Portland · Cumberland County, ME

Cheap things to do in Portland

Scout analyzed 84 Portland places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$50

Typical visit

1.8 hr

Scout-verified spots

Waterfront District

DiMillo's On the Water

DiMillo's is a classic choice for a seafood dinner with harbor views, ideal for a special meal or an outing with visiting family. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $50-100 per person.

FoodViewsRelaxed

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Old Port

Salt Yard Cafe & Bar

This cafe and bar is a good spot for a casual breakfast or light lunch, pairing well with a walk around the commercial street. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-35 per person for a meal and a drink.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

East Bayside

Terlingua

Terlingua is suitable for a casual meal of inventive barbecue and Southwestern dishes, lasting around an hour and a half. Expect to spend $25-55 per person, making it a good main stop for an evening out or a weekend lunch.

FoodCocktailsShopping

$25–$55 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Waterfront District

Scales

Scales is a good choice for a sit-down dinner featuring local seafood and a raw bar, typically lasting 1.5-2 hours. Expect to spend $50-$120 per person for a full meal.

FoodCocktailsViews

$50–$120 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Old Port

Evo Kitchen + Bar

Evo Kitchen + Bar is ideal for an upscale evening meal or cocktails, pairing well with a walk in downtown Portland or after a show. Expect to spend $70-150 per person over 1.5 hours.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$70–$150 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Waterfront District

The Porthole Restaurant & Pub

The Porthole is a casual seafood spot with wharfside dining and live music, ideal for a relaxed meal or drinks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $30-$70 per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Valley Street

Burundi Star Coffee

Burundi Star Coffee is a good spot for a quick, affordable coffee stop or a solo break, especially during weekday mornings or afternoons. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-$15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Fort Williams Park

This large park offers diverse outdoor activities like exploring a rocky shoreline, old bunkers, and a lighthouse. Expect to spend 2-3 hours walking or playing, with no entry fee, making it ideal for a free family outing or a scenic solo walk.

OutdoorsHistoryViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Parkside

Hot Suppa

Hot Suppa is a good spot for a weekend brunch or casual breakfast, expecting to spend about an hour and $15-30 per person. It pairs well with a morning stroll or a visit to nearby shops.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$30 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

East Bayside

Coffee By Design

This is a good spot for a casual coffee stop, either alone or with a friend, lasting about 30 minutes. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Blue Portland Maine

Blue is an intimate spot for live music and drinks, best for an evening out after dinner or as a standalone activity. Expect to spend $30-70 per person for a couple of hours.

CocktailsLive musicRelaxed

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Speckled Ax

Speckled Ax is a good stop for a high-quality coffee break or a casual meeting, typically taking less than an hour and costing $5-$15 per person. It's a solid choice to begin a day of exploring or as a quick pick-me-up.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Old Port

Fore Street Restaurant

Fore Street Restaurant is ideal for an upscale dinner featuring wood-fired American fare, perfect for a date or special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $75-$150 per person.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$75–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Geno’s Rock Club

Geno's Rock Club is a late-night bar for live music and drinks, best for a casual outing after dinner. Expect to spend $15-40 per person over a couple of hours.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Downtown

UNION Restaurant

UNION is suitable for an upscale dinner or special occasion, offering seasonal New American fare and cocktails. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $70-150 per person for a full meal and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$70–$150 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Crescent Beach State Park

Crescent Beach State Park is a great spot for a half-day outdoor outing, offering beach access, trails, and picnic areas. Expect to spend a few dollars for parking per vehicle, but otherwise, it's a budget-friendly activity.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

One Longfellow Square

One Longfellow Square is an intimate venue for live music, film, and theater. Plan for an evening outing, possibly paired with dinner nearby, with ticket prices typically ranging from $25-50 per person for a 2-3 hour show.

Live musicArtsRelaxed

$25–$50 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking

West End

Ugly duckling Maine

Ugly Duckling Maine is a coffee shop suitable for a quick stop to grab a drink or a pastry, pairing well with a walk in the area. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-$15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

East Bayside

Eventide Oyster Co.

Expect a lively, intimate evening with seafood, especially oysters and lobster rolls. Budget for a premium meal and drinks, and plan to wait or secure a reservation far in advance for this busy spot.

FoodCocktailsSocial

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Old Port

Bard Coffee

Bard Coffee is a good stop for a casual coffee break, suitable for starting a day of exploring or a quick solo visit. Expect to spend $5-$12 per person for 30-60 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$12 typical45 min visithard parking

Bayside

Isa Bistro

Isa Bistro is suitable for a dinner outing with friends or a romantic date, offering New American fare in a charming setting. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for an hour and a half visit. Parking can be challenging in the area.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visithard parking

Parkside

Tandem Coffee and Bakery

Tandem is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch with coffee and pastries, suitable for a quick stop or a relaxed hour. Expect to spend $10-25 per person.

FoodShoppingViews

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

East Bayside

Duckfat

Duckfat is a good stop for a casual meal of sandwiches and fries, fitting well into a midday or evening outing in Portland. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visithard parking

Outdoors

Bradbury Mountain State Park

This state park offers hiking, biking, and horse trails, suitable for a 2-4 hour outdoor activity. It's a low-cost option, with a small entrance fee or free for Maine residents/campers.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking