Situated in Casco Bay, Portland is the most populated city in Maine. This amazing city is a blend of cultural, shopping and dining destinations and it attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world throughout the year. Tourism to the city increased manifold after movies like “The Man Without a Face,” “The Preacher’s Wife” and “Thinner” that were shot in Portland. Travelers can enjoy a bike tour along the Eastern Promenade, Commercial Street and the Deering Oaks Park. Foodaholics can sample delicious fare at Eventide Oyster Co. or at Duckfat. Adrenaline junkies can also enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding at Soposup or at Portland Paddle, or they can simply unwind in the sandy beaches in South Portland. After all, there are plenty of amazing accommodations, including cheap hotels and Airbnbs, that they can come home to. Tourists interested in night activities can explore this beautiful city without worrying about their safety. Check out some of the things to do in Portland at night.
1. Go on a spooky tour with Wicked Walking Tours
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Wicked Walking Tours on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wicked Walking Tours is a very interesting concept, which takes place in Portland during the wee hours of the night. Not scared of paranormal activities? This walking tour along the streets of Portland will definitely leave you spooked and shivering. The guides are well trained and they offer proper knowledge to those interested in historical facts including hangings, witch stories, Indian attacks and pirates that happened during the 1600s era. To make the tour entertaining, the professional guides act and also impersonate, do story-telling and stand-up comedy performances.
Wicked Walking Tours
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 24 hours
Website: Wicked Walking Tours
Average Price for two: 40 USD
2. Enjoy live jazz and rock music at Blue
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Eager to check out Portland’s nightlife? Blue is a venue hosting various live performances along with food and wine, and it is a perfect location for those interested in an intimate corner to hangout at night. Offering small plates and burgers to drinks and tapas-inspired delicacies, this is a must visit when in Portland. Located in the Arts District, this jazz bar has expanded gradually, attracting thousands of tourists and locals during the opening hours. Guests can enjoy live acts ranging from comedy shows to open mic to Irish sessions. If you are planning to visit here on a Saturday, you might be lucky enough to catch a live jazz show.
Blue
Address: 650 Congress St # A, Portland, ME 04101
Opening hours: Monday 5 pm to 10 pm, Wednesday to Saturday 5 pm to 12 pm, Sunday 4 pm to 10 pm
Website: Blue
3. Admire the stunning beauties of Casco Bay from the Eastern Promenade
Eastern Promenade is a historical waterfront park, which is used for public and recreational purposes. Tourists can enjoy biking along the paved trail, or unwind at the East End Beach with family, or engage themselves in various sports activities in the tennis, basketball and baseball courts. If you are not in the mood to do any of the above activities, just relax on the green grass and admire the mesmerizing beauties of Casco Bay.
Eastern Promenade
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 7 am to 9 pm
Website: Eastern Promenade
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4. Explore the Portland Museum of Art
Formerly known as the Portland Society of Art, this oldest and largest museum of Maine houses over 17000 objects of fine arts from the 18th century. Located in the downtown district of Portland, this art museum showcases the works of famous names like Winslow Homer, Andy Warhol and Claude Monet. From American and European contemporary works to photographs, sketches, furniture, ornate silverware, pottery and sculptures, this place has it all. Art lovers will enjoy exploring the entire museum and can attend regular events hosted here including the curator talks, movie screenings and PMA Family Days.
Portland Museum of Art
Address: 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Opening hours: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am to 8 pm, Monday and Tuesday closed
Website: Portland Museum of Art
Average Price for two: 36 USD
5. Take a stroll along restaurants, cafes and bars on Commercial Street
Among the famous streets in the United States, Commercial Street is home to many cafes, bars, kid-friendly restaurants, and boutiques and is a great place to check out downtown Portland’s nightlife. Situated by the water’s edge, locals and tourists often visit here to refresh themselves amidst a fresh sea breeze, amazing maritime landscapes and fishermen hauling in the catch. A walk along this street will make you come across many 19th and 20th century buildings, which have now turned into restaurants, cafes and bars. Among one of those is the spacious Scales restaurant, offering local seafood, wine and a raw bar.
Scales
Address: 68 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 5 pm to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 pm to 10 pm
Website: Scales
Average Price for two: 31 USD to 60 USD
6. Shop, eat and drink while walking down Portland’s Old Port district
Overlooking the Fore River on the southeast side of the Portland peninsula, Old Port district is an urban and historical waterfront landmark. With brick architecture from the 19th century, hilly and cobblestone streets, fishing piers, shops, boutiques, Mexican restaurants and bars, this place is hustling and bustling with lively activities. Tourists can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife in this beautiful place, which gives you a feeling of both a world-class city and small towns. Stop by Old Port Candy Co., if you are interested in buying gifts, candies and chocolates for your loved ones back home. If you’re in Portland on a Friday night, definitely check out this area.
Old Port Candy Co.
Address: 4027, 422 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
Website: Old Port Candy Co.
Average Price for two: 10 USD – 15 USD
7. Engage in arcade and board games at Arcadia National Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A place for the nerds, Arcadia National Bar is hard to find and is amid a series of storefronts. Guests can head to the huge lot of arcade games including Pacman, Moon Patrol and Time Pilot. A 21-plus gaming spot, this place non-touristy things to do like tasting local craft beer, wine and house cocktails. If you are lucky enough, you can also take advantage of the happy hour, mug club and weekly specials, which are organized here on a random basis.
Arcadia National Bar
Address: 24 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Opening hours: Sunday to Friday 5 pm to 1 am, Saturday 12 pm to 1 am
Website: Arcadia National Bar
Average Price for two: 20 USD
8. Listen to the Portland Symphony Orchestra at the Merrill Auditorium
Officially known as the Portland City Hall Auditorium, this 1908-seat beautifully restored place organizes many performances. From Maine State Ballet, Portland Symphony Orchestra, to various concerts, comedy shows, theatrical performances and special and corporate events, this auditorium hosts it all. Thousands of locals and tourists visit this place and listen to live performance by the Portland Symphony Orchestra, which features renowned guest artists and is directed by Robert Moody.
Merrill Auditorium
Address: 24 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 24 hours
Website: Merrill Auditorium
Average Price for two: 216 USD
9. Try Greek cuisine at Emilitsa
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
A traditional Greek restaurant in Portland, Emilitsa is located in Congress Street and features a contemporary and casual atmosphere. You can choose from a wide variety of large and small plates along with fresh seafood platters. The dishes are prepared with local, fresh, natural and organic ingredients under great supervision and utmost care. The lovely warm ambiance in this chic, exposed-brick space will encourage all to enjoy a dinner date with your loved ones.
Emilitsa
Address: 547 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 pm to 10 pm, Sunday and Monday closed
Website: Emilitsa
Average Price for two: 31 USD – 60 USD
10. Solve puzzles and mysteries at The Escape Room
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Escape Room on Sunday, July 3, 2022
Don’t know what to do in Portland at night? Tourists tired of watching the same movies in their hotels after a long and hectic day can hop out to have a fun night at the Escape Room. You can go in a group of 10 and play or make new friends while trying to escape. Featuring many rooms like the American Revolution, Kidnapped, Fortune Teller, Steampunk Airship and Copperhead Salon, visitors can book any to play for 60 minutes. An interactive and fun concept in Portland, this engages you in discovering hidden objects, gathering clues, solving puzzles and finally find the key to escape before the bomb explodes.
The Escape Room
Address: The Escape Room, 492 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 12 pm to 9:30 pm, Saturday 11:30 am to 9 pm, Sunday 11:30 am to 7:30 pm, Monday and Tuesday closed
Website: The Escape Room
Average Price for two: 40 USD
Nearby option
11. Sail at sunset near Portland (from USD 150.0)
Experience sunset sailing near Portland. To ensure safety, guests will get a comprehensive tour of the boat, and sailing practices will be explained thoroughly. The agenda includes sailing through Saco River and viewing Wood Island Lighthouse, Biddeford Pool, and Old Orchard Beach. There is even a possibility of seeing sea creatures such as seals, sharks, and whales. With a great view of the sunset skies, it is impossible not to appreciate this tour.
Sunset Sail
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy nightlife in Portland
Portland is known for a lot more things than visible to the naked eye. With cobbled streets, salty breezes and various ice cream stores, tourists can explore the dozens of gems hidden in the neighborhoods. From Instagram-worthy clicks at Cape Elizabeth’s Portland Head Light, enjoying a killer art walk at the Portland Museum of Art, to drop-dead shopping along the Congress Street or at Portland Architectural Salvage, this city has it all. Be sure to check out the best bed and breakfasts as well as hotels with in-room hot tub for your places to stay.
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