Long known for its proximity to gorgeous natural areas, Portland offers lots to experience within city limits. Highlights include the serene Portland Japanese Garden and the massive urban woodland of Forest Park, plus plenty of places to ride your bike. While the outdoors is a big draw, some of the best things to do in Portland are great, rain or shine, from perusing the tomes at massive Powell’s City of Books to checking out some of the city’s many award-winning restaurants.
The city is very much a summer destination, and while there’s plenty of things to do in Portland throughout the year, you’ll get the most out of your trip if you visit between June and September when there’s generally less rainfall. Festivals run throughout the summer, too, starting with the annual Portland Rose Festival, which kicks off June with parades and a fun fair.
Portland is compact and very easy to get around. Many people rely on bikes to get around, but if you’re worried about rainfall, you can always rent a car—parking is generally pretty easy to come by. There are also plenty of bus and trolley lines, along with an extensive light rail network, known as the MAX, that connects downtown with the airport and area suburbs.
Portland is known for many things, including its quirkiness and its coffee shops, so it should come as no surprise that the city also has its fair share of quirky coffee shops. Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is arguably the city’s finest (and weirdest) of the lot. Occupying an old Victorian house tucked behind a minimart, it features tables that slowly change position or rotate as if they were enchanted. Come for the whimsy and stay for the decadent desserts and tasty espresso beverages.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PDT (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 34 | Tours 227 | Reviews 11,473 |
Margot is one of the few Portlanders who was born and (mostly) raised in the city. Although she’s lived all over the world, she now calls Portland home again.
plan out where you’re going to eat. There are way too many fantastic dining spots, so having a good plan (or going on a food-tasting tour) is an absolute must.
involves an early breakfast on SE Hawthorne Boulevard, followed by a hike in the nearby Columbia Gorge. Come back in the afternoon to visit the Portland Japanese Garden and spend the evening at one of the town's countless music venues.
Powell’s City of Books. It’s the world’s largest independent new-and-used bookstore—taking up a full city block—but it’s well organized, making it a delightful place to spend a few hours getting lost amongst the stacks.
While some might argue that the “real” Portland is no longer, you’ll find some of that old-school vibe if you venture away from the center—St. Johns in North Portland and Multnomah Village in Southwest Portland are good places to start.
head up to Washington Park’s International Rose Test Garden, where—on a clear day—you can see not only the downtown skyline, but also Mt. Hood in the background.
is assuming that Portland is constantly in a state of riot. While people in the city are politically and socially engaged, it’s not as dangerous—or as wild—as it’s often portrayed.
Portland is known for its food and craft beer scenes, coffeeshops, and easy access to many of Oregon’s most celebrated outdoor attractions, from the waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge to the forested Oregon coast. Although the city gets plenty of rain, it’s also famously bike-friendly, with lots of designated bike lanes.
...MoreWith one day in Portland, split your time between downtown and Washington Park. Spend the morning downtown, shopping, sampling donuts, and searching for a title at massive Powell’s Books. In the afternoon, head to Washington Park, home to the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and International Rose Test Garden.
...MorePortlanders are an outdoorsy bunch, and hiking is one of the most popular activities among locals, especially in the warmer months. Other popular things to do in Portland include attending live music and theater performances and going out to sports games—the city’s basketball team (Trail Blazers) and soccer team (Timbers) have solid local fan bases.
...MoreYes. It’s a great city for dining out, with tons of restaurants and food carts, not to mention wineries and breweries. Outdoorsy folks will find no shortage of gardens and hiking trails within the city limits and plenty of forestland a short drive away.
...MoreLocals spend a lot of time outdoors, skiing and snowboarding in the winter months and hiking and camping in the warmer season. Going out to eat is also a common pastime in the city; despite its smaller size, the city has a ton of restaurants.
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