Portland, Oregon, USA-5-day-itinerary

Portland, Oregon 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown Portland

  • Morning: Start at Pioneer Courthouse Square, the heart of downtown Portland. Grab a coffee at Intelligentsia Coffee or Stumptown Coffee Roasters, two of Portland’s iconic coffee shops.
  • Lunch: Head to Lardo, a popular sandwich shop with delicious options like porchetta and Korean BBQ pork.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Portland Art Museum, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country. Spend some time exploring the city’s vibrant street art scene, including the famous Voodoo Doughnut mural.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Andina, a Peruvian restaurant with a lively atmosphere. End the night with a walk through the trendy Pearl District, known for its upscale boutiques and galleries.

Accommodation Suggestions:

  • The Nines Hotel: A stylish, boutique hotel in downtown Portland.
  • Airbnb Options: Choose from a variety of apartments and houses in the city center.

Day 2: Food Carts and Gardens

  • Morning: Visit Pioneer Courthouse Square again to explore the many food carts serving everything from Egyptian koshari to Vietnamese banh mi.
  • Lunch: Try some of Portland’s famous Vietnamese cuisine at Pho Lang Thang or Pho Oregon.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful Portland Japanese Garden, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Explore the adjacent Washington Park, which features walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
  • Evening: Dine at Le Pigeon, a French-inspired bistro with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 3: Breweries and Vintage Shopping

  • Morning: Start at Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. Browse the shelves, attend a book reading, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Lunch: Head to Bailey’s Taproom, a beer lover’s paradise with 26 rotating taps and delicious pub grub.
  • Afternoon: Visit some of Portland’s famous breweries, such as Widmer Brothers Brewing or Deschutes Brewery. Explore the city’s many vintage shops, like Red Light Clothing Exchange or Vintage Pdx.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Tin Shed Garden Cafe, a cozy spot with a beautiful garden patio.

Day 4: Outdoor Adventures

  • Morning: Drive to Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States. Hike the Wildwood Trail or explore the park’s many other trails.
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the park’s scenic spots.
  • Afternoon: Visit Pittock Mansion, a stunning French Renaissance-style chateau with panoramic views of Portland and the surrounding mountains.
  • Evening: Dine at The Farm Cafe, a farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on local, organic ingredients.

Day 5: Waterfront and Saturday Market

  • Morning: Explore the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a scenic park along the Willamette River. Attend the bustling Saturday Market (April-December), featuring local vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork, and food.
  • Lunch: Grab some delicious eats from one of the many food carts or stalls at the market.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), a family-friendly museum with interactive exhibits on science, industry, and technology.
  • Evening: End your trip with dinner at Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, a Portland institution serving fresh seafood since 1907.

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Portland is known for its rainy weather. Be prepared with waterproof gear and layers.
  • Transportation: Use public transportation (TriMet), walk, or bike to get around the city. Car rentals are also available.
  • Tips:
    • Bring a reusable coffee cup and water bottle to reduce waste.
    • Explore Portland’s many neighborhoods, each with its own unique character.
    • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.

Other Attractions:

  • The Grotto: A peaceful sanctuary dedicated to Mary, featuring beautiful gardens and a life-size marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta.
  • OHSU Tram: Take a free ride on the tram, which connects the city center with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
  • Hawthorne District: Explore this vibrant neighborhood’s many shops, restaurants, and cafes.