Portland is Maine’s largest city and one of the most exciting small cities in America. A compact, walkable peninsula jutting into Casco Bay, Portland has earned a national reputation for its extraordinary food scene, thriving arts community, and authentic New England character. With more restaurants per capita than any other US city except San Francisco, Portland is a destination in its own right.
The Old Port
Portland’s Old Port district is the heart of the city’s social life — a grid of 19th century brick warehouses transformed into restaurants, bars, boutiques, and galleries. Exchange Street is the main artery, lined with independent shops and some of the city’s best restaurants. The working waterfront is steps away, where fishing boats still unload their catch and ferries depart for the Calendar Islands of Casco Bay.
Food & Drink
Portland’s food scene is the reason many people visit. James Beard Award winners and nominees call Portland home, and the city’s restaurant concentration is remarkable. Highlights include Eventide Oyster Co. for the best oysters on the East Coast, Duckfat for legendary Belgian fries and paninis, and Hugo’s for creative tasting menus. The craft beer scene is equally impressive with breweries like Allagash, Rising Tide, and Bissell Brothers all located in the city.
Arts & Culture
The Portland Museum of Art holds an outstanding collection of American and European art with particular strength in Maine artists like Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth. The Victoria Mansion is one of the finest examples of Victorian Italianate architecture in the country. The city’s Arts District on Congress Street is home to galleries, performance spaces, and the historic Merrill Auditorium.
Getting to Portland
Portland International Jetport (PWM) offers direct flights to major hubs. By car, Portland is 2 hours north of Boston on I-95. Amtrak’s Downeaster train connects Portland to Boston’s North Station with several daily departures, making it an easy car-free weekend trip from Boston.
Best Restaurants in Portland, Maine
Portland has earned a national reputation as one of America’s great food cities — remarkable for a town of its size. Fore Street on Fore Street is the restaurant that put Portland on the culinary map, with its wood-fired oven and commitment to local ingredients. Eventide Oyster Co. is a must for seafood lovers — their brown butter lobster roll is legendary. Scales on the working waterfront offers exceptional seafood in a stunning setting. For something more casual, Highroller Lobster Co. serves creative lobster rolls in the heart of the Old Port. Standard Baking Co. is Portland’s beloved bakery — arrive early for croissants and pastries that rival anything in Paris.
Best Hotels in Portland, Maine
Portland’s hotel scene has expanded dramatically in recent years. The Press Hotel is the city’s most celebrated boutique property — housed in a former newspaper building with stunning design and a great bar. The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa occupies a historic armory building in the heart of the Old Port and is one of the city’s most beloved properties. Portland Harbor Hotel offers full-service amenities steps from the waterfront. For those who prefer a more residential feel, Inn by the Sea in nearby Cape Elizabeth offers a luxurious coastal retreat with direct beach access.
Things to Do in Portland, Maine
Portland rewards exploration on foot. The Portland Museum of Art is one of New England’s finest, with an exceptional collection of American and European works including a strong collection of Maine artists. Victoria Mansion is a stunning example of Victorian architecture and one of the best-preserved Italianate villas in the country. The Eastern Promenade Trail offers spectacular views of Casco Bay and the islands. Casco Bay Lines Ferry runs regular service to the calendar islands, making a day trip to Peaks Island or Chebeague Island a perfect Portland excursion.
Portland Craft Beer & Breweries
Portland has one of the highest concentrations of breweries per capita in the country. Shipyard Brewing Company is Maine’s largest craft brewer and offers tours and tastings at their Portland facility. The Allagash Brewing Company, Bissell Brothers, and Foundation Brewing have all helped cement Portland’s reputation as a world-class beer destination. The city’s craft beer scene is concentrated in the East Bayside neighborhood, making a brewery crawl easy and walkable.
Portland with Kids
Portland is an excellent family destination. The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine offers hands-on exhibits and performances perfect for younger visitors. Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light — one of the most photographed lighthouses in America — is a must-visit, with expansive grounds perfect for picnics and exploration. Portland Paddle offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals on the Eastern Promenade, perfect for families with older kids.
Day Trips from Portland
Portland’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring southern and midcoast Maine. Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are just 30 minutes south, offering beautiful beaches and the charm of a classic Maine coastal town. Freeport and L.L. Bean are 20 minutes north. Camden and the Midcoast are about 90 minutes up Route 1. Old Orchard Beach, with its classic amusement pier and wide sandy beach, is just 15 minutes south.