Portland (Maine) holidays
With more restaurants per capita than any other city in the eastern US, Maine’s largest city won’t leave you hungry. The best holidays to Portland are about chowing down lobster rolls and slurping up fresh oysters. But there’s still time for exploring the rocky coastline, where lighthouses nestle between pine-scented forests and secluded beaches. Back in town, stroll along cobbled streets from art galleries to breweries and blues bars.
Portland, Maine holiday highlights
Historic beacons
Perched on a rocky cliff south of the city, the 1791 Portland Head Light is Maine’s oldest lighthouse. There is no interior access, but it’s worth spending time exploring the museum and surrounding Fort Williams Park. Closer to town you’ll find tiny Bug Light, dating back to 1875. Its surrounding shoreline makes the perfect picnic spot.
City art
The epicentre of the art scene is the Portland Museum of Art, which showcases works by local artists, including former Portland resident Winslow Homer, alongside the likes of Claude Monet and Andy Warhol. It’s worth timing your hotels and flights to Portland for the monthly First Friday Art Walk, a free event when art studios and galleries are open to the public.
Where to stay
To be in the city’s historic heart, stay in the Old Port district, a maze of cobbled streets lined with 19th-century industrial buildings overlooking the harbour. Award-winning waterfront hotels, boutiques, breweries, cocktail bars and some of the city’s best dining spots make this a perfect area to stay and play.
Portland, Maine: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – March
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Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Portland, Maine
Places to eat
With so many great restaurants in Portland’s compact downtown, you’re spoiled for choice. Bustling oyster bars sit alongside farm-to-table eateries, sushi bars and Vietnamese noodle shops. Freshly caught lobster is everywhere from seafood shacks to upscale restaurants. Don’t leave without trying a lobster roll. Head to the pier to eat one while watching the catch of the day being unloaded.
Nightlife
Portland is a craft beer hot spot, so kick things off with a brew at one of its world-class taprooms. Head out of town to check out Allagash Brewing Company, known for its award-winning Belgian-style ales. Listen to live music around the Arts District and Old Port, where you’ll find Irish pubs hosting Celtic bands, punk-rock clubs, intimate blues bars and more.
Beaches
The best beaches near Portland are about 30 minutes south, including white-sand Crescent Beach State Park surrounded by rolling dunes. Family-friendly Old Orchard Beach has lifeguard-patrolled sections, a historic pier and an old-school amusement park. More rugged Higgins Beach is surrounded by marshes and tide pools. At low tide look for the shipwreck that’s been there for 127 years.
FAQs about Portland, Maine holidays
Plan flights and hotels to Portland
Battery Steele Brewing and Cumberland Club are just the beginning of what this city has in store. Check out the list of things to do in Portland
January brings the coldest days of the year. Organise your Portland, Maine trip then and you can expect lows of -10ºC (14ºF).
Your holiday to Portland
English is the language you'll hear most while on a city break in Portland
For warm temperatures, plan flights and hotels to Portland
The official currency in Portland, Maine is the United States dollar (USD). It's a good idea to have a little cash during your trip to Portland, but credit cards and digital payments are usually accepted by most places.
The warmest month in Portland, Maine is July, when temperatures peak at 25ºC (77ºF).
The airline you travel with, your departure airport, and the time of year you go can impact the cost of a city break in Portland, Maine. Prices for Portland flights and hotels can differ widely, but planning early and staying flexible with your travel dates can help you land savings.
With around 13 cm of rainfall, October is the wettest month. If you're going on your Portland
If your perfect city break combines great food, cultural attractions and plenty of after-dark entertainment, start planning your flights and hotels in Portland
