Featuring an eclectic collection of unique neighborhoods, each with its own personality and attractions, this ever-evolving city is a study in contrasts, and the many successful urban renewal projects haven’t detracted from local livelihoods or the wealth of historically relevant icons and attractions.
Thanks to this treasure trove, Portland has become a destination city in its own right, and in the wake of this relatively newfound popularity, the touring industry has grown exponentially.
Don’t have time to read about all the tours on the list? No worries — in our opinion the best tour in Portland is this Old Port Culinary Walking Tour. It has hundreds of stellar reviews, so you can’t go wrong.
Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoorsy type, a history buff, or just want to do something fun while visiting the city, here is your guide to the best tours in Portland, Maine. We split them out by Food Tours, General Sightseeing Tours, and Boat Tours as each type is quite different from the others.
Food Tours
Maine is known for a number of iconic foods, and Portland features delicious examples of all of them. These Portland Food Tours will get you acquainted with the best of the local cuisine.
1. Old Port Culinary Walking Tour
If you are looking to experience the tastes of Portland, you can’t beat the Old Port Culinary Walking Tour! (Credit: Viator)
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 |⏳ Duration: 3 Hours | 🦞 Check Availability
Featuring a thorough investigation of the Portland trifecta—food, drink, and history—this walking tour will touch on a little bit of everything that makes this city unique.
You’ll enjoy a meandering stroll through the cobblestoned streets of the Old Port with local, knowledgeable tour guides; meet the makers and hear their stories as you sample seasonal, local fare like lobster rolls and other seafood creations, local craft beers, and freshly baked goods.
“Loved the historical information about Portland and Maine, and all the food tasted was wonderful. Made good restaurant suggestions for other times I’m here too.”
–Mary (See More Reviews)
Be sure to dress for the weather; the tours are offered all year long, the waterfront is notoriously windy…and this is Maine, after all!
2. The Maine Donut Tour
If donuts are your favorite comfort food, then you will love this walking tour in the Old Port! (Credit: Viator)
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 |⏳ Duration: 90 Minutes | 🍩 Check Availability
Offering just the right mixture of decadence and exercise, this walking tour takes you to three iconic donut destinations, yes—but you’ll also experience a dose of history and heart-healthy walking.
Despite the tour being a mere mile long, you’ll enjoy sights like the Long Wharf at the working waterfront, the Customs House, the former armory, Monument Square, and City Hall.
“Donuts were delicious. It was also a very interesting historical tour of Portland. We learned a lot about the food culture in Portland.”
–Erna (See More Reviews)
You’ll start out the tour by skipping the notoriously long line at Portland’s famous Holy Donut—which is reason enough to embark on this whole endeavor, IMHO…and seeing as the donut was created in Maine, you can ease your guilt at the extra caloric intake with the knowledge that you are embarking on a historically relevant culinary adventure.
There are a number of amazing bakeries in Portland, and this donut tour will cover several of the best so you can sample their wares.
3. Beerunch Brewery Bus Tour
Maine craft brews are ready for enjoyment on the Beerunch Brewery Bus Tour (Credit: Viator)
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 |⏳ Duration: 3 Hours | 🍺 Check Availability
Are you of the “It’s twelve o’clock somewhere” mindset? Then the Beerunch Brewery Bus Tour will surely tick all your beer-loving boxes.
Portland is an extremely beer-happy city, with over 25 craft breweries on offer—so this tour is the perfect way to explore some of them. In order to avoid the inevitable crowds at each of three rotating craft brewery stops, the Beerunch Brewery Bus tour begins at 10 a.m., prior to opening time (hence the brunch-centric name).
“We had a great time and enjoyed all the breweries. Each brewery had great beer which you get to sample and lots of information about them. The brew bus staff was great and it was a fun time on the bus. Would recommend to anyone who likes beer.
–Tour Participant (See More Reviews)
You’ll enjoy exclusive tours, tastings, and snacks—along with safe, sober transportation.
Sightseeing And Historical Tours
4. Portland Fire Engine Tours
It’s tough to beat a tour of Portland in a custom fire engine! (Credit: Viator)
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 |⏳ Duration: 50 Minutes | 🚒 Check Availability
Able to accommodate groups of up to 13 people, these vintage fire truck tours are narrated by in-the-know locals and take you past all of the most iconic sights in the city, including historic buildings of architectural interest, civil war forts, and lighthouses.
The informative narrations are supplemented by high-resolution images shown on the on-board flat-screen TVs, further enhancing your mobile learning experience.
“The firetruck is a must do in Portland. Driver/owner moved around town with ease. Our narrator was excellent! You can tell she loves talking about the area and does so with flair! We very much enjoyed the experience and seeing the town. Thank you!
–Margot (See More Reviews)
The friendly guides are also great resources for dining, attraction, and lodging recommendations.
5. A Walk Through Time in Portland
See and feel the best parts of Portland in this excellent walking tour. (Credit: Viator)
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 |⏳ Duration: 2 Hours | 🚶 Check Availability
With over two centuries of history under its proverbial belt, the city of Portland has many legends and stories to tell—and what better way to bring them to life than through well-trained local history buffs?
Your ~1.5-mile trek will take you through the Old Port area, yes—but you’ll also journey back along a historical narrative that reaches the early 1600s.
“Very good tour guide. Knowledgeable and personable. Would recommend as a nice overview of Portland waterfront and nearby areas. Perfect for cruise ship passengers looking for something interesting to do.
–Darren (See More Reviews)
And, since all that walking is bound to work up an appetite, you can look forward to a locally-made Maine treat at the end of your journey.
6. Wicked Walking Tours
Learn about the haunted history of Portland on this unique tour. (Credit: Wicked Walking Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 |⏳ Duration: 75 Minutes | 🚶♀️ Check Availability
Experience Portland’s legendary haunted history in a way that’s sure to leave you shaking…with laughter.
Featuring comedic impersonations, fascinating storytelling, and theatrical reenactments delivered by talented tour guides, this is a history (well, sort of) lesson you won’t soon forget.
“Our family loves ghost tours. Gordon gave one of the best! He was funny, entertaining and friendly. The time went by so quickly. His pacing was excellent—a great mix of walking and talking.
–Craig (See More Reviews)
Suitable for all ages, this original “comedy of haunted history” is less than a half-mile walk and takes place rain or shine.
Boat Tours
7. Portland Schooner Company Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay
For a truly unique tour, try viewing Portland from a sailing ship!
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 |⏳ Duration: 2 Hours | ⛵ Check Availability
For a truly unique way to see Portland and Casco Bay, experience the city’s beauty from the water as you stand on the gleaming wooden deck of an authentic, Maine-crafted schooner.
All three of the fleet’s windjammers are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are true examples of exquisite Maine boatbuilding craftsmanship.
“A wonderful experience! Would recommend highly. It was a great experience to go out and see all of the various forts and Harbor seals!
–Jonathan (See More Reviews)
Pack a picnic lunch, bring along a bottle or two of wine, and set sail for an adventure you’ll surely want to recreate year after year.
8. Sunset Sea Kayak Tour
See the beauty of Portland from the water at sunset. (Credit: Portland Paddle)
⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5 |⏳ Duration: 2 Hours | 🛶 Check Availability
Hosted by Portland Paddle, this tour is suitable for folks of all skill levels (age 10 and older).
The tour takes paddlers just far enough out into Casco Bay to take in the breathtaking colors as the sun sets over Portland’s skyline.
“I live locally. I’ve rented kayaks and been on tours with this company for decades. Always excellent. Always as safe a possible. Always fun.
–Hal (See More Reviews)
Choose between a two-person or solo kayak for this tour, which is guided by an experienced, licensed professional; there is also a SUP option.
Lighthouse Tours
There are some amazing lighthouses in Maine, including several near Portland. Whether you are local or from away, they should be on your shortlist to visit. These tours will make sure you get eyes on the best of them.
9. The Real Portland Tour
Take in 3 lighthouses plus other parts of the city on this excellent tour. (Credit: Viator)
⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5 |⏳ Duration: 105 Minutes | ⛯ Check Availability
This one-man show allows you to pick the brain of a born-and-raised Portland, Maine local.
Derek Meader is an expert on all things Portland (as well as the librarian at Southern Maine Community College) and will give you the whole enchilada on his one-of-a-kind tour.
This is an extensive, narrated van tour of the city and its history, visits to three of Portland’s most famous lighthouses, recommendations for lodging, dining, and attractions, and much more.
“This was an awesome tour. The guide did an amazing job. He was so knowledgeable about the area and was also very enthusiastic. I would recommend this tour to anyone in the area.
–Kelland (See More Reviews)
You’ll even get to enjoy some of Derek’s own Portland history rap/poetry on the tour.
10. 5-Lighthouse Bike Tour
Pedal around Portland’s lighthouses on this amazing bike tour! (Credit: Viator)
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 |⏳ Duration: 5 Hours | 🚴♀️ Check Availability
If cycling is your passion, why not include it in your visit to the Port City?
On this unique tour, you’ll pedal alongside some of Maine’s famous rocky, coastal scenery to five of these iconic local landmarks, each with its own historical maritime significance.
“Great trip! Not too hard for someone that doesn’t ride a bike every day. Bikes were in great condition. Guides were wonderful, funny and informative.
–Ike (See More Reviews)
You’ll be accompanied by an experienced tour guide; bikes and helmets are included, and—perhaps best of all—your coastal tour will conclude with another one of Maine’s icons—a huge lobster roll.
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