A Travel Price Comparison for Maine Bar Harbor vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming, picturesque, and relaxed coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine?

Both Portland, Maine and Bar Harbor have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Bar Harbor is better known for its food, resorts, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its nightlife and beaches. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Bar Harbor different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine and Bar Harbor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Bar Harbor is an experience not to be missed. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Portland, Maine. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

The beaches at Portland, Maine attract visitors from all over. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Both Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine are destinations which offer notable hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Portland, Maine offers some nice hiking trails. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine?

Bar Harbor is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a moderate coastal town for its Christmas activities. However, Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas activities.

Portland, Maine has some seasonal activities during Christmas. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Both Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine are notable to visit with kids.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Portland, Maine is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Bar Harbor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine. In our opinion, Bar Harbor has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bar Harbor than Portland, Maine. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Portland, Maine. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bar Harbor, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Portland, Maine. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bar Harbor that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine than Bar Harbor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Portland, Maine.

One day in Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine?

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the laid-back coastal town of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine?

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine?

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Portland, Maine, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine?

Since Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bar Harbor is generally around the same temperature as Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In July, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Portland, Maine. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bar Harbor is cooler than Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Bar Harbor during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally around the same temperature as Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Portland, Maine. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Bar Harbor