Portland’s compact Old Port district offers travelers excellent walking tours, each revealing a different side of this historic Maine city. The well-organized Old Port Culinary tour stands out for its generous tastings and expert local insights, while the Brewery & Pub tours showcase Maine’s booming craft beer scene with stops at top-rated establishments.
For history buffs, I especially recommend the Hidden Histories tour for its off-the-beaten-path stories and architectural gems, along with the powerful Black History tour which connects visitors with important local civil rights stories. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the flexible Smartphone Audio Walking Tour option, perfect for self-guided exploration. Let’s explore the best walking tours Portland has to offer.
Good To Know
- The Culinary Walking Tour offers a 2.5-hour exploration of Portland’s vibrant food scene, including sampling regional specialties and craft beers.
- The Brewery & Pub Walking Tour provides an insider’s look at Portland’s thriving beer culture, with visits to local breweries and pubs.
- The Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour uncovers overlooked stories in Portland’s Old Port, including information about the Great Fire of 1866.
- The Black History Guided Walking Tour immerses participants in 400 years of Maine’s Black heritage, with visits to relevant sites.
- The Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour allows exploration of Portland at one’s own pace using a smartphone app and various tour options.
Portland: Old Port Culinary Walking Tour
The Portland: Old Port Culinary Walking Tour offers visitors a delectable exploration of the city’s vibrant food scene. Lasting 2.5 hours and priced at $89, this tour guides participants through the historic Old Port district, stopping at local eateries and artisanal producers.
Guests can sample a variety of regional specialties, from freshly-shucked oysters to award-winning craft beers. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into Portland’s rich culinary heritage and the stories behind the city’s thriving food culture.
Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a unique way to experience Portland, this walking tour provides a tasty and immersive introduction to the local gastronomy.
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Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour
Across the streets of Portland’s historic Old Port district, the Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the city’s thriving beer culture.
Over 2.5 hours, you will visit local breweries and pubs, including Shipyard Brewing Company, Liquid Riot, and the Portland Beer Hub. Along the way, they’ll sample a variety of beers, enjoy local snacks, and take in the scenic views of the Old Port.
With guided tours, exclusive access, and inclusions like water and tastings, this tour provides an insider’s look at Portland’s vibrant beer scene. Suitable for those 21 and over, it’s an excellent way to discover the city’s rich brewing heritage.
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Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour
Through the historic streets of Portland’s Old Port, the Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s overlooked stories. Over 2 hours, small groups of up to 15 people will discover the hidden histories of indigenous Wabanaki diplomats, Chinese laundrymen, and other marginalized figures.
Along the way, you’ll see the buildings rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1866 and learn about Portland’s sights, streets, and historic buildings from a local guide. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and includes a donation to the Abyssinian Meeting House restoration and a 10% discount on water tours with Portland Paddle.
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Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour
Enjoy 400 years of Maine’s Black heritage on the Black History Guided Walking Tour in Portland’s historic Old Port and East End neighborhoods. This 2-hour small-group tour led by expert guide Dugan Murphy takes you on a journey through the impact of the local Black community.
Explore monuments, businesses, and civic institutions, and visit the homes and churches that were part of the Underground Railroad. At $49 per person, this tour offers incredible value, with a portion of ticket sales going towards restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy a 10% discount on Portland Paddle water tours.
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Portland Exploration: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour
Explore the vibrant city of Portland, Maine, at your own pace with a self-guided driving and walking tour. Download the Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS and let it guide you through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Rent a bicycle for the day and explore the peninsula at your leisure with the Historic Neighborhoods Guided Bike Tour. For a more adventurous experience, take on the Portland, Maine Madness Amazing Race & Tour, a self-guided, smartphone-powered scavenger hunt.
Whether you prefer to walk, bike, or drive, these self-guided options allow you to discover Portland’s charm and rich history at your own rhythm.
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Portland, Maine: Walking Tour Audio Guide
Discover the rich history and architectural gems of Portland, Maine, with the Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS. This 75-minute self-guided tour allows you to explore the city at your own pace, with an engaging audio narrative that brings the city’s past to life.
With 4.8/5 stars from 6 reviews, the tour covers the highlights of the Old Port district, including historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and local landmarks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, this immersive audio experience offers a unique and insightful way to discover the charm of Portland.
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Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS
The Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS provides an engaging and immersive way for visitors to uncover the rich history and charming landmarks of Portland’s historic Old Port district.
The 75-minute self-guided tour, available in English, allows users to explore at their own pace using step-by-step guidance and an audio narrative. Highlights include discovering cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the best spots for dining, such as a renowned donut shop.
The professionally produced tour, with narration and music, is location-aware, making it easy to follow along. Priced at Kč 162 per person, the tour can be reserved now and paid for later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Maine: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Audio Tour Bundle
Immersing oneself in the captivating scenery and rich history of Maine has never been easier with the Maine: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Audio Tour Bundle. For just $6.75, this 75-minute audio tour allows visitors to explore the Old Port of Portland at their own pace, guided by a narration that brings the city’s stories to life.
With the option to use the app’s GPS functionality, users can seamlessly navigate the streets, discovering hidden gems and gaining a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural heritage. Whether strolling through the charming neighborhoods or embarking on a self-guided driving tour, this innovative audio experience offers a convenient and enriching way to experience the best of Portland, Maine.
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Portland, Maine: West End Neighborhood Walking Tour
Nestled within the charming West End neighborhood of Portland, Maine, this walking tour invites visitors to uncover the area’s rich history and architectural gems. Spanning 2 hours, the tour guides participants through the picturesque streets, highlighting the neighborhood’s Victorian-era homes, historic churches, and charming boutiques.
With a 4.9/5 rating from 61 reviews, this immersive experience is praised for its knowledgeable guides and fascinating insights into Portland’s past. At $49 per person, the West End Neighborhood Walking Tour offers an affordable and engaging way to explore the city’s unique character and hidden stories.
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The Sum Up
Portland, Maine offers a variety of engaging walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culinary scene, and picturesque neighborhoods. From guided tours of the Old Port and the West End to self-guided audio tours, there’s something for all to discover the unique charm and character of this coastal city.