Downtown Portland, ME

Portland

State Street Church
State Theatre featuring signage
State Theatre featuring interior views
Portland which includes heritage architecture
State Street Church
Known for its culinary delights, inspiring art and live music, the heart of Maine’s largest city is an exciting location.

Bustling Downtown Portland on Casco Bay provides a small-city vibe with big-city amenities. Stroll through art galleries and museums, savor fresh seafood at trendy restaurants or enjoy a craft beer. Wander through Lincoln Park, view a live show at the State Theatre and shop along Congress Street. No matter where you are, the scent of saltwater, the cry of seagulls and the redbrick, 17th-century architecture provide distinct appeal.

Start in the Arts District on Congress Street. Glimpse the historic Merrill Auditorium and large State Theatre concert hall. Walk to the Portland Museum of Art, one of the state’s largest and oldest public art museums, with pieces by Warhol, Monet, Homer and local Maine artists. The collection has more than 18,000 artworks including paintings, photos, sketches, pottery, sculptures, furniture and silverware. While here, purchase a ticket for the seaside home of Winslow Homer in nearby Prouts Neck. The museum provides van service to this restored studio.

Move from artist to poet at the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, operated by the Maine Historical Society. Appreciate its estate furnishings and artifacts from four generations of residents, as well as the extensive Colonial Revival-style garden.

Portland has a dining scene matching much larger cities. Enjoy breweries, cafés, gourmet grocers and bakeries. Take a Maine Foodie Tour through Downtown and nearby Old Port, tasting chocolate, Maine potatoes, chowder, honey and craft beer. Ask your guide for restaurant tips. Check out the ethnic restaurants and coffee shops along Washington Avenue in East Bayside, on the perimeter of Downtown.

If you’re in the area for a Maine Mariners hockey game at Cross Insurance Arena, you’ll find plenty of dining options for before or after the game along Fore Street, between Downtown and Old Port.

Drive to Downtown Portland in 2 hours from Boston. Come see why Portland has become a cultural hub in New England and routinely appears in lists of best places to live in the United States.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Downtown Portland Hotel Deals

Portland Harbor Hotel

Portland Harbor Hotel

4 out of 5
468 Fore Street, Portland, ME
$164 nightly
The price is $181 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$181 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and 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! (1,591 reviews)
"Very nicely appointed hotel in the heart of Portland. The courtyard with fire is a lovely feature. Rooms very comfortable. Coffee maker on our floor wasn't working, but that's my only complaint."

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2025

Portland Harbor Hotel
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

4 out of 5
9 Center Street, Portland, ME
$137 nightly
The price is $152 total per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$152 total
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Total with taxes and 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Pet friendly! And great location."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront

Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront

2.5 out of 5
209 Fore St, Portland, ME
$127 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$140 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Wonderful experience all around!"

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2025

Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront
Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG

Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG

4 out of 5
88 Spring St, Portland, ME
$87 nightly
The price is $96 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$96 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,376 reviews)
"The room seemed very clean and parking was so easy"

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025

Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
20 Milk Street, Portland, ME
$167 nightly
The price is $185 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$185 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,452 reviews)
"Amazing hotel with great bar, walking to restaurants and all attractions"

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2025

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square

Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square

3 out of 5
433 Fore St, Portland, ME
$123 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$136 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and 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 breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,208 reviews)
"Extremely accommodating."

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2025

Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square
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 neighborhoods around Downtown Portland

Old Port featuring a bay or harbor

Old Port

4.5/5(473 area reviews)

Cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings, and fishing piers define this district, offering boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Explore Post Office Park, Tommy's Park with its large mural, and stroll the Eastern Promenade Trail to East End Beach.

Old Port
Portland Museum of Art featuring 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
Great piece of history and food, for the Portland area

West Bayside

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West Bayside and surrounding area, you can visit Merrill Auditorium and Cross Insurance Arena.

West Bayside
Portland which includes a garden

East Bayside

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Bordered by Franklin Street and Washington Avenue, East Bayside offers a community arts venue, Mayo Street Arts, and the relaxing green space of Kennedy Park. Explore nearby Old Port and Munjoy Hill.

East Bayside
Default Image

Parkside

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

While visiting Parkside, you might make a stop by sights like Neal S. Dow House and Fitzpatrick Stadium.

Parkside
Eastern Promenade showing general coastal views, kayaking or canoeing and a bay or harbor

East End

4/5(1 area review)

Though East End might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like East End Beach and Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal.

East End


Downtown Portland, ME

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