Portland, Maine

Whether flying into Portland International Jetport or rolling into downtown aboard the scenic Amtrak Downeaster, for many visitors, Portland is their first stop into Maine.

As the state’s largest city, it strikes an impressive balance, blending maritime grit and historical charm with some of the most forward-thinking food, drink and design in New England. The Old Port’s cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick warehouses and active working waterfront give the city a timeless texture, but inside those buildings, you’ll find record shops, fermentation labs, raw bars and world-class chefs. Portland’s compact downtown makes it perfect for a car-free trip—especially during shoulder seasons, when the streets are less crowded but still full of life.

Things to See & Do

Set on Casco Bay, Portland is a hub for outdoor adventure and artsy city vibes. Paddle a kayak, hop on a cruise or bike and run along the Eastern Promenade—a 78-mile waterfront park with postcard-worthy views.

Culture seekers flock to the Portland Museum of Art, home to works by world-renowned masters and American icons who found inspiration in Maine. The creative spirit continues in today’s buzzing contemporary arts scene, with ample art galleries and maker studios. Traveling with kids? The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine is a hands-on wonderland of play and imagination.

Every month, the First Friday Art Walk turns the city into a lively street fair of galleries, pop-ups, shopping and eats. Music lovers can catch the Portland Symphony Orchestra, big-name acts at the historic State Theatre or summer concerts under the stars at Thompson’s Point. Dance fans won’t want to miss the Portland Ballet, showcasing everything from bold new works to timeless classics.

Sports fans can get their fill of action-packed competition with the Portland Hearts of Pine, Maine Mariners, Portland Sea Dogs and Maine Celtics.

Where to Eat

Portland’s culinary reputation is national—and growing. Here are a few essential restaurants:

Bread & Friends

Bread & Friends is a bright, airy bakery and daytime restaurant where everything—from the sourdough to the laminated pastries—feels made with extra care. The mushroom toast and house granola are excellent, but the lemon poppy morning bun is the sleeper hit. Come early if you want your pick of the pastry case.

Hot Suppa

Hot Suppa is a small, Southern-inspired diner that feels like a Portland institution. Brunch is a standout here—think biscuits & gravy, fried green tomato BLTs, and pimento cheese omelets. The coffee is strong, and there’s often a wait—but it’s worth it.

Eventide Oyster Co.

A reimagined New England seafood shack, Eventide Oyster Co. made Portland famous in food circles. Their brown butter lobster roll is legendary, and the rotating oyster list is one of the best in the country. Go early, or be prepared to wait—it’s on every foodie’s radar.

Central Provisions

A small plates restaurant in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, Central Provisions combines big flavor with seasonal sourcing. Sit at the downstairs bar for a front-row seat to the open kitchen, and don’t skip the crudo or the foie gras.

Công Tử Bột

Colorful, bold, and unlike anything else in the city, Công Tử Bột is a Vietnamese restaurant on Washington Avenue that serves up incredible noodle dishes and crispy bánh xèo in a hip, casual space. Walk-ins only, so try off-peak hours for a shorter wait.

Tandem Coffee + Bakery

Set in a converted gas station, Tandem Coffee + Bakery offers some of the best coffee in town and baked goods that punch well above their weight. The biscuits are outrageous, and the salted chocolate chip cookie is a must-try.

Scales

Set right on the working waterfront, Scales brings upscale polish to Maine’s seafood traditions. With vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, and views of the docks, the setting is just as impressive as the menu. Think butter-poached lobster, chowder, oysters shucked to order, and an impressive wine list.

Where to Shop

Portland’s shopping scene blends quirky indie retail with stylish, locally made goods.

Viand Mercantile

A small but thoughtful general store near Congress Street, Viand Mercantile curates beautiful pantry staples, tableware, and home goods, all with a focus on quality and sustainability. You’ll find locally made art, handmade ceramics, quirky stationary, and French home goods that would take your kitchen up a notch.

Portland Trading Co.

Part lifestyle boutique, part urban outfitter, Portland Trading Co. curates a stylish array of menswear, home goods, apothecary items and more. Everything feels timeless, durable, and quietly cool.

Strange Maine

An offbeat record shop and curiosity store, Strange Maine feels like stepping into someone’s eccentric attic. From vintage vinyl to Halloween masks and old zines, it’s a must for the weird and wonderful.

Print: A Bookstore

The light-filled Print: A Bookstore in the East End is beloved by locals for its smart selection, passionate staff and community feel. From contemporary fiction and poetry to cookbooks and children’s titles, every shelf feels intentionally stocked. Author events are frequent and thoughtfully curated, and the staff picks table is always worth a browse—these folks read widely and deeply. If you’re looking for a Maine-set novel or the perfect rainy-day read, this is your spot.

Nightlife, Bars & Breweries

Portland’s drink scene is booming, from niche breweries and cider bars to creative distillers.

Blyth & Burrows

Step into the moody, maritime-inspired Blyth & Burrows, a frequent on “Best Of” lists thanks to its inventive cocktails and fresh-from-the-docks seafood. Nosh on raw oysters and lobster rolls while toasting with cheeky libations like “Sea Beast Takes a Lover,” an updated spin on a Mai Tai.

Anoche

In Portland’s East End, sip your way through small-batch spirit and creative cocktails at Anoche, a cozy Basque-inspired cider house where every pour feels like a discovery. With an impressive lineup of local and international ciders and a menu of flavorful pintxos, there’s plenty to sip and snack on.

Oxbow Blending & Bottling

Tucked away in a warehouse space on Washington Ave, Oxbow Blending & Bottling specializes in farmhouse ales and barrel-aged beers. Their urban tasting room feels like a modern beer lab with picnic tables and local art. Bonus: there’s a Duckfat food pop-up on site, which is a great way to taste one of Portland’s long-time favorite foodie spots.

Allagash Brewing Company

No visit to Portland is complete without a trip to Allagash Brewing Company. One of the pioneers of Belgian-style beer in the U.S., their flagship Allagash White is iconic—but their tasting room offers much more, including small-batch sours and barrel-aged specials. Located a few miles off-peninsula, it’s worth the quick Uber or bike ride. Bonus: it’s near other breweries like Foundation and Austin Street.

Hardshore Distilling Company

Making one of Maine’s most beloved gins, Hardshore Distilling Company offers tastings and cocktails right in their small riverside distillery. Their flagship gin is herbaceous, floral, and made for sipping. Try it in a simple G&T or one of their seasonal specials.

Where to Stay

The Greater Portland area has no shortage of places to stay, from charming bed-and-breakfasts to luxurious hotels. Here are a few noteworthy spots to make yourself at home.

The Longfellow Hotel

Portland’s newest luxury boutique hotel, The Longfellow Hotel in the West End brings modern Scandinavian calm to one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods. The Longfellow is wellness-focused—expect yoga mats in the rooms, filtered water on tap, and access to spa treatments at the in-house Asana space. The cozy bar and café on the ground floor is perfect for a nightcap or a slow morning.

The Press Hotel

Housed in the former Portland Press Herald building, The Press Hotel is a boutique hotel that leans into its newspaper legacy with clever typewriter-themed decor and headlines on the walls. Just steps from City Hall and the Arts District, it’s a stylish, well-located home base for exploring the city on foot. The lobby bar is cozy year-round, and the in-house restaurant, UNION, features local ingredients prepared with New England flair.

Blind Tiger

A little off the main drag but walkable to everything, the Blind Tiger is part townhouse, part creative retreat. The communal spaces feel like a cross between an artist loft and a Victorian sitting room. Perfect for travelers looking for something quieter, with a bit of Portland’s bohemian edge.