Portland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Portland Head Light showing a lighthouse, general coastal views and rugged coastline
Portland
Fort Williams Park showing rugged coastline and general coastal views as well as an individual female
Portland
Portland

The largest city in Maine is a gateway for island hopping in summer, skiing in winter and a thriving cultural center year-round.

Renowned for the many outdoor adventures that are nearby, Portland, Maine, also offers visitors a large downtown arts district and a vibrant food culture.

Kick off your exploration in the Old Port. This historic district with cobblestone streets and converted Victorian warehouses contains many boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Visit the late 18th-century Portland Head Light lighthouse. Although the tower isn’t open to the public, you can still explore the small museum in the former Keepers’ Quarters, which is open seasonally. 

Portland’s creative side is seen in its many downtown museums and galleries. Discover three centuries of American and European fine and decorative art at the Portland Museum of Art. For music, dance and drama, visit the Merrill Auditorium and the Portland Stage theatre.

After a tour of the town and its museums, go kayaking or take a boat cruise to explore coastal and inland waterways. On a warm day, swim in a clear lake, relax on the beach or go whitewater rafting down the Kennebec River. Take a short ferry ride out to the Casco Bay Islands, an archipelago off Portland’s coast. Visit the islands’ beaches, woods and villages. Peaks Island is the bay’s most populated island and has an artistic community. Walk its 4-mile (6.4-kilometre) Peaks Island Loop. In winter, go skiing in Sunday River and Sugarloaf, two skiing resorts within driving distance of the city.

Compact Portland is easy to navigate by car and public transport and on foot. There is a fee for parking in the downtown area, except on Sundays. In winter, check the nightly parking ban to avoid blocking snow plows.

The city is 310 miles (499 kilometres) from New York City and daily flights from there and Washington D.C. go into Portland International Jetport. As the city has a working port and cruise terminals, you can also get there and away by ship.

Where to stay in Portland

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Downtown Portland

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

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 Maine College of Art.

Downtown Portland
Old Port featuring a bay or harbour

Old Port

5/5(5 area reviews)

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Old Port. A stop by Cross Insurance Arena or Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal might round out your trip.

Old Port
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Back Cove

When in Back Cove, you can plan a visit to Hadlock Field and Merrill Auditorium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Back Cove
Victoria Mansion which includes heritage elements, a house and interior views

West End

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in West End, Victoria Mansion and Portland Fire Museum are top sights worth seeing.

West End
Portland featuring a park

East Bayside

If you're spending some time in East Bayside, Maine Jewish Museum and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception are top sights worth seeing.

East Bayside
Portland Museum of Art which includes art and interior views as well as an individual male

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 Maine College of Art or Cross Insurance Arena might round out your trip.

Portland Arts District
Clarion Hotel Portland

Clarion Hotel Portland

2.5 out of 5
1230 Congress St, Portland, ME
The price is ₹13,057 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹13,057
₹14,446 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,028 reviews)
"Staff welcoming, friendly and very helpful in providing the various types of eateries nearby. The shuttle bus on call when needed. I enjoyed my stay at the Clarion. Hotel is right near the Portland Transportation Center (literally located back door--walkable)"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Clarion Hotel Portland
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Portland

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Portland

3 out of 5
155 Riverside St, Portland, ME
The price is ₹13,276 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹13,276
₹14,688 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,039 reviews)
Good and clean
"Good location for us and very convenient to all the areas nearby that we had to go. We enjoyed the quiet and were able to easily and quickly get additional towels and supplies as we needed."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Portland
The Westin Portland Harborview

The Westin Portland Harborview

4 out of 5
157 High St, Portland, ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹26,946 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
₹26,946
₹30,261 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

The Westin Portland Harborview
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Weldon Hotel

The Weldon Hotel

4.5 out of 5
54 York St, Portland, ME
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Thompson's Point ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful place to stay."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

The Weldon Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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