Portland, Maine’s 10 Most Popular Attractions, According to Travelers & Locals

As we transition into fall, it means it’s a great time to get out and enjoy all that Maine has to offer. With fewer tourists around, it almost feels like the state belongs to us again.

That also makes it the perfect time to get out and enjoy the splendors of Maine’s largest city, Portland. Whether it’s exploring the Old Port, strolling along the working waterfront, or heading out into Casco Bay, there’s certainly plenty to see and do around the city.

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Maine is a treasure trove of attractions, from beautiful parks and wondrous rivers to world-class craft breweries and award-winning restaurants. It’s no wonder the state’s nickname is “Vacationland.”

Where can Many of Maine's Best Attractions be Found?

Of course, one of the most popular attractions in Maine is its largest city, Portland. The southern Maine city sits right on the coast and takes full advantage of its natural surroundings and friendly community.

With my curiosity ever wandering, I decided to take a look at travel site TripAdvisor’s Portland, Maine page. I wanted to see what outsiders (and some fellow Mainers) thought of our most cherished landmarks, museums, breweries, and outings in the Forest City. It seemed like a decent place to start, considering the city is a hotbed of tourism for most of the year—especially during the warmer months.

What are the best Attractions in Portland, Maine?

Below is a list of the top 10 attractions in Portland, based on TripAdvisor’s “Traveler Favorites.” These rankings consider ratings, reviews, photos, and overall popularity.

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In my opinion, the top 10 is a solid list. It’s a diverse mix that includes breweries, iconic spots, historic landmarks, and well-regarded museums.

It’s no surprise to see Allagash Brewing (of course a brewery is number one on the list) and the Portland Museum of Art—those might be two of the most popular spots in all of Maine. It was also expected to see Casco Bay and its islands peppered throughout the list. After all, it’s a special place.

READ MORE: These Are the Maine State Parks Everyone Couldn’t Get Enough Of in 2025

There were some omissions, though. It was surprising not to see another brewery in the top 10, considering Maine’s craft beer reputation. The Back Cove Trail also missed out—another surprise, given how popular it is. However, we’re only considering the top 10, so it’s a tough list to break into.

Still, we must respect the system, no matter how wild these lists can be.