Portland
City Travel Guide

Portland Guide

Explore the best of Portland, Maine, including attractions, local neighborhoods, transportation options, and travel tips to help you plan a smoother trip.

Portland Hillsboro Airport (HIO) Portland, Maine, United States 48 Live Events Next 90 days

Find Car Rentals in Portland

⚠️
Location not confirmed
Please select a location from the dropdown list.
Searching for the best deals…
Comparing prices across providers.
This usually takes just a few seconds.
🚗
Rent a car
What are the top attractions in Portland?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
All on Viator →

Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Portland, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.

Book Portland Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
Browse →
Portland Head LightAttraction
★ 4.8
Portland Head Light
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
Explore →16,821 reviews
Fort Williams ParkAttraction
★ 4.8
Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
Explore →3,794 reviews
Bug Light ParkAttraction
★ 4.7
Bug Light Park
South Portland, ME 04106, USA
Explore →2,529 reviews
Casco Bay LinesAttraction
★ 4.7
Casco Bay Lines
56 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Explore →2,185 reviews
Fort Allen ParkAttraction
★ 4.7
Fort Allen Park
49 Eastern Promenade, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Explore →1,999 reviews
Portland Museum of ArtAttraction
★ 4.6
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress Sq, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Explore →2,240 reviews
Allagash Brewing CompanyAttraction
★ 4.8
Allagash Brewing Company
50 Industrial Wy, Portland, ME 04103, USA
Explore →1,503 reviews
Two Lights State ParkAttraction
★ 4.7
Two Lights State Park
7 Tower Dr, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
Explore →1,583 reviews
Children's Museum & Theatre of MaineAttraction
★ 4.5
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
250 Thompsons Point Rd, Portland, ME 04102, USA
Explore →1,481 reviews
Victoria MansionAttraction
★ 4.6
Victoria Mansion
109 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Explore →1,202 reviews
Crescent Beach State ParkAttraction
★ 4.6
Crescent Beach State Park
109 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
Explore →1,113 reviews
Kettle Cove State ParkAttraction
★ 4.8
Kettle Cove State Park
Kettle Cove Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
Explore →805 reviews
Spring Point Ledge LighthouseAttraction
★ 4.8
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
Explore →748 reviews
Maine Narrow Gauge RailroadAttraction
★ 4.5
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
65 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Explore →978 reviews
Portland ObservatoryAttraction
★ 4.6
Portland Observatory
138 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Explore →837 reviews
Scarborough BeachAttraction
★ 4.6
Scarborough Beach
418 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
Explore →601 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Portland?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
GetYourGuide →

Quick answer Top tour formats in Portland include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.

Viator300,000+ experiences • Free cancellation
Book →
GetYourGuideFree cancellation • Instant booking
Book →
What events are happening in Portland?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
All events →

Quick answer 48 upcoming events in Portland across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard GoatsSports
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Little Feat: The Last Farewell TourConcert
Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Anberlin with Emery and Watashi WaConcert
Anberlin with Emery and Watashi Wa
Jun 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard GoatsSports
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats
Jun 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
Trousdale - Growing Pains (Deluxe) TourConcert
Trousdale - Growing Pains (Deluxe) Tour
Jun 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard GoatsSports
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Dirty DeedsConcert
Dirty Deeds
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard GoatsSports
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
The BethsConcert
The Beths
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
All Your Friends - The Indie Sleaze Dance PartyConcert
All Your Friends - The Indie Sleaze Dance Party
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
Claypool GoldConcert
Claypool Gold
Jun 9, 2026
Get Tickets →
Gary Clark Jr.Concert
Gary Clark Jr.
Jun 10, 2026
Get Tickets →
Luke Combs UKConcert
Luke Combs UK
Jun 11, 2026
Get Tickets →
Streetlight Manifesto: The Presence of the Past TourConcert
Streetlight Manifesto: The Presence of the Past Tour
Jun 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Lucy Darling: You're WelcomeArts & Theatre
Lucy Darling: You're Welcome
Jun 15, 2026
Get Tickets →
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Somerset PatriotsSports
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Somerset Patriots
Jun 17, 2026
Get Tickets →
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Somerset PatriotsSports
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Somerset Patriots
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
The BreedersConcert
The Breeders
Jun 18, 2026
Get Tickets →
Joe Russo's Almost DeadConcert
Joe Russo's Almost Dead
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Somerset PatriotsSports
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Somerset Patriots
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
The Big GAY Dance PartyArts & Theatre
The Big GAY Dance Party
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Somerset PatriotsSports
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Somerset Patriots
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
PrideArts & Theatre
Pride
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
An Evening with WilcoConcert
An Evening with Wilco
Jun 21, 2026
Get Tickets →
Sports
JUN
3
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats
Portland, ME
Concert
JUN
3
Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
609 Congress St, Portland, ME
Concert
JUN
4
Anberlin with Emery and Watashi Wa
121 Center Street, Portland, ME
Sports
JUN
4
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats
Portland, ME
Concert
JUN
4
Trousdale - Growing Pains (Deluxe) Tour
609 Congress St, Portland, ME
Sports
JUN
5
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats
Portland, ME
Concert
JUN
5
Dirty Deeds
121 Center Street, Portland, ME
Sports
JUN
6
Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats
Portland, ME
Concert
JUN
6
The Beths
609 Congress St, Portland, ME
Frequently asked questions about Portland
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Portland?
Portland offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Portland?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Portland, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Portland?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Portland Hillsboro Airport (HIO).
When is the best time to visit Portland?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Portland?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Portland?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.

💡 Travel Tips for This City

Budget

How to Avoid Hidden Fees on Your Car Rental

The advertised daily rate is rarely what you pay. Learn every hidden fee rental companies add and how to avoid or minimi...

Read tip →
Train Station

Train Station Car Rental in Europe: The Smart Combo

Combine Europe's rail network with strategic car rentals for the ultimate travel flexibility. Station pickup tips, prici...

Read tip →
General

Car Rental Scams: How to Protect Yourself

Protect yourself from the most common car rental scams. Pre-existing damage claims, fuel scams, phantom tolls, and bait-...

Read tip →
General

Best Road Trip Routes from Major US Airports

Five iconic road trips you can start straight from the airport. Pacific Coast Highway, Florida Keys, Southwest parks, Ro...

Read tip →
Perks Deals Travel Referrals Alerts