My meticulously curated travel guide for Portland, Maine, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Start your day out at Tandem Coffee. It is the best coffee shop in town. The pastries are also popular, especially the biscuits. Don’t miss Holy Donut. These donuts are made with real potatoes not flour.
After exploring the city, stop by Duck Fat and order the duck fat fries and a coffee milkshake. The best french fries ever! That is all you need to know. Just go there!
For brunch or lunch, my favorite spot is Central Provisions. Bayside American Cafe is another popular brunch spot. Expect long lines on the weekend, but it’s worth the wait.
I also enjoy shopping at the local markets. The Portland farmer’s market is on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Rosemont Market is open daily, and sources produce from local farmers. Micucci is an Italian market located near Duck Fat.
No visit to Portland is complete without a visit to the Portland Lighthouse. You can get an Uber or Lyft to the lighthouse or use a combination of public transportation, walking, and biking. Hop on South Portland City Bus (Rte. #21) in Portland (on Congress Street) to the Pillsbury and Cottage Street stop. The entrance to Fort Williams, where Portland Head Light is located, is approximately 1.5 miles south on the left — Cottage Road turns into Shore Road. There is a food truck that sells lobster rolls. Locals say they are the best lobster rolls in town.
EAT
Central Provisions farm to table
Green Elephant Bistro vegan
Becky’s Diner local favorite for breakfast
Rose Foods bagels
GLUTEN FREE
SWEETS
Norimoto Bakery Japanese/Euro style bakery
Tandem Coffee biscuits are popular
DRINK
Maine and Loire natural wine bar
Hunt and Alphine Club cocktails
Portland Zoo a great local watering hole
Roma Cafe wine
STAY
The Long Fellow Hotel opening 2023
DO
Portland Lighthouse You can get an Uber or Lyft to the lighthouse or use a combination of public transportation, walking, and biking. Hop on South Portland City Bus (Rte. #21) in Portland (on Congress Street) to the Pillsbury and Cottage Street stop. The entrance to Fort Williams, where Portland Head Light is located, is approximately 1.5 miles south on the left — Cottage Road turns into Shore Road. There is a food truck that sells lobster rolls. Locals say they are the best lobster rolls in town.
Casco Bay Lines While the ferry goes to several of the Casco Bay Islands, all incredibly beautiful, Peaks offers the most in terms of dining and activities; however, you really can’t go wrong with a visit to any of the islands. If it’s too cold for island exploration, take a boat ride.
Portland Discovery Tours trolley and boat cruises
Portland Museum of Art Free on Fridays
Bubba’s Silk Lounge Every Saturday is 80s night. Show up dressed in 80s attire and get in free. Check their website for other special events and theme nights.
Nickelodeon Cinema Indie films
MOVE
SHOP
Case of You vintage clothing and accessories
Hello 1 P home
Little children’s boutique
Micucci Italian Market
Portland-flea-for-all is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This gem is two floors of vintage goodness.
GETTING AROUND
Tri Met public transit
Sunday street parking is free.
DAY TRIPS
- Freedom Maine Eat at Lost Kitchen featured on the Magnolia Network
- Arcadia National Park
- Stonington
- Southwest Harbor
- Bar Harbor
- Camden
- Kennebunkport
I also want to know your top hotspots in Portland!
TRAVEL GUIDES:
Laurel // Waco // Jacksonville // Philadelphia // Austin // Richmond // Palm Springs // Venice Beach // Oxford, MS // Portland, Oregon // 30A Florida // Charleston
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