The charm is in the contrasts. Nationally recognized chefs bartering for the day's catch alongside international dealers. Exclusive fashion boutiques a few steps from eclectic vintage shops. Cruise ships and lobster boats, executives and artists, the cries of gulls and the songs of buskers. No matter what the season, downtown Portland's historic architecture hums with a thoroughly modern energy.

Downtown Portland's waterfront doesn't just enchant the 3.6 million tourists visiting each year. New England's largest tonnage seaport and second-largest fishing port wakes up early and turns in late. The streets winding back from the docks are lined with prosperous banks, law firms, import/export companies, modern high-rise office buildings and retail storefronts.

The Portland Arts District's crowning jewel is the world-class Portland Museum of Art, but be sure and stop into one of the many independent art galleries along the way. Take in a performance at the Portland Symphony Orchestra, a concert at Merrill Auditorium or a play at Portland Stage Company. And have we mentioned our nationally recognized restaurant scene?

To further explore southern Maine's largest city online, visit Additional Resources.