Top Portland Walking Tours

With this small-group walking tour, you'll go beyond lobsters and lighthouses and get a look at the true Portland, Maine—across 400 years of history. Meander downtown and the Old Port, visiting hidden landmarks and learning about Wabanaki leaders and other people and events left out of the history books. Discover centuries of destruction, revival, underrepresented perspectives, and other elements that mainstream tours gloss over.

Avoid the tourist traps and taste Portland, Maine's best donuts on a small-group walking tour. Follow your guide around the Old Port and sample several hand-picked donuts at award-winning bakeries with coffee or water included. Walk a scenic loop while hearing stories of Portland’s history and the invention of the donut. This tour offers a flavorful mix of food and local tales, perfect for food lovers and families alike.

Step back in time to the bustling 18th Century port, where shipbuilding, trade, and whispers of strange occurrences at sea filled the air. Known for its picturesque waterfront, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene, Old Port reveals its darker side at night. Supernatural tales include apparitions, psychic phenomena, and a sea serpent nicknamed Cassie.

Learn about Portland's history with this walking tour, which will take you through the Old Port, downtown, and waterfront areas. You'll see all sorts of historic attractions, including the home of Hendry Wadsworth-Longfellow, the Eastern Cemetery, and the Abyssinian Church, all with a professional guide on hand to share stories about the city's past.

On this smartphone-guided adventure, you'll see Portland’s historic streets and discover its stories. Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour never expires. The tour is professionally produced with pro narration and music. It's location-aware walking step by step through the city. You’ll see the cobblestones streets, wharf street, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home, stops on the underground railroad, city hall, exchange street, the lobster square, historic buildings, and the best spots to eat, including the best donut shop ever. Really, it’s that good. You'll hear the stories of Portland, Anna Kendrick’s favorite hangs, Longfellow’s history, stories of lighthouses, adventure, prohibition, bootleggers, the underground railroad, Japanese mailboxes, the revolution, colonial times, and much more.

On this walking tour, we’ll explore the city’s significant role in the Underground Railroad and the individuals who helped shape its fight for freedom. The tour is self guided on our walking tour app. It's hands free, plays as you walk and you can go at your own pace, anytime, it never expires. You’ll walk through historic streets where ordinary citizens took extraordinary risks to assist those escaping slavery. We’ll visit former homes, churches, and workplaces that served as safe havens and meeting places for abolitionists, reformers, and community leaders. Each stop demonstrates how Portland’s waterfront and neighborhoods became centers of courage, compassion, and quiet resistance. Let’s start our journey at the Mariner’s Church Banquet Center, a landmark that saw both Portland’s growth and its dedication to justice.

Maine is known for its seafood, and with this tour, you'll get to learn all about the industry, with the chance to sample some local delicacies along the way. You'll take a walk along the waterfront where lobster boats dock to unload their catches before heading out to a lunch of lobster rolls served with clam or seafood chowder and craft beer or soda pop.

Discover the vibrant history of Portland’s Old Port on this engaging walking tour. Wander through cobblestone alleys and merchant blocks rich with stories of sailors, reformers, and immigrants. Learn about the Portland Freedom Trail, which honors the city’s fight for freedom and civil rights. The tour showcases the Old Port’s architectural charm and its transformation from a bustling shipping hub to a cultural center. Experience the tales of resilience embedded in its streets, from the Great Fire of 1866 to the revitalization efforts of the 1970s. Join fellow history enthusiasts for a memorable journey through Portland’s past and present. — Explore the historic Old Port district, a cultural and commercial hub — Walk along the Portland Freedom Trail, learning about civil rights — Discover stories of resilience, fire, and maritime life — Ideal for history lovers and those curious about Portland's heritage

Maine's Black community is small, but its history here goes back more than 400 years. On this guided tour, you’ll dive deep into Portland’s Black history, discovering how this community—national leaders, laborers, skilled workers, activists, and more—fought for freedom and equality and defined the state's path. From Frederick Douglass to lesser-known Black Yankees, there’s far more here than meets the eye, and with this tour, you’ll learn all about it.

The most immersive way to see Historic Portland is on foot. Our 1 hour 15 minute walking tour takes you down the cobblestone pathways of our historic city in search of spirits that linger from times long past. Our knowledgeable guides will enchant you with tales of Portland’s most renown ghosts as well as the area's vast and rich history. You’ll hear fascinating and spooky tales from the first European settlement in 1632 right up to the present day. Discover the many times Portland has fallen and risen anew, and hear about the restless spirits who remain, unable or unwilling to move on. Follow our guides as they lead you by lantern-light sharing the ghost stories, legends, and folklore of this beautiful city.

Explore the charm, history, and vibrant culture of Portland, Maine with this self-guided walking tour! Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this picturesque coastal city as you traverse the cobblestone streets of Old Port and downtown. Learn about the city’s long, embattled history as you pass the myriad of shops, bars, and eateries which have put it on the map. And discover secrets only locals know! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Dive straight into Portland’s working waterfront—where the smell of the sea, the bustle of the wharves, and a warm bowl of classic New England clam chowder set the tone for an unforgettable walk through the city’s past. This immersive experience blends local history with maritime culture, offering a deeper look at how Portland grew from a rugged seaport into one of New England’s most vibrant coastal cities. As you stroll the cobblestone streets and working wharfs, your guide will share tales of shipbuilders, merchants, fires, and fishermen who shaped Portland’s story. The tour concludes with a warm bowl of classic New England clam chowder—a delicious taste of Maine’s coast and a comforting way to end your walk through history!

Explore the beauty and history of Portland with this combo of a walking and driving tour. Dig deep into the city’s history as you stroll down cobblestone streets and admire old brick architecture by the waterfront. Visit bustling neighborhoods like Old Port and the Art District, stop at shops and restaurants whenever you please, and breathe in the coastal air. Then take a drive out to the east and west promenades, before swinging down to the famous Portland Head Light lighthouse. It’s the most comprehensive way to experience this unique, quirky city! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Introducing Portland’s World of Flavors Walk highlighting hidden gems and great flavors that give Portland its cosmopolitan flair. Enjoy this walkable city with a big palate on our international journey, tasting locally sourced foods prepared with the recipes, customs and spices from other lands. On this 2.5-3 hour tasty romp through Portland’s historic Old Port and waterfront, you will enjoy the flavors while learning their food pathways and the owners journeys to Maine. Portland’s World of Flavor serves up a diversity of tastes and ethnicities in a compact area, packing a punch of flavors you will love. All tour experiences are highly educational and entertaining with trained, local guides.

Skip the generic, slow-moving walking tours—instead, explore Portland with your crew via scavenger hunt. Solve riddles, take wild photos, and complete challenges as your smartphone leads you across the city’s best landmarks, clue by clue. As you race the clock, learn all about Portland’s nooks and crannies, testing your mettle and your will to win.

Step into the shadows of Portland’s past on this thrilling true crime tour, where secrets lurk behind historic facades and cobblestone streets whisper tales of corruption, violence, and vice. From ruthless mobsters and bootleggers to power-hungry bosses and shocking scandals, this tour unveils the darker side of Maine’s largest city. Walk the very streets where speakeasies thrived, deals were made in the dead of night, and blood was spilled in the name of power. Led by expert guides, this journey through Portland’s underworld will leave you with spine-tingling stories you won’t soon forget. Dare to explore the city’s past? Book now—if you’re brave enough.

Discover the rich history of Fort Williams park, Portland Headlight and Casco Bay on this captivating guided walk. Designed for both history lovers and casual explorers, this tour offers an immersive journey from the majestic Portland Head Light, along the beautiful cliff walk path to the crumbling relics of the Fort's past. You will learn about Maine's past with a knowledgeable local tour guide and have opportunities to stop for photos of the iconic lighthouse on this tour. What to Expect: Start Point: Portland Headlight Parking Lot End Point: Ship Cove Duration: Approximately 1 hour Distance: About 0.8 miles of walking Audience: Perfect for families, new visitors, history buffs, and anyone curious about Maine’s legendary coast.

Experience Portland’s newest tasting tour from the creators of the city’s original donut walk, featured in the Boston Globe. Get a taste of the city's sweet side during this guided afternoon walking tour featuring artisan donuts and craft drinks from some of the city’s most beloved spots. You’ll stroll scenic downtown streets while enjoying four flavors from two donut shops, complimented by tasting-size pours of local select beer, cider, cocktails, or mocktail options. Along the way, your guide will share how the donut was born at sea off the coast of Maine, sprinkle in local foodie insights, and reveal fiery tales from Portland’s ‘Inferno Years’ that shaped the city’s flavor and resilience. Perfect for: Pre-happy hour fun Girls’ weekends & bachelorette groups Couples & curious foodies Instagram-worthy photo ops

Hop on the “Guardians of the Harbor” trolley tour, a narrated journey with three lighthouse stops. Explore Portland’s maritime history and scenic beauty, disembarking at each location. First, visit Bug Light Park and the Liberty Ship Memorial, reflecting wartime shipbuilding. Next, discover Fort Preble and Spring Point Ledge Light, learning its unique construction and the remaining WWII gun batteries. Finally, witness the iconic Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park, Maine’s most vital and the nation’s third oldest lighthouse, also revealing remnants of coastal defenses. The nation’s third oldest lighthouse and one of Maine’s most important beacons. This area also features great examples of remnants of coastal defenses.