Maine’s largest cities offer a mix of rugged coastline, creative energy, and small-town warmth: think salty sea breezes, cobblestone streets, and cafes where the lobster roll is just the beginning. It’s the kind of place where I can spend the morning on a harbor cruise and the evening at a craft brewery with live folk music.
I’m walking along the waterfront in Portland, the scent of the ocean in the air, a craft coffee in hand, and sailboats drifting past—all just steps from historic brick buildings and indie shops. Who knew Maine could feel this hip and timeless all at once?
Portland tops the list, bursting with culinary creativity, working waterfronts, and artsy energy that rivals cities twice its size. Inland, Lewiston brings a multicultural beat with its riverside mills turned galleries and cafés. Bangor mixes down-to-earth charm with literary heritage (hello, Stephen King fans) and beautiful Penobscot River views. South Portland adds coastal cool with lighthouses and beaches, while Auburn keeps things cozy with trails, parks, and classic New England charm.
"Sea air, small-city spirit, and culture tucked into every corner? This is Maine’s urban side!"
The Largest City:
1. Savor Coastal Charm in Portland
Rating: ★★★★★
Portland is the biggest city in Maine by population. It is located in Cumberland County in the southwest part of the state and is famous as a major port city for both Maine and the entire New England area. Portland covers a total area of around 69 square miles and is home to an estimated population of 67,000 people, but over half a million live in the surrounding Portland metropolitan area. This means that the Greater Portland area houses over a third of the entire state population of Maine, which makes Portland the largest metro area in all of Northern New England. Portland Map
Other Large Cities:
2. Discover Historic Mills in Lewiston
Lewiston is the second biggest city in the state of Maine. This city is located in Androscoggin County in the southwest part of the state. Lewiston is located not too far south of Augusta, which is the Maine state capital, and is directly north of Portland, which is the state's biggest city, so has acted as a key gateway between these two locations over the years.
Lewiston covers a total area of 35.54 square miles and is home to around 36,000 people. It was founded back in the late 1700s and originally known as Lewistown, but was changed to Lewiston when it was officially incorporated. Lewiston is home to Maine's only basilica, the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and is perhaps best-known for the local activities of rail tycoon Benjamin Bates, who helped the city to develop greatly in the 1800s. Lewiston Map
3. Enjoy Hiking in Bangor
Bangor is the third biggest city in the state of Maine. This seat is located in Penobscot County, of which it is the county seat, in the central-southern part of the state. Bangor covers an area of over 34 square miles and is home to an estimated population of 33,000 people, with its metropolitan area being home to over 150,000 people. Bangor Map
4. The Fourth Largest City in Maine - South Portland
South Portland is the fourth largest city in the state of Maine. South Portland is located in Cumberland County, and as its name indicates, it is located just south of Portland, which is the biggest city in Maine. South Portland is not officially a part of Portland, however, but is part of the Portland - South Portland - Biddeford metropolitan area. South Portland Map
5. The Fifth Largest City in Maine - Auburn
Auburn is the fifth biggest city in the state of Maine. This city is located in Androscoggin County in the southwest part of the state. Auburn is the county seat of Androscoggin County and has close ties with the local city of Lewiston, which is just on the other side of the Androscoggin River to Auburn. Together, these two cities are known by locals and Maine natives as the 'Twin Cities'. Auburn Map
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