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
$170 nightly
The price is $188 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$188 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! (1,632 reviews)
It was a very nice and comfortable hotel. Walkable to everything. I would stay here agaiin.

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Portland Harbor Hotel
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
$91 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$101 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
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! (1,392 reviews)
Nice hotel close to the Old Port district in Portland. Clean, modern, and great location. Enjoyed our stay!

Reviewed on Oct 20, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$139 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Oct 28 to Oct 29
$154 total
Oct 28 - Oct 29
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,479 reviews)
staff was amazing, room was spotless and comfy, easy to walk downtown

Reviewed on Oct 21, 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
$116 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$128 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
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! (1,222 reviews)
Staff were very helpful

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

4 out of 5
9 Center Street, Portland, ME
$135 nightly
The price is $149 total per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$149 total
Nov 17 - Nov 18
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! (1,026 reviews)
The hotel was clean and modern. The room was comfortable and quiet. We ate at the restaurant 3 times (breakfast twice, dinner once),and the food was always good. The location is good if you want to walk around Old Port. We definitely got our steps in! My only issue was the pillows... we don't like ...

Reviewed on Oct 22, 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
$106 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
$117 total
Nov 10 - Nov 11
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! (1,024 reviews)
Overall it is good!

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Hampton Inn 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 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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