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Portland, Oregon is a unique city that offers everything travelers love about urban living (quick and easy public transport, tons of dining options, and endless nightlife) balanced with green spaces and outdoor adventures.

Check out the ultimate travel guide to Portland and start planning an action-packed itinerary to this gem of the Pacific Northwest.

What To Know When Visiting Portland, Oregon

A wide angle view of the city of Portland and Mount Hood in Oregon
Photo by Adam Blank on Unsplash
A wide angle view of the city of Portland and Mount Hood in Oregon

There's so much to explore in Portland, but before travelers start packing their bags, it helps to know what to expect. For example, the weather can be temperamental, with unexpected showers in all seasons.

Portland is gorgeous year-round, though, and offers visitors incredible dining (and amazing beer) and a coffee culture rivaled only but Seattle, WA (the home of the first Starbucks). Coffee culture in Portland might stem from the relatively dreary weather conditions, but local coffee shops are a highlight all their own.

Overall, visitors might choose Portland for its foodie culture or outdoor activities, so planning to enjoy both sides of the city will make for the best trip.

Plus, there's one specific thing to know about Portland that can impact a vacation in surprising ways: there's no sales tax in the state.

Best Time To Go To Portland

Portland Oregon Old Town sign
Photo by Zack Spear on Unsplash
Portland Oregon Old Town sign

What is the rainy season in Portland, Oregon? To put it simply, any season can be rainy. Portland gets over 160 rainy days per year, and it's even said to get more rain than Seattle.

For dry weather, travelers' best bet is summer, from June to August.

The warmer months can still experience rain (though not nearly as much as other seasons), but they're typically mild with average highs in the low-80s (Fahrenheit).

Best Ways To Get Around Portland

Hillsboro Portland OR Tram
Photo by Slava Keyzman on Unsplash
Hillsboro Portland OR Tram

Deciding how to get around Portland will depend on travelers' itineraries. Using public transit can help tourists explore nearly every area of the city, but there are walkable neighborhoods, too.

Public Transportation In Portland

Taking public transit in Portland might be the best option for visitors who want to relax in between exploring the city's major attractions. It's not just the bus that carts people around Portland, either; the city also has a light rail system, streetcar, and aerial tram.

  • TriMet bus/MAX Light Rail system covers the city center (and more) and runs every 15 minutes or sooner.
  • Streetcars run every 15–20 minutes (including weekends) on two loops and two lines.
  • Aerial Tram is an amazing way to get unforgettable views of Portland. The trip is 4 minutes each way (departing every 5 minutes), and a roundtrip ticket starts at $7. Aerial Tram rides are not available on Sundays.

In this city, taking public transportation can be an adventure on its own, and travelers can utilize perks like touch-free payment and GPS tracking so they never miss the bus.

Related: Seattle To Portland: How To Make The Most Of This Scenic Road Trip

Car Rentals & Rideshares

Renting a car is always an option in big cities, but driving may not be fun for tourists who would rather relax than have to be behind the wheel.

Rideshares in Portland, like in any large city, are abundant, but residents and travelers seem to have a clear preference in terms of rideshare options.

  • Is Uber or Lyft better in Portland? Most residents seem to agree that Lyft is the superior option for getting around Portland inexpensively.

Uber, Lyft, and countless rental agencies service Portland International Airport, so getting from plane to hotel and back again is easy, too.

Exploring Portland Via Bike, Scooter, Or On Foot

Portland is fairly walkable, and bikeable, and scooter-able. For those hoping to explore the city center, going without a car is completely doable.

Renting a bike or scooter is an option, and the city offers tons of bike lanes, multi-use paths, and neighborhood greenways.

Scooter rentals in Portland include e-scooters, e-bikes, and even Vespas, depending on the provider; services like Lime start at $1 to unlock and 35 cents per minute.

Tilikum Crossing Bridge of the People in Portland OR
Photo by Adam Blank on Unsplash
Tilikum Crossing Bridge of the People in Portland OR

In its walking and biking maps, Portland's local government breaks the city up into quadrants, and the neighborhoods follow the same pattern. Popular neighborhoods include Downtown, Southeast Portland, Northeast Portland, and more.

Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland spans 213 blocks and offers year-round events (like rotating art exhibits and concerts), foodie-pleasing eateries, and souvenir shops.

Related: The City Of Roses Is Exploding With Beauty At This Portland Park

Visitors can also find green spaces to spend time in, plus local roasters that provide award-winning coffee to give travelers that extra pick-me-up.

Southeast Portland

Southeast Portland is the area's "trendy" spot, with pubs, restaurants, antiques, and a handful of historical attractions.

Here, visitors can explore the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry or check out the Leach Botanical Garden.

Northeast Portland

Northeast Portland has a reputation for being quirky and diverse. It's home to artsy spots, bars, and the Last Thursday street fair. The art-centric event features artists, performers, and more year-round.

Pearl District

Portland's Pearl District is home to tons of shopping spots, some of which are in old warehouses, and art galleries plus Powell's City of Books.

Where To Eat Around Portland OR

City view of Portland OR
Photo by Knopka Ivy on Unsplash
City view of Portland OR

Portland may be famous for a few things, but it doesn't necessarily boast a specific type of cuisine. That said, there are plenty of memorable places to dine around the city, and it's definitely an attractive spot for foodies.

Breakfast

Screen Door Eastside

  • Location: 337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
  • Go for: Breakfast/brunch Southern-style
  • Cost: $$

Cheryl's on 12th

  • Location: 1135 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205
  • Go for: New American-style cafe goods
  • Cost: $$

Lunch

The Observatory

  • Location: 8115 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215
  • Go for: A quick lunch, delectable dessert, and great music
  • Cost: $$

Q Restaurant & Bar

  • Location: 828 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
  • Go for: Locally sourced dishes, a delightful brunch, and the highly-rated shrimp and grits
  • Cost: $$$

Dinner

Portland City Grill

  • Location: 111 SW 5th Ave 30th Floor, Portland, OR 97204
  • Go for: Seafood with American roots and Asian touch, plus amazing views
  • Cost: $$$

Lechon

  • Location: 113 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
  • Go for: South American dishes, tapas, & happy hour
  • Cost: $$

Nostrana

  • Location: 1401 SE Morrison St Ste 101, Portland, OR 97214
  • Go for: Italian delicacies crafted from local ingredients
  • Cost: $$

Drinks

Teardrop Lounge

  • Location: 1015 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
  • Go for: Unique cocktails that "taste like magic"
  • Cost: $$

Bible Club PDX

  • Location: 716 SE 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
  • Go for: The ambiance; it's like an old-fashioned speakeasy
  • Cost: $$$

Rontoms

  • Location: 600 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
  • Go for: Rustic ambiance (and Ping-Pong), live music, and good food
  • Cost: $$

Coffee

Given Portland's penchant for a good roast, coffee deserves its own section.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

  • Location: 128 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204 (this is the main location; others exist throughout Portland)
  • Go for: The fun atmosphere, a variety of whole bean coffees, rotating art gallery, & pastries from local spots (Shoofly Vegan Bakery and Sparrow Bakery)
  • Cost: $$

Case Study Coffee Roasters

  • Location: 802 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
  • Go for: Seasonal coffee blends, breakfast basics, & the bourbon caramel
  • Cost: $$

Ovation Coffee & Tea

  • Location: 941 NW Overton St, Portland, OR 97209
  • Go for: Moroccan-style coffee & tea, snacks and pastries, and the adorable tea serving pots
  • Cost: $

Top Things To Do In Portland

Powell's Books, West Burnside Street, Portland, OR, USA
Photo by Cole Keister on Unsplash
Powell's Books, West Burnside Street, Portland, OR, USA

Portland has so many things to explore, visitors might need to extend their trip. From the zoo to an iconic bookstore to green areas and more, there's a ton to do in Portland.

Oregon Zoo

Portland's Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi and spans 64 acres. It's home to a variety of animals, from elephants to bears, tigers, rhinos, cheetahs, and more.

  • Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
  • Admission: Ticket prices start at $24 for adults

Powell's City of Books

Even Google describes Powell's City of Books as an "iconic" spot in Portland, and its over 30,000 positive reviews speak for themselves. The spot is the largest bookstore in the world that features both new and used books; it has over one million titles.

  • Hours: Open daily 10 AM-9 PM
  • Guilder Cafe open from 10 AM-8 PM

Parking is pricey in the area; consider a walking, biking, or public transit trip instead.

Check Out Shows, Clubs, and Bars

Portland is known for its nightlife, which includes a variety of karaoke spots, live music venues, and a happening bar scene.

Related: Why The Historic Pittock Mansion In Portland Is Worth Visiting

An evening stroll may lead visitors to a delightful time and even a new favorite band.

Stroll The Portland Saturday Market

Portland Saturday Market is a local hot spot where travelers can stroll, people watch, and purchase local arts and crafts.

  • Dates: Open every Saturday March-December

Visit Green Spaces (Like The Japanese Garden)

Portland might be a big city, but its green spaces offer uncommon adventure. The Portland Japanese Garden houses unique attractions like a traditional teahouse, forests of bamboo, and gorgeous irises.

  • Hours: Open Wednesday-Monday 10 AM-3:30 PM
  • Cost: Tickets start at $19.95 for adults (kids 5 & under get in free)

Visit the Portland Japanese Garden in June to see irises in bloom or in late March/early April to see cherry blossoms (sakura).

Portland's famed Grotto is another green sanctuary that welcomes visitors to its botanical gardens.

  • Hours: Upper & lower gardens open daily 9 AM - 5 PM
  • Cost: Lower level access is free; Upper gardens start at $9.95 for adults

The Grotto is a functional Catholic shrine and sanctuary; mass is held daily.

Portland also has tons of other parks to enjoy, many within walking distance of each other and various other attractions.

Related: 10 Best Parks In Portland, Oregon, Ranked By Scenery

Where To Stay In Portland

Building in Portland Oregon
Photo by Ben Hagemann on Unsplash
Building in Portland Oregon

Portland is home to fun and quirky hotels, budget-friendly digs, and luxurious accommodations; there's something for every type of traveler.

Budget-Friendly Portland Hotels

The Society Hotel - Portland

  • Location: 203 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209
  • Rates: Starts at just under $100 per night
  • Amenities: Old-school cool (it's a converted sailors' boarding house), comfy hostel-style rooms, lobby cafe & bar, roof deck w/views, proximity to Old Town/Chinatown MAX Station

McMenamins Crystal Hotel

  • Location: 303 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
  • Rates: Starts around $125 per night
  • Amenities: Rock & roll theme, kids under 6 are free with an adult, restaurant, pub, & basement bar, indoor saltwater pool

Mid-Tier Hotels In Portland

Hilton Portland Downtown

  • Location: 921 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204
  • Rates: Starts around $146 per night
  • Amenities: Custom beds, some suites with panoramic city views, cafe & gastropub, one block from MAX Light Rail

The Paramount Hotel Portland

Related: 10 Top-Rated Hotels To Book In Portland

High-End Portland Accommodations

The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland

  • Location: 525 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204
  • Rates: Starts around $254 per night
  • Amenities: Complimentary breakfast & PM cocktails with some rooms, upscale steakhouse, cocktail bar, rooftop restaurant, proximity to Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX light rail

Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront

Tips To Know When Visiting Portland

Cyclists on Tilikum bridge Portland Oregon
Photo by Cole Keister on Unsplash
Cyclists on Tilikum bridge Portland Oregon

It's nearly impossible to see everything Portland has to offer in a single trip. Weather can also factor in, making it hard to plan activities in advance.

Visitors should check out both indoor and outdoor itinerary options and pack a raincoat and backup plan.

For the best experience, keep an open mind, choose a walkable place to stay, and take in the scenery—it's all part of the Portland experience.

How To Spend The Perfect Day In Portland

Forest in Portland OR
Photo by Benjamin Massello on Unsplash
Forest in Portland OR

For the perfect day in Portland, Oregon, start with a cup of locally roasted coffee at a local spot. Enjoy a pastry on-site, or head somewhere for a delicious breakfast (or brunch) before taking a walk through some of Portland's best green spaces at the Japanese Garden.

Spend some time at the Oregon Zoo, then break for lunch before sorting through the shelves at Powell's City of Books. Find a walkable spot for dinner, ideally somewhere along the river.

In the evening, take in a gorgeous sunset over the city before ducking in for a seafood dinner and cocktails at a local restaurant.

FAQ

Q: Why is Portland Oregon so famous?

Portland, OR is famous for its culture, from the local coffee industry to its foodie-oriented restaurant scene. Arts are huge here, and the vibes are always welcoming; Portland ranks as one of the "most livable" cities in the United States.

Q: Why is Portland Oregon popular?

Portland is typically abuzz with travelers because of its gorgeous setting, foodie culture, and overall open-mindedness. Learn more about the local attractions to devise the perfect itinerary before visiting.

Q: Is one weekend enough to see Portland, OR?

Portland can easily take up weeks worth of vacation time, but in one weekend, visitors can explore the highlights even on a tight schedule.