Frequently Asked Questions About Portland Maine
Is Portland, Maine a walkable city?
Yes, Portland is a walkable city with a compact Downtown area and other great neighborhoods like the Old Port District near the waterfront.
Where should I stay in Portland, Maine, without a car?
You can stay in any of the main neighborhoods without a car. Still, I recommend the Downtown / Arts District or Old Port neighborhood as they host the biggest attractions in the city plus some great hotels such as The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection.
How many days should I spend in Portland, Maine?
Spending between 3 4 in Portland, Maine, should give you enough time to visit all the attractions in the city and the art museums plus other places like the Portland Head in Cape Elizabeth and South Portland.
What are the bad areas of Portland, Maine?
Most of the areas inside Portland are safe. You should avoid places like Libbytown and NasonsCorner, located just outside of Portland.
Wow! Are you as impressed as I am with this location? The restaurants, shops, and hotels all look so cool! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Portland, Maine.
This post has so many unique hotels, and I know better than anyone how hard it is to make a decision, so here are my top 2 favorite places to help you with the search, both located in Downtown / Arts District:
- The Press Hotel A modern hotel that has a restaurant
- The Westin Portland Harborview A pet-friendly hotel that offers excellent waterfront views
Safe Travels,
Things To See And Do In Nob Hill
- Go for a hike through Forest Park, which is one of the best places to go hiking in Oregon.
- Eat fresh and delicious seafood at Bamboo Sushi.
- Treat your little one to a variety of new flavours at Blue Star Donuts.
- See your favourite mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and more at the Oregon Zoo.
- Stop and smell the roses at the International Rose Garden.
- Enjoy freshly baked breads and other treats at Kens Artisan Bakery.
- Try small-batch artisan popcorn at Poplandia Popcorn. Trust us, youve never had popcorn like this before!
- Sink your teeth into delectable sweets at Saint Cupcake.
Portland Where To Stay In Maine For The First Time
I know what youre thinking! But no, were not talking about Portland, Oregon , and although many people get confused by these 2 towns, they couldnt be more different! Firstly, Portland, Maine, is such an underrated place. I mean, have you seen its natural beauty and stunning views? And lets not forget those beautiful ports!
Situated in a peninsula extending into Casco Bay, this city has a fabulous fine dining scene, historic buildings, and many places where you can enjoy the scenic rocky coast! Overall, Portland is the best place to stay in Maine if youre traveling for the first time!
All the areas here have different atmospheres and vibes, but youll find interesting spots and amazing restaurants even in the less crowded neighborhoods. There is such a wide range of attractions for all types of visitors.
Certainly, history buffs will love a tour of the Victoria Mansion. Its such a fine piece of architecture! But youll also find other things like the Portland Museum of Art and the Childrens Museum & Theatre of Maine. And if youre in the mood for some road-tripping, Boston is just 2 hours away!
Your Maine vacation travel guide wouldnt be complete without a list of the top budget and luxury accommodations. But dont forget that late booking can be risky, as all the good hotels sell out super fast, so if you want to get your hand on your favorite one, I highly recommend booking in advance!
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Inn At St John Portland
For an authentic experience of hotels in Portland ME, you should put Inn at St John Portland on your list. This hotel began as a railroad hotel, and then it was modernized to match this centurys style.
At this historic hotel, you can really feel the charming Victorian era. Its very rich in style and character, unlike other hotels. Every corner of this hotel is decorated with Victorian style furniture and wallpaper to emphasize the contemporary feel.
There are three styles of guest rooms to choose from. You can pick the Luxury Accommodations to treat yourself with top-notch comfort and ambiance. For a relaxing stay, Traditional Accommodations will guarantee you the best time. And when you want to experience the European style room on a budget, the value accommodations is the one to choose.
Situated in the west end of downtown Portland, youre just a few steps away from Portlands famous attractions.
Day Two See Portland Sights And Experience An Incredible Dinner
Labelled as one of the USs coolest cities, theres a lot tosee and experience in downtown Portland. Spend day two of your ultimate weekendgetaway to Portland, Maine by visiting some of the key areas for shopping anddining. Youll round out the night at BlueFin, an incredible restaurant thatyoull want to schedule four hours to work your way through the menu.
Old Port: InPortlands old port, youll still find cobblestones and red brick buildingspaying homage to this old New England city. Wander the street and take a peekinto the several one-of-a-kind shops. Make sure to stroll along Fore Street andWharf Street and dont miss the Longfellow street art. Henry WadsworthLongfellow was a poet from Portland who is known for his poems capturing theplight of the Acadians.
Exchange Street: Lookingto find the best places to shop in Portland? Then look no further than ExchangeStreet. Seriously, from shops to restaurants, all the cool kids are hanging outon Exchange Street. Here is where youll find the infamous Holy Donut, a doughnutshop that uses potato flour!
Historic Waterfront:If youre on the coast, then youll definitely want to spend time along thewater. Find the cool breeze and the salty air in the Historic WaterfrontDistrict. You can also zigzag through the floating piers, watch the boats zoomby and even find a piece of the Berlin Wall!
Congress Street:Find more of Portlands history on Congress Street, including Congress SquarePark, Public Market House and Monument Square.
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Best For Romance: Inn At Diamond Cove
Courtesy of the Inn at Diamond Cove
Lovebirds are bound to adore the Inn at Diamond Cove, a serene luxury retreat on Great Diamond Island thats just a 30-minute ferry ride away from Portland. Originally built in the 1890s, the Inn at Diamond Cove is the perfect place to spend a romantic weekend. The hotel features 44 cozy guestrooms and suites many rooms have a kitchenette, while suites are outfitted with a fireplace, dining area, and oceanside balcony talk about a wonderful spot to watch the sunrise with your sweetheart. The 50-seat patio restaurant serves stellar seafood and other delectable dishes , and the communal outdoor fire pit is a popular place to sip cocktails as the sun sets over the water. In addition, guests at the Diamond Cove get access to a private beach, guided yoga classes, kayak rentals, heated pool and hot tub, an exercise studio, and even an indoor basketball court.
Where To Stay In Portland Maine
Portland Harbor Hotel
Right in the heart of Old Port, youll find the Portland Harbor Hotel. This gorgeous, central boutique hotel offers both rooms and suites that are perfect for families. Its one of the best hotels in Portland Maine.
Valet parking is offered for an additional fee, and theres also a car service available to registered guests. During our stay, we just took the car to and from the train station, but were easily able to walk to the restaurants and shops that we wanted to visit in Old Port. The hotel also offers complimentary bike rentals in the warmer months.
Within the hotel, youll find three separate buildings. For our stay, we were in the executive section with suites. In the main section, youll find self-service complimentary beverage stations including Starbucks coffee.
Other amenities at the hotel includes turndown service with complimentary lobster chocolates and water. Theres also a fitness center. If you travel with your dog, the hotel is dog friendly with an additional fee per night. Weve seen so many dogs walking around the city, so its definitely a dog friendly city.
The Press Hotel
For our latest visit to Portland, Maine, we decided to stay at the Press Hotel, part of Marriotts Autograph Collection. This charming hotel was originally the home of the Portland Press Herald. This newspaper-themed hotel offers fabulous service and amenities, right in the middle of Old Port.
See more reviews of the Press Hotel here.
Hyatt House Portland
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Best Overall: The Danforth
One of the most well-known hotels in Maine, The Danforth is a historical treasure nestled in Portlands West End. Though the property has been around since 1823 , the lovely inn recently underwent a series of renovations that gave it a fresh new look and feel. The elegant, nine-room hotel combines modern amenities with opulent throwback style, and the result is a true breath of fresh air. Rooms feature plush fabrics, crisp white linens, and tasteful artwork, in addition to all the essentials. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the hotels immaculately kept garden, soak up expansive views of the harbor and the shimmering ocean waters from the original rooftop cupola, and explore the best of downtown Portland from right outside the front door. Whether youre looking for a cozy boutique experience, the perfect honeymoon spot, or a lively base from which to see the city, the Danforth is a wonderful lodging choice.
The Westin Portland Harborview
If youre looking for a one-stop shop kind of hotel, the Westin Portland Harborview was built for you. Its Arts District location places you right downtown within walking distance of a dozen restaurants, Old Port, and the Portland Museum of Art.
But the location isnt the only convenient thing about the Westin. Built into this historic property is the Artne Spa, a full service spa with massages, waxing, facials, and more. Theres also a restaurant and top-floor lounge, where you can enjoy amazing views of the city with a cocktail. If the surrounding neighborhoods werent so tantalizing, youd never have to leave the hotel.
The Westin Portland Harborview | 4-Star Hotel | Address: 157 High St, Portland, ME 04101
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East End Coolest Neighborhood To Stay In Portland
Portland is known for its vibrant brewing culture and hosts some of the best breweries in the country, most of which are found in the East End neighbourhood. Known for its regeneration over the past years with new hipster shops and cafes, Munjoy Hill is becoming one of the trendiest places to stay in Portland. Not only is it noteworthy for its brewing culture and hip cafes, but its prime location means you will be close to top attractions including the Portland Observatory, the viewing decks at the Eastern Promenade, and plenty of vendors where you can book a cruise around the Casco Bay.
The East End neighbourhood is undoubtedly the coolest place to stay in Portland. The area is equipped with some of the sleekest buildings in town and has recently been named Portlands most desirable neighbourhood!
Best Luxury Accommodation In East End Monument Garden Sweet
If youre trying to decide where to stay in Portland to be close to everything, then youll love this place! This modern and large apartment is a short walk from the Old Port and Downtown, and just a short drive to West Shore Sandy Beach. Fitting up to ten people, its perfect for large groups and families.
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Recommended Activities In Portland Maine:
- Casco Bay Island â You cant go to Portland, Maine without visiting Casco Bay Island. This is where you can go island hopping exploring a group of islands with its own history, personality, and attractions.
- Portland Museum of Art â Even though Portland is just a small city, the art museum has a pretty big name. Here, you can explore an extensive collection of American, European, and contemporary arts.
- Brewery Tours â Portland is one of Americas best beer cities, according to experts. So, why not take a beer tour? Try the citys best beers from the legendary local breweries.
Best Apartment In Pearl District: Modern Loft In Prime Location
From top location to charming interior design, this loft has it all. All main attractions, dining options and cafes are only a few blocks away, placing you in walking distance to all of Pearl Districts Hotspots. The massive windows allow the sun to drench this home throughout the whole day, giving it a super comfy and welcoming atmosphere.
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Things To See And Do In Pearl District
- Shop for new and used books at Powells.
- Dine on traditional American fare at Brix Tavern.
- Excite your sense with a unique blend of flavours at Ovation Coffee & Tea.
- See works of art by strong contemporary artists at Froelick Gallery.
- Sample delicious local beers at the BridgePort Brewpub.
- Take a relaxing stroll through North Park Blocks.
- Enjoy the worlds best selection of teas at Tea Bar.
- See the iconic Broadway Bridge.
- Explore Jamison Square Park.
- Sip an exceptional coffee at Barista.
- Enjoy a distinct Northwest-style taste and atmosphere at Deschutes Brewery.
Where To Stay In Portland
If you’re a first time visitor to Portland , you mightprefer a more touristy area, but if you’re a solo traveler, a localneighborhood could be more interesting. Some areas have lots of thingsto do within walking distance, but the hotels may be more expensive.To give you a starting point for your trip research, we looked at what people say about neighborhoods and places to stay in Portland .
What’s the best area of Portland to stay?
The top mentioned neighborhoods and areas that people talk about in and around Portland are:
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Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Portland
There are two great hotels in Portland ME by Wyndham Group. One of them is Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Portland, a charming 3-star hotel for a relaxing getaway. This hotel offers an ideal mix between home-style amenities and top-notch hospitality to make you feel like home.
Located near the downtown and Old Port area, youâre just a few minutes away from the parks, shopping districts, waterfront dining, and those iconic lighthouses. Whether you stay for a family vacation, business trip, or romantic weekend, this hotel has everything you need for an enjoyable holiday.
The guest rooms are designed as homey and as cozy possible with home-style amenities. Each room features a private patio, TV, and fast Wi-Fi connection to help you stay connected and productive. You can always stay in shape during your vacation with free access to the fitness center and indoor swimming pool anytime. For a peaceful stay in Portland, Ramada Plaza by Wyndham is the right choice.
My Favorite Spots Were Being On The Water
My favorite spots were being on the water. I ate at 2 great restaurants which I would totally recommend. I ate at DiMillo’s on the Water and Scales. seeing past President Bush’s home and getting close to a lighthouse.Its real easy to get around when you have a car. A car is definitely needed. The city is very clean. A bit congested, maybe even too populated.A lot of construction, both on highways and locally.Avoid staying too far out of the city. The city is great for walking and parking is a beast. Hard to find parking where you need to go. Some areas are cobblestone so make sure to wear good comfy shoes.
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Division : A Foodies Paradise
In the last 10 to 15 years, Division Street has exploded. Pre 2000s Division was kind of a sleepy thoroughfare with a bar and restaurant here and there and mostly residential neighborhoods.
Now its a coveted place to live in and visit, and is home to some of the best dining in Portland.
Pros of Staying on Division
Foodies will love it here. And, though theres a several block stretch of Division and Clinton St. thats bustling with activity, youll still enjoy a quieter and more neighborhood-y stay in this part of town.
Cons of Staying on Division
Its farther out from the other neighborhoods weve outlined here, so if youre looking for a centrally located spot, this isnt it. That said, its still accessible it will just take you a little longer to get to other places.
Also, neither the MAX nor the Streetcar run out here, so if youre reliant on public transport its the bus or Lyft for you. There are also no real hotel options around here, so youll have to find an Airbnb or other rental.
Division Highlights
The food is really the highlight of Division street, so well start and end there.
Morning: Good Coffee, its not just a clever name Lauretta Jeans, her pies taste like kittens and puppies frolicking in the clouds Broder Cafe, aebleskiver with lingonberry jam cue Homer Simpson mouth watering mraughruaghraughraugh sound.
What? People do more than just eat and drink all day when they visit a new city???
Where to Stay near Division
Most Unique Accommodation In The East End Panoramic Water Island & City Views W/private Roof Deck
Nicknamed the crows nest this modernly designed fourth-floor apartment is said to feel like a nest in the treetops. Located at the very top of Munjoy Hill, the apartment consists of a gorgeous roof deck that boasts incredible views of the ocean, nearby islands, the harbour, and the city. Its central location in Portlands hip East End community means you wont be shy of things to do, with plenty of attractions and restaurants on your doorstep.
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