Things To Do
in Portland
Portland, located in the state of Oregon, is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and bicycle paths, and a commitment to sustainability, featuring numerous microbreweries, coffeehouses, and a strong farm-to-table dining culture. It is also known for its eclectic neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, from the historic charm of the Pearl District to the quirky appeal of Hawthorne Boulevard.
The city's natural surroundings, including the nearby Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, provide residents and visitors alike with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, making it a hub for both urban and natural exploration.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2.50 - $3.00
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Afterward, visit the Portland Japanese Garden to immerse yourself in its stunning landscapes.
Lunchtime calls for food truck adventures at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Spend your afternoon at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to explore interactive exhibits.
Enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant in the Pearl District. Wrap up your day with a relaxing stroll along the waterfront park.
Kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast at a local diner. Then, visit the Portland Farmers Market to browse fresh produce and local goods.
Head to the Alberta Arts District for a food tasting tour featuring local craft beers and unique eateries. Spend your afternoon visiting local breweries and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Dine at a well-known gastropub to experience Portland's culinary delights. Conclude with a visit to a local pub for live music and a craft beer flight.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant arts and culture scene with numerous galleries and theaters
- Strong commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives
- Access to beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers
- Walkable city with a good public transportation system
- Culinary diversity and a strong emphasis on farm-to-table dining
- High cost of living, particularly housing prices
- Frequent rainy weather can be unappealing to some
- Issues with homelessness in certain areas
- Traffic congestion during peak times
- Limited job opportunities in specific industries
Best Activities in Portland
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore over 80 miles of trails through a beautiful urban forest.
Enjoy a scenic ride along the river on the Eastbank Esplanade and Springwater Corridor trails.
Discover the Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, and Hoyt Arboretum.
Take a day trip to see waterfalls, go hiking, and enjoy stunning views.
Rent equipment and enjoy a day on the river with beautiful city views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Portland with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Portland
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Portland and the surrounding mountains
Beautiful garden with stunning views of the city and Mt. Hood
Provides aerial views of the city and the surrounding landscape
Offers colorful landscapes and views of the city skyline
Food in Portland
Portland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular treat in Portland, these iconic doughnuts come in eccentric flavors like the Voodoo Doll and Bacon Maple Bar. Find them at Voodoo Doughnut shops in downtown Portland.
Must-Try!
With a focus on fresh ingredients and thin crusts, Portland-style pizza is a must-try. Check out Apizza Scholls for their delectable pies.
Savor the fresh and sustainable wild salmon found in many Portland restaurants, such as Jake's Famous Crawfish known for its delectable seafood dishes.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Portland better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this iconic market to savor the freshest local produce, artisanal food products, and ready-to-eat delicacies like gourmet sandwiches and pastries.
Explore the diverse food offerings at popular food cart pods like Cartopia and Alder Pods; offering a wide array of international cuisines, from Mexican to Thai street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Portland prides itself on its diverse and inclusive community. It's important to respect people from different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. Be open-minded and inclusive in your interactions with others.
Portland is known for its strong environmental ethics. It's important to be mindful of sustainable practices and to respect the city's efforts to protect the environment. Recycling, using alternative transportation, and conserving resources are valued behaviors.
Portland has a vibrant arts and culture scene. Show respect for the local arts community by attending events, supporting local artists, and participating in cultural activities. Embrace the city's creativity and diversity in its artistic expressions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Portland with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Portland
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a customary practice in Portland, United States, where it is expected to leave a gratuity of around 15-20% in restaurants, bars, and for services such as taxis and hairdressers.
Payment in Portland follows the standard practices of the United States, with credit and debit cards being widely accepted. Mobile payment options and cash are also commonly used for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Portland.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming cherry blossoms, and the start of whale-watching season at the nearby Oregon coast.
Warm and dry weather, perfect for outdoor activities, and various festivals and events happening around the city.
Beautiful foliage, cooler temperatures, and the cider donut season at the local apple orchards.
Cool and rainy weather, ideal for cozying up in the city's cafes and exploring the nearby snowy trails for skiing or snowshoeing.
Portland at Night
Hiking in Portland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large urban park featuring over 70 miles of trails through lush forests, suitable for both hiking and biking.
A dormant volcano park with various trails offering scenic views of the city and surrounding area.
A stunning area known for its breathtaking waterfall hikes, including the popular Multnomah Falls trail.
A peaceful forested park featuring miles of hiking trails, with rich wildlife and scenic creeks.
Famous for its Trail of Ten Falls, this park offers stunning waterfalls and a variety of hiking options.
Contains several trails and attractions, including the Portland Japanese Garden and Oregon Zoo, with beautiful wooded paths.
Offers several miles of trails through diverse plant collections in a beautiful natural setting.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Portland through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Portland by plane.
The main airport serving Portland, offering extensive domestic and international flights.
Located approximately 140 miles north of Portland, it's a major hub for international travel.
Located about 630 miles south of Portland, SFO is a major international gateway to Asia and Europe.
Situated approximately 960 miles south of Portland, LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering a wide range of international flights.
Located about 300 miles north of Portland in Vancouver, Canada, YVR serves as a significant international gateway.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 70% of Portland's population identifies as White, making it the largest demographic group.
Around 11% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
The Black or African American demographic makes up about 6% of Portland's population.
Asians account for approximately 8% of the population, including individuals from various ethnic backgrounds such as Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese.
About 5% of people in Portland identify as multiracial, reflecting the city's growing diversity.
Native Americans represent around 1-2% of the population, with several tribes represented in the area.
Individuals from Pacific Islander backgrounds make up about 1% of Portland's demographic.
The Soul of Portland
Discover the essence of Portland through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Portland is known for its passionate soccer fans and is home to the Portland Timbers (MLS) and Portland Thorns FC (NWSL).
The Portland Trail Blazers, a professional basketball team in the NBA, have a dedicated following and play their home games at the Moda Center.
While not at the major league level, the Portland Pickles, a collegiate wood-bat baseball team, has gained popularity and draws crowds during the summer.
Portland is considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, with numerous cycling events and resources for cyclists.
Running is a popular activity in Portland, with numerous local races, including the Portland Half Marathon and the Dirty Half Trail Race.
Although the NFL doesn't have a team in Portland, college football, especially the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers, draws significant local interest.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Portland.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Portland caters well to vegetarian and vegan diners with numerous restaurants and food carts offering plant-based menus. Harlow and Homegrown Smoker are fantastic options.
Those requiring gluten-free choices will find plenty of accommodating eateries, such as Petunia's Pies & Pastries, serving delightful gluten-free baked goods and savory dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Portland with these cultural adventures.
