Portland (Maine)

• Convention and Visitors Center

  phone: +1 207 772-5800
  address: 245 Commercial St
  +1 207 772-4994. Guided walking tours available July–September at 10:30AM.

• Portland's Downtown District

  phone: +1 207 772-6828
  address: 549 Congress St

By plane

Domestic

• Portland International Jetport

  phone: +1 207 874-8877
  address: 1001 Westbrook Street
  Nonstop flights to/from and (Departures per day and airlines): Atlanta (Delta), Baltimore (Southwest), Charlotte (American), Chicago (United, Southwest on Saturdays), Detroit (Delta), JFK (Jetblue), New York-LaGuardia (Delta), Newark (United), Orlando (Jetblue Fri/Sat/Sun), Philadelphia (American), Dulles (United), Washington National (American). Taxis and shuttle bus transfer downtown (5 mi/9 km).

• Pease International TradeportLocated in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 55 miles (89 km) away.

• Manchester AirportLocated in Manchester, New Hampshire, 100 miles (161 km) away.

International

• Boston Logan International Airport105 miles (169 km) southwest of Portland. The Amtrak Downeaster connects Boston to Portland, from Boston's North Station. Concord Coach Lines also offer direct express buses from all terminals at Logan International Airport to Portland without transfer through Boston South Station. (See below under By bus)

By bus

• Concord Coach Lines

  phone: +1 207 828-1151
  address: Portland Transportation Center @ 100 Thompson Point Rd
  Goes north to University of Maine in Orono along several coastal cities and on another route to University of Maine along I-95 corridor through Augusta and Bangor. Goes south to Boston Logan Airport on one route and an express route to New York on another.

• Greyhound

  phone: +1 207 772-6588
  address: 950 Congress St (Depot), 389 Congress St (City Hall bus stop)
  Greyhound travels primarily on Interstate 95 between Boston South Station and Bangor (via Porstmouth, Wells, Portland, Lewiston, Augusta and Waterville) and a divergence from Portland to Brunswick on I-295 and than over to Lewiston and then northwards towards Bangor on I-95. Passengers can transfer in Boston, Bangor, or Portsmouth to get to other cities & towns.

• Megabus

  address: Portland Transportation Center @ 100 Thompson Point Rd
  Portland ME & Boston.

By train

There are multiple daily Amtrak services to Portland. The Downeaster has seven daily departures (five on weekends) from Boston's North Station, with some trains continuing to Brunswick. The train ride is about 2.5 hours, and a one-way ticket costs only $25. (A same-day round trip ticket is available for only $39.) Kids 15 and under ride for $11. Trains call at Portland Transportation Center, located at 100 Thompsons Point about two miles east of downtown.

By car

Interstate 95. Access from the north and south on the Maine Turnpike (I-95). Many drivers coming from the south take Exit 44 to I-295 into downtown Portland. This exit carries a toll. An alternate route to avoid the toll involves continuing approximately half a mile north on I-95 to Exit 45 (marked for the Maine Mall), exiting, then taking the second exit on the right for I-295. The route is less than a mile out of the way and is toll-free, such that many Portland residents refer to Exit 44 as the "Tourist Exit" because local residents know to avoid the toll.
U.S. Highway 1 is the more scenic route, while U.S. Highway 302 provides access from West.

By boat

• Harbormaster

  phone: +1 207 772-8121
  VHF channels 9,16. City facilities: Public float at State Pier (30 minute tie-up), Ramp & float at East End beach with showers, water.

The Cat, a high-speed passenger and auto ferry, operated a route between Portland and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2009, and again from 2016 to 2018. After the 2018 season, Bay Ferries, the operator of The Cat, and the city of Portland mutually agreed to end its agreement to operate the route. US Customs and Border Protection required renovations be made to the ferry terminal, which would cost Bay Ferries approximately USD $10 million to undertake. In June of 2018, Bay Ferries and the town of Bar Harbor entered an agreement to return The Cat to the area, ending the Portland-Yarmouth link again.

Portland, and Maine in general, does not have an extensive public transportation system, so renting a car is generally the best option. While 5 o'clock traffic can get a little congested, driving in Portland is not a daunting task.
The Old Port and Downtown Arts District areas are very walkable and pedestrian friendly.

By bus

• Metro

  phone: +1 207 774-0351
  address: 114 Valley St
  Bus line has a regular schedule, and provides a high level of service for a city of its size. Metro is not the best option for late night socializing; there are numerous taxicab companies. Walking is probably the best option downtown and especially in the Old Port or by the waterfront.

By rental car

• Avis

  phone: +1 207 874-7500

• Enterprise

  phone: +1 207 772-0030

By Uber

In October 2014 UberX launched in Portland and should be available 24/7. It's slightly cheaper than a taxi. Surge pricing generally happens only on Friday and Saturday nights after 1AM when the bars close. UberX is also available to pick up and drop off at the Portland International Jetport.

By taxi

• Airport Cab

  phone: +1 207 899-5335

• ABC Taxi

  phone: +1 207 772-8685

• Old Port Taxi

  phone: +1 207 772-8294

• Jetport Taxi

  phone: +1 207 775-6990

• Elite Taxi

  phone: +1 207 871-7274
  address: 211 Valley St
  They also have vans

• Family Taxi

  phone: +1 207 615-9353

• ASAP Taxi

  phone: +1 207 791-2727 84
  address: Cove St

• 207 Taxi

  phone: +1 207-774-2255
  address: 135 Walton St

• Timely Taxi

By boat

• Casco Bay Lines

  phone: +1 207 774-7871
  address: 56 Commercial St
  Year-round scheduled ferry service from the Portland waterfront to Peaks, Great Diamond, Little Diamond, Long, Chebeague, and Cliff Islands in Casco Bay, as well as a summer-only daily tourism cruise to Bailey Island. Leashed dogs and bicycles are carried for an additional fee.

• Portland Observatory

  phone: +1 207 774-5561 ext 104
  address: 138 Congress St
  Built in 1807 by Captain Lemuel Moody, this National Historic Landmark is the only existing historic maritime signal station in the United States. Educational tours are offered at the 65 foot tower and you can climb to the top on your own. Either way, you get great views of the waterfront.

• Portland Museum of Art

  phone: +1 207 775-6148
  address: 7 Congress Sq
  Consisting of the historic McLellan House, the L.D.M. Sweat Galleries, and the I.M. Pei Designed Payson building, this museum houses a large collection of Winslow Homer works, as well as 17,000 sculptures, paintings, and objects from the 18th-century onwards.

• Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

  phone: +1 207 828-1234
  address: 142 Free St
  Located next to the Museum of Art, this Museum features 3 stories of interactive exhibits, including "Our Town," an area that includes an interactive grocery store, farm, vet and firetruck, and the "Explore Floor," which includes "LL Bear's Discovery Woods" and a mini planetarium. At the top of the building is the Camera Obscura, which offers panoramic views of the city and teaches children about light.

• Portland Head Light and Museum

  phone: +1 207 799-2661
  address: 1000 Shore Rd
  One of the most scenic lighthouses in the country. Adjacent to Fort Williams, a WWII artillery emplacement. Parking costs $2/hr with a 2hr minimum.

• Victoria Mansion

  phone: +1 207 772-4841
  address: 109 Danforth St
  May-Oct. Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is the finest example of residential design from the pre-Civil War era in America. With superb architecture and well-preserved original interiors that were among the most lavish and sophisticated in their day, it is an unparalleled document of America's highest aspirations in architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts. $10/$3.

• Bug LightLighthouse across the Fore River in South Portland offers unparalleled views of the Portland skyline and Casco Bay.

• Spring PointCoastal area in South Portland which is home to the old Fort Preble, Spring Point Ledge Light, Portland Harbor Museum and Southern Maine Community College. There is a breakwater extending out into the harbor which is great to fish off of.

• Stroudwater VillageJust west of the Portland peninsula is one of Maine's oldest.

• Old PortNext to the downtown area along Commercial St. next to Casco Bay. The Old Port is filled with neat shops, restaurants, and cafés, and has something of a European feel to it thanks to its many narrow cobbled streets and old brick buildings. Go here to shop and eat at both high-end and casual, local establishments. The Old Port is a great place to take a walk and smell the ocean air.

• Eastern PromenadeA neighborhood providing amazing views of the Casco Bay and the islands

• Western PromenadeA more residential area where you can see examples of mansions built by wealthy sea captains long ago.

• Deering OaksA 51 acre area in Portland with a tennis court, baseball diamond, playground and pond. You can ice skate on the pond in the winter. In the summer, you can enjoy a wading pool and, on Saturday mornings, an extensive farmers' market. Outdoor concerts, Shakespeare in the Park, and the Festival of the Nations take place here as well.

• Willard BeachIn South Portland right across the bridge. Portland itself is not known for its beaches, despite plenty of oceanfront.

• Portland Sea Dogs

  phone: +1 207 879-9500
  Baseball, Hadlock Field. A Boston Red Sox AA affiliate with a Fenway Park replica field. $3-8 (2006).

• Cross Insurance Arena

  phone: +1 207 791-2200
  address: 1 Civic Center Sq
  The main event space in Portland, this 6,733 seat arena host concerts, expositions, and the Portland Pirates, the minor league affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)

• Fore River Gallery

  phone: +1 207 791-2723
  address: 87 Market St
  Located in Portland's historic Old Port, Fore River Gallery is owned and operated by four Maine artists, Elizabeth Prior, Mike M. Marks, TJ McDermott and Liz Marks. Displaying the work they create, they offer a wide range of fine art including jewelry, paintings, sculptures and ceramics.

• Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

  phone: +1 207 828-0814
  address: 58 Fore St
  Displays vintage locomotives and offers scenic trips along the waterfront.

• Back CoveThis large inlet connected to the sea by a small canal, has a recreation path over 3 mi (5 km) long and was designed by the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted and lined with linden trees to memorialize World War One dead.

• Portland Schooner Company

  phone: +1 207 766-2500
  address: 40 Commercial St
  During the summer months you can purchase tickets on the Maine State Pier, right next to the ferry. From 2-hour sails to overnight charters.

• Casco Bay Lines

  phone: +1 207 774-7871
  address: 56 Commercial St
  Taking a tour of Casco Bay on the ferry is a great way to enjoy Portland from a different perspective. In addition to fishing vessels and cargo and tanker ships, during the Spring and Summer months many sailboats, yachts, and cruise ships provide enjoyment.
• U.S. Highway 1. Be sure to drive up this scenic coast-hugging road whether on a clear or foggy day.

• Lucky Catch Lobster Cruise

  phone: +1 207-761-0941
  address: 170 Commercial St
  Go on a lobster boat for a 90 minute cruise. You can help bait the traps, throw the traps overboard and more. Great for kids.

• Maine Day Trip

  phone: +1 207 838-5275
  Private tours of Southern Maine originating in the Portland Region. This is your opportunity to explore and photograph many of Maine's unique views up close and personal. Your personal tour guide is available year round.

• East End BeachTake a swim at East End Beach on top of Munjoy Hill

• Happy Wheels

  address: Warren Ave
  A roller-skating rink.

• Fore River Gallery

  phone: +1 207 791-2723
  address: 613 Congress St
  A fine art gallery displaying the artwork by the owners, Elizabeth and Mike Marks as well as local emerging artists. A wide range of original artwork available to suit everybody's tastes. Paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more.

• The Gallery at Toby Rosenberg Pottery

  phone: +1 207 878-4590
  address: 293 Read St
  Showcases a full selection of fine Judaica as well as many bowl, pitcher and tray forms of sculptural pottery. Carries an ever changing eclectric variety of Maine artists and craftsmen, including the photography of Michael Barriault.

• Caravan Beads

  phone: +1 207 761-2503
  address: 915 Forest Ave
  One of New England's largest retail bead stores offering free use of worktables and tools and friendly assistance from the experienced staff. Carries a large selection of Miyuki seed beads, gemstones, freshwater pearls, czech glass, Swarovski crystal, and lots more.

• Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours

  phone: +1 207 774-0808
  address: 170 Commercial St
  Narrated Trolley Tours of Portland and Lighthouse Cruises of Casco Bay.

The Old Port

The Old Port is nestled against the busy port and home to 19th century streets filled with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The district sells everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry and designer jeans to best-selling books and surf boards. The Movies is a small independent movie theater on Exchange Street and The Nickelodeon is a larger theater on Temple Street. Fore Street and Wharf Street offer a number of bars and the area fills with partiers on Friday and Saturday nights in the summer. The Casco Bay Ferry to the islands leaves from Commercial Street. The Narrow Gauge Railway and Museum is located off Commercial Street.

• City Beverage Variety

  address: Exchange St
  A small corner store with general goods and snacks as well as a local beer selection, wine, and cigarettes.

• Simply ScandinavianMarket St. and Exchange St. Two stores that sell only Scandinavian food, clothing, toys, books, art, decorations, etc.

• Bull Moose

  phone: +1 207 780-6424
  address: 151 Middle St
  Indy retailer of new and used CDs, DVDs, vinyl and video games.

• Communiques

  phone: +1 207 773-5181
  address: 3 Moulton St
  Brimming with Maine souvenirs & clothing, toys, books, personalized mini-license plates & keychains.

• Company C

  address: 123 Commercial St
  This home furnishings and decor store sells rugs bedding, and more, all featuring colorful and fun textures and fabrics

• Cool As A Moose

  phone: +1 207 774-4515
  address: 388 Fore St
  This quintessentially Maine souvenir store sells cool toys, clothes, and other Maine-y gifts

• Cross Jewelers

  phone: +1 207 773-3107
  address: 570 Congress St
  A fine retail jewelry store that has been owned in Portland for over 100 years. Sells diamonds & colored-gem jewelry, plus Maine-mined tourmalines.

• D. Cole Jewelers

  phone: +1 207 772-5119
  address: 10 Exchange St
  Extensive collection of handcrafted jewelry in platinum, gold & silver. 5 jewelers for custom designs.

• Decorum

  phone: +1 207 775-3346
  address: 231 Commercial St
  Quality restoration, renovation, or new kitchen, bath, door & cabinet hardware, and unique home accessories.

• Designs by C.C.

  phone: +1 207 761-9697
  address: 7 Pleasant St
  Custom jewelry specializing in Maine Tourmaline, other Maine gems & minerals, fossils, glassware & repair.

• Edgecomb Potters Gallery

  phone: +1 207 780-6727
  address: 49 Exchange St
  Offers fine pottery, jewelry, art & American crafts.

• Fetch

  phone: +1 207 773-5450
  address: 195 Commercial St
  Portland's original dog & cat supply. Large selection of dog collars, pet clothing, and other fun, high quality products. Profits help animals & the environment.

• Holy Donut

  phone: +1 207-775-7776
  address: 7 Exchange St
  Locally made potato donuts. Closes upon selling out.

The Arts District

The Arts District centers around Congress Street, which runs through the center of the city. The Portland Museum of Art sits in Congress Square across from the Eastland Park Hotel and next to the Children's Museum of Maine. Galleries abound in the Arts District, as do restaurants and watering holes. The Maine College of Art, which houses the Institute of Contemporary Art, and SPACE Gallery are both located on Congress Street. The music venue One Longfellow is located on Congress where it enters the West End and the Portland Stage Company is housed among a cluster of galleries at the top of Forest Avenue, near Congress. Congress street is home to an L.L. Bean outlet store and in Monument Square you can find a permanent farmers' market called the Public Market House. On Wednesdays between May and November other local farmers sell local produce and flowers and in the square.
The Arts District includes more businesses that cater to local residents, but there are also several great used books and music shops:

• Yes Books

  phone: +1 207 775-3233
  address: 589 Congress St
  Overflowing with used books, including a behind-the-shelf collection of rare and valuable volumes.

• Enterprise Records

  phone: +1 207 773-7672
  address: 650 Congress St
  An LP-only retail store; rock, jazz, reggae, rockabilly, blues, soundtracks, spoken word.

• Cunningham Books

  phone: +1 207 775-2246
  address: 188 State St
  A slightly-more-organized and spacious used bookstore.

The East End

The East End includes India Street, Middle Street, Washington Avenue and Congress Street as it heads up Munjoy Hill. This neighborhood contains many restaurants, galleries and small shops. At the top of Munjoy Hill is the Portland Observatory and the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center.

• Angela AdamsThe world headquarters for this designers internationally renowned rugs and home accessories. It is located on Congress Street.

• Homegrown Herb & TeaA tea house on Congress Street offering medicinal tea and custom herbal blends. The owner mixes them according to Ayurvedic medicinal traditions.

• Rabelais BooksA bookstore on Middle Street that exclusively sells new, used and rare food-related books.

• FerdinandA local favorite and sells cards, vintage finds and all sorts of fun stuff "fashioned by ferdinand".

• Carlson & Turner Books

  phone: +1 207-773-4200
  address: 241 Congress St
  A traditional used/antiquarian book store located at in the East End. Phone is Open 11AM-5PM. Large selection of Used and Rare Books, Prints, Maps, Bookbindery and Letterpress Studio. Located on Congress Street, across from The Eastern Cemetery. Walking distance from The Old Port.

Portland offers a sophisticated restaurant scene, with chefs focused on locally sourced food. The city offers white tablecloth restaurants serving tasting menus to cheap eats selling burritos. The abundance of lobster, haddock, clams, scallops and other seafood allows restaurants to sell these usually expensive items at reasonable prices. In the Old Port and especially on Commercial Street, there are many seafood restaurants. Portland is the most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Maine. This means the city offers up Vietnamese, Thai, Polish, African, Middle Eastern, Greek, Japanese and Indian restaurants. Most of these places are inexpensive and delicious. Being home to many eco-conscious people, Portland offers a number of dining options for vegetarians and vegans. Portland also has the second highest restaurant per capita in the country, second to Seattle.

• Walter's

  phone: +1 207 871-9258
  address: 2 Portland Sq
  Located in the Old Port since the summer of 1989, Walter's has an eclectic selection of international fare that features bright menu ideas and creative dishes that fuse Asian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and local influences with an emphasis on pasta and fresh fish. Whenever possible, Walter's uses local purveyors for produce, meats and seafood. Walter's has a nice wine list, spanning the world from Napa, South America, France and Italy to the Land Down Under. They also have spectacularly unique martini offerings, including the Pear, made with fresh pear purée."

• 51 Wharf Restaurant & Ultra Lounge

  phone: +1 207 774-1151
  address: 51 Wharf St
  This restaurant and ultra lounge is the newest high end place in the Old Port. 51 is a modern restaurant with a contemporary, yet uncomplicated approach to food. With a cozy fireplace for the winter and an open air bar and deck in the summer, this place is the new place to be. 51 Wharf describes their bar as "51's sleek and sexy first floor bar is perfect for wine, cocktails, a bite from the Bar Menu and to people watch! The cozy lounge area with leather furniture is inviting to all. 51 is perfect to enjoy dinner, a quick snack at bar, or share a romantic bottle of wine in the lounge."

• Becky's Diner

  address: 390 Commercial St
  A fixture of the working waterfront. Becky's is a well loved greasy spoon that starts serving breakfast a 4AM. Fisherman and other waterfront workers start their early days here. On the weekends you can also find many people ending their nights with pancakes and famous homefries. Bumper stickers can be seen all over town reading, "Becky's Diner Nothing Finah".

• Flatbread Co.

  phone: +1 207 772-8777
  address: 72 Commercial St
  Right on the water with one of the best views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay in town, a fun and funky staff that toss your pie in a wood-fired clay oven. Flatbread is a great place to go for a fun night out in the old port and also family friendly. It offers organic food and many vegetarian and vegan offerings.

• Fore Street Restaurant

  phone: +1 207 775-2717
  address: 288 Fore St
  This place is reserved weeks and sometimes months in advance. But, you can get in just about any night if you arrive at opening about 5PM and get on the list for their open seating. It is worth it. Start looking for it early, some people drive past this place three or four times before finding it and ask where it is when they are right in front of it. Very small sign. It's located on the south side of Fore Street between Franklin and Pearl streets, and is to the right of the Bangor Savings Bank / Baker Newman Noyes building. If you see the private garage on the first floor of the bank building, you'll notice a staircase to the right, and then a one-story building that doesn't remind you of a restaurant.

• Gorgeous Gelato

  phone: +1 207 699-4309
  address: 434 Fore St
  Great authentic gelato, Lavazza espresso and Italian hot chocolate. The owners are a very friendly couple from Milan.

• Ribollita

  phone: +1 207 774-2972
  address: 41 Middle St
  Excellent Italian food. Fresh pasta, creative specials and the best mussels in Portland!

• Sebago Brewing Company

  phone: +1 207 775-2337
  address: 164 Middle St
  This brew pub offers 7 unique brews on tap and a wide variety of entrees. There is an upstairs for a more social dining atmosphere and a downstairs for a quieter environment.

• Susan's Fish and Chips

  phone: +1 207 878-3240
  address: 1135 Forest Ave
  Known for its large portions, freshness, and those reasonable prices.

• Gilbert's Chowder House

  phone: +1 207 871-5636
  address: 92 Commercial St
  Taste great New England Clam Chowder here.

• Fuji

  phone: +1 207 773-2900
  address: 29 Exchange St
  Offering a sushi bar, and Hibachi tables, the Japanese cuisine here is delicious. The hibachi tables are a great dining experience, but only open for dinner hours, and the wait can become long.

• The Front Room Restaurant & Bar

  phone: +1 207 773-3366
  address: 73 Congress St
  A neighborhood restaurant started in the first floor of an apartment building on Munjoy Hill near the Eastern Prom, chef Harding Lee Smith's restaurant is getting an excellent reputation off the Hill as well. Excellent food for a good price, with a small bar available. The kitchen is in plain view from the seating area, and that's just the way the owner likes it. Weekend evenings will involve a wait, and the waiting area is rather limited.

• Local Sprouts Cooperative Café

  phone: +1 207 899-3529
  address: 649 Congress St
  Offering locally sourced food for meat-eaters, vegans, vegetarians, and those with food allergies, Local Sprouts is cooperatively owned by its workers and is dedicated to creating a just food system with access to healthy, delicious food for all.

• Caiola's

  address: Pine St
  Small rustic restaurant with an ever changing rural European style menu. Fantastic wine and food, a favorite for local foodies.

• Arabica

  address: Free St
  Chess can be played here. Coffee, biscotti.

• Bill's PizzaAlso has sandwiches. can be pricey though.

• Benkay

  phone: +1 207 773-5555
  address: 2 India St
  Classic sushi bar on the Waterfront.

• Local 188

  address: 685 Congress St
  Bohemian elegance with locally produced food and a great wine list.

• Oh-No Café

  address: 87 Brackett St
  Specializing in boutique breakfast sandwiches.

• Korea House

  phone: +1 207 771-2000
  address: 630 Congress St
  Authentic Korean cuisine.

• Wild Burrito

  phone: +1 207 761-1600
  address: 574 Congress St
  Their food is good, very reasonable prices

• 1 City Center

  address: Downtown
  Dunkin' Donuts and other food places are here.

• J's Oyster

  phone: +1 207 772-4828
  address: 5 Portland Pier

• Morning in Paris

  phone: +1 207 761-5637
  address: 13 Exchange St, Old Port

• Mr. Bagel

  address: Congress St

• Stavros

  address: Forest Ave
  Great pizza for an affordable price.

• Little Caesars5 and change gets ya a hot pizza

• Old Port Sea Grill and Raw bar

  phone: +1 207 879-6100
  address: 93 Commercial St
  Fresh seafood, simply prepared and one of the largest raw oyster selections in the area

• Cook's Lobster House

  phone: +1 207-833-2818
  address: 68 Garrison Cove Rd

• Espo's Trattoria

Portland, and especially the Old Port, has a reputation for many bars and pubs of varying caliber. From bars for longshoremen and lobster men, to pub serving micro-brews brewed on-site, to night clubs, there's something for everyone.
In addition there are numerous bars and clubs along Wharf Street a cobblestoned alley in the Old Port.

• The Great Lost BearLocated outside of Old Port, this is a must for the discerning beer drinker. With over fifty beers on tap, "The Bear" has gained national renown for the variety, quality, and depth of its local and imported brews. Extensive pub menu with everything from burgers to vegan chili.

• The Top of the EastLocated in the Eastland Hotel, it offers impressive views of the city and top-shelf libations.

• Comedy Connection

  phone: +1 207 774-5554
  address: Custom House Wharf, Portland Old Port
  Occasionally Maine Comedian Bob Marley will have a show.

• The Big Easy Blues Club

  address: Market St
  Live music in many styles from local, regional and national acts.

• Brian Boru

  phone: +1 207 780-1506
  address: 57 Center St
  Irish Pub.

• Gritty McDuffs

  phone: +1 207 772-2739
  address: 386 Fore St
  Brew pub and good micro brews.

• Ri Ra's Irish Pub

  phone: +1 207 761-4446
  address: 72 Commercial S
  Irish pub with Irish food and live entertainment.

• Three Dollar Deweys

  phone: +1 207 772-3310
  address: 241 Commercial St
  German beer hall atmosphere in the Old Port

• Geno's

  phone: +1 207 772-7891
  address: 625 Congress St
  Rock club featuring original local and regional rock acts in the Punk, Metal, Hardcore, etc, genres.

• The Asylum

  phone: +1 207 772-8274
  address: 121 Center St

• Amigo's

  address: 9 Dana St
  Inexpensive drinks and Mexican food with a nice fenced-in outdoor patio and bands on weekends in the summer.

• Blue

  phone: +1 207 774-4111
  address: 650A Congress St
  Live music in a casual beer and wine bar setting.

• Novare Res Bier Café

  phone: +1 207 761-2437
  address: 4 Canal Plaza Ste 1
  The place in Portland for Beer. 300+ bottles, 25 Constantly rotating taps with rare beers, single malt scotch, wines, tequila, meats, cheeses, and small plates. Novare Res features a large expansive deck with table service, a large bar area, proper glassware, and a cozy brick building basement feel.

• Old Port Sea Grill and Raw bar

  phone: +1 207 879-6100
  address: 93 Commercial St
  Beautiful locally made concrete bar, flat screen tvs, full bar, specialty cocktail list, wine list, and in the old port.

Microbreweries

• Gritty McDuff's Brewing Co.

  phone: +1 207 865-4321
  address: 396 Fore St

• Allagash Brewing Co.

  phone: +1 207 878-5385
  address: 100 Industrial Way

• Casco Bay Brewing Co.

  phone: +1 207 797-2020
  address: 57 Industrial Way

• DL Geary Brewing Co.

  phone: +1 207 878-2337
  address: 38 Evergreen Dr

• StoneCoast Brewing Co.

  phone: +1 207 838-3985

Wineries

• MaineMeadWorks

  phone: +1 207 773-6323
  address: 51 Washington Ave
  Small winery making hand-crafted meads(wines made with honey) using 100% Maine wildflower honey and other local ingredients. Complimentary tasting and tour available on site.

Hostels

• Black Elephant Hostel

  phone: +1 207-712-7062
  address: 33 Hampshire St
  First hostel in Portland. Will store baggage. A few private rooms available.

Hotels

• Portland Regency Hotel and Spa

  phone: +1 207 774-4200
  address: 20 Milk St
  In the Old Port waterfront district. The building dates back to 1895 and includes exquisite turret rooms, working fireplaces and ornate brickwork. Sauna, therapeutic steam room and Jacuzzi. Beautiful chandeliers, towering windows and a working brick fireplace set the mood of the Portland Regency's premier steakhouse, Twenty Milk Street.

• Portland Harbor Hotel

  phone: +1 207 775-9090
  address: 468 Fore St
  Experience old world charm, distinctive design, and impeccable service at one of the newest downtown luxury hotels. The "Eve's At The Garden" restaurant located in the hotel is home to chef Jeff Landry.

• Eastland Park Hotel

  phone: +1 207 775-5411
  address: 157 High St
  The "Top of the East" restaurant at the top of the hotel offers a panoramic view of the city, while occasionally offering low-key live performers.

• Fairfield Inn Portland Airport

  phone: +1 207 871-0611
  address: 340 Park Ave

• Holiday Inn

  phone: +1 207 775-2311
  address: 88 Spring St

• Holiday Inn

  phone: +1 207 774-5601
  address: 81 Riverside St

• Motel 6

  phone: +1 207 775-0111
  address: One Riverside St

• Portland Marriott

  phone: +1 207 871-8000
  address: 200 Sable Oaks Dr
  Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks offers space for meetings and events, golf course, fitness facilities, as well as dining options.

Bed and breakfast

• Wild Iris Inn

  phone: +1 207 775-0224
  address: 273 State St
  7 rooms.

• Inn on Carleton Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 207 775-1910
  address: 46 Carleton St

• The Chadwick

  phone: +1 207 774-5141
  address: 140 Chadwick St
  4 rooms

• The Percy Inn

  phone: +1 207 871-7638
  address: 15 Pine St

• The Inn at St. John

  phone: +1 207 773-6481
  address: 939 Congress St

In keeping with Maine's reputation as a relatively crime-free U.S. State, there is no place in Portland a visitor should feel like they shouldn't visit during the day. As in any city, be alert in areas that are not well lit at night or deserted. Act with common sense and you should have no trouble.
Maine state liquor laws require all bars to close promptly at 1AM. The Old Port's numerous bars empty into the street at this time. Some rowdiness is to be expected, but there is always an increased police presence on busy nights.

Radio

Radio stations serving the Portland area include:

• News/Talk: WMEA 90.1 FM (NPR), WGAN 560 AM/105.5 FM (conservative)

Television

Television stations serving Portland include:

• WCSH Channel 6: NBC.
• WMTW Channel 8: ABC.
• WGME Channel 13: CBS.
• WMEA Channel 26: PBS.

Consulates

• Germany (Honorary)

  phone: +1 207 774-7000 ext 656
  address: 415 Congress St 5F

• Falmouth. A northern suburb of Portland, offering Mackworth Island, an island with a pleasant hiking trail.
• Bailey Island/Orrs Island Home of the world's only cribstone bridge, allowing water to flow through uninterrupted.
• Old Orchard Beach, a beach resort town reminiscent of the Jersey Shore. 19 miles south of Portland.
• Freeport, home of L.L. Beans and many outlet stores.
• Kennebunkport 30 miles south, charming fishing village offers beaches, antiques and a sneak peek at George H.W. Bush's summer estate.
• Cape Elizabeth for beaches and lighthouses.
• Saco on Route 1 south of the city has an amusement park (FunTown USA), waterpark (Aquaboggin), IMAX and a variety of tourist shops and restaurants.