West End Travel Guide
Portland
Popular places to visit
Victoria Mansion
Visit the remarkably preserved 19th-century manor house, located in downtown Portland. Get an authentic impression of life during that era.
State Theatre
The beautiful mix of architectural styles, from Art Deco to Moorish, makes this newly renovated performing arts venue one of New England’s best.
Portland Museum of Art
Maine’s largest and oldest art institution showcases three centuries of American art and European masters in its architecturally impressive museum complex.
East End Beach
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean, stroll along the sand-and-pebble shoreline or enjoy a picnic with unbeatable views at Portland’s public beach.
University of Southern Maine
Enjoy the student vibe at University of Southern Maine as part of your travels around Portland. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in the area.
Eastern Promenade
Built on an old rail corridor along the easternmost portion of Portland’s peninsula, this waterfront trail offers stunning views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean.
Things to do
Downtown Portland: Coastal Vibe and Old Mansions with In-Add Audio Tour
Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour
Maine Tour Bundle: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle
Portland Maine App-Based Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle
Portland Smartphone Audio Tour: Self-Guided Drive
Maine: Portland Smartphone-Based Walking Audio Tour
Top hotels in West End
Blind Tiger Portland – Carleton Street
Adorable spot in Portland, great location, really cool concept. Felt like an upgraded vacation rental. You don’t have the whole place to yourself but it basically feels like it. Check in and everything was seamless. The local recommendations, games, and snacks were a nice touch. We loved plays scrabble ...
Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025
Clarion Hotel Portland Airport ME
Friendly staff
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Portland Harbor Hotel
Staff was great.
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown-Old Port
Very clean room. Staff was very helpful especially Zach at the front desk.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Hot tub and saunas were clean and great. I liked the room keys were still actual keys, not card keys, are a nice touch for the classy establishment.
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG
Very clean, quiet, easy parking, nice location close to shops
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around West End
Valley Street
While visiting Valley Street, you might make a stop by sights like Hadlock Field and Home of the Maine Celtics.
Parkside
If you're spending some time in Parkside, Neal S. Dow House and Fitzpatrick Stadium are top sights worth seeing.
Portland Arts District
The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Portland Arts District. A stop by Wadsworth-Longfellow House or Cross Insurance Arena might round out your trip.
Oakdale
While Oakdale may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hadlock Field and Portland Exposition Building.
West Bayside
When in West Bayside, you can plan a visit to Merrill Auditorium and Wadsworth-Longfellow House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Downtown Portland
A noteworthy feature of Downtown Portland is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Cross Insurance Arena and Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
