A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Portland for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Portland?

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 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 quaint, charming, and picturesque coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and hiking. See Portland travel costs.

Bar Harbor and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portland. Although Bar Harbor and Portland are both popular with visitors, Portland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portland is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and hiking, while Bar Harbor is known for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Portland is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also home to Washington Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Portland?

Portland is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Bar Harbor. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Portland is a city 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. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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 Better for Music?

Portland is a city with good options for live music. However, Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its beaches. However, Portland is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bar Harbor. 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.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Portland?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland Better for Families?

Both Bar Harbor and Portland are good 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 is a family-friendly coastal town. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Bar Harbor or Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a city with good options for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Portland is a good city to visit for students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

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

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

Is Bar Harbor or Portland a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor and Portland both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Portland is a very walkable coastal town. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Portland. In our opinion, Portland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Portland than Bar Harbor. 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. 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. 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 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.

One day in Bar Harbor or Portland?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and nightlife around the progressive city of Portland, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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?

Bar Harbor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bar Harbor, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Portland, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Portland?

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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?

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Portland 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Portland, 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 Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Portland, 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?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Bar Harbor during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Portland. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bar Harbor is cooler than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Portland. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. In January, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Portland. Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Portland. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Bar Harbor