Discover Portland, Oregon: A Guide to Attractions, Restaurants, and Neighborhoods
Portland, Oregon is an outdoor lover’s dream destination and the locals couldn’t agree more. Whether it’s strolling through any one of the 275 public parks and gardens or kayaking down the Willamette River that cuts through the heart of the city, there are endless options for outdoor exploring. Moreover, with nearly 400 miles of bikeways, it’s no surprise that Portland is considered the biking capital of the country.
Even though this West Coast hub gets significantly more rain than the majority of the country, you won’t find yourself stuck inside waiting out the bad weather. Consequently, there’s an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, each with its unique vibe. From high-end shopping Downtown to vintage boutiques in the city’s Southeast quadrant, along with fine dining restaurants in Nob Hill and the Pearl District, there’s truly something for everyone.
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time. (Daylight Savings Time is observed seasonally)
Best Time to Go
The summer months are when Portland really shines. With consistent warm weather and lighter than average rainfall from June to August, the city’s vibrant outdoor scene kicks into high gear. Residents take advantage of the nicer days with an impressive selection of outdoor dining options and numerous great festivals, including the Waterfront Blues Festival and the Portland Rose Festival each June. In July, there’s the Oregon Brewers Festival and the Big Float, where upwards of 70,000 people descend on the city’s waterfront for a massive people-powered flotilla and beach party.
However, the summer isn’t the only time to visit the City of Roses, as pleasant weather extends into early fall, making September and October just as good a time to explore. But come mid-October, that’s when the rainy season starts, with unpredictable weather stretching into early May.
Things to Know
Portland boasts one of the strongest beer scenes in the nation with over 70 microbreweries in the greater metro area. While beer may be the first drink that comes to mind when planning a trip to the area, the city also features a standout wine scene. Just to the south, in the Willamette Valley (pronounced Wuh-la-muht), you’ll find around 80 wineries and over 200 vineyards producing much of the state’s acclaimed wine.
For coffee enthusiasts, Portland has even more independent coffee roasters than breweries, with 80 located within the city limits alone. Known for its commitment to healthy living, Portland was named a “platinum” bicycle-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists, partly due to its comprehensive bike infrastructure, which includes 385 miles of bikeways and an extensive bike share program.
Did you know that in Oregon, it’s illegal to pump your own gas? Additionally, the state is one of five that do not impose a sales tax, which includes Alaska, Delaware, Montana, and New Hampshire.
How to Get Around
Portland’s TriMet public transportation system offers light rail, bus, and streetcar service throughout the city and into the surrounding metro area. Riders can use a Hop card on all TriMet public transit, and service costs $2.50 for 2.5 hours or $5 for a day pass.
Trains: The MAX Light Rail system operates on five lines: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow, and Orange, with 60 miles of track and 97 stations connecting the airport, city, and suburbs. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours and operate between 4 a.m. and midnight.
Portland Streetcar services Downtown and surrounding areas on a three-line system: A Loop, B Loop, and North Shore Line. Trains run every 15 minutes at peak times.
Buses: There are 84 TriMet bus lines operating within the metro area, running every 15 minutes on a 24-hour schedule.
Bike: The Biketown bike-share program is a popular commuting alternative, with 1,500 bikes and 180 stations, making it easy to navigate the city. You can pay as you go ($0.20 per mile, plus $1 to unlock) or purchase a monthly membership ($99 annual fee, plus $0.10 per mile).
Car Service and Taxis: Uber and Lyft both operate in Portland. Taxis can be easily found at the airport or you can schedule one in advance.
Best Hotels
The Nines
Address: 525 SW Morrison Street, Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (503) 222-9996
Website
Situated on the corner of Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland, The Nines occupies the top nine floors of a historic building, offering stunning views of the city. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, two restaurants, and two bars.
The Hoxton, Portland
Address: 15 NW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 770-0500
Website
Located in historic Old Town Chinatown, The Hoxton features 119 rooms decorated with mid-century touches and art curated by a local gallerist. The hotel has two restaurants, including a rooftop bar with sweeping city views and a hidden speakeasy serving inventive cocktails in the basement.
The Benson
Address: 309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 228-2000
Website
Situated between the Pearl District and Downtown, this 287-room historical hotel maintains its 100-year-old glamour. Guests can dine in the ground-floor restaurant or arrange a private dinner in the wine cellar.
Sentinel
Address: 614 SW 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 224-3400
Website
This charming hotel, built in 1909, features an art collection displayed throughout the property. Sentinel boasts 100 rooms and is conveniently located in the heart of Downtown, within walking distance to notable attractions.
Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
Address: 1510 S Harbor Way, Portland, OR 97201
Phone: (503) 228-3233
Website
Enjoy stunning views of the Willamette River at this waterfront hotel, which offers amenities such as pillowtop beds, in-room spa treatments, and pet-friendly suite options with full kitchens.
Best Restaurants
Screen Door (American South)
Address: 2337 E Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 542-0880
Website
Specializing in American Southern cuisine with modern flair, Screen Door offers indoor and patio dining. Reservations are recommended for larger groups, particularly on weekends.
Andina (Peruvian)
Address: 1314 NW Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 228-9535
Website
Andina has been offering modern interpretations of traditional Peruvian dishes for nearly 20 years, featuring inviting contemporary decor and murals inspired by Andean culture.
Kachka (Eastern European)
Address: 960 SE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 235-0059
Website
This casual eatery offers a variety of Eastern European small plates and unique imported grocery items. Enjoy a quick bite on the patio or take it to go for a nearby picnic.
Mucca Osteria (Italian)
Address: 1022 SW Morrison Street, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 227-5521
Website
This upscale establishment specializes in traditional Italian dishes such as house-made spaghetti and gnocchi in a boar ragu. Reservations are advised due to limited seating.
Things to Do
International Rose Test Garden
Address: 400 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 823-3636
Website
The International Rose Test Garden features over 10,000 rose bushes of 650 different varieties, making it a perfect place for a spring or summer stroll that exemplifies Portland’s nickname as the “City of Roses.”
Portland Art Museum
Address: 1219 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 226-2811
Website
Founded in 1892, this cultural institution houses an expansive collection of over 50,000 items, specializing in Native American art, English silver, and graphic art.
Portland Saturday Market
Address: 2 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (503) 222-6072
Website
The Portland Saturday Market is the oldest continuously operated outdoor market in the U.S., featuring goods from local artisans, including jewelry, photography, and art.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Address: 239 NW Everett Street, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 228-8131
Website
Experience the tranquility of Lan Su Chinese Garden with its lush plants and decorative pagodas, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for photos or leisurely walks.
Oregon Zoo
Address: 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221
Phone: (503) 226-1561
Website
Situated on 64 acres, the Oregon Zoo is home to elephants, lions, and chimpanzees, making it the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River.
Best Shopping
Powell’s City of Books
Address: 1005 West Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (800) 878-7323
Website
Powell’s City of Books has been a staple in Downtown Portland for over 50 years, offering an impressive selection of over 1 million books across its flagship location and two additional stores in Hawthorne and Beaverton.
Lena Medoyeff
Address: 710 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210
Phone: (503) 227-0011
Website
Known for one-of-a-kind bridal designs that blend traditional elements with modern flair, Lena Medoyeff’s collections feature unique and sophisticated wedding dresses.
N’Kossi Boutique
Address: 700 SW 5th Ave, Suite 1180, Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (971) 407-6558
Website
Offering both traditional and contemporary Togolese fashion, N’Kossi Boutique presents a unique blend of men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, and activewear in the heart of Downtown.
The House of Rose (THOR)
Address: 7459 SW Bridgeport Road, Tigard, OR 97224
Phone: (503) 747-0930
Website
Designer Tony Iyke creates handcrafted pieces, including custom suits and dresses, showcasing his Nigerian heritage in Portland.
Betsy + Iya
Address: 1777 NW 24th Avenue, Portland, OR 97210
Phone: (503) 227-5482
Website
Betsy + Iya crafts handmade jewelry characterized by fun, geometric designs while offering a variety of women’s wear and bridal pieces that exude a cool and funky aesthetic.
Mantel PDX
Address: 8202 N Denver Avenue, Portland, OR 97217
Phone: (503) 289-0558
Website
Mantel PDX showcases local artists by featuring ceramics, homeware, jewelry, and accessories within a beautifully refurbished historical building in Kenton.
Neighborhoods to Know
The city is divided into six sections that locals refer to as “quadrants”: North Portland, Northeast Portland, Northwest Portland, South Portland, Southeast Portland, and Southwest Portland. Each quadrant has its own unique style and scene.
Pearl District: Once an industrial area, this trendy neighborhood between Nob Hill and Downtown is now filled with bars, restaurants, Indie boutiques, and galleries showcasing local artists.
Nob Hill: Elegant Victorian homes and lush greenery characterize Nob Hill, where many residences have been converted into casual eateries, boutiques, and refined restaurants.
West End: This historic area of downtown is the spot for fashion, nightlife, and shopping, featuring luxury hotels, cafés, and design shops.
Alberta Arts District: Centered along Alberta Street in Northeast Portland, this colorful district is known for its art galleries, murals, and restaurants, hosting a monthly street fair called Last Thursday, which promotes local talent.
Hawthorne: A three-mile stretch of eclectic shops and dining options, including bookstores and vintage thrift stores, leading to Mount Tabor Park, which boasts great walking trails.
Division: This Southeast quadrant offers an impressive array of dining options, along with shops and boutiques selling vintage fashion and home décor items.
Weather
Portland experiences more rain than most cities in the country, averaging 43 inches annually compared to the national average of 38 inches. Importantly, the city receives 88 percent of its rainfall from October through May, allowing for relatively dry summer months. While significant rainfall occurs (averaging 156 days per year), the city sees less than three inches of snow annually.
The following are the average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month:
January: 36°F to 47°F
February: 36°F to 51°F
March: 40°F to 57°F
April: 43°F to 61°F
May: 49°F to 68°F
June: 54°F to 74°F
July: 58°F to 81°F
August: 58°F to 81°F
September: 53°F to 76°F
October: 46°F to 64°F
November: 40°F to 53°F
December: 35°F to 46°F
Apps to Download
PDX Bus, MAX, Streetcar & WES: Public transportation in Portland
iOs (Only available on iOs)
Biketown: Bike share servicing Portland
iOs | Android
