Portland (Maine)

Introduction

Portland is Maine's most populated town.

Neighbourhoods

• East End-Munjoy Hill-Eastern Prominade
• West End-West Street to Western Prominade
• Old Port
• Downtown

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

Summers last from June to September and are nice and warm, between 25 °C and 30 °C during the day and between 15 °C and 20 °C at night. Winters last from December to March with average daytime temperatures mostly around 0 °C or slightly above. Nights are well below zero during this time. Precipitation is quite evenly distributed throughout the year, with sometimes very heavy snowfall in winter. During summer, heavy showers can occur, especially after periods of hot weather.

Getting There

By Plane

South Portland Airport (PWM) is an airport that borders with Portland, Maine, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) from the Central Business District.
The airport is accessible from I-95 (the Maine Turnpike) and I-295. METRO Bus and taxi service can be accessed from the ground transportation booth outside the baggage claim. A shuttle bus service called The Portland Explorer provides access to area hotels and to other local transportation, such as the Amtrak Downeaster train service, and Concord Coach Lines intercity bus service at the Portland Transportation Center.

By Train

The Downeaster travels between Boston, Massachusetts and Portland.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

Most people get around Portland by car, bike and on foot.

By Car

Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.===By Public Transport===

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

• Stir Crazy - 579 Congress St. Tel: (207) 871-1689‎ - Very nice Asian dining. Prices can be pricey, though.
• Happy Teriyaki - 630 Congress St. Tel: (207) 771-2000‎ - Nice Asian dining.
• Mister Bagel - 10 Moulton St. Tel: (207) 774-8704‎ - Come and grab a bagel for sitting down or checking out.
• Wild Burrito - 574 Congress St # 5 Tel: (207) 761-1600‎ - A nice sitdown or takeout Mexican-style burrito shop in downtown Portland.
• Bill's Pizza - located in the Old Port
• Bangkok Thai - a pricey Thai styled restaurant located on Congress Street.

Drink

• Norm's Bar and Grill – 617 Congress St. Tel: (207) 828-9944‎

There are many bars in the Old Port on Wharf Street.

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

• USM - University of Southern Maine

Keep Connected

Internet

The Javanet Cafe in the Old Port provides internet connection.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

The US Postal Service is very good and well priced mail system. There are post offices in every small and large town for sending packages internationally or domestically. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS and DHL.