City guides
United States of America
Maine
Portland Travel Guide
Set in a craggy gulf on the US's Atlantic coast, the peninsula city of Portland, Maine is a laidback, artsy blend of craft breweries, artisanal shops, a revered food scene and a rich maritime history. This small, cultured destination has rightly become a favourite among travellers, who relish its dedication to the arts along with its secluded island shorelines, centuries-old lighthouses and open-minded locals.
Portland is Maine's biggest city and is the state's cultural and economic hub, attracting over three and a half million visitors each year. Originally a fishing and trading settlement, the town was destroyed three times over a hundred year period before finally regaining stability as a shipping port.
Unfortunately, overzealous Independence Day celebrators managed to set fire to most of the city's commercial buildings, hundreds of houses, and roughly half the city's churches in 1866, though the city was rebuilt once again, this time in a Victorian style. Mansions along the famous Western Promenade, as well as the Victoria Mansion on Danforth Street, feature beautiful examples of this architecture; companies and proprietors may offer tours of their well-preserved interiors.
Despite its tough beginning, Portland remains a beautiful city, ideally situated on a peninsula that juts out into Casco Bay and flanked by several small islands. Historic houses blend with modern amenities and the city is a bustle of activity, making it one of the country's top cities to live in.
Resplendent in natural beauty, Portland is highly popular in summer, when tourists can enjoy boat rides, sightseeing, shopping, dining and people-watching at the scenic Old Port historic waterfront and the East End. They should also venture to the Downtown Arts District or the prominent Portland Head Light Lighthouse.
Culture lovers should note that the city is home to Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, who was one of the most widely known and best-loved American poets of the 19th century, as well as the Maine Historical Society. For the kids, there's the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine. Portland has an abundance of good restaurants, especially those offering renowned local seafood specialities such as Maine lobster, clam chowder and scallops, which are cheaper and more plentiful than in any other state.
As Portland is the most culturally diverse city in Maine, travellers will find a variety of cuisines, including Vietnamese, Thai, African, Greek and Indian. The city boasts no fewer than five microbreweries, and dozens of bars, pubs and nightclubs.
Portland has plenty of attractions, activities and sights for the visitor, and it's also a useful base from which to explore the rest of this beautiful state. Smaller towns in the area such as Freeport, Cape Elizabeth, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Kennebunkport offer their own amusements that are worth exploring on a trip to the city.
Things to do in Portland
Portland, Maine caters to many interests, and keeps both the young and old entertained. This attractive coastal city promises romance and adventure, providing lots to see and do through its artistic atmosphere and many outstanding cultural activities.
Those who have a taste for something aesthetic will surely enjoy the many museums and galleries in the Portland Downtown Arts District. History buffs will also love the likes of Wadsworth-Longfellow House, one-time home of the Revolutionary War General, or the Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park, where historic buildings complement beautiful natural landscapes. Visitors with a love for nightlife can find lovely bars and restaurants that cater to every budget and taste.
Portland won't fail charm visitors, and makes for a wonderful getaway. It's an absolute must-see when in Maine.
Old Orchard Beach
As its name suggests, Old Orchard Beach's most popular attraction is its seven mile (11km) stretch of sand, which is one of the best beaches in Maine. The town is a popular excursion for families in the summer, and a seaside amusement park and weekly fireworks shows add to the entertainment. Other popular activities include surfing, lobster boat tours, hiking, canoeing and clamming. Old Orchard Beach hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, with most happening between July and September during peak holiday season. A direct seasonal train link from Boston and Portland makes Old Orchard Beach easy to get to. However, holiday weekends can often be uncomfortably crowded. Old Orchard Beach is not a wildly popular winter destination, but cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are both on offer.
Portland Head Light
It's no surprise that the Portland Head Light, also known as the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, is the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Every view of this 18th century lighthouse is spectacular. The lighthouse took four years to build, with construction ending in 1791. The lamps originally used to power the light were of whale oil, and were replaced by an autobeacon in 1958. Situated in Fort Williams Park, the lighthouse has an interesting museum housed within the old Keepers Quarters. It's well worth packing a picnic, enjoying the beauty of the park and exploring the historic forts within its parameters. Portland Head Light closes during winter, but the park is open throughout the year and offers activities such as cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating during the cold months.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Built between 1785 and 1786, the Wadsworth-Longfellow house was home to three generations of a Portland family that formed an integral part of the cultural, political, and literary life of New England and the rest of the country. Revolutionary War General Peleq Wadsworth was its first inhabitant and Anne Longfellow Pierce, younger sister of renowned poet, Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, was its last. It was Anne's foresight that left the house, grounds and furniture to the Maine History Society, allowing public access. The house was the first brick building in Portland and visitors can enjoy a ramble through the three-storey house, which contains effectively all original furniture and artefacts, and the Maine Historical Society Museum.
Portland Downtown Arts District
Stretching from upper Congress Street to the West End, the Arts District incorporates several galleries and museums. These include the Portland Museum of Art, the largest of its kind in Maine and dating back to 1882, and the Maine College of Art and Design. A great way to explore the Arts District is by participating in the First Friday Art Walk, a self-guided tour that runs on the first Friday of every month from 5pm to 8pm. Local businesses, museums, and galleries are open to the public and aim to highlight what's new in the art community.
Kennebunkport
Located just 30 miles (48km) from Portland, Kennebunkport is a popular destination for weekends, especially for those escaping the heat in big cities such as New York and Boston. This pretty town is known for its laidback and genteel atmosphere. Several golf courses, antique shops, art galleries, and a busy harbour draw in well-to-do holidaymakers, and both former President Bushes are often seen at the nearby Bush holiday home. However, the most popular attraction in Kennebunkport is its beaches. Kennebunk Beach, Gooch's Beach, Mother's Beach, and Parsons Beach are all packed on weekends each summer, and guests can hire kayaks, boats, surfboards, as well as scooters and bicycles. Common activities in Kennebunkport include whale-watching, fishing, sailing, and horseback riding. Visitors can even take a ride on a working lobster boat to get up close and personal with Maine's most famous crustaceans.
Rockland
Historically a blue-collar fishing town, Rockland has had a recent facelift. The somewhat derelict main street has been revitalised to some degree, and is enhanced by attractions such as the Farnsworth Art Museum, Wyeth Center, and a number of shops and restaurants. Rockland has enough interesting attractions for a perfect weekend break in Maine, including the Maine Lighthouse Museum and the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Active visitors can take a walk to the Breakwater Lighthouse. Rockland is the home of the Maine Lobster Festival, held each August, and it also hosts the North Atlantic Blues Festival every July. Rockland also makes a great base from which to explore the Saint George Peninsula and the islands of Penobscot Bay: Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Matinicus.
Getting Around
Portland is relatively easy to negotiate on foot as plenty of attractions are within walking distance. The Old Port is worth exploring, as is the Downtown Arts District. A car is worth hiring if visitors are exploring the wider region and parking is readily available.
Tickets get stamped for an hour's free parking at a number of downtown locations. The Greater Portland Transit District METRO provides good bus coverage of the Portland area; Uber and similar ride-hailing apps and taxi services are available.
Portland Climate and Weather
As with the rest of Maine, the sea moderates Portland's temperatures. The city's climate is continental, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, while winters are cold with snow.
Average temperatures range between 60ºF (16ºC) and 80ºF (27ºC) in summer, and between 20ºF (-7ºC) and 40ºF (4ºC) in winter. Fall is a popular time to travel to Portland, due to the mild weather and spectacular fall foliage.
United States of America travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Language
English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
Money
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted; Apple Pay and Google Pay are very popular. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Tipping
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It's normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
Health
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.
Safety
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There's a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
Local customs
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.
Doing business
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, though rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it's considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.
Duty free
Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.
Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.
Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
Communications
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. WiFi is widely available.
Passport & Visa
It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens require passports.
UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.