what is the best area to stay in portland, maine?

What is the best area to stay in Portland, Maine?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

The best area to stay in Portland, Maine, is the Old Port, the local name for the downtown area of the city. Located across a peninsula that forms the southern tip of Casco Bay, this area has been the heart of the city throughout its history. Lighthouses and lobster are the first things that come to mind for a classic experience. Portland has even more. With so much to see and do within a 5 minutes walking distance and critically acclaimed restaurant scene, visitors will be able to find their way to a personalized Portland experience.

Portland Maine, Maine’s largest city, is the center of tourism for Maine visitors. Visitors can access many of the quintessential maritime and mountain destinations Maine is so famous for in under an hour. By car, the trip north on route 1 explores the small, historic coastal towns with galleries and beaches. Freeport is a popular stop for outlet shopping and family-friendly outdoor activities. West of Portland features the White Mountains and Sebago Lake, with hiking trails and golf destinations in the summer and skiing and ice fishing in the winter. Yet one does not need to leave Portland Maine to find some of the best Maine has to offer.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Portland Maine, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you are interested in where to stay in Portland Maine, you can also be interested in where to stay in Boston and where to stay in New York City.

Old Port, the best area to stay in Portland Maine

First Time / Tourist / A Weekend

Portland’s Old Port is without a doubt the best place to stay for both historical charm and entertainment. The commercial and economic center of the city is intertwined with tourism, which gives a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to visitors. Cobblestoned streets, beautiful architecture, and an array of small parks give the city its charming atmosphere. Local businesses thrive in this area, which gives downtown a unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else.

Artist cooperatives and galleries bring the heart of Maine to its major city. The working waterfront of Portland brings a rich maritime culture. There are numerous wharfs, and visitors can access ocean activities directly from Commercial Street downtown. Events for all ages occur year round, so it is worth checking local venue schedules. While each area of downtown Portland is distinct, they are all within walking distance and have something to offer every visitor.

Hotels in Old Port

Other areas to stay in Portland Maine

Downtown

City center / dining and drinking / shopping / nightlife / younger crowd

Downtown Portland is the bustling hub of the city with pedestrian-friendly streets that feature local artists and jewelers, second hand shops, salons, book stores and small businesses from Congress Street downhill to Commercial Street. The renowned restaurant scene here has everything from fine dining, lounges and bistros, exquisite seafood, to local spots that have been thriving for decades. This area is a nightlife destination for the entire state, with inviting local pubs and lounges.

Younger crowds pursue the music and lights along the cobblestone streets of Wharf Street and Exchange Street, which feature several late-night bars and clubs in row. Merrill Auditorium features ballet and orchestra performances, while Portland Stage Company offers a more intimate theatre venue. Visit Hadlock Field to catch a Portland Seadogs baseball game, with occasional fireworks displays. In winter, visit the Cross Insurance Arena to catch a Maine Mariners Hockey game or ice performance.

West End

Nightlife / History Lovers / Arts / Theater

On the West End of downtown Portland, tourists can surround themselves in the arts and history while still being walking distance from the Old Port center. A walk through the West End from a refurbished mansions-turned-inn transports visitors through time with intricate architecture, brick lined streets, historical landmarks, and preserved painted signs on brick buildings. The Victoria Mansion is one such 19th-century home in this neighborhood that has preserved and open to visitors.

The Portland Museum of Art features a significant collection, including a wing dedicated to Winslow Homer. Several galleries of contemporary art line Congress Street for the more adventurous. Congress Street restaurants offer an eclectic and creative mix of award-winning cuisine. Intimate live music sessions pop up in the restaurants and bars in this area frequently. For those seeking the live music scene, the State Theater is at the top of the list with headlining musicians and a gorgeous interior.

East End

Dining and Drinking / Families

For a more residential and low-key experience, consider staying in the East End of Downtown Portland. A hip and growing neighborhood, visitors can enjoy the coffee shops, markets, and boutiques around Munjoy Hill. The Portland Observatory, a historical signal tower at the top of Munjoy Hill, is a great way to view the city with Casco Bay and the mountains in the distance. The East End is home to a myriad of micro breweries and distilleries, each with its own unique twist on the dining experience around Washington and Anderson Streets.

A feature of this area is the Eastern Promenade, which follows a paved path from downtown, past East End Public Beach, around the peninsula through several parks and along Back Bay. This trail is popular for walking and biking. Families with younger children should consider the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, a scenic three mile historical train tour.

Casco Bay Islands

Families / Nature / Beaches / Water Sports

For those who seek quiet coastal charm, the Casco Bay Islands offer beaches, winding island trails, lighthouses, and scenery of Maine’s famous rocky coast. Accessible by ferry and water taxi, resorts such as the Inn at Diamond Cove and the Chebeague Island Inn offer high end experiences such as golf, spas, activities for the whole family, and fine dining. Hiking trails to the uninhabited Little Chebeague Island wind through stretches of quiet beaches and cozy coves.

For an immersive outdoor adventure, sea kayak tours offer overnight camping trips to smaller islands where seal and seabird sightings are common. For a shorter immersion in Casco Bay, families could consider a ride on a working lobster boat. Take a half-day sea kayak tour to explore Fort Gorges, a restored fort and landmark. Both families and adult groups can find tailored whale watches and sunset sails that leave daily from the Portland Old Port.

Near Portland International Jetport

Accessibility to Transportation / Quick-Stop / Budget

The quick and more affordable location to stay near major transportation is south of Congress Street in Libbytown. The Portland International Jetport is just across the bridge from this area towards South Portland, which hosts the Maine Mall with chain brand stores, a large movie theater, and chain restaurants. This area is also closest to the Amtrak train line and Concord Coach Bus line can connect tourists without cars up the coast of Maine and south to Boston. Thompson’s Point, adjacent to the bus and Amtrak lines, is a quickly growing entertainment feature of Portland.

In conjunction with the State Theater, Thompson’s Point features an outdoor venue for larger concerts in the summer. Thompson’s Point is also a year round destination for families. Highlights in this area include the Children’s Museum of Maine, Maddy’s Theater for children’s shows, craft fairs, food trucks, breweries, and an ice skating rink.

Hotels near Portland International Jetport