Portland, Oregon, USA

August 31, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon is a vibrant city known for its quirky personality, stunning natural beauty, and endless options for food, drink, and entertainment. As a traveler, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to see and do in this eclectic city. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip:

Places to Go

1. Pittock Mansion: A stunning French Renaissance-style chateau built in 1914, offering panoramic views of Portland.

2. Powell’s City of Books: The largest independent bookstore in the world, covering an entire city block and containing over one million books.

3. Voodoo Doughnut: A quirky doughnut shop with creative flavors like bacon-topped maple bars and grape-flavored frosting.

4. Forest Park: A sprawling urban forest with over 80 miles of hiking trails, just minutes from downtown Portland.

5. Pioneer Courthouse Square: A historic public square featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

6. Saturday Market: Every Saturday from March to December, this bustling market offers local crafts, food, and live music.

7. The Grotto: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring beautiful gardens and a life-size marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta.

8. Portland Art Museum: One of the oldest and largest art museums in the country, with a collection spanning over 2,000 years of human history.

9. Oregon Zoo: Home to over 1,800 animals from around the world, including Asian elephants, African lions, and Oregon’s own sea lions.

10. Waterfront Park: A scenic park along the Willamette River, perfect for walking, jogging, or simply taking in the views.

Activities

1. Brewery Hopping: Portland is famous for its craft beer scene; visit breweries like Widmer Brothers, Deschutes, and Cascade Brewing Barrel House.

2. Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the city’s many bike lanes, trails, and scenic routes.

3. Food Cart Tours: Sample the best of Portland’s street food at over 600 carts across the city.

4. Hiking and Camping: Explore the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, or nearby state parks for outdoor adventures.

5. Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Rent equipment and explore the Willamette River or nearby lakes and waterways.

6. Shopping: From vintage boutiques to high-end retailers, Portland has a shopping scene that’s hard to resist.

7. Live Music and Comedy: Catch a show at iconic venues like the Crystal Ballroom, Roseland Theater, or Helium Comedy Club.

Where to Eat

1. Voodoo Doughnut Too: A second location of the famous doughnut shop, with even more creative flavors.

2. Pok Pok: Authentic Thai cuisine with a focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.

3. Lardo: Delicious sandwiches and meat-based snacks in a fun, casual atmosphere.

4. Andina: Peruvian cuisine with a focus on seafood and small plates.

5. Apizza Scholls: Wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

6. Cartlandia: A food cart pod featuring over 30 carts serving everything from Egyptian koshari to Mexican tacos.

Where to Stay

1. The Nines Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Portland, with luxurious rooms and a rooftop lounge.

2. Hotel Lucia: A chic hotel in the trendy Pearl District, featuring elegant rooms and a fitness center.

3. Jupiter Hotel: A hip, eco-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and a lively courtyard bar.

4. Airbnb Options: Rent a cozy apartment or stylish house in one of Portland’s many unique neighborhoods.

Things to Know

1. Weather: Portland is known for its rain, so pack accordingly. But don’t worry – the city has plenty of indoor attractions and activities!

3. Tipping Culture: In Portland, it’s customary to tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars.

4. Bike-Friendly City: Portland has extensive bike lanes and trails, making cycling a convenient way to get around.

5. Quirky Vibe: Embrace Portland’s eccentric personality – you might stumble upon a flash mob or impromptu street performance!

Transportation

1. Portland International Airport (PDX): The city’s main airport, with easy access to downtown via light rail or taxi.

2. Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet): An efficient public transportation system featuring buses, light rail, and commuter rail.

3. Streetcar: A convenient way to explore the city’s many neighborhoods and attractions.

5. Walking and Cycling: Portland is pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks and extensive bike lanes.

Tips

1. Buy a Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Ticket: A convenient way to see the city’s main attractions without worrying about transportation.

2. Explore Beyond Downtown: Venture into neighborhoods like the Pearl District, Northwest 23rd Avenue, and Alberta Arts District for unique shopping and dining experiences.

3. Take Advantage of Happy Hour: Many restaurants and bars offer discounted food and drinks during happy hour (usually between 3 pm and 6 pm).

4. Pack Layers: Portland’s weather can be unpredictable – bring a waterproof jacket, umbrella, and warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.

5. Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular attractions like Voodoo Doughnut and Powell’s City of Books can get crowded – plan accordingly and arrive early to avoid long lines.

Other Things of Interest

1. Rose Gardens: Explore the beautiful International Rose Test Garden, featuring over 10,000 roses from around the world.

2. Japanese Garden: A serene oasis in Washington Park, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and a tranquil atmosphere.

3. The Pearl District: An upscale neighborhood with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

4. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): A family-friendly museum featuring interactive exhibits on science, technology, and industry.

5. Festivals and Events: Portland hosts a wide range of festivals throughout the year, including the Rose Festival, Portland Pride, and the Oregon Brewers Festival.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to explore one of America’s most unique and exciting cities!