UNE Online Portland City Guide 2019

Congratulations, graduates! We’re so excited that you’ll be joining us for Commencement!

Portland has so much to experience – each year we have fun listing our favorites out of all of the uniquely “Maine” things that Portland has to offer. These are our favorites here at CGPS – we hope you enjoy them!

Portland Maine Visitors Guide

2019 UNE Online City Guide of Portland Maine

Click to open the interactive Portland Maine Visitors Guide!

What should you do while you’re in Portland?

Top things to see in Portland

Best places to get lunch within walking distance of the Portland Campus

Do you have just a few minutes to grab lunch? Here are a few of our go-to places for lunch.

Top lunch places in Downtown Portland

These spots aren’t really walkable from campus, but they’re all pretty much within walking distance of one another once you’re downtown. Most of these restaurants are also open for casual dinner, but check before you go.

Top dinner places in Portland

If you are a foodie or a fan of craft beer you have certainly come to the right place. Bon Appetit named Portland, Maine, the 2018 Restaurant City of the Year!

  • Emilitsa – beautifully prepared authentic Greek food, unparalleled hospitality
  • The Treehouse – located above Pat’s Meat Market – fresh local food, charmingly decorated
  • Great Lost Bear – a local favorite with 80 beers on tap – casual and family-friendly
  • Petite Jacqueline – fresh and lively French fare
  • Boda – creative Thai street food, open late
  • Lazzari – wood oven pizza (we recommend the bacon and brussel sprout), creative cocktails
  • Central Provisions – trendy, small plates, craft cocktails
  • Eventide Oyster Co. – fresh oysters, phenomenal brown butter lobster roll
  • Yosaku – Japanese restaurant and sushi bar
  • Scales – local seafood, gorgeous views
  • Street & Co. – upscale preparations of local seafood
  • Fore Street – arguably the best table in the city
  • Tiqa – contemporary Pan Mediterranean dining
  • Five Fifty-Five (permanently closed) – an upscale fixture in the Portland dining scene
  • The Front Room – quaint and local, upscale comfort food
  • The Grill Room – urban steakhouse, outdoor dining available
  • The Corner Room – Italian cuisine, house-made pasta
  • Portland Lobster Co. – casual outdoor dining on the water – fun live music – dog-friendly
  • DiMillo’s on the Water – very popular – family-owned and family-friendly dining on a boat!
  • Empire Chinese Kitchen – dim sum, ramen, dumplings, and perfect garlic green beans
  • Isa Bistro – cozy neighborhood spot with a seasonally-driven menu
  • Binga’s Stadium – restaurant and sports bar, known for their wings and special hot sauce

Family-friendly places and activities

Hotel suggestions

Parking garages around the Cross Insurance Arena for graduation parking

  • Spring St. Parking Garage – city-owned– closest to Cross Arena but fills up quickly
  • United Parking Partners – private lot – Free St., across the street from Cross Arena
  • Fore River Parking – private lot – 44 Free St. – cash only
  • One City Center Garage – private garage – open 24 hours
  • Temple St. Garage – city-owned – 11 Temple St.
  • Monument Square Garage – 53 Brown St.
  • Elm St. Garage – city-owned – 21 Elm St.
On the East End of Portland, looking out toward Fort Gorges in Casco Bay. Photo by Elizabeth Benz.
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There you have it – our top recommendations for Portland visitors in 2019. It’s not a comprehensive list, but these are our happy places. And as everyone knows – the best way to multiply your happiness is to share it with others. 

Please feel to multiply your own happiness by sharing this guide with your friends or other Portland, Maine visitors. Those little icons at the bottom of the post are shortcuts for sharing.

Download our Portland Guide

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