Location: Portland
Top Things to do in Portland
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Portland, Maine (ME)
From ornate mansions to ocean views, this charming city - the largest in Maine - will enchant you. Saunter down the brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets of the revitalized Old Port District, where you can browse through bookstores, explore craft shops and eat to your heart's content. Visit the Portland Head Light, which dates back to 1791, and is the oldest lighthouse still in continuous use in the U.S. The great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is the city's native son, and you can visit his childhood home, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House. With kids in hand, enjoy the highly interactive Children's Museum of Maine. And then go next door to the calmer Portland Museum of Art, a small, but eclectic museum with Impressionist works, Maine landscapes by Homer and Wyeth and other collections. Land or sea is an option here, so if you're tired of the street life, take one of the popular scenic cruises or whale watches, or hop on a ferry to the islands in Casco Bay. At the end of the day, and without kids in hand, unwind and rest your tired feet at one of the city's brewpubs.
Restaurants in Portland
1. Statue of Thomas Brackett Reed
2. The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By JohnPatsi - Tullahoma, United States
What a beautiful historical Cathedral worthy of European architecture. The priest and service were outstanding and very spiritual this beautiful building. If you are ever in Portland it is worth visiting and praying in this homage to faith and Virgin Mary.
3. Portland Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
THE PORTLAND OBSERVATORY IS CLOSED FOR THE 2019 SEASON. SEE YOU IN SPRING 2020! Breathtaking views and fascinating history at America’s last standing maritime signal tower. In the 1800s, Captain Moody used this observatory to monitor the routes of ships as far as 30 miles away. Today visitors can tour a museum focusing on the history of the watch tower and get a stunning bird's-eye view of Portland and the harbor.
Reviewed By VoyageursUSA - Swarthmore, United States
We arrived at the Observatory after a long day of touring Portland. As it turned out, we saved the best for last! The structure sits atop Munjoy Hill, with a commanding view of the city and its harbor. It has an interesting history and interesting architectural features, all of which we learned about as we slowly wound our way to the top of the tower, led by Sue, our exceptional and engaging guide. Sue brought the details of the observatory to life with her wonderful gift of storytelling. Without Sue it would have been a pleasant but not exciting visit. With her, it was delightful and memorable!
4. Old Port
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,225 reviews
Reviewed By jlneighbors
fun area with several states full of unique boutique shops, pubs, restaurants, ice cream shops and more. we loved it - though one or 2 days is probably enough to see the entire area.
5. Diamond Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
A residential and vacation community on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay offers sheltered beaches, acres of old-growth forest and some of the most spectacular sunsets around.
6. Congress Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
The city's main business area.
Reviewed By TravelGlo4
When you are sightseeing in Portland, you can't help but travel on Congress. Several major attractions (Portland Art Museum, City Hall) are located on Congress.
7. Fort Gorges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Abandoned fort on an island in Portland Harbor; visitors should use caution when exploring its grounds.
Reviewed By NHjo - Saco, United States
The views from the Eastern Promenade are so great, and Ft Gorges is one of them -- a little jewel surrounded by sapphire waters. It's accessible by tour or kayak.
8. Lobsterman Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
9. Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Home where poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lived as a boy.
Reviewed By MarlaO_13 - Florence, United States
This tour is only possible because Henry's sister wanted a lasting tribute to her famous brother. Everything in it was original and was placed exactly as she instructed. The tour guide we had wrote a book all about the house and it's history, which was available in the gift shop. Be sure to take this tour!
10. Commercial Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 650 reviews
Historic street at the edge of the working waterfront area of Portland.
Reviewed By DaisyDiva07 - St. Petersburg, United States
It's a shopper's paradise of non-touristic options including bakeries, breweries, clothing shops, fine arts & jewlery, cooking distractions, restaurants, bars, and the wonderful ferry ride options through Casco Bay. And, it's flat.
