Visitor Center | Portland, ME | Tourism | Visit Portland (2024)

FAQs

Visitor Center | Portland, ME | Tourism | Visit Portland? ›

Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Portland, Maine, is a coastal gem with a working seaport where you can breathe salty air, watch seagulls strut, and catch a ferry to one of Casco Bay's lightly tread islands. The small New England city has a delectable culinary scene, fine art museum, and walking trail that focuses on African-American history.

How many days do I need to see Portland, Maine? For a comprehensive experience of Portland and its surroundings, plan a 5-day trip. You'll want to spend three days exploring the city's downtown area, coffee shops, local breweries, and amazing restaurants. Reserve the other two days for day trips to nearby attractions.

No matter what your preferred style of getting around: bike, bus, ferry, or on foot—our city by the sea provides easy access to whatever you are looking for. Whether that be a limo rental or a ride on one of our city buses.

1. Acadia National Park - Bar Harbor - 4,069,068 visitors. Okay, so not a surprise that this isn't just the most visited attraction in Maine, but it is by about 3.5 MILLION visitors!

The best time to visit Portland is from June to August.

West End. Besides the Old Port, The West End is one of the most charming places in Portland. The architecture is amazing. Parking can be quite tricky on the West End.

The city is perfect for walking to enjoy the historic buildings, water views and working waterfront. Below are directions to find the two major sections of our city by car.

Things to Do in Downtown

Walk along the South Park Blocks, a green strip spanning 12 city blocks ending at the campus of Portland State University, to discover public art, the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society, and seasonally, the Portland Farmers Market at PSU, in the heart of Downtown's cultural hub.

Is it expensive in Portland Maine? ›

Portland, Maine's cost of living is 15% higher than the national average.

Even though the summer months of June, July, and August are by far the busiest time of the year, many would argue that this is still the best time to go to Maine. For those looking for fewer crowds, and nature at its finest, the fall shoulder season from September to October may be the best time to visit.

Portland is the closest U.S. transatlantic port to Europe, and the 20th-largest fishing port in the nation. Maine provides nearly 90% of the nation's lobster supply - roughly 40 million pounds annually. Maine's State Berry is the blueberry, and with good reason!

Portland is a safe place to visit, and crime rates are improving. In its most recent Violent Crime Survey, the Major Cities Chiefs Association found that total reports in the U.S. dropped about 2.6% in 2023 compared to 2022.

(KOIN) — Portland is one of the nation's top five cities where you can go far with no car, according to a new report that ranked U.S. destinations by walkability.

Boston to Portland Maine is one of the best small road trips in the U.S. While the cities are less than two hours apart, you can extend the trip to include many scenic charming towns and coastal views along the way.

You can see many of Portland's most popular attractions in two to three days if you stay in or near downtown. If you'd like to visit Mount Hood, hike in the Columbia Gorge, visit the Oregon Coast, or see how locals live by spending time in one of Portland's many neighborhoods, we recommend at least five days.

There's something for everyone in Portland. Its diverse cultural offerings and proximity to stunning nature make it an ideal destination not only for casual tourists but also for business travelers looking for a unique blend of work and leisure.

Portland is the closest U.S. transatlantic port to Europe, and the 20th-largest fishing port in the nation. Maine provides nearly 90% of the nation's lobster supply - roughly 40 million pounds annually. Maine's State Berry is the blueberry, and with good reason!

With a walk score of 62, Portland is the most walkable city in Maine. As the largest city in the state, Portland boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Old Port and Munjoy Hill. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.