Short But Sweet: How to Spend Only a Few Hours in Portland, Maine

Portland is a special city, and for many reasons. Wandering the cobblestone streets, you can enjoy a deep sense of place: the nearness of Casco Bay, the working fishing wharves, the beautiful shops, buzzy restaurants, and of course, the people who call it home. I've visited Portland a handful of times, but it never feels like a long enough stay. That said, it is entirely possible to fall in love with the charms the city has to offer, even if you have only a handful of hours to spare.

Where to Get Coffee in Portland, Maine

First stop: coffee. Finding a local coffee shop for a top-notch cappuccino is always the first thing on my itinerary when I'm exploring a new city. The only challenge? Portland, Maine, has so many noteworthy coffee shops that you'll be spoiled for choice. Favorites include Bard Coffee, known for its single-origin, roasted-in-house beans, Shaghf Cafe with its delightful desserts, and Coffee ME Up, an adorable local spot that makes a mean breakfast sandwich. Now that you've loaded up on something to eat and perhaps a bit of caffeine, you'll be ready to continue exploring.

Top Landmarks in Portland

The Portland Lighthouse, known as Portland Head Light, is the city's most famous attraction, and it's a beautiful one. The lighthouse was completed in 1791 and is the oldest of its kind in Maine. You'll need to travel a bit outside of the city to get to the lighthouse—it's located in Cape Elizabeth in Fort Williams Park. Snap some photos of the lovely landmark, then spend some time walking the rocky beach, cliffside paths, and the museum shop.

Architect and design enthusiasts won't want to miss the chance to tour Victoria Mansion, a beautifully preserved 19th-century home that opened to the public as a museum in 1941. Also known as the Morse-Libby House, the home feels like a lavishly decorated living time capsule.

Prefer to wander a bit? Stroll down the town's most famous streets, Commercial Street and Fore Street, and prepare to be swept up in the city's delightful shops and cafes.

Best Restaurants in Portland

So much exploring is bound to work up an appetite, and I have a fantastic lunch recommendation: Nom Cafe (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). This off-the-beaten-path restaurant specializes in breakfast and brunch options, with a delightful assortment of breakfast toasts, Shakshuka, and omelets. The coffee comes highly recommended, too, if you need another pick-me-up.

Or perhaps you're in the mood for something more regional, in which case you can't go wrong with a lobster roll or a crab roll. Becky's Diner is a tried-and-true waterfront restaurant that's been open since 1992. This bustling eatery will make you feel like a local, even if you're only in town for the day. Folks rave about the lobster roll as well as other seafood specialties, like clam chowder, haddock, and lobster Benedict.

Hidden Gems in Portland

If you have a little more time to spare, it's worth checking out some of Portland's local shops. During my most recent visit, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to buy a few hand-carved Christmas tree decorations. Today, these are among my most cherished holiday items, and they bring back such fond memories of my short-but-sweet trip to the city. Some great spots to visit include the Art Mart and Artist & Craftsman.

Beer enthusiasts might want to round out their trip with a visit to Allagash Brewing, a legacy craft brewer specializing in Belgian-style beer.

So, there you have it: a few not-to-be-missed spots in Portland, Maine. Whether you're there for just a few hours or an entire weekend, you'll quickly realize this is a town worth coming back to time and time again. If you haven't visited lately, it may be time for a trip—send this article to a fellow sightseeing enthusiast and start planning! Need a place to stay? The Blind Tiger is a fantastic boutique hotel worth checking out.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.