What to do in Portland, ME

Activities, attractions and tours

Portland
Portland
Portland
Portland
Portland

Portland Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Portland has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Portland, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Portland with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Portland

Portland is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Portland, and make it a breeze to explore Portland and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Portland to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Portland, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Portland.

Portland attractions

Portland has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Portland to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Portland.

Looking for things to do in Portland can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Portland or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Portland attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Most fun & popular experiences in Portland

Tours & day trips

See all 43 activities
The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real ...

The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real ...

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 509 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £51 per adult
The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real ...Opens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 11 activities
Portland Golden Adventure Puzzle Quest and Tour

Portland Golden Adventure Puzzle Quest and Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 20 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is £7 per adult*
Portland Golden Adventure Puzzle Quest and TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour

Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £73 per adult
Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities
Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses

Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 68 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £85 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Portland

Number of things to do
50
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: £6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Portland

Popular places to visit

State Theatre

State Theatre

The beautiful mix of architectural styles, from Art Deco to Moorish, makes this newly renovated performing arts venue one of New England’s best.

State Theatre
Portland Museum of Art

Portland Museum of Art

4/5(2 reviews)

Maine’s largest and oldest art institution showcases three centuries of American art and European masters in its architecturally impressive museum complex.

Portland Museum of Art
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is the only caisson-style light station in the USA that visitors can walk to. Located on the breakwater at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland.

University of Southern Maine

Enjoy the student vibe at University of Southern Maine as part of your travels around Portland. Stroll along the waterfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

University of Southern Maine
East End Beach

East End Beach

Swim in the Atlantic Ocean, stroll along the sand-and-pebble shoreline or enjoy a picnic with unbeatable views at Portland’s public beach.

East End Beach
Portland Observatory

Portland Observatory

5/5(1 review)

After visiting Portland Observatory, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Portland. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its great live music.

Portland Observatory
Eastern Promenade

Eastern Promenade

Built on an old rail corridor along the easternmost portion of Portland’s peninsula, this waterfront trail offers stunning views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean.

Eastern Promenade
Maine College of Art

Maine College of Art

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Maine College of Art during your trip to Portland. Experience the area's great live music and entertainment choices.

Maine College of Art
Victoria Mansion

Victoria Mansion

3/5(1 review)

Visit the remarkably preserved 19th-century manor house, located in downtown Portland. Get an authentic impression of life during that era.

Victoria Mansion

Thompson's Point

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Thompson's Point during your travels in Portland. Stroll along the waterfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

Thompson's Point

Explore areas of Portland

Downtown Portland

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

Old Port

5/5(5 area reviews)

Explore the cobblestone streets in Portland’s historic district, which combines a wealth of history with a thoroughly modern city experience.

Old Port
West End

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
East Bayside

East Bayside

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

East Bayside
Portland Arts District

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
Aerial view of Cape Elizabeth Lights, also known as Two Lights, at the south end of Casco Bay in town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine ME, USA.

West Bayside

When in West Bayside, you can plan a visit to Bayside Bowl and Merrill Auditorium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Bayside

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Portland

Portland Head Lighthouse

South Portland

Rocky shores of the Maine Coast, Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, New England, USA

Cape Elizabeth

Ice Disk, Westbrook, Maine

Westbrook

Bass Harbor Head in Maine

Peaks Island

Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Cornwall

Falmouth

Frequently asked questions

Is Portland worth visiting?
Famous for its walking trails and culture, finding awesome things to do in Portland is easy. Be sure to add State Theatre to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Portland?
Higgins Beach and East End Beach are two awesome places to begin your holiday adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Portland while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portland?
State Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Portland and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Portland?
Three days will be enough time to tick off popular city highlights, such as State Theatre, Portland Museum of Art and East End Beach. The average stay in Portland is two days. If you have the urge to extend your holiday, South Portland isn't far away.
Is Portland a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Portland. Several top attractions, including State Theatre and Portland Museum of Art, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Portland's best neighbourhoods, Downtown Portland is 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) away from downtown, while Old Port is 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Portland with kids?
If you are after sights and tours for all of your group, take a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Portland with kids.

What to do in Portland for adults?
Portland Exposition Building and Portland Club are just a few of the things to do in Portland. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Portland?
From checking out parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Portland. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. East End Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.