Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour
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Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour

Active
(515 reviews)
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Meet Portland and the people—of all backgrounds and identities—whose wit and grit have made Maine's largest city what it is today. Your locally-raised guide will captivate you with extraordinary, exciting, and surprising stories largely left out of the history books. Get ready to broaden your sense of what Portland and Maine have been and could be.

Brick sidewalks beneath your feet and beautiful Victorian-era buildings nestled around you, we'll casually stroll Portland’s lush, historic Old Port toward the sparkling waters of Casco Bay. We’ll see where Indigenous Wabanaki leaders made their earliest relationships with European colonizers and walk together through the centuries.

Enjoy an inclusive, empowering, and surprising constellation of tales that offers a welcome contrast to the more obvious themes you’re likely to experience on other tours. You'll enjoy 2 hours of narration over a 1.5-mile route with owner and guide, Dugan Murphy. He is Portland's top-rated guide on TripAdvisor!

Available options

Portland Hidden Histories Tour

Duration: 2 hours

What's included

10% off water tours with Portland Paddle (instructions at confirmation)
Two hour fully narrated guided tour.
Donation toward restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House, America's third-oldest standing Black church

Detailed itinerary

1

You and your guide Dugan will walk the downtown district, visiting major landmarks and a few hidden gems. Your guide Dugan will highlight unsung heroes and folks too often left out of the history books.

2

Meet the woman who, a century ago, lived as her true self and improved the lives of Mainers around her, against all odds.

3

Appreciate the architecture and hear the stories not captured in plaques and statues.

4

Marvel at the resilience of Indigenous nations who survived colonialism and are skillfully navigating diplomatic relationships in the modern day.

5

Hidden stories are revealed about the folks not recognized by Portland's largest monument.

6

See the oldest building in downtown Portland and hear a surprising story about its world-famous inhabitant.

7

Follow Dugan through Portland's Old Port, uncovering hidden histories of the city and her people. You'll learn about people from all backgrounds and identities whose grit and ingenuity made the city what it is today.

8

Learn the complicated history of one of Portland's most famous sons.

9

See beautiful Victorian buildings and learn about the largely forgotten history-makers who once inhabited them.

10

Discover the often complicated relationship between stevedores, captains, shipowners, and common sailors in 19th-century Portland.

11

You and Dugan will stroll through the waterfront district along Commercial Street, discovering the people and economic forces that forged it. Get ready for an inclusive, empowering, and surprising constellation of tales that offers a welcome contrast to the more obvious themes you’re likely to experience on other tours.

12

Learn what the other tours aren't telling you about the global implications of Portland's industrial and maritime histories.

13

See the picturesque working waterfront and discover the female figures who got left out of the history books.

14

Hear how changing federal policies have impacted life in this port city over the centuries.

What's not included

A tip for your guide!

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
122 reviews
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118
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1
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Tripadvisor 5.0
393 reviews
5★
387
4★
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1★
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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Pets are not allowed on tours unless medically required.
Portland is a hilly city. Participants will walk uphill sometimes, along some cobblestones, up a staircase of 6 steps, and down two staircases (24 steps total).

Meeting point

Meet at the corner of Middle and Exchange Streets by the small boulders in the park. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Portland by the Foot." Check-in time is 10 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. The park is one half mile from the cruise ship terminal.

Important notes

No need to print anything! Just tell Dugan your name when you arrive.

About Portland

Portland, Maine, is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning waterfront, rich maritime history, and thriving arts and food scenes. With its picturesque lighthouses, charming cobblestone streets, and bustling Old Port district, Portland offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Old Port

The Old Port is the historic heart of Portland, featuring cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings, and a vibrant waterfront with shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, costs vary for dining and shopping

Portland Head Light

One of the most iconic lighthouses in the US, Portland Head Light offers stunning views of the rocky coastline and Casco Bay.

Historical/Nature 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Portland Museum of Art

The largest and oldest art museum in Maine, featuring a diverse collection of American, European, and contemporary art.

Museum 1-2 hours $15 for adults, discounts for seniors and students, free for children under 17

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lobster Roll

A classic New England dish featuring fresh lobster meat served in a buttered, toasted roll.

Lunch Contains shellfish, gluten (from the roll)

Maine Clam Chowder

A creamy, comforting soup made with fresh clams, potatoes, and cream.

Lunch/Dinner Contains dairy, can be made gluten-free

Blueberry Pie

A sweet and tangy pie made with wild Maine blueberries.

Dessert Contains gluten (from the crust), can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Whale Watching Sailing Spa Day Beachcombing Wine Tasting Yoga

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions fully operational.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5 (EST) / GMT-4 (EDT during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Portland is generally safe with low crime rates. However, as with any city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe visit.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air
  • Portland International Jetport • 4.8 km (3 miles) from city center
By train

Portland Transportation Center

By bus

Portland Transportation Center

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and efficient, with frequent schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Port West End Arts District

Day trips

Casco Bay Islands
Varies by island, typically 1-3 hours round trip • Half day to full day

Explore the scenic Casco Bay Islands, each offering unique landscapes, hiking trails, and charming villages. Perfect for a day trip from Portland.

Freeport
30 km (18 miles) • Half day to full day

Home to the famous L.L.Bean flagship store and outlet shopping, Freeport offers a mix of retail therapy and historic sites.

Boothbay Harbor
90 km (56 miles) • Full day

A picturesque coastal town known for its scenic beauty, lighthouses, and marine life. Boothbay Harbor is a great destination for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing day trip.

Festivals

Portland International Film Festival • February Portland Pride • June Portland Highland Festival • September

Pro tips

  • Visit the Old Port early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the scenic views
  • Try the local craft beer scene by visiting one of the many breweries in the city
  • Explore the Casco Bay Islands for a unique and scenic day trip experience
  • Attend a local festival or event to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture
  • Take a lobster boat tour to learn about the local fishing industry and enjoy fresh seafood
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 5-95
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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