- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Portland
Portland's motto, 'Resurgam,' reflects its resilience after being rebuilt four times. The Great Fire of 1866 led to the brick Victorian architecture defining the Old Port. One of the top attractions in Portland is the Observatory, the last U.S. maritime signal tower.
Explore Casco Bay's 'Calendar Islands,' a local nickname for its many isles. The Eastern Promenade, an Olmsted Brothers design, offers scenic harbor views. You can kayak the bay, take a ferry to Peaks Island, or bike along the Back Cove Trail.
Portland's sea-to-table dining has earned national acclaim. Enjoy a classic Maine-style lobster roll, chilled with mayo, or the official state treat, the whoopie pie. The city's craft beer scene is prolific, with innovators like Allagash Brewing.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- May-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, peak tourism
- Wintercold, possible snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LayeredClothing
- #RainJacket
- #Sunglasses
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3 days for main highlights
- 5-6 days with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #OldPort
- #PortlandHeadLight
- #ArtDistrict
- #CascoBayIslands
- #EasternPromenade
- #MaineMaritimeMuseum
- Visit the Portland Head Light
- Explore the Old Port
- Sample lobster rolls
- Take a ferry to island parks
- Visit local art galleries
Recommended Hotels in Portland by Experience
Things to do in Portland
Discover
Discover what to see in Portland through its historic Old Port, the Portland Museum of Art, and scenic Eastern Promenade. This coastal city offers lighthouses, cobblestone streets, and a working waterfront, blending history with natural beauty.
Experience
Take a Casco Bay Lines ferry tour or a lobster boat excursion from the harbor. Explore local breweries on a tasting tour, browse the Portland Farmers' Market, and enjoy seasonal events like the Harvest on the Harbor food and wine festival.
Portland Head Light
Maine's oldest lighthouse, an iconic coastal landmark.
Old Port District
Historic waterfront with cobblestone streets and boutiques.
Portland Museum of Art
Extensive collection of American and European art.
Eastern Promenade
Urban park with harbor views and walking trails.
Victoria Mansion
Lavishly preserved 19th-century Italianate villa museum.
Casco Bay Lines Ferry Ride
Scenic boat trips to the islands of Casco Bay.
Portland Farmers' Market
One of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM). A quick 15-min taxi or the METRO bus route #5 connects the Portland airport to city center. The Amtrak Downeaster offers a scenic train to Portland, arriving at the Portland Transportation Center.
Getting Around
The Old Port is best explored on foot. For wider travel, public transport in Portland includes the Greater Portland METRO bus. A car rental in Portland is great for day trips, while the Casco Bay Lines ferry offers transport to nearby islands.
Local Essentials
Consider these Portland travel tips for first-timers: driving in Portland's Old Port is challenging due to cobblestones and tight parking. Comfortable shoes are essential. Most places accept cards, but have cash for food trucks or smaller shops.
Where to Stay in Portland
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Portland where the ethos is sea-to-table. Taste fresh oysters and lobster rolls. You have to eat the authentic food Portland is known for like a dense, delicious potato donut, a local specialty.
Enjoy
Visit Fore Street for its elegant, wood-fired vibe, book far ahead. For cocktails at the cozy Central Provisions, arrive early. For a casual treat from The Holy Donut's busy counter, expect queues.
Fore Street Restaurant
Upscale, wood-fired American fare. Reservations are essential.
Eventide Oyster Company
Modern oyster bar with a popular brown butter lobster roll.
Duckfat
Beloved for Belgian fries, poutine, and milkshakes. Busy.
Street and Co
Mediterranean seafood served in a rustic, intimate setting.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Experience Greek culture with authentic food and dance at the annual Greek Festival. The St. Patrick's Day Parade fills the Old Port with Celtic pride. The Christmas Boat Parade of Lights illuminates the harbor, a nod to maritime history.
Enjoy
Discover Portland's creative pulse through its modern events. The city's stages host indie rock concerts and contemporary theatre. The monthly First Friday Art Walk transforms the Arts District into an immersive gallery of local talent.
First Friday Art Walk
A free, self-guided tour of art galleries and studios.
Resurgam Music and Arts Festival
Free June festival with local music and artists on the waterfront.
Harvest on the Harbor
Fall food festival with chef competitions and local tastings.
Maine Outdoor Film Festival
July screenings of outdoor adventure and conservation films.
Portland Greek Festival
June event with Greek food, music, and traditional dancing.
Portland Fine Craft Show
August showcase of juried artisans from across the Northeast.
Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
December parade of decorated boats in Portland Harbor.
A Great Walking City
Portland is a fantastic city for just walking and exploring. It feels so green, with huge parks like Forest Park right there. The different neighborhoods each have their own personality, and it's easy to get around on foot or by streetcar.
Amazing Nature Nearby
The access to incredible nature so close to the city is amazing. We took a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge to see Multnomah Falls. It's a special place with tons of hiking available for all levels. Great to have that escape so close.
Incredible Food and Coffee
Portland has an incredible food scene without being pretentious. The food carts are everywhere and offer so many awesome options. Coffee culture is huge, too. I found some of the best I've ever had just wandering around the Pearl District.
Unique Shops Everywhere
Loved the shopping here because it's not all big chains. The Hawthorne District was full of cool, independent boutiques and second-hand stores where you can find really unique things. The city has a lot of creative personality.
Creative and Inspiring
This city has a great creative feel. Powell's City of Books is absolutely massive, you can get lost in there for hours. It really reflects the city's love for reading and independent thinking. There are lots of small galleries and street art to see.
Perfect Winter Getaway
We visited in the winter and it was perfect. The city has so many cozy bars and breweries to duck into when it's chilly. People are laid-back. We tried a slice of marionberry pie at a small cafe and it was delicious. A really welcoming place.