Old Port
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The Old Port's fishing piers, cobbled streets, and historic brick buildings will transport you back in time. But the energy of the area is anything but old. It has a buzzing food scene, especially at night when locals and tourists pack into its restaurants and bars. Don't leave without having a taste of the fresh seafood in the area. Grab the ultimate lobster roll along the waterfront's Commercial Street or snag a table at any of its amazing seafood restaurants.
From the port, you can take a ferry to explore the secluded islands in Casco Bay.
– Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Restaurants
470 within 5 kms
Attractions
212 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- HgtravlMarlton, New Jersey1,651 contributionsLove Old PortSeriously love Old Port. Spend a entire day here exploring the beautiful location. So many beautiful buildings, scenes and wonderful shops. The BEST places to dine in Portland are around here. Such a wonderful VIBEVisited November 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 February 2023
- TWBCincinnati, Ohio2,464 contributionsOld Port RocksWe had one day to tour Portland and after researching, chose to explore Old Port. Fantastic decision. You can see a good bit here in a day, days would be good for me too. Beautiful buildings, streets, waterfronts. Enough pubs, restaurants and shopping to keep you otherwise. Parking was tricky, but we knew that going in. We parked at a lower priced lot next to Lincoln Park for the first half of the day, then when that lot closed we relocated and paid more for the last few hours of the day which shaved off enough to buy us dinner.Visited September 2022Written 8 June 2023
- Shane WBrooklyn, Iowa58 contributionsNot our thing.We went in search of a lobster roll since we were in Portland. That part was fine- but afterwards we decided to stroll the much talked about Old Port. Honestly, it’s just a bunch of shops/businesses. You may find a good restaurant but if shopping is not your thing then it’s pretty underwhelming.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 June 2023
- NHjoSaco, Maine8,458 contributionsA mix of historic charm and grit.I go to Old Port a lot since I live only a 10-minute drive away and friends and visiting family love to go here. It's a great place to see for the historic architecture, restaurants, bakeries, brew pubs, bars, shops, art galleries, cobblestoned streets, entertainment, tours, waterfront, and overall charm. Yes, the traffic and parking during the busy tourist season can be a challenge, but it's really not that bad.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 18 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,294 reviews
Excellent
730
Very good
421
Average
114
Poor
20
Terrible
9
Mark M
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Not what we thought it would be like. It was very run down. Not very tourist friendly at all. We were expecting a historic little town with tons of unique shops as stated in reviews. I will say that the lighthouse was amazing.
We stopped in Portsmouth NH on the way back to CT. It’s exactly what we thought Portland Maine would be.
We stopped in Portsmouth NH on the way back to CT. It’s exactly what we thought Portland Maine would be.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tammyBaltimore_Md
Baltimore, MD2,335 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Nice streets to explore off main street downtown, just be careful walking can be a little tricky in spots.
Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NHjo
Saco, ME8,458 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
I go to Old Port a lot since I live only a 10-minute drive away and friends and visiting family love to go here. It's a great place to see for the historic architecture, restaurants, bakeries, brew pubs, bars, shops, art galleries, cobblestoned streets, entertainment, tours, waterfront, and overall charm. Yes, the traffic and parking during the busy tourist season can be a challenge, but it's really not that bad.
Written 18 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shane W
Brooklyn, IA58 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We went in search of a lobster roll since we were in Portland. That part was fine- but afterwards we decided to stroll the much talked about Old Port. Honestly, it’s just a bunch of shops/businesses. You may find a good restaurant but if shopping is not your thing then it’s pretty underwhelming.
Written 21 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaureenBostonMA
Boston, MA12 contributions
Jun 2023
Old Port is a must-see if you're travelling to Portland. There was a very good band playing in the public plaza when we were there this June.
Written 20 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TWB
Cincinnati, OH2,464 contributions
Sep 2022
We had one day to tour Portland and after researching, chose to explore Old Port. Fantastic decision. You can see a good bit here in a day, days would be good for me too. Beautiful buildings, streets, waterfronts. Enough pubs, restaurants and shopping to keep you otherwise. Parking was tricky, but we knew that going in. We parked at a lower priced lot next to Lincoln Park for the first half of the day, then when that lot closed we relocated and paid more for the last few hours of the day which shaved off enough to buy us dinner.
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clarabellenh
Pembroke, NH286 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
My friend and I still try to get together twice a year to celebrate our birthdays. This year went decided to go to Old Port in Portland, Maine for part of our day trip. Dimillo's was our lunch destination but we weren't sure of parking. We visited on a Wednesday around 11 a.m. on a questionable but comfortable weather day.
We pulled into the Dimillo's parking lot and asked about their rates. They offered free parking up to 3 1/2 hours. How cool is that!!??!!
We toured the cobblestone streets and visited to unique shops. Everyone we came in contact with were super helpful as we searched for a tide clock.
Everything about Dimillo's was super from the staff to the meal.
Such a wonderful but too short day trip!
We pulled into the Dimillo's parking lot and asked about their rates. They offered free parking up to 3 1/2 hours. How cool is that!!??!!
We toured the cobblestone streets and visited to unique shops. Everyone we came in contact with were super helpful as we searched for a tide clock.
Everything about Dimillo's was super from the staff to the meal.
Such a wonderful but too short day trip!
Written 25 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoe
Bainbridge Island, WA8 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
There were only few places left for parking. The price you pay is too much. Old port itself is not that exciting.
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hgtravl
Marlton, NJ1,651 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Seriously love Old Port. Spend a entire day here exploring the beautiful location. So many beautiful buildings, scenes and wonderful shops. The BEST places to dine in Portland are around here. Such a wonderful VIBE
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sinatralis
Rocky River, OH698 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Nice area for walking and see some of the older buildings and shops. Cobblestones in many of the areas so have good walking shoes. Parking can be a huge challenge so be prepared and it’s expensive as well.
Written 18 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this area within walking distance of the AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront???
NHjo
Saco, ME8,458 contributions
It's about a 3-minute walk.
Hgtravl
Marlton, NJ1,651 contributions
Parking? Were to park to find the shops at? Thank you
Portland Old Port
Portland, ME12 contributions
There are two major parking garages in the old port, one on Fore St. and one on Pearl St. They are near all of the stores.
Peggy R
Tallahassee, FL30 contributions
Dining reps for downtown area on foot.
aebcpama
Lenox, MA191 contributions
EVO on Fore St was excellent and fun, small plates, eclectic food, good beer and wine, little pricey but worth it.
Central Provisions on Fore St also was a good one
and Andy's down on Commercial St.
Tina W
Strongsville, OH139 contributions
Would this area be dog friendly for walking around?? We will be there early June 2019. Thanks
mainemountainbear
Texas Gulf Coast, TX1,191 contributions
So much depends on the dog and on what you want to do while you are in the Old Port. The Old Port area is famed for its diverse places to shop, dine, and drink. A dog may more OK for some, less OK for others. Exchange Street, in Old Port's heart, has two pocket parks; another is on Commercial Street near Casco Bay Lines. In high season, local summer traffic can be intense at times, both on sidewalks and on streets, and it's not limited just to rush hour times, but extends well into evenings. Early June should be a little less thronged than other summer months. Best of luck to you!
dstertz
Kansas City, MO147 contributions
Hello. Myself and two other adults are visiting this Sept. Any casual dining recommendations? Our itinerary includes flying into Manchester NH and traveling through Portland and Bangor. We like lighthouses, beaches and historic buildings or areas. Thank you in advance.
Dyanne D
60 contributions
You'll have a wonderful time in Bangor as well as Portland. There are trolleys in Portland that do a combination 1-2 hour trolley trip through the historic spots of Portland which are tremendously informative and cover the entire town in an open-air trolley. They do a short 15 minute stop at one of the best lighthouses surrounded by wonderful gardens... you can even get a lobster roll there at one of the food stands. Then, the boat trip provides a cruise which shows you all of the lighthouses from the ocean-side. It has clean bathrooms, a bar with mixed drinks/beer/wine/soft drinks and light snacks. You can sit outside or inside. In all cases, the views are great. Check my reviews on Portland and Bangor for more details.
Best hotel in old port?
Navigate824593
41 contributions
I visited Portland Maine at the beginning of October (2018) and stayed in the Holiday Inn by the bay, it was fabulous and all the staff were friendly and helpful, we had a fridge and a microwave in our room, which was helpful as we stayed their for a week
Ricardo Varona
Seminole, FL313 contributions
cousins maine lobster
Gaetano A
Malton, UK709 contributions
To give a proper answer this traveller must make his question clearer.
travel97Alabama
Alabama20 contributions
Are shops and restaurants in old port open by April 26, 2018
Sheryl F
14 contributions
Yes they are!
lindamir
US43 contributions
Is this an area to visit at night, as well? How late do stores stay open? Thanks!
Jenna C
Tenants Harbor, ME174 contributions
Shops are open later. Especially in the summer. There are a lot of local places all throughout the old port. Tons of restaurants which a lot are open late as well. Good night life as well. Whether you want to go to a pub or dancing it's down there.
theused72588
boca raton305 contributions
Most is ADA with some effort ie cobble stones, not great door thresholds but probably mangable.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Old Port
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Old Port:
- Old Port Culinary Walking Tour from Portland (From ₹ 11,669.72)
- A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland (From ₹ 4,083.86)
- The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local (From ₹ 5,168.39)
- Old Port "Seafood Lovers" Walking Lunch Tour in Portland, Maine (From ₹ 12,504.17)
- Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine (From ₹ 2,917.64)
- Hotels near Old Port:
- (0.00 km) Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
- (0.16 km) Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront
- (0.24 km) The Docent's Collection
- (0.22 km) Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
- (0.14 km) Luxury Old Port Penthouse Suite w/Stunning Harbor Views. Parking. Safe + Secure.
- Restaurants near Old Port:
- (0.00 km) Hilton Garden Inn Restaurant
- (0.02 km) Port 65
- (0.03 km) Standard Baking Co.
- (0.05 km) Rà Rá
- (0.08 km) Flatbread Company
- Attractions near Old Port:
- (0.04 km) Maine Brews Cruise
- (0.04 km) Maine Beer Tours
- (0.06 km) Rita B. Offshore Fishing
- (0.12 km) The Real Portland Tour
- (0.14 km) Portland Explorer