Explore Downtown
Welcome to Portland Downtown, where vibrant culture meets coastal charm! Discover our eclectic mix of indie boutiques, cozy cafes, and artistic flair. Immerse yourself in:
Capture the essence of Portland’s charm in its most photographed district. Wander scenic cobblestone streets and brick buildings while enjoying unique shopping and savoring farm-to-table delights in our renowned restaurants.
Indulge in stunning ocean views from historic wharfs, where state-of-the-art restaurants offer memorable dining experiences. Explore our bustling working waterfront and delve into marine science at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
Step back in time among the historic buildings of City Hall and Merrill Auditorium. Learn about the Press Hotel’s fascinating history and stroll through the serene Lincoln Park, home to an iconic fountain dating back to the 1870s.
Immerse yourself in Portland’s vibrant arts scene, home to both the Portland Museum of Art and the esteemed Maine College of Art and Design. Enjoy captivating performances at the State Theatre and get a glimpse of iconic American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a Portland native. Don’t miss Creative Portland’s monthly First Friday event, where local vendors line the streets to sell their wares, adding to the neighborhood’s dynamic atmosphere.
Portland Downtown invites you to experience the best of Maine’s coastal city life!
About Portland
With over 66,000 full-time residents, Portland swells to two million with the addition of its seasonal visitors and part-time residents in the summertime. The city is located on a peninsula in Casco Bay with access to many islands, such as Peaks, Great Diamond, and Long Island. Portland stands as one of the few working waterfronts left in the United States, acting as New England’s largest tonnage seaport and second-largest fishing port. Portland is also the largest foreign inbound transit tonnage port in the United States! Each year, our port handles over 206,000 international passengers, including 41,000 cruise ship passengers. As the economic capital of Maine, major national financial institutions, law firms, and import/export companies base their Maine operations out of Portland. Walking through downtown Portland, you will notice modern high-rise office buildings located in historic districts intermixed with centuries-old architecture. Pick some of your favorite things to do in Portland while you visit this exciting city. To make sure that you are able to find your way around the city, request a Guidebook today!
District Map
View a map of our downtown district boundaries, parking, and restrooms below
Portland Downtown adheres to transparency requirements applied to Maine 501c4 organizations. Externally-facing meetings, forums, panel discussions, etc., may be open to the public based on purpose. Financial documents, disclosures, and other information that are required to be made available to the public or are available as part of the City of Portland budget process can be found in the About Us section of the website. Property owners and business owners in the district who seek additional information should contact the Executive Director.
