The Most Popular Things to See and Do in Portland, Maine, According to TripAdvisor

Have you ever wondered how the rest of the world sees Maine?

I don’t necessarily mean how they see us as individuals; I mean, how could they not love us? I’m more curious about what people “from away” make of the quirks and qualities that give Maine its unmistakable character.

And with tourist season seemingly never truly ending, outsiders are getting more exposure than ever to everything our state has to offer.

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 Most Popular 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.

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.

Portland, Maine's Most Popular Attractions Are a Fine Representation

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: 20 Must-Try Under-the-Radar Spots in Portland, Maine

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.