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Gothic style arches of St Johns bridge in Portland, USA

Itineraries for Your Trip to Portland

Portland locals share their perfect days.
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1 Day in Portland for First Timers

Curated by Leah Still Jolla freelancer with a specialty in travel writing.

With a compact central area and quick access to the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape, Portland is an ideal city to explore in just one day. From historical architecture to a hip culinary scene to nearby waterfalls, there are a variety of ways to make the most of your limited time in Oregon’s largest city.


Morning

Head out on a hop-on hop-off tour by trolley to see Portland’s top sights at your own pace. Visit attractions that most interest you, such as Pioneer Courthouse Square or Powell’s Books. If you prefer a guided experience, opt for a morning city tour, which shows you the best of Portland in a half-day, or get your caffeine fix on a coffee and doughnut tour. Alternatively, you can discover the natural wonders just outside Portland on a morning tour to Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon.

Afternoon

Now is the time to indulge in the array of food and beverage options in Portland, where there’s something for every palette. Beer lovers can check out local breweries on a bike tour while wine enthusiasts can explore urban wineries and tasting rooms on a bike tour of their own. Different neighborhoods can be explored on food tours of downtown or Mississippi Avenue, or experience the city’s food truck and carts culture. If you’re a fan of Portlandia, don’t miss the chance to see places from the show on a film locations tour.

Night

Put an eerie spin on a night out with a haunted pub tour that includes beer samples in the Old Town district, a neighborhood once home to nefarious activities, or perhaps hone your photography skills on a nighttime tour of Portland with a photographer guide. If you prefer to experience Portland from the water, hop on a dinner cruise along the Willamette River.

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