- Top Attractions
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Why Visit Portland
Portland's identity was famously decided by a coin toss, naming it after the Maine city. Its Old Town district contains the second-largest collection of cast-iron architecture in the US. Below street level, the Shanghai Tunnels offer a glimpse into its past.
When visiting Portland, explore Forest Park, one of the nation's largest urban forests with over 80 miles of trails within city limits. Washington Park contains the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden, offering Mount Hood views.
The city's food scene is defined by over 500 food carts, often found in dedicated "pods." Portland is a craft beer capital and a hub for specialty coffee roasters. For a truly local flavor, try a dish or dessert featuring Oregon's unique Marionberry.
- PortlandUnited States
- PortlandUnited States
- PortlandUnited States
- PortlandUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, moderate crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, peak tourist season
- Wintercool, frequent rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #RainJacket
- #LayeredClothing
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #WashingtonPark
- #Powell'sCityofBooks
- #LanSuChineseGarden
- #OregonZoo
- #VoodooDoughnut
- #PortlandArtMuseum
- Explore the food carts
- Visit the Portland Japanese Garden
- Take a stroll on the Waterfront Park
- Brewery tour in the Pearl District
- Enjoy a farmers market visit
Recommended Hotels in Portland by Experience
Things to do in Portland
Discover
Exploring Portland reveals diverse sights. Discover Washington Park's gardens, OMSI's interactive exhibits, and city views from Pittock Mansion. The historic Old Town and serene Lan Su Chinese Garden offer distinct cultural experiences.
Experience
Hike in Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S. Browse the Portland Saturday Market for local crafts. Experience the city's unique culture at events like the Portland Rose Festival or by biking along the Willamette River.
International Rose Test Garden
Expansive garden featuring over 10,000 rose bushes.
Pittock Mansion
Historic house museum with panoramic city and mountain views.
Powell's City of Books
The world's largest independent new and used bookstore.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Interactive science museum with a planetarium and theater.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden in the city center.
Forest Park Hiking Trails
Urban forest reserve with over 80 miles of hiking trails.
Portland Saturday Market
Large, continuously operated outdoor arts and crafts market.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Travelers wondering how to get to Portland can fly into Portland International Airport (PDX). The MAX Red Line train connects the Portland airport to city center in ~40 mins. Taxis and a Portland shuttle bus are also available. Amtrak's train to Portland arrives at Union Station.
Getting Around
Public transport in Portland includes the MAX Light Rail, Portland Streetcar, and TriMet buses, all accessible with a Hop Fastpass card or contactless payment. The central city is very walkable, and the Biketown bike-share system is a popular option.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Portland, remember that driving in Portland means navigating many bridges and one-way streets. Car rental in Portland is best for day trips. Jaywalking is strictly enforced, so use crosswalks. Rain gear is a must, even in summer.
Where to Stay in Portland
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Portland's culinary scene, where farm-to-table is a lifestyle. Taste iconic Voodoo Doughnuts and sip world-class craft beer. The city's food trucks offer a casual way to eat authentic food Portland loves.
Enjoy
For upscale Peruvian plates, visit Andina's vibrant dining room; reserve ahead. Among the best bars in Portland, Deschutes Brewery is rustic; try flights. Stumptown Coffee offers minimalist vibes for espresso; expect lines.
Andina Restaurant
Upscale Peruvian dishes in a lively, vibrant setting.
Screen Door
Famous Southern food. Expect long but worthy queues.
Le Pigeon
Intimate French fine dining. Book well in advance.
Jake's Famous Crawfish
A historic landmark for classic American seafood dishes.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Portland's heritage through events like the century-old Portland Rose Festival, with its Grand Floral Parade. Must-see cultural things to do include the Lunar New Year Lion Dance at Lan Su Chinese Garden, celebrating deep local roots.
Enjoy
Discover Portland's creative pulse at its many festivals. Enjoy indie rock and folk at Pickathon Music Festival, or explore interactive light-based art at the Portland Winter Light Festival. Don't miss the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival.
Portland Rose Festival
City's official festival in June with parades and fireworks.
Waterfront Blues Festival
Major blues festival on the West Coast over July 4th weekend.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Acres of colorful tulips in bloom from March to May.
Portland Winter Light Festival
Free festival in February with imaginative light art.
Portland International Film Festival
Spotlighting international and regional cinema since 1977.
A wonderfully unique city
Portland has such a cool, independent character. It's extremely walkable, with interesting small shops and cafes on every corner. The Pearl District was great for a stroll. The whole place felt really relaxed and creative, easy to just wander around.
So much nature right there
It's amazing how close the city is to proper nature. We spent time hiking in Forest Park and it felt like we were miles from everything. The green spaces are just incredible and so accessible. A great place for people who love being outdoors.
Great food and local shops
Portland's food scene is awesome, especially the food cart pods where you can get so many different things in one spot. We also really liked exploring Mississippi Avenue with all its independent boutiques. The city just feels very down-to-earth.
A book lover's dream
I could have spent a full day inside Powell's City of Books, it's massive. The city is full of independent stores with real personality. It's not just the same old chain stores on every street, which was so refreshing to see. A really nice change.
Beautiful and peaceful spots
This city has some truly beautiful places to relax. The Portland Japanese Garden was so peaceful and well designed, a real highlight for us. It's a very green city, even in the colder months. Perfect for anyone who appreciates thoughtful public spaces.
Fun neighborhoods to explore
Loved exploring the different neighborhoods, each with its own feeling. The food choices were fantastic everywhere, and we had to try a Voodoo Doughnut. It's a really fun city for just walking around and seeing where the day takes you. People were friendly.