TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Unique viewpoint |
|  | Portland Observatory: In the 1900s, 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. Address: 138 Congress St., Portland, Maine Phone: 207-774-5561 Admission fee; open from June to October |  |
For art lovers |
|  | Portland Museum of Art: Works by the European masters such as Degas, Picasso and Renoir are on display along with American greats like Winslow Homer, Robert Indiana and Andrew Wyeth at this museum that places special emphasis on the works of artists from Maine Address: 7 Congress Square, Portland, Maine Phone: 207-775-6148 Admission fee |  |
|  | Museum of African Tribal Art: A rare collection of tribal masks, sacred objects and artifacts representing over 1,000 years of African history on are on display at this museum, the only one of its kind in New England. Address: 122 Spring St., Portland, Maine Phone: 207-871-7188 Free |  |
On the waterfront |
|  | Old Port: This charming waterfront section of downtown Portland, dating back to the 1800s, has narrow cobblestone streets, art galleries, boutiques, a variety of restaurants and restored Victorian buildings, as well as the Portland Museum of Art and the Children's Museum. Address: Portland, Maine |  |
Literary landmarks |
|  | Wadsworth-Longfellow House: The famous poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow was born in this brick house - the first in Portland. Built by his grandfather and completed in 1786, the Federal-style house contains period furniture and documents and overlooks a beautiful colonial-style backyard garden. Address: 487 Congress St., Southern Maine Technical College Campus, Portland, Maine Phone: 207-774-1822 Admission fee |  |
Nearby places worth a visit |
|  | Portland Head Light: Maine's oldest lighthouse - and one of the most picturesque and most frequently photographed in the U.S. - has been in operation since 1791. Although it is closed to the public, you can stop by the adjacent museum, enjoy the grounds which include a beach, lawns and picnic areas and view boats entering and leaving the harbor. Address: 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, Maine Phone: 207-799-2661 Admission fee; open from May to October |  |
Restaurants |
|  | Back Bay Grill: The menu features well-prepared meat and seafood that changes with the season. The atmosphere is inviting and the service top notch. Address: 65 Portland St, Portland, Maine Phone: (207) 772-8833 |  |
|  | Restaurant Sapporo: You'll find traditional Japanese cuisine on the menu but the fresh and authentic sushi is the reason to dine here. Address: 230 Commercial St, Portland, Maine Phone: (207) 772-1233 |  |
More attractions |  |  | View all attractions in Portland |
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"Portland, Maine"
away.com / Outside Magazine, Aug 1, 2007 Discover the many natural and historic treasures this scenic port city has to offer.
"Journey: 36 Hours - Portland, Me."
New York Times (free registration required), Aug 2, 2002 Explore the islands in Casco Bay or enjoy some shopping or a lobster roll on your next visit to Downeast Maine.
"What's Doing In; Portland, Me."
New York Times (free registration required), Jul 2, 2000 Victorian mansions, lighthouses and views of Casco Bay are big summer draws in Portland, Maine.
View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Portland |