Portland, Maine is an eclectic, artsy, and quaint seaside city that’s nice for households to go to. The Outdated Port district inside Portland, situated proper by the waterfront, is likely one of the a number of historic districts within the city. Whereas I additionally love exploring the Arts District, the Outdated Port space of Downtown Portland Maine is the place I normally spend most of my time.
I’ve visited Portland Maine just a few occasions – each on press journeys (at no/restricted value) and at full value to me on household holidays. All opinions are my very own. This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. A purchase order/click on by way of considered one of these hyperlinks might end in a fee paid to us.
This fully walkable district of cobblestone streets options quite a lot of eating places, outlets, and sights that attraction to youngsters and adults. Enthusiastic about visiting Outdated Port in Portland, Maine? Right here’s what you may anticipate to see.
Visiting Outdated Port in Portland, Maine
Retailers in Outdated Port, Portland, Maine
The Portland Maine procuring scene is numerous enjoyable, with loads of shops to go to. Among the many unbiased boutiques and outlets lining the cobblestone streets of Outdated Port, you’ll additionally discover some common small native chains, like The Salt Cellar, Life is Good, Cool as a Moose, Mexicali Blues, and the Black Canine. There are additionally a number of nice gourmand spice outlets, in addition to outlets promoting pottery, purses, clothes, and equipment.
I discover myself procuring throughout a lot of my Portland Maine journeys – there are simply so many distinctive merchandise. A number of years in the past, we went the day after Christmas and I began stocking up on presents for the subsequent yr. There was such an important collection of presents.
Somewhat than plan one particular procuring day, I normally unfold out our procuring. Every day, I’ll take a stroll all through Outdated Port and cease on the numerous outlets.
Outdated Port Portland Maine Eating places and Cafes
You possibly can’t discuss Portland with out mentioning the meals. For a small seaside city, there are dozens of scrumptious eating places. Many of those common eating places are situated in Outdated Port.
We’ve solely been to a couple, however our favourite is the extremely common DuckFat, which affords sandwiches, duck-fat fries, milkshakes, and donuts. This tiny restaurant has restricted seating, so arrive early or late for the shortest wait time. It’s simply outdoors of Outdated Port however continues to be inside strolling distance.
We’ve additionally loved a dinner at Piccolo, which is a tiny Italian restaurant tucked among the many outlets.
Desire to have pizza? Portland has some fabulous pizza spots, together with the Flatbread Firm, Slab, and Otto. All three are scrumptious, however they’re very totally different, so take a look at them on-line earlier than selecting which one you need to dine at.
There are a great deal of different common eating places that we haven’t been to but – largely as a result of they aren’t one thing my youngsters would love. These embody Eventide Oyster and Central Provisions.
You possibly can’t go away Maine with out their signature dish – lobster rolls. There are a great deal of seafood eating places with lobster on the menu. Our favourite is HighRoller Lobster. It’s an off-the-cuff walk-in restaurant the place you may order your meals on the counter after which sit at a desk.
In case you are in search of a snack or a drink, Portland has a lot to supply. Whereas the Outdated Port location of Holy Donut is closed (there are different close by areas of Holy Donut, nonetheless), there are different donut outlets within the space.
One is HiFi Donuts, which affords way more than donuts. Cease in for breakfast or a sandwich at lunchtime, and get a donut for dessert. There’s additionally Eighty 8 Donuts, situated on Federal Road. When you actually need to expertise Portland donuts, there’s additionally an Outdated Port Donut Tasting Strolling Tour.
In case you are in search of espresso, there are many Portland Maine espresso outlets proper in Outdated Port. I lately loved a espresso at Bard Espresso, though there are many unbiased espresso outlets on nearly each nook.
Points of interest in Outdated Port Portland
Whereas I may simply spend my entire trip procuring and consuming, you undoubtedly received’t need to. Outdated Port is dwelling to a number of family-friendly sights. In the summertime, you may take pleasure in taking a ship tour or cruise proper from Casco Bay. These embody a mailboat run, dawn/sundown runs, and whale watches.
When you’d wish to expertise lobster fishing, Fortunate Catch Cruises affords lobster excursions. You possibly can prepare dinner your individual catch, or convey it to the close by Portland Lobster Firm. One other enjoyable tour is the Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise.
There are additionally Duck Boat land/sea excursions of Casco Bay and Outdated Port. Desire to remain on land? Take into account taking a strolling meals tour of the world, to be able to pattern a few of the common delicacies of the world. Right here’s one strolling culinary tour that’s extremely rated.
Sadly, the Portland Science Middle, which used to function touring science reveals has lately closed.
Resorts in Outdated Port
There are a number of lodges in Outdated Port, starting from common chain lodges to luxurious boutique lodges. We’ve stayed on the Hyatt Place Outdated Port, in addition to the Portland Harbor Resort. Each are conveniently situated, and you’ll simply keep in considered one of these lodges and stroll to all the Outdated Port sights.
See opinions of Portland lodges right here (not all of those are in Outdated Port) and our suggestions on the place to remain in Portland Maine right here.
You can too discover locations to remain in Portland on the map beneath.
Parking in Outdated Port
When you aren’t staying inside strolling distance of Outdated Port, you’ll have to drive. On-street parking is on the market however is proscribed. In any other case, there are a selection of parking heaps/garages all through the world.
See our Outdated Port internet story right here.
