Whether you’re planning a quick trip to Portland, Maine or you’re just passing through, you may be struggling to squeeze in all of your activities into a single day. After all, there is a ton to see and do in Portland, Maine. Things to do and see can include sightseeing and hitting up some of the city’s best restaurants.
If you’re having some trouble deciding how to spend your 24 hours in Portland, we’re here to offer you an easy guide to visiting some of the city’s top attractions in just a single day.
Eastern Promenade
If you’re looking for one of the best views in Portland, you’ll find it at the Eastern Promenade, one of the most peaceful spots in the city. It’s an excellent place for picnics, walks, bike riding, or just taking in the beautiful scenery. What better way to start off your day in Portland?
Portland Observatory
After spending the morning in Eastern Promenade, head over to the Portland Observatory. Get one of the most spectacular views of the city from this spot. Here, you can see it all from a bird’s eye view. Definitely worth a visit if you’ll be in town! Admission: Adults $10, Seniors/Students/AAA $8, Children ages 6-16 $5. Portland residents: Adults $5, Children ages 6-16 $3; Family rate: $30, under 6 and members free. Tours are offered daily from 10am to 4:30pm, with sunset tours also offered every Thursday (5pm-8pm).
Have Lunch at Duckfat
By now, you’ll probably be working up a bit of an appetite, so it’s time for lunch. One of Portland’s iconic dining experiences, no visit to Portland is complete without a visit to Duckfat, located in the downtown area. The menu consists of creamy milkshakes and crisp salads, but their staple menu items is their Belgian fries, which are deep-fried in—you guessed it—duck fat.
Old Port
The downtown area is near Old Port, which is next on your itinerary. It’s quaint, charming, and it’s Portland’s heart. Whether you just want to browse through the various shops on Commercial Street, look at the boats parked at DiMillo’s Old Port Marina, or dine in one of the area’s many delicious seafood restaurants, Old Port is undeniably a fun place to visit.
Have Dinner at Street & Co.
After a fun-filled afternoon in the Old Port area, it’s time for a delicious seafood dinner before returning back to your hotel for the evening. One of our top choices is Street and Co., which is located in the heart of Old Port. The menu features an array of choices for seafood lovers, including buttery lobster linguine, yellowfin tuna, and swordfish.
Return to Your Hotel
You’ve had a busy day sightseeing throughout Portland, and now it’s time to return back to your hotel to just kick back, unwind, and relax. There are a lot of amazing hotels in Portland to choose from, and some of our top picks include the Chadwick Bed & Breakfast, Hilton Garden Inn, and the Pomegranate Inn.
Have you ever visited Portland, Maine? We’d love to hear your thoughts for must-visit spots. If you had to recommend a one-day itinerary to a visitor, what would you suggest they do – and also avoid?
