Portland City Guide

Portland has great seafood like lobster rolls and clam chowder. There are many international options and vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants. Late-night food is limited but available on weekends.

The Old Port has many bars, breweries, and live music spots. The scene is lively but not overwhelming.

Portland has a rich coffee scene with many third-wave shops and specialty roasters. The culture focuses on quality and local sourcing.

Tipping is expected in most service industries. 15-20% is standard for restaurants, taxis, and personal services. Optional for counter service but appreciated.

Buy SIM cards at carrier stores (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) or Best Buy. All major providers offer good coverage and eSIM options. No ID needed for prepaid SIMs.

The city is generally clean with regular waste pickup and recycling. Tourist areas are well maintained.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores are open 24/7. Emergency rooms operate round-the-clock. Food options are limited late night.

Supermarkets like Hannaford, Shaw's, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods serve the city. There are also seasonal farmers' markets. Most stores open early and close late, including Sundays, but no bargaining is practiced.

Most places accept cards, including shops and restaurants. Cash might help at farmers' markets or small vendors.

ATMs are common downtown and near banks like Bank of America and TD Bank. Using out-of-network ATMs can cost $2.50 to $5.00 per use.

Portland Public Schools cover K-12 with instruction in English. Private schools like Waynflete and Cheverus exist. International schools are rare.

Portland has a small digital nomad scene with few formal meetups or events. Co-working spaces and cafes provide work spots, though community connections are limited.

Parks like Deering Oaks and Eastern Promenade provide shady walking and running spots. Green spaces are accessible throughout the city.

Popular routes include Eastern Promenade and Back Cove trails. The city is generally safe, with active running clubs and scenic waterfront paths.

Multiple gyms and fitness centers with varied workout options.

Public tennis courts are in parks like Deering Oaks. Private clubs offer more options and coaching. Padel courts are rare but found at some private clubs.

Padel courts are uncommon in Portland.

Plenty of yoga studios with various styles and meditation classes. Drop-in and membership options exist, all with English-speaking instructors.

Several schools offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo. Drop-in classes are common and instructors speak English.

Ski resorts are 1 to 3 hours away, including Sunday River and Sugarloaf. The season runs late fall to spring, with equipment rentals accessible.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are common on Casco Bay and nearby lakes, with rentals and guided tours available spring through fall.

Surf spots like Higgins and Scarborough beaches are 20-30 minutes away. Water is cold year-round, so a wetsuit is needed. Both beginner and advanced waves are available.

Diving is possible in the Gulf of Maine's cold waters. Visibility varies. Summer and early fall are best seasons. Dive training and rentals are available locally.

Maine Medical Center is the main hospital with English-speaking staff. Clinics and urgent care centers are also available. Pharmacies are common and may have extended hours or be 24/7. Quality is high but the system is private.

Tap water meets all federal and state standards and is safe to drink.

Many playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes are spread throughout the city. Attractions include the Children's Museum, Portland Head Light, and several parks.

The city is very LGBTQ+ friendly with safe spaces, events like Pride, and legal protections in place. Discrimination risks are low.

Portland welcomes pets in many outdoor areas, hotels, and some restaurants. Dog parks and veterinary services are easy to find.