll-free, such that many Portland residents refer to Exit 44 as the "Tourist Exit" because local residents know to avoid the toll.

U.S. Highway 1 is the more scenic route, while U.S. Highway 302 provides access from West.

By boat

  • Harbormaster, ☏ +1 207 772-8121. VHF channels 9,16. City facilities: Public float at State Pier (30 minute tie-up), Ramp & float at East End beach with showers, water. 

The Cat, a high-speed passenger and auto ferry, operated a route between Portland and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2009, and again from 2016 to 2018. After the 2018 season, Bay Ferries, the operator of The Cat, and the city of Portland mutually agreed to end its agreement to operate the route. US Customs and Border Protection required renovations be made to the ferry terminal, which would cost Bay Ferries approximately USD $10 million to undertake. In June of 2018, Bay Ferries and the town of Bar Harbor entered an agreement to return The Cat to the area, ending the Portland-Yarmouth link again.

Get around

Map
Map of Portland (Maine)

Portland, and Maine in general, does not have an extensive public transportation system, so renting a car is generally the best option. While 5 o'clock traffic can get a little congested, driving in Portland is not a daunting task.

The Old Port and Downtown Arts District areas are very walkable and pedestrian friendly.

By bus

  • Metro, 114 Valley St, ☏ +1 207 774-0351. Bus line has a regular schedule, and provides a high level of service for a city of its size. Metro is not the best option for late night socializing; there are numerous taxicab companies. Walking is probably the best option downtown and especially in the Old Port or by the waterfront. 

By rental car

By Uber

In October 2014 UberX launched in Portland and should be available 24/7. It's slightly cheaper than a taxi. Surge pricing generally happens only on Friday and Saturday nights after 1AM when the bars close. UberX is also available to pick up and drop off at the Portland International Jetport.

By taxi

By boat

  • Casco Bay Lines, 56 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207 774-7871. Year-round scheduled ferry service from the Portland waterfront to Peaks, Great Diamond, Little Diamond, Long, Chebeague, and Cliff Islands in Casco Bay, as well as a summer-only daily tourism cruise to Bailey Island. Leashed dogs and bicycles are carried for an additional fee. 
Casco Bay Ferry in the Old Port.

See

Portland Head Light
Deering Oaks Park
  • 1 Portland Observatory, 138 Congress St (on Munjoy Hill), ☏ +1 207 774-5561 ext 104. Memorial Day to Columbus Day, Daily 10-5PM. Built in 1807 by Captain Lemuel Moody, this National Historic Landmark is the only existing historic maritime signal station in the United States. Educational tours are offered at the 65 foot tower and you can climb to the top on your own. Either way, you get great views of the waterfront. $10/adult, $8/concession, $5/child, $30/family. Portland Observatory (Q2105180) on Wikidata Portland Observatory on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2019)
  • 2 Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Sq, ☏ +1 207 775-6148, fax: +1 207 773-7324, . Tu-Th, Sa Su 10AM-5PM, F 10AM-9PM. Memorial Day-Columbus Day: also M 10AM-5PM. Consisting of the historic McLellan House, the L.D.M. Sweat Galleries, and the I.M. Pei Designed Payson building, this museum houses a large collection of Winslow Homer works, as well as 17,000 sculptures, paintings, and objects from the 18th-century onwards. Adults $18, Seniors/Students $15, Youth/Young Adults under 21 are Free. L. D. M. Sweat Memorial Galleries (Q6456404) on Wikidata L. D. M. Sweat Memorial Galleries on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2019)
  • Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), 142 Free St, ☏ +1 207 828-1234, . Tu-Su 10AM-5PM (also M from Memorial to Labor Day). Located next to the Museum of Art, this Museum features 3 stories of interactive exhibits, including "Our Town," an area that includes an interactive grocery store, farm, vet and firetruck, and the "Explore Floor," which includes "LL Bear's Discovery Woods" and a mini planetarium. At the top of the building is the Camera Obscura, which offers panoramic views of the city and teaches children about light. $10. (updated Jan 2018)
  • 3 Portland Head Light and Museum, 1000 Shore Rd, ☏ +1 207 799-2661. Museum 10AM-4PM daily June-Oct; weekends in shoulder seasons. Grounds open daily year round. One of the most scenic lighthouses in the country. Adjacent to Fort Williams, a WWII artillery emplacement. Parking costs $2/hr with a 2hr minimum. Museum $2/adult, $1/child. Grounds free. Portland Head Light (Q2105159) on Wikidata Portland Head Light on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2019)
  • 4 Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth St, ☏ +1 207 772-4841. May-Oct. Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is the finest example of residential design from the pre-Civil War era in America. With superb architecture and well-preserved original interiors that were among the most lavish and sophisticated in their day, it is an unparalleled document of America's highest aspirations in architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts. $10/$3. Victoria Mansion (Q7926852) on Wikidata Victoria Mansion on Wikipedia 
  • Bug Light. Lighthouse across the Fore River in South Portland offers unparalleled views of the Portland skyline and Casco Bay. 
  • Spring Point. Coastal area in South Portland which is home to the old Fort Preble, Spring Point Ledge Light, Portland Harbor Museum and Southern Maine Community College. There is a breakwater extending out into the harbor which is great to fish off of. 
  • Stroudwater Village. Just west of the Portland peninsula is one of Maine's oldest. 
  • Old Port. Next to the downtown area along Commercial St. next to Casco Bay. The Old Port is filled with neat shops, restaurants, and cafés, and has something of a European feel to it thanks to its many narrow cobbled streets and old brick buildings. Go here to shop and eat at both high-end and casual, local establishments. The Old Port is a great place to take a walk and smell the ocean air. 
  • Eastern Promenade. A neighborhood providing amazing views of the Casco Bay and the islands 
  • Western Promenade. A more residential area where you can see examples of mansions built by wealthy sea captains long ago. 
  • 5 Deering Oaks. A 51 acre area in Portland with a tennis court, baseball diamond, playground and pond. You can ice skate on the pond in the winter. In the summer, you can enjoy a wading pool and, on Saturday mornings, an extensive farmers' market. Outdoor concerts, Shakespeare in the Park, and the Festival of the Nations take place here as well. Deering Oaks (Q5250967) on Wikidata Deering Oaks Park on Wikipedia 
  • 6 Willard Beach. In South Portland right across the bridge. Portland itself is not known for its beaches, despite plenty of oceanfront. Willard Beach (Q16903446) on Wikidata Willard Beach on Wikipedia 
  • Portland Sea Dogs, ☏ +1 207 879-9500. Baseball, Hadlock Field. A Boston Red Sox AA affiliate with a Fenway Park replica field. $3-8 (2006). 
  • Cumberland County Civic Center, Middle St, ☏ +1 207 775-3458. Box Office: 9:30 to 5:30. The main event space in Portland, this 6,733 seat arena host concerts, expositions, and the Portland Pirates, the minor league affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) 
  • 7 Fore River Gallery, 87 Market St, ☏ +1 207 791-2723, . Located in Portland's historic Old Port, Fore River Gallery is owned and operated by four Maine artists, Elizabeth Prior, Mike M. Marks, TJ McDermott and Liz Marks. Displaying the work they create, they offer a wide range of fine art including jewelry, paintings, sculptures and ceramics. free. (updated Mar 2018)
  • 8 Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, 58 Fore St, ☏ +1 207 828-0814. Train Schedule On the hour, 10–3 May - Oct: Daily Nov - Feb: Closed/Special Mar - Apr: Weekends. Displays vintage locomotives and offers scenic trips along the waterfront. Train Tickets – All Day Adults - $10; Seniors - $9 Children - $6 (age 3 - 12) Under 3 yrs - free Includes Museum.. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum (Q1885606) on Wikidata Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum on Wikipedia 

Do

  • 1 Back Cove. This large inlet connected to the sea by a small canal, has a recreation path over 3 mi (5 km) long and was designed by the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted and lined with linden trees to memorialize World War One dead. Back Cove (Q4839079) on Wikidata Back Cove (Maine) on Wikipedia 
  • Portland Schooner Company, 40 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207 766-2500, toll-free: +1-87-SCHOONER (72466637). During the summer months you can purchase tickets on the Maine State Pier, right next to the ferry. From 2-hour sails to overnight charters. 
  • Casco Bay Lines, 56 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207 774-7871. Taking a tour of Casco Bay on the ferry is a great way to enjoy Portland from a different perspective. In addition to fishing vessels and cargo and tanker ships, during the Spring and Summer months many sailboats, yachts, and cruise ships provide enjoyment. 
  • U.S. Highway 1. Be sure to drive up this scenic coast-hugging road whether on a clear or foggy day.
  • Lucky Catch Lobster Cruise, 170 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207-761-0941, . 10AM, 12:15PM, 2PM, 3:45PM. Go on a lobster boat for a 90 minute cruise. You can help bait the traps, throw the traps overboard and more. Great for kids. $35/adult, $33/senior, $30/youth, $20/child. (updated Aug 2019)
  • Maine Day Trip, ☏ +1 207 838-5275. Private tours of Southern Maine originating in the Portland Region. This is your opportunity to explore and photograph many of Maine's unique views up close and personal. Your personal tour guide is available year round. 
  • 2 East End Beach. Take a swim at East End Beach on top of Munjoy Hill East End Beach (Q5328296) on Wikidata Munjoy Hill on Wikipedia 
  • Happy Wheels, Warren Ave. A roller-skating rink. 

Buy

  • Fore River Gallery, 613 Congress St (near the intersection of High Street and Congress Street, diagonally from the Portland Museum of Art), ☏ +1 207 791-2723. A fine art gallery displaying the artwork by the owners, Elizabeth and Mike Marks as well as local emerging artists. A wide range of original artwork available to suit everybody's tastes. Paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more. 
  • The Gallery at Toby Rosenberg Pottery, 293 Read St, ☏ +1 207 878-4590. 10AM-6PM. Showcases a full selection of fine Judaica as well as many bowl, pitcher and tray forms of sculptural pottery. Carries an ever changing eclectric variety of Maine artists and craftsmen, including the photography of Michael Barriault. 
  • Caravan Beads, 915 Forest Ave, ☏ +1 207 761-2503. One of New England's largest retail bead stores offering free use of worktables and tools and friendly assistance from the experienced staff. Carries a large selection of Miyuki seed beads, gemstones, freshwater pearls, czech glass, Swarovski crystal, and lots more. 
  • Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours, 170 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207 774-0808. Narrated Trolley Tours of Portland and Lighthouse Cruises of Casco Bay. 

The Old Port

The Old Port is nestled against the busy port and home to 19th century streets filled with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The district sells everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry and designer jeans to best-selling books and surf boards. The Movies is a small independent movie theater on Exchange Street and The Nickelodeon is a larger theater on Temple Street. Fore Street and Wharf Street offer a number of bars and the area fills with partiers on Friday and Saturday nights in the summer. The Casco Bay Ferry to the islands leaves from Commercial Street. The Narrow Gauge Railway and Museum is located off Commercial Street.

  • City Beverage Variety, Exchange St. A small corner store with general goods and snacks as well as a local beer selection, wine, and cigarettes. 
  • Simply Scandinavian. Market St. and Exchange St. Two stores that sell only Scandinavian food, clothing, toys, books, art, decorations, etc. 
  • Bull Moose, 151 Middle St, ☏ +1 207 780-6424. Open 9AM-11PM everyday. Indy retailer of new and used CDs, DVDs, vinyl and video games. 
  • Communiques, 3 Moulton St, ☏ +1 207 773-5181. Brimming with Maine souvenirs & clothing, toys, books, personalized mini-license plates & keychains. 
  • Company C, 123 Commercial St, toll-free: +1-888-780-1232. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM. This home furnishings and decor store sells rugs bedding, and more, all featuring colorful and fun textures and fabrics 
  • Cool As A Moose, 388 Fore St, ☏ +1 207 774-4515. This quintessentially Maine souvenir store sells cool toys, clothes, and other Maine-y gifts 
  • Cross Jewelers, 570 Congress St, ☏ +1 207 773-3107. M-F 9:30AM-5PM (Th until 8PM). A fine retail jewelry store that has been owned in Portland for over 100 years. Sells diamonds & colored-gem jewelry, plus Maine-mined tourmalines. 
  • D. Cole Jewelers, 10 Exchange St, ☏ +1 207 772-5119. Extensive collection of handcrafted jewelry in platinum, gold & silver. 5 jewelers for custom designs. 
  • Decorum, 231 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207 775-3346. Quality restoration, renovation, or new kitchen, bath, door & cabinet hardware, and unique home accessories. 
  • Designs by C.C., 7 Pleasant St, ☏ +1 207 761-9697. Custom jewelry specializing in Maine Tourmaline, other Maine gems & minerals, fossils, glassware & repair. 
  • Edgecomb Potters Gallery, 49 Exchange St, ☏ +1 207 780-6727. Offers fine pottery, jewelry, art & American crafts. 
  • Fetch, 195 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207 773-5450. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM. Portland's original dog & cat supply. Large selection of dog collars, pet clothing, and other fun, high quality products. Profits help animals & the environment. 
  • Holy Donut, 7 Exchange St, ☏ +1 207-775-7776. Su-Th 7AM-5PM, F-Sa 7AM-7PM. Locally made potato donuts. Closes upon selling out. (updated Sep 2019)

The Arts District

The Arts District centers around Congress Street, which runs through the center of the city. The Portland Museum of Art sits in Congress Square across from the Eastland Park Hotel and next to the Children's Museum of Maine. Galleries abound in the Arts District, as do restaurants and watering holes. The Maine College of Art, which houses the Institute of Contemporary Art, and SPACE Gallery are both located on Congress Street. The music venue One Longfellow is located on Congress where it enters the West End and the Portland Stage Company is housed among a cluster of galleries at the top of Forest Avenue, near Congress. Congress street is home to an L.L. Bean outlet store and in Monument Square you can find a permanent farmers' market called the Public Market House. On Wednesdays between May and November other local farmers sell local produce and flowers and in the square.

The Arts District includes more businesses that cater to local residents, but there are also several great used books and music shops:

  • Yes Books, 589 Congress St (near Congress Square), ☏ +1 207 775-3233. Overflowing with used books, including a behind-the-shelf collection of rare and valuable volumes. 
  • Enterprise Records, 650 Congress St (State Theater building), ☏ +1 207 773-7672. Thu-Fri 11-6, Sat-Sun 11-5, closed Mo-We. An LP-only retail store; rock, jazz, reggae, rockabilly, blues, soundtracks, spoken word. 
  • Cunningham Books, 188 State St (in Longfellow Square), ☏ +1 207 775-2246. A slightly-more-organized and spacious used bookstore. 

The East End

The East End includes India Street, Middle Street, Washington Avenue and Congress Street as it heads up Munjoy Hill. This neighborhood contains many restaurants, galleries and small shops. At the top of Munjoy Hill is the Portland Observatory and the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center.

  • Angela Adams. The world headquarters for this designers internationally renowned rugs and home accessories. It is located on Congress Street. 
  • Homegrown Herb & Tea. A tea house on Congress Street offering medicinal tea and custom herbal blends. The owner mixes them according to Ayurvedic medicinal traditions. 
  • Rabelais Books. A bookstore on Middle Street that exclusively sells new, used and rare food-related books. 
  • Ferdinand. A local favorite and sells cards, vintage finds and all sorts of fun stuff "fashioned by ferdinand". 
  • Carlson & Turner Books, 241 Congress St, ☏ +1 207-773-4200. A traditional used/antiquarian book store located at in the East End. Phone is Open 11AM-5PM. Large selection of Used and Rare Books, Prints, Maps, Bookbindery and Letterpress Studio. Located on Congress Street, across from The Eastern Cemetery. Walking distance from The Old Port. 

Eat

Portland offers a sophisticated restaurant scene, with chefs focused on locally sourced food. The city offers white tablecloth restaurants serving tasting menus to cheap eats selling burritos. The abundance of lobster, haddock, clams, scallops and other seafood allows restaurants to sell these usually expensive items at reasonable prices. In the Old Port and especially on Commercial Street, there are many seafood restaurants. Portland is the most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Maine. This means the city offers up Vietnamese, Thai, Polish, African, Middle Eastern, Greek, Japanese and Indian restaurants. Most of these places are inexpensive and delicious. Being home to many eco-conscious people, Portland offers a number of dining options for vegetarians and vegans. Portland also has the second highest restaurant per capita in the country, second to Seattle.

  • Walter's, 2 Portland Sq, ☏ +1 207 871-9258. Located in the Old Port since the summer of 1989, Walter's has an eclectic selection of international fare that features bright menu ideas and creative dishes that fuse Asian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and local influences with an emphasis on pasta and fresh fish. Whenever possible, Walter's uses local purveyors for produce, meats and seafood. Walter's has a nice wine list, spanning the world from Napa, South America, France and Italy to the Land Down Under. They also have spectacularly unique martini offerings, including the Pear, made with fresh pear purée." 
  • 51 Wharf Restaurant & Ultra Lounge, 51 Wharf St, ☏ +1 207 774-1151. This restaurant and ultra lounge is the newest high end place in the Old Port. 51 is a modern restaurant with a contemporary, yet uncomplicated approach to food. With a cozy fireplace for the winter and an open air bar and deck in the summer, this place is the new place to be. 51 Wharf describes their bar as "51's sleek and sexy first floor bar is perfect for wine, cocktails, a bite from the Bar Menu and to people watch! The cozy lounge area with leather furniture is inviting to all. 51 is perfect to enjoy dinner, a quick snack at bar, or share a romantic bottle of wine in the lounge." 
  • Becky's Diner, 390 Commercial St. A fixture of the working waterfront. Becky's is a well loved greasy spoon that starts serving breakfast a 4AM. Fisherman and other waterfront workers start their early days here. On the weekends you can also find many people ending their nights with pancakes and famous homefries. Bumper stickers can be seen all over town reading, "Becky's Diner -- Nothing Finah". 
  • Flatbread Co., 72 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207 772-8777. Right on the water with one of the best views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay in town, a fun and funky staff that toss your pie in a wood-fired clay oven. Flatbread is a great place to go for a fun night out in the old port and also family friendly. It offers organic food and many vegetarian and vegan offerings. 
  • Fore Street Restaurant, 288 Fore St, ☏ +1 207 775-2717. This place is reserved weeks and sometimes months in advance. But, you can get in just about any night if you arrive at opening about 5PM and get on the list for their open seating. It is worth it. Start looking for it early, some people drive past this place three or four times before finding it and ask where it is when they are right in front of it. Very small sign. It's located on the south side of Fore Street between Franklin and Pearl streets, and is to the right of the Bangor Savings Bank / Baker Newman Noyes building. If you see the private garage on the first floor of the bank building, you'll notice a staircase to the right, and then a one-story building that doesn't remind you of a restaurant. 
  • Gorgeous Gelato, 434 Fore St, ☏ +1 207 699-4309. Mon - Thur and Sun 9AM-10PM, Fri - Sat 9AM-11PM. Great authentic gelato, Lavazza espresso and Italian hot chocolate. The owners are a very friendly couple from Milan. 
  • Ribollita, 41 Middle St, ☏ +1 207 774-2972. Excellent Italian food. Fresh pasta, creative specials and the best mussels in Portland! 
  • Sebago Brewing Company, 164 Middle St, ☏ +1 207 775-2337. This brew pub offers 7 unique brews on tap and a wide variety of entrees. There is an upstairs for a more social dining atmosphere and a downstairs for a quieter environment. 
  • Susan's Fish and Chips, 1135 Forest Ave, ☏ +1 207 878-3240. Known for its large portions, freshness, and those reasonable prices. 
  • Gilbert's Chowder House, 92 Commercial St (Old Port District), ☏ +1 207 871-5636. Taste great New England Clam Chowder here. 
  • Fuji, 29 Exchange St, ☏ +1 207 773-2900. Offering a sushi bar, and Hibachi tables, the Japanese cuisine here is delicious. The hibachi tables are a great dining experience, but only open for dinner hours, and the wait can become long. 
  • The Front Room Restaurant & Bar, 73 Congress St, ☏ +1 207 773-3366. A neighborhood restaurant started in the first floor of an apartment building on Munjoy Hill near the Eastern Prom, chef Harding Lee Smith's restaurant is getting an excellent reputation off the Hill as well. Excellent food for a good price, with a small bar available. The kitchen is in plain view from the seating area, and that's just the way the owner likes it. Weekend evenings will involve a wait, and the waiting area is rather limited. 
  • Local Sprouts Cooperative Café, 649 Congress St, ☏ +1 207 899-3529. Offering locally sourced food for meat-eaters, vegans, vegetarians, and those with food allergies, Local Sprouts is cooperatively owned by its workers and is dedicated to creating a just food system with access to healthy, delicious food for all. 
  • Caiola's, Pine St. Small rustic restaurant with an ever changing rural European style menu. Fantastic wine and food, a favorite for local foodies. 
  • Arabica, Free St. Chess can be played here. Coffee, biscotti. 
  • Bill's Pizza (Old Port). Also has sandwiches. can be pricey though. 
  • Benkay, 2 India St, ☏ +1 207 773-5555. Classic sushi bar on the Waterfront. 
  • Local 188, 685 Congress St. Bohemian elegance with locally produced food and a great wine list. 
  • Oh-No Café, 87 Brackett St. Specializing in boutique breakfast sandwiches. 
  • Korea House (formerly Happy Teriyaki), 630 Congress St, ☏ +1 207 771-2000. M-Th 11AM-2:30PM, 5PM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5PM-10PM, Closed Su. Authentic Korean cuisine. $10-15. 
  • Wild Burrito, 574 Congress St, ☏ +1 207 761-1600. Their food is good, very reasonable prices 
  • 1 City Center, Downtown. Dunkin' Donuts and other food places are here. 
  • J's Oyster, 5 Portland Pier, ☏ +1 207 772-4828. 
  • Morning in Paris, 13 Exchange St, Old Port, ☏ +1 207 761-5637. 
  • Mr. Bagel, Congress St. 
  • Stavros, Forest Ave. Great pizza for an affordable price. 
  • Little Caesars. 5 and change gets ya a hot pizza 
  • Old Port Sea Grill and Raw bar, 93 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207 879-6100. Fresh seafood, simply prepared and one of the largest raw oyster selections in the area 
  • Cook's Lobster House, 68 Garrison Cove Rd, ☏ +1 207-833-2818. 11:30-9:00. $8.00-$30.00. 
  • Espo's Trattoria. 

Drink

Portland, and especially the Old Port, has a reputation for many bars and pubs of varying caliber. From bars for longshoremen and lobster men, to pub serving micro-brews brewed on-site, to night clubs, there's something for everyone.

In addition there are numerous bars and clubs along Wharf Street a cobblestoned alley in the Old Port.

  • The Great Lost Bear. Located outside of Old Port, this is a must for the discerning beer drinker. With over fifty beers on tap, "The Bear" has gained national renown for the variety, quality, and depth of its local and imported brews. Extensive pub menu with everything from burgers to vegan chili. 
  • The Top of the East. Located in the Eastland Hotel, it offers impressive views of the city and top-shelf libations. 
  • Comedy Connection, Custom House Wharf, Portland Old Port, ☏ +1 207 774-5554. Occasionally Maine Comedian Bob Marley will have a show. 
  • The Big Easy Blues Club, Market St. Live music in many styles from local, regional and national acts. 
  • Brian Boru, 57 Center St, ☏ +1 207 780-1506. Irish Pub. 
  • Gritty McDuffs, 386 Fore St, ☏ +1 207 772-2739. Brew pub and good micro brews. 
  • Ri Ra's Irish Pub, 72 Commercial S, ☏ +1 207 761-4446. Irish pub with Irish food and live entertainment. 
  • Three Dollar Deweys, 241 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207 772-3310. German beer hall atmosphere in the Old Port 
  • Geno's, 625 Congress St, ☏ +1 207 772-7891. Rock club featuring original local and regional rock acts in the Punk, Metal, Hardcore, etc, genres. 
  • The Asylum, 121 Center St, ☏ +1 207 772-8274. 
  • Amigo's, 9 Dana St. Inexpensive drinks and Mexican food with a nice fenced-in outdoor patio and bands on weekends in the summer. 
  • Blue, 650A Congress St, ☏ +1 207 774-4111. Live music in a casual beer and wine bar setting. 
  • Novare Res Bier Café, 4 Canal Plaza Ste 1, ☏ +1 207 761-2437. The place in Portland for Beer. 300+ bottles, 25 Constantly rotating taps with rare beers, single malt scotch, wines, tequila, meats, cheeses, and small plates. Novare Res features a large expansive deck with table service, a large bar area, proper glassware, and a cozy brick building basement feel. 
  • Old Port Sea Grill and Raw bar, 93 Commercial St, ☏ +1 207 879-6100. Beautiful locally made concrete bar, flat screen tvs, full bar, specialty cocktail list, wine list, and in the old port. 

Microbreweries

Wineries

  • MaineMeadWorks, 51 Washington Ave, ☏ +1 207 773-6323. Small winery making hand-crafted meads(wines made with honey) using 100% Maine wildflower honey and other local ingredients. Complimentary tasting and tour available on site. 

Sleep

Hostels

Hotels

  • Portland Regency Hotel and Spa, 20 Milk St, ☏ +1 207 774-4200, toll-free: +1-800-727-3436, fax: +1 207 775-2150. In the Old Port waterfront district. The building dates back to 1895 and includes exquisite turret rooms, working fireplaces and ornate brickwork. Sauna, therapeutic steam room and Jacuzzi. Beautiful chandeliers, towering windows and a working brick fireplace set the mood of the Portland Regency's premier steakhouse, Twenty Milk Street. (updated Jun 2019)
  • Portland Harbor Hotel, 468 Fore St, ☏ +1 207 775-9090, toll-free: +1-888-798-9090, fax: +1 207 775-9990. Experience old world charm, distinctive design, and impeccable service at one of the newest downtown luxury hotels. The "Eve's At The Garden" restaurant located in the hotel is home to chef Jeff Landry. (updated Jun 2019)
  • Eastland Park Hotel, 157 High St, ☏ +1 207 775-5411, toll-free: +1-888-671-8008, fax: +1 207 775-2872. The "Top of the East" restaurant at the top of the hotel offers a panoramic view of the city, while occasionally offering low-key live performers. (updated Jun 2019)
  • Fairfield Inn Portland Airport, 340 Park Ave, ☏ +1 207 871-0611, fax: +1 207 871-8243. 
  • Holiday Inn, 88 Spring St, ☏ +1 207 775-2311. 
  • Holiday Inn, 81 Riverside St, ☏ +1 207 774-5601. 
  • Motel 6, One Riverside St, ☏ +1 207 775-0111, fax: +1 207 775-0449. 
  • Portland Marriott, 200 Sable Oaks Dr, ☏ +1 207 871-8000. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks offers space for meetings and events, golf course, fitness facilities, as well as dining options. 

Bed and breakfast

Stay safe

In keeping with Maine's reputation as a relatively crime-free U.S. State, there is no place in Portland a visitor should feel like they shouldn't visit during the day. As in any city, be alert in areas that are not well lit at night or deserted. Act with common sense and you should have no trouble.

Maine state liquor laws require all bars to close promptly at 1AM. The Old Port's numerous bars empty into the street at this time. Some rowdiness is to be expected, but there is always an increased police presence on busy nights.

Cope

Radio

Radio stations serving the Portland area include:

  • News/Talk: WMEA 90.1 FM (NPR), WGAN 560 AM/105.5 FM (conservative)

Television

Television stations serving Portland include:

  • WCSH Channel 6: NBC.
  • WMTW Channel 8: ABC.
  • WGME Channel 13: CBS.
  • WMEA Channel 26: PBS.

Consulates

Go next

Bug Light in South Portland
  • Falmouth. A northern suburb of Portland, offering Mackworth Island, an island with a pleasant hiking trail.
  • Bailey Island/Orrs Island Home of the world's only cribstone bridge, allowing water to flow through uninterrupted.
  • Old Orchard Beach, a beach resort town reminiscent of the Jersey Shore. 19 miles south of Portland.
  • Freeport, home of L.L. Beans and many outlet stores.
  • Kennebunkport 30 miles south, charming fishing village offers beaches, antiques and a sneak peek at George H.W. Bush's summer estate.
  • Cape Elizabeth for beaches and lighthouses.
  • Saco on Route 1 south of the city has an amusement park (FunTown USA), waterpark (Aquaboggin), IMAX and a variety of tourist shops and restaurants.
Routes through Portland
Brunswick ← Freeport ←  N  S  → Old Orchard Beach → Boston
Lewiston–Auburn ← Falmouth ←  N  S  → South Portland → Boston
Augusta ← Falmouth ←  N  S  → South Portland → Scarborough
Brunswick ← Falmouth ←  N  S  → South Portland → Portsmouth
Littleton ← Westbrook ←  W  E  → END
Meredith ← Westbrook ←  W  E  → END
END ←  N  S  → South Portland → Scarborough


This city travel guide to Portland is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.


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