10 Best Things to Do in Portland

Affectionately known as Portland’s living room, Pioneer Courthouse Square is the perfect place to start when exploring this wonderful city. Located in the heart of Portland’s downtown, it’s the gathering place of visitors and locals alike, ever since its opening in 1984.

Take a look inside the square’s namesake, the Pioneer Courthouse, and have your photo taken next to the square’s iconic signpost or enjoy one of the 300 events that take place here each year, from live concerts to annual ceremonies and festivals. As you walk along the red bricks, pay attention to their individually engraved names, symbolizing the people that make Portland such an extraordinary place.

Whether you’ve always got your head lost in a good book or you’re just really into cool places, exploring Powell’s City of Books should be a priority when visiting Portland. Occupying an entire square block of the city, this incredible book store is so big that you even need a map to find your way around.

Lots of famous writers visit the store throughout the year, each leaving their mark in the form of a signature on one of the pillars inside. You can time your visit to coincide with one of the many readings that take place here, as there are almost daily events. 

For the ultimate sense of serenity, explore the tranquil Japanese Gardens at Portland’s famous Washington Park. You’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked away to Japan itself as you wander the architecturally stunning gardens, listening to the sound of gently-running streams as you go. Take part in a traditional tea ceremony at the Kashintei Tea House and, if you’re visiting in March, don’t miss a fantastic photo opportunity with the cherry blossom in full bloom.

Washington Park is home to several different gardens, as well as memorials, an arboretum, an amphitheater, Oregon Zoo, and much more. Be sure to visit the International Rose Test Garden while you’re there, especially when it’s a beautiful blanket of color between April and October.

Hop on the Portland Aerial Tram and take a ride above the city for some incredible panoramic views. The 5-minute-long ride takes you on a 3,300-ft (1-km) journey, rising 500 ft (152 meters) above the ground at a speed of 22 mph (35 km/h). Take in all the sights of Portland as you go, appreciating the beautiful green space that the city is so famous for from up high.

Once you reach the upper terminal, head out onto the outdoor patio and enjoy exceptional views of downtown Portland. On a clear day, you’ll even be able to see as far as Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a super cool place to explore, whether you’re traveling with or without kids. Otherwise known as the OMSI, the interactive museum has unique halls and labs where you can get hands-on with the exhibits. You’ll have fun learning new and exciting elements of chemistry, physics, paleontology, and more.

The OMSI aims to promote a sustainable society and uses its exhibitions to educate people on how to use modern day skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. While you’re there, visit the on-site empirical theater and planetarium, or head back in the evening for one of the OMSI After Dark events.

Priding itself as being one of the largest urban forests in the country, Forest Park is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Its huge canopy of trees stretches 5,200 acres (2,104 hectares), and there are over 70 miles (113 km) of trails crisscrossing the park, including the popular Wildwood Trail that is part of Portland’s 40-Mile Loop.

Head out for a leisurely afternoon stroll or enjoy an early morning run among the 112 bird and 62 mammal species that call the park home. No need to get lost, though, as you can download an online map of the trails and plan your route before you go.

The Pearl District is a trendy area of Portland, brimming with art galleries, independent stores, fashion boutiques, and plenty of fine dining opportunities. Located in the heart of downtown, this is certainly the place to be if you’re looking to indulge in a spot of retail therapy.

Browse the vibrant big brand shops selling clothes, shoes, health goods, homeware, and everything in between. Explore the many art galleries, then treat yourself to a fresh coffee or a bite to eat at one of the highly-rated bars or restaurants. The galleries stay open late on First Thursday (the 1st Thursday of each month), so you can always head back if there’s a piece you wish you’d picked up.

Take a walk through Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland, and reach the dizzying heights of Multnomah Falls. At staggering 620 ft (189 meters), it’s often listed as one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. So, as you can imagine, the sensation you get when standing on Benson Bridge, spanning the lowers falls, is somewhat invigorating.

The 2-drop falls can be reached by following a 2.6-mile (4-km) round-trip trail from the Columbia River Gorge’s information center, but there’s easier road access for those not able to do the walk. If you want to see the flow at its highest, it’s best to visit in winter or spring.

Portland might be home to many a brewery, but for a truly unique evening, make your way along Distillery Row for a serious taste sensation. It’s not a physical row as such, but 12 independent distilleries dotted across the city. They’ve opened their doors to the public to allow visitors a taste of over 80 unique spirits (not all at once, of course).

There’s a special passport to get stamped for each distillery that you visit, so be sure to get one when you’re there. And, for the ultimate Distillery Row experience, it’s only right that you rent a pedicab to take you between each venue.

Portland is famous for its excellent street food stalls, pods, and carts, but Portland Mercado is easily among the best collections of food trucks in the city. An atmospheric scene of color, serving all the best Mexican, Central, and South American food, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dinner time.

Wander around the market, bar, butchers, and brightly colored carts and kitchens and let your senses guide you to the one of your choosing. Will it be a brilliant burrito or some awesome arepas, perhaps? The Portland Mercado isn’t just a great place to eat, it’s a non-profit Latin American community development project, too.