Overview
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!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
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
A tip for your guide!
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Meet at the corner of Middle and Exchange Streets by the 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.
End point
Bell Buoy Park is on Commercial Street at the Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal. If you need to head back to where we started, it's only 0.3 miles (6-minute walk) away. It's also next door to the cruise ship terminal. Or sit a while to enjoy the ocean views!
Good to know
No need to print anything! Just tell Dugan your name when you arrive.
What to expect
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Downtown
45 min
We'll walk the Downtown District, visiting major landmarks and a few hidden gems. *Highlights include:* Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Monument Square, First Parish Church, Portland City Hall, and gobs of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, museums, bookshops, and other spots to explore!
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Old Port
45 min
We'll stroll through Portland's Old Port, uncovering hidden histories of the city and her people. *Highlights include:* Boothby Square, Foundry Lane, John Ford Statue, Post Office Park, Exchange Street, and plenty of boutiques, award-winning restaurants, breweries, bookshops, and more!
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Commercial Street
30 min
We'll stroll through the waterfront district along Commercial Street, discovering the people and economic forces that forged it. *Highlights include:* United States Custom House, Custom House Wharf, Portland Pier, Wharf Street, and lots of places you'll want to visit later!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- Pets are not allowed on tours unless medically required.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour
Can I cancel Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start?
Meet at the corner of Middle and Exchange Streets by the boulders in the park.
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
What's not included?
- A tip for your guide!
Which places does it visit?
It visits Downtown, Old Port, Commercial Street.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Portland by the Foot
