best neighborhoods to visit in portland

The best neighborhoods in Portland

Apr 6, 2021 • 8 min read

The neon signs of Tarboush Lebanese Bistro on SE Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland, Oregon's Belmont neighborhood glow against the sunset © Meghan O'Dea / Lonely Planet

Nestled against a bank of low mountains at the confluence of two rivers, the unique geography of Portland, Oregon divides the city into a patchwork of neighborhoods. Each has its own unique flavor, whether you're looking at the unexpected street layouts of Ladd's Addition, the Black history of Albina, the art galleries and headshops of the Alberta District, or the fabulous architecture of Laurelhurst. 

Some, like Division, are named for the major thoroughfares passing through, or for a notable landmark, like the Mt. Tabor district that's on the slopes of a defunct volcano. Others hint at the marketing strategies of the last century, like Sunnyside – the name of which was selected to lure residents living in Portland's oldest neighborhoods, in the shadow of the West Hills, to try life on the east side of town. 

If you're wondering which Portland neighborhood is right for you, we've broken down each part of town into its micro-communities, with details on what to do wherever you wander during your time in Stumptown.

The Pearl District and Downtown

Best for shopping, business travelers, and first-time visitors

The workaday Southwest section of Portland is home to lots of office buildings and hotels, as well as top sights like Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Portland Art Museum and Oregon Historical Society. It's also a transit hub – bus and light-rail lines converge here, mostly along 5th and 6th Avenues. Also in this part of town are several green parks, important performing-arts centers and plenty of top-end restaurants.

Just east of Northwest, the Pearl District is an old industrial precinct that has been transformed into Portland's swankiest neighborhood. Warehouses have been converted to fancy lofts commanding some of the highest real-estate prices in Oregon. It's a great place to walk around and check out upscale boutiques, trendy restaurants and art galleries.

The Alphabet District, Nob Hill, and Slabtown

Best for shopping, walking, and public transit

Encompassing three distinctive districts, Northwest Portland is home to some of the city's top art galleries, trendy restaurants and plentiful shopping options – all connected by wonderfully walkable streets. 

When Portlanders talk about 'Northwest,' they're usually referring to the attractive area known as Nob Hill surrounding NW 21st and 23rd Avenues, north of West Burnside Street. The residential heart of late-19th-century Portland, this area later became the city's upper-crust commercial strip. It's a pleasant and scenic strolling neighborhood, anchored by vintage apartment buildings and one of the city's best art-house cinemas.

In the face of Portland's rapid development, industrial Slabtown is up and coming with new high-rise residences and more. Collectively, Nob Hill and Slabtown are locally referred to as the Alphabet District. The street names are in alphabetical order, starting southerly with Burnside St, which spans the entire area, up to northernmost York Street in Slabtown. Fans of the  Simpsons  will note some familiar names here (creator Matt Groening is from Portland), such as Flanders, Lovejoy and Quimby Sts.

Old Town and Chinatown

Best for history, museums, and Voodoo Donuts

Nestled between downtown to the south, the Pearl District to the west, and the Willamette River to the east, Portland's oldest neighborhood is super compact and easily walkable. The core of rambunctious 1890s Portland, once-seedy Old Town had a well-earned reputation as the lurking ground of unsavory characters. Now it's home to some lovely historic buildings, plus Waterfront Park, the Saturday Market and a few good pockets of nightlife.

Old Town is generally lumped together with the city's historic Chinatown – no longer the heart of the Chinese community (that's moved to outer Southeast) but still home to the ornate Chinatown Gateway and the Lan Su Chinese Garden. The northern end of the district runs up to Union Station, while NW Broadway forms the western boundary between Burnside St and the Broadway Bridge.

In Ankeny Alley Portland's party crowd enjoys outdoor drinking under a canopy of twinkle lights along the one-block stretch of SW Ankeny St between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, which is closed to cars year-round. Meanwhile, you can bet this city is filled with lovers of athletic apparel in Nike's hometown. Old Town Chinatown is the best place in town to find local retailers who specialize in streetwear, both new and vintage.

You'll find the majority of restaurants, shops and the district's two hotels below NW Everett Street. Portland's hotels are home to some of the city's trendiest watering holes. The Hoxton houses a rooftop bar with great city views, plus a subterranean speakeasy so covert that it doesn't even have a name.

Southeast Portland

Best for local character, craft beer, and dining out

Southeast Portland has seen massive changes in recent years due to rapid population growth – once mostly sleepy and residential, it now swarms with busy street life and is replete with indie shops, acclaimed restaurants and ultra-hip bars. Each pocket of Southeast Portland features an abundance of eateries and boutiques – you could easily spend a couple of days exploring each in depth, from Division to Sunnyside to the Buckman district.

To the south is SE Belmont St, with its own stretch of casual joints, and a few blocks over, along SE Hawthorne Blvd – historically the territory of latter-day hippies – there are nonstop gift shops, vintage-clothing stores, brewpubs and cafes. The next-over thoroughfare, SE Division Street, is so full of fun things to see and do that it's often choked with traffic – take the bus or park a few blocks away.

Portland's 'Beervana' nickname is well earned, thanks to some 80 craft breweries in the city limits – more than anywhere in the world. The scene has been going strong since the 1980s, leaving beer lovers spoiled for choice. You can experience the best of Beervana in the Southeast quadrant's walkable neighborhoods, where great tasting rooms, brew pubs and bottle shops abound.

If that's not your scene, Southeast also has some of the loveliest and most peaceful parks in the city. Escape the hustle and head east to Mt Tabor Park, or south to Sellwood, with its antique stores and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Radiating out from East Burnside Street and 28th Avenue are several blocks' worth of eateries, plus a great second-run theater. Nearby is pretty Laurelhurst Park, with towering conifers, footpaths and a lake.

The West Hills

Best for getting outside

Looming over downtown, this exclusive and mostly residential area features narrow, winding streets, houses on stilts and sweeping views over the eastern parts of the city. The South Waterfront area is also in this part of town. But its biggest draw is Forest Park, which stretches more than 5100 acres along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains and reigns as the largest wooded urban park in the US. Flanking Portland's West Hills, its 70-mile network of verdant trails are a great way to witness the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest's forestlands without having to leave the city limits.

The Pittock Mansion is one of the major sites tucked away in Forest Park, with expansive views of Portland east towards Mt. Hood. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly lovely here. Washington Park sits to the southwest of Forest Park, across West Burnside Street. It contains top attractions like the Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Zoo and Portland's Children's Museum.

A network of bucolic roads winds from Northwest Portland through the area, particularly main artery West Burnside Street and NW Lovejoy Street, which becomes NW Cornell Road as you ascend into the hills. By foot, the 30-mile Wildwood Trail runs from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington Park and terminates at the northwestern edge of Forest Park.

Northeast Portland and the Mississippi District

Best for nightlife, the arts, and live music

Northeast Portland is home to some of the city's most vibrant, ethnically diverse communities. The thoroughfares of Mississippi Avenue and North Williams Avenue form the Mississippi-Williams District, while a stretch of Alberta Street makes up the Alberta Arts District. Both host a wealth of restaurants, bars, galleries and boutiques, while neighborhoods like Irvington feature stately historic residences. The area is also home to the Moda Center, where fans cheer on the Trail Blazers, Portland's NBA team

Just across the Willamette River from downtown, the Lloyd District is home to Portland's glass-turreted Oregon Convention Center, a shopping mall and government buildings. Unless you have business at the convention center, there's very little of note here; but there are shops and restaurants along Broadway, an east-west traffic thoroughfare.

Further up the Willamette, once-gritty N Mississippi Avenue is a busy commercial street lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Running parallel just to the east of Mississippi, bicycle-friendly North Williams and Vancouver Avenues are full of constant new development. This area forms the Mississippi-Williams District, which you can return to at least a couple of times to sample its excellent eateries and bars.

Northeast of Mississippi, NE Alberta Street is a slightly artsier, cooler stretch of bars, cafes, boutiques and indie galleries that make up the Alberta Arts District. Though long gentrified, Alberta still has plenty of character and is more ethnically diverse than other areas. Plan on spending at least a day exploring this area in full.

You may also like:  The 16 best day trips from Portland 20 free things to do in Portland, Oregon The complete guide to cannabis tourism in Portland, Oregon

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The 6 Best Portland Neighborhoods to Explore on Vacation

Learn about the east side neighborhoods that showcase the 'Portlandia' vibe and culture.

Travel Portland

Head to Division Street if you want a top-notch dining experience.

Visiting Portland, Oregon ’s many great neighborhoods gives you an opportunity to experience firsthand all the things the city is known for – whether that’s beer, bookstores or bikes. After you've explored Portland’s downtown, Pearl District and Nob Hill neighborhoods, it's time to cross the Willamette River and see how the locals live.

“The east side neighborhoods, from what I have seen and from watching episodes of 'Portlandia,' are really the true soul of Portland,” says Ryan Lettier, concierge at the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland . “Downtown is pretty mainstream, and it has its own vibe and its own character. But when guests visit the east side neighborhoods, they really come back feeling they saw the soul of Portland and what the culture and people are like.”

Mississippi Avenue

Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland, OR

Marcus Hibdon, director of communications and public relations for Travel Portland, the city's tourism organization, says he thinks Mississippi Avenue , in the north part of Portland, is one of the best neighborhoods in the city right now. “It really shows what the east side of Portland is like: locally owned places, there’s great bars, restaurants, nightlife and shopping," he says.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Portland .]

Begin your exploration of Mississippi Avenue on its south end – near where it intersects with Fremont Street – by browsing the store at the ReBuilding Center . The nonprofit group, which is celebrating its 20th year, diverts building materials like doors, windows, pink bathroom sinks and more, that may otherwise go to a landfill, and sells them at a discount.

Walking up the street, you can check out vintage and rare instruments at Black Book Guitars . Farther up the road is Pistils Nursery . Mississippi Avenue also offers many other options, from ice cream to live music. And at its northern terminus is Prost , where you can enjoy a German beer and sausage.

“It’s good in the morning for breakfast, it's great in the afternoon, it's wonderful when you want to start happy hour, and it goes into the night with some great live music venues,” Hibdon says of the neighborhood.

Alberta Arts District

The Alberta Arts District in northeast Portland is known for its funky, independent spirit, which is epitomized by its lively Last Thursday monthly street fair.

“Neighborhoods change every 20 minutes, it seems,” and that's particularly apparent in the Alberta Arts District, says Andy L. Welsh, front office manager at Hotel deLuxe . “You can feel what it’s like to be in a Portland neighborhood there.”

Other places to explore in the neighborhood, centered on Northeast Alberta Street, include the Tin Shed Garden Cafe , whose menu features great carnivore, vegetarian and vegan options, and Mimosa Studios , where you can paint your own pottery. And a trip to Alberta Street wouldn’t be complete without a stop by Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery for a homemade slice.

Jamie Francis and Travel Portland

A visit to the Hawthorne neighborhood in southeast Portland should begin with a walk or drive through the historic Ladd’s Addition, which is Portland’s oldest planned residential development. Its homes are a rich mix of bungalow, Craftsman, Mission and other styles, set along narrow streets lined with mature American elm trees.

Back on SE Hawthorne Blvd., be sure to explore The Red Light Clothing Exchange , especially if you’re looking for pink sequin hot pants or a vintage flannel shirt. From there, you can hunt down a new book to read at Powell's Books on Hawthorne . Or, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can schedule an isolation float in one of Float On 's sensory deprivation tanks.

Division Street

Not too far from Hawthorne is Division Street . “I think this is the best dining neighborhood in the city,” Hibdon says. “You'll find everything from really exquisite Italian food at a restaurant called Ava Gene's to what many people will tell you is the best Thai food in the country, a place called Pok Pok started by [chef] Andy Ricker more than 10 years ago, focusing on Thai, Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian-inspired street foods.”

Central Eastside

The Central Eastside neighborhood is accessible from downtown hotels via one of the nearby bridges, such as the new Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People or the Portland Streetcar . It's an older warehouse district that has been retrofitting and converting its old spaces for new uses. Wandering around the neighborhood, you'll see craft distilleries, local favorite Le Bistro Montage and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry .

[Read: The 6 Best Breweries to Visit in Portland .]

Also in Central Eastside, “you'll find one of the greatest tea companies in all of the world right now, a place called Steven Smith Teamaker ,” Hibdon says. “The teas are phenomenal. For anybody who really loves tea, you really got to go and check this place out."

Sellwood-Moreland

“For people looking for something a little more quiet or homey, there's the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood of Portland,” Hibdon says. “It feels a little bit like you're going back in time, maybe to Mayberry [where the 'The Andy Griffith Show' takes place], maybe 'Leave It to Beaver.' It’s an old main street spread over two neighborhoods almost entirely populated by locally owned shops and restaurants."

The Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood is accessible on the new Orange Line light rail from downtown. It offers a real mix of activities, ranging from nature walks and bird watching at the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge , bumper cars and roller coasters at Oaks Amusement Park , and painting at The Loaded Brush .

“It’s also home to one of my favorite bars, a place called Bible Club PDX , which is a speak-easy-style bar located in an old house,” Hibdon says. “There's no sign on the door. You just have to look for the green light in the window and you will know Bible Club’s open.”

To experience more of what Portland has to offer, check out the U.S. News Travel guide .

Tags: Portland, Oregon , Travel , Vacations

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• The Coolest Neighborhoods In Portland...

The Coolest Neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon

Portland is a hip town, no matter which way you look at it. Among its many green patches, lively neighborhoods gather around bustling main streets, each offering their own unique flavors, festivities and attractions. It’s much more than you can see in a day, but these areas are why you’ll just have to keep coming back to Portland, Oregon.

Alberta arts district.

With its long stretch of galleries, restaurants, bars, and boutiques, Northeast Portland’s Alberta Street has a lot going on. Gluten-free and vegan bakeries, wine shops and standout Mexican food can make for a perfect Saturday outing, but that’s only the beginning. Once a month, the diverse neighborhood puts on a lively street fair called Last Thursday , a play off of Pearl/Downtown’s original event. Musicians, performers, and local artists line Alberta displaying their talents and wares while new artwork debuts at surrounding galleries, bars, and restaurants.

Pearl District

Just north of Downtown and one of Portland’s most walkable neighborhoods, the Pearl District ’s cobblestone streets and riverside docks speak to its warehouse port past. Today, the area is chic and stylish, with a thriving cultural scene, with the famous Powell’s City of Books at its heart, along with a few theaters, fantastic restaurants, and First Thursday’s arts festivities. Beer aficionados take note: the area also features Oregon’s oldest craft brewery, the BridgePort Brewing Company.

A vegan hub , Hawthorne is home to many plant-based eateries as well as a host of popular food trucks offering all kinds of tasty treats, from bagels and burritos to Korean barbecue. This beloved Southeast Portland Boulevard, the heart of which runs between 30th and 50th Avenues, is stocked with a variety of local businesses, from clothing stores and vintage shops to an array of indie dining options and opportunities to see live music, movies, and comedy shows.

Belmont, just a few blocks north, has its own collection of food carts, bars, and boutiques worth exploring, while Mount Tabor to the east offers a low-key vibe with its quaint coffee shops and impressive park – with a 600-foot (183-meter) volcanic peak at its core.

Beautiful houses line the streets of Richmond to the south, with cute gift shops, handmade goods, and offbeat galleries dotting its hip cross-section of SE Division . The neighborhood is home to a few fantastic restaurants, including Pok Pok – the New York location of which boasts a Michelin star – and Bollywood Theater, a fun, flavorful dining experience consisting of savory Indian street foods and old Bollywood movies playing on the wall inside.

Just a few blocks away, there’s more to see and do. You can visit Clinton Street Theater – one of the oldest continually operating movie theaters in the United States (and one that’s been screening The Rocky Horror Picture Show every Saturday since 1978) – followed by drinks at the Night Light Lounge or perhaps a long steam at the Löyly Sauna, a soothing Scandinavian retreat.

Close to Forest Park, as well as the Rose and Japanese Gardens, Northwest Portland and Nob Hill are the perfect stomping grounds for nature lovers and urbanites alike. Stroll past stunning Victorians and Craftsman mansions and keep walking west to see them fade into the tall trees of the nearby woods.

The neighborhood also features several unique shops and popular restaurants, such as locally loved jewelers betsy & iya and the French-inspired Paley’s Place, a carnivore’s favorite with its bone marrow and oxtail dishes. Are you looking for something a bit different to do? The VoiceBox Karaoke Lounge offers private suites, while The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium™ appeals to those interested in oddities, the occult and also ice cream.

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Portland Neighborhoods: A Travel Guide to Portland, Oregon

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Planning a trip to Portland , Oregon , and wondering which of the Portland neighborhoods you should stay in? It’s a great question because Portland has so many cute, quirky neighborhoods that vary in terms of what activities are nearby to keep you entertained and whether or not you’ll need a car to get around.

I’ve lived in Portland for most of my life so I’ve explored all of the neighborhoods listed below. I’ve eaten at these restaurants, imbibed at the bars, and shopped at the boutiques. And, I’ve also lived in quite a few different neighborhoods in Portland.

I’ve already written about my favorite things to do in Portland and all the things that make Portland so weirdly unique . In this Portland travel guide, I want to share an overview of all of Portland’s best neighborhoods so you can decide which one is the perfect home base for your trip to the City of Roses!

And don’t forget to check out these other helpful Portland posts:

• Unique hotels in Portland
• What to pack for Portland
• Best Portland tours and day trips

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The Best Neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon

North portland.

I grew up in North Portland (just two blocks from what is now the Adidas campus) in a house built by my great grandfather, Axel Anderson. At the time, it was such an undesirable neighborhood that it was like pulling teeth to get any friends to visit. It was considered dangerous (by Portland standards) and was probably best known for the seedy motels along N Interstate Ave.

Fast forward 20 years and it is now the trendiest neighborhood in Portland to live, dine, shop, and imbibe. That house that we lived in probably quadrupled in value. I’d give my left pinky finger to own it again.

The most popular streets in North Portland are N Mississippi Street and N Williams Avenu e. If you’re visiting Portland and looking for the best place to stay – an Airbnb near either of these streets will put you close to fun bars and delicious restaurants.

While it’s not as compact as some of Portland’s other neighborhoods, you can get by without a car. Portland’s light rail (the “MAX”) runs along N Interstate Ave and makes it easy to travel to Downtown, the Moda Center, Providence Park, NW Portland, and even the airport. If you do rent a car, you’ll find that North Portland offers ample free parking and fast access to the interstate – a couple more reasons that it’s our favorite Portland neighborhood!

10 Best Things to Do in North Portland

• Shop, eat, and drink along hip N. Mississippi Avenue
• Watch a Blazer’s game at the MODA Center
• Sing karaoke at the Alibi Tiki Lounge
• Admire the taxidermy at Paxton Gate
• Have a picnic with a view at Mocks Crest Park
• See a show at the Wonder Ballroom
• Spend an afternoon exploring the St. Johns neighborhood
• Lounge under the historic St. Johns Bridge at Cathedral Park
• Sample chocolates at the Moonstruck Chocolate Factory
• Visit the world’s only kombucha speakeasy

Best Restaurants in North Portland

Right in the heart of N. Mississippi Ave., Mee-Sen Thai Eatery specializes in Northern Thai cuisine – specifically my favorite dish on their menu, their Khoa Soi Gai . This dish is pretty rare to find in most Thai restaurants and it’s rich and delicious with chicken that falls right off the bone. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous then try an order of Tak Ka Tan Tod  (fried grasshoppers). You’ll be doing yourself a disservice by skipping this North Portland gem!

¿Por Que No? has several locations in Portland, but the original is on Mississippi Avenue in North Portland. Be ready to wait in line as this location is also the busiest. They serve tacos, yummy margaritas, and my favorite dish – the Bryan’s Bowl with shrimp. It’s everything you love about Mexican food in a bowl with chips or tortillas on the side for dipping. ¿Por Que No? is also a great place for a happy hour cocktail while sitting outside if you happen upon a sunny day in Portland.

Life of Pie is a pizza restaurant serving excellent woodfired pizza. The $5 pizzas during happy hour are one of the best deals in Portland, but that’s not why they made this list. My absolute favorite dish is their cheesy cauliflower dish. It comes bubbly hot and seasoned to perfection. It’s not exactly the healthiest dish on the menu but it’s the best!

Best Dessert in North Portland

If you’re a serious chocoholic then you can’t miss the Moonstruck Chocolate Factory & Store in St. Johns. Stop by before 1 pm so you can see the chocolate artisans creating Moonstruck’s delicious confections. And make sure you pick up a couple of boxes of chocolate truffles for later!

While Ruby Jewel Ice Cream isn’t as famous as Salt & Straw, their ice cream is arguably just as good. And you can enjoy it without waiting in line for half an hour! They use local ingredients to make scrumptious ice cream flavors like Caramelized Coffee, Oregon Mint Flake, and Honey Lavender. There are several Ruby Jewel locations throughout the city, but the original is in North Portland. It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy while you’re exploring N. Mississippi Avenue.

Best Bars in North Portland

The Alibi is a Hawaiian tiki-themed karaoke bar that is known for a ridiculously strong drink called the Scurvy Sailor and having to tip the DJ if you ever want to sing. The place is packed on Friday and Saturday nights with friendly drunk locals of all ages belting out Celine Dion. It is literally impossible to have a bad time at The Alibi.

Prost! is a German-themed bar on N. Mississippi Avenue that is a hot spot for locals to enjoy a cold beer on the back patio on hot summer days. If the Timbers are playing during your stay in Portland, Prost! is a popular spot to watch the games. Get the giant beer in a glass boot to share with your friends but make sure no one drops it – the security deposit is hefty!

Victoria Bar is one of my favorite bars in all of Portland! Their delicious cocktail concoctions have a Princess Bride theme and they have amazing vegan and gluten-free food options. The crowd is usually a bit older – in their 30s and 40s – and the atmosphere is always lively.

Best Airbnbs in North Portland

Handcrafted Japanese Hideaway

Located just off of Mississippi Avenue in North Portland is the cozy  Japanese-inspired hideaway . The large kitchen is perfect for staying in and cooking, and the gas fireplace will keep you toasty on drizzly Portland evenings. This Airbnb has a master bedroom with a comfortable queen-sized bed, as well as a small, hidden box room that the kids will love!

Mallory Tiny House

If you want a really unforgettable experience during your trip to Portland, book a stay at the  Mallory Tiny House ! This quaint tiny home is stocked with eco-friendly essentials like fair-trade coffee and tea and organic toiletries, towels, and bedding. This Airbnb has one bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a kitchenette, and a lovely little porch with a garden. You’ll absolutely love it here!

Northeast Portland

Northeast Portland stretches from MLK Avenue all the way to the airport and contains some of the most expensive houses in the city. Close-in NE has a great school district, lots of parks, and wide tree-lined streets making it an ideal place for families to live. Plus, this Portland neighborhood is very safe and even has a few community pools for kids to enjoy.

But while the NE Portland neighborhood is a great place to live, it may not be the best place to stay if you’re visiting Portland. You’ll likely need a car as it’s not as easy to walk to popular bars and restaurants as it is in other neighborhoods in Portland.

If you do want to be based in NE Portland, we recommend staying in the arts district along NE Alberta Street . This part of Portland is home to some really funky Airbnbs , the cute Caravan Hotel , and some great shops and restaurants. If you happen to be visiting in the summer you should try to plan your trip to coincide with one of the eclectic Last Thursday Art Walks on Alberta Street.

Other interesting neighborhoods worth checking out in NE Portland include the Hollywood District , Woodlawn , and NE Killingsworth Street .

10 Best Things to Do in NE Portland

• Attend the weird and eclectic Last Thursday street festival on NE Alberta Street
• Watch an improv show at Curious Comedy
• Spend a night in a tiny house at the Caravan Hotel
• Go for a soak in your birthday suit at Common Ground Wellness Cooperative
• Have a drink in detention at the McMenamins Kennedy School
• Belt out a song at Chopsticks , Portland’s “ most favorite karaoke bar “
• Enjoy a beer in a 90-year-old church at the Chapel Pub
• Explore the historic Hollywood neighborhood
• Go ice skating at the Lloyd Center (where Tonya Harding learned to skate)
• Take a dip at Grant Pool or Peninsula Pool

Best Restaurants in NE Portland

Bollywood Theater is a popular restaurant on Alberta street that serves Indian street food. It’s on the pricier side, especially considering that they don’t have table service, but the food is fresh and delicious. We would highly recommend the beets roasted with coconut milk and the Kati Roll – you won’t regret it!

The Grilled Cheese Grill is a food truck that specializes in unique grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a simple concept but what makes this truck special is the big yellow school bus out front that they’ve converted into a seating area. So you can eat your grilled cheese and tomato soup at a table in an actual bus – if you have kids they’ll eat it up (literally and figuratively)!

You can’t really talk about restaurants in the Northeast Portland neighborhood without mentioning Beast . This James Beard Award-winning restaurant is owned by Naomi Pomeroy , the most famous chef in town. There are few choices to be made at Beast because everyone gets the same six-course prix fixe menu that changes every two weeks. Dinner will set you back $118 per person plus $50 if you want wine pairings with each course. It’s not a cheap night out, but it will almost certainly be the best meal you eat in Portland!

P’s and Q’s Market is a darling little neighborhood market, restaurant, and wine shop on NE Dekum. The market area is stocked with gourmet food and the restaurant serves delicious and healthy options. They have a great wine selection and some tasty craft beers on tap. The ambiance is simple but the staff is super friendly and the food is top-notch!

Best Dessert in NE Portland

Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai is yet another donut shop in a city full of donut shops. But unlike the over-the-top creations at Voodoo and Blue Star, Pip’s keeps their donuts simple (and small). Pip’s little fried donuts are made-to-order so they’re always fresh. Plus, you can mix and match your toppings like Meyer lemon pear butter, cinnamon & sugar, banana custard, and warm Nutella drizzle. Don’t forget to order a cup of their delicious Chai tea to wash down your donuts!

Best Bars in NE Portland

The Bye and Bye is a fun bar in NE Portland with an entirely vegan menu! They have some truly unique cocktail options with house-infused spirits. And they have a big covered patio to enjoy on a warm afternoon. It doesn’t get much more “Portland” than this hipster paradise.

Breakside Brewery is an awesome neighborhood bar with a casual ambiance. They have seating outdoors as well as garage-style doors so even if you are sitting inside when the doors are open you’ll get plenty of midday sunshine. The food is great and the beer is even better!

For a true Portland experience, swing by the McMenamins Kennedy School for a drink or two. Originally built in 1915, this former elementary school has now been converted into one of the most unique hotels in Portland, complete with an onsite brewery, movie theater, restaurant, and four different bars. The most popular place to have a drink is the expansive, multi-level bar housed in the former school’s boiler room, but we prefer the tiny Detention Room Bar.

Best Airbnbs in NE Portland

Alberta Arts Abode

Alberta Arts Abode is a hip 2 bedroom/1 bathroom Airbnb perfectly located right near Alberta Street. The furniture is modern and comfortable which will make you feel right at home here. This Airbnb lacks a full kitchen but does have a sink, mini-fridge, hot place, and coffee-making facilities. But you won’t need it anyway because you’ll be so close to some amazing restaurants on Alberta Street!

The Sneakaway

The Sneakaway  is a cozy little Airbnb that makes great use of a small space. An amazingly comfortable king-sized Tempurpedic mattress sits on a platform in this light and bright space that is filled with pretty plants. And the real highlight is the 2-person soaking tub – perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring Portland!

Southeast Portland

Southeast Portland stretches east from the eastern bank of the Willamette River and south from Burnside Avenue. Informally, it is bound by the I-405 Interstate to the West and Powell Blvd. to the South. Southeast Portland includes several smaller Portland neighborhoods, such as the areas around Division, Hawthorn, and Belmont, as well as the up-and-coming Southeast Waterfront.

The SE Waterfront boasts the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) which is fun for both kids and adults. And you’ll find an abundance of bars, restaurants, and quirky shops scattered throughout SE Portland – primarily along SE Hawthorne Blvd , SE Belmont Street , and SE Division Street .

And on the far eastern edge of SE Portland, Mount Tabor Park is great for long walks or getting kids outdoors to play. Fun fact – Mt Tabor is an extinct volcanic cinder cone – and from the top, you can see all the way to downtown Portland.

There is also a lovely walking or biking loop that you can do that connects the SW Waterfront and the Eastbank Esplanade. Use the Burnside Bridge to cross the Willamette River at the northern end and the Tilikum Bridge to cross back over at the southern end.

And if you are visiting Portland and want to stay in the Southeast, then we recommend staying along Hawthorne Blvd or Division Street. Both are filled with fun activities and offer easy access to public transportation and neighborhood greenways (streets prioritized for bicycles).

The biggest downside to staying in Southeast Portland is limited interstate access which means it can take a long time to drive to the other neighborhoods in Portland.

10 Best Things to Do in SE Portland

• Check out the exhibits at OMSI
• Summit a volcano at Mount Tabor Park
• Embrace Portland’s food truck scene at Cartopia
• Watch a second-run movie at the Bagdad Theater
• Sample spirits on Distillery Row
• Rent a hot tub by the hour at Tub and Tan
• Skateboard at the Burnside Skatepark
• Cheer on the Rose City Rollers roller derby league at Oaks Amusement Park
• Sip a cup of coffee at Rimsky-Korsakoffee House , Portland’s weirdest (and most haunted) coffee shop
• Be a kid again at the Avalon Theater and Wunderland Nickle Arcade on SE Belmont St.

Best Restaurants in SE Portland

Pok Pok is one of the restaurants that put Portland on the national culinary scene. Owned by two-time James Beard award-winning chef Andy Ricker, Pok Pok serves up what most Portland residents consider to be the best Thai food in the city. It’s best known for its fried chicken wings which are marinated in a blend of fish sauce and Thai spices. You really can’t leave Portland without trying the wings at Pok Pok!

While we’re hesitant to claim that Apizza Scholls makes the best pizza in Portland, many locals would choose it as their favorite. And if you need convincing, just take a look at the line that forms just before 4 pm every day when Apizza Scholls begins serving up their handmade pies. Their thin-crust pizza could give any NY pizza joint a run for its money. Make sure you get there early because once they run out of dough, which usually happens before 8:30 pm, they are done for the day.

Portland is known for its amazing food truck scene and several of the city’s best food trucks are located at the corner of SE Hawthorne Blvd and SE 12th Ave. Known as Cartopia , this outdoor space features a dozen or so food carts surrounding an inviting courtyard complete with picnic tables, potted plants, fire pits, and a heated tent in the winter. We are addicted to the PB&J fries at Potato Champion . Other food trucks worth trying are Chicken & Guns and Pyro Pizza .

Best Desserts in SE Portland

The Waffle Window on SE Hawthorne Blvd is technically a breakfast joint with plenty of savory menu items like their Three B’s Waffle (bacon, brie, and basil) or the Spicy Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Waffle. We actually prefer their sweet creations and the window is open until 8 pm for your afternoon sugar fix. Try the Bananarumba with bananas, caramel sauce, whip cream, and granola! Or check out their list of current specials that take advantage of whatever local fruits are currently in season.

Fifty Licks is yet another strong contender for the “best-ice-cream-in-Portland” award. Fifty Licks began as a humble food truck roaming the streets of Portland and has evolved into two brick-and-mortar ice cream parlors – the first on SE Clinton St. and the second on E Burnside St. across from the Laurelhurst Theater . With mouth-watering flavors like Fig and Chevre, Soy Sauce Caramel, and Mango and Sticky Rice, you can’t miss this tasty Portland treat!

Best Bars in SE Portland

Rontoms is one of the most popular bars in Portland when the sun is shining. They have a huge patio with plenty of available seats, even for big groups. If the sun is out in Portland, head to Rontoms from 3 – 6:30 pm for their daily happy hour – it’s sure to be a great time!

Sapphire Hotel is a sultry cocktail bar located at the far eastern end of SE Hawthorn Blvd. It serves up creative drinks and small plates in a former hotel lobby. Even though the Sapphire Hotel has existed in one form or another since the early 1900s, most people outside of SE Portland are unaware of its existence which is part of the charm. We always get the bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with almonds and chevre – delicious!

Loyal Legion is one of our favorite spots to watch sports in the SE Portland neighborhood! With 99 Oregon beers on tap, it’s the best place to sample the best brews in the state. Plus, they have happy hour from 2 – 6 pm daily, lots of comfy seating, big-screen TVs, and a delicious food menu!

Where to Stay in SE Portland

Division Street Retreat

The  Division Street Retreat  is perfect for couples who want to relax – you’ll have access to your own private hot tub! And a private patio with a fire pit for chilly evenings. There’s also an extremely comfortable king-sized bed, soft linens, a big shower, and coffeemaking facilities. Plus, the location is great!

The Urban Treehouse

The Urban Treehouse  also has a great location – it’s on a quiet street between Hawthorne Avenue and Division Street. You’ll be near bars, restaurants, and even Mt. Tabor Park. The Urban Treehouse is a cozy Airbnb with lots of light and a big, comfortable bed.

Southwest Portland (Downtown)

Southwest Portland encompasses Downtown, where you’ll find the highest concentration of hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars. It is also the corporate hub of the city full of interestingly shaped skyscrapers that make up that famous Portland skyline.

Here you’ll find Pioneer Square Mall, full of great shops in case you want to pick up anything (sales tax-free!) during your trip. There is also Pioneer Square and the SW waterfront, both of which often have events going on. There is also a large farmers market near Portland State University on the weekends – full of local produce, fresh-pressed juices, delectable food trucks, and entertainment.

Two of Portland’s biggest beer festivals take place in downtown Portland – the Oregon Brewers Festival is on the waterfront in late July and the Holiday Ale Festival is in Pioneer Square in early December. Portland Saturday Market also takes place on the SW waterfront on weekends and it’s a great place to find locally made treasures.

Most of Portland’s hotels are located in SW Portland, so if you prefer staying in a hotel instead of an Airbnb then this is the best neighborhood for you. You’ll almost certainly need to pay for parking in Downtown Portland so keep this extra expense in mind if you’re planning on renting a car and staying in this neighborhood.

Unfortunately, I’ve found that Downtown Portland feels quite a bit less safe at night now than it did a few years ago. There is less nightlife in Downtown than in many of Portland’s other neighborhoods and as a result, fewer people are around in the evening. Plus, the homeless and drug problems have gotten worse and as a female, I don’t feel comfortable walking around alone after the sun goes down. If you do choose to stay in a hotel in Downtown Portland, you may feel more comfortable using Uber to get around after dark.

10 Best Things to Do in SW Portland

• See the Portlandia Statue – the second-largest copper hammered statue in the world
• Eat all the donuts at Voodoo Doughnut , Blue Star Donuts , and Coco Donuts
• Visit tiny Mill Ends Park – the smallest park in the world
• Root for the Timbers at Providence Park
• Stroll along the SW waterfront (especially if the cherry blossoms are in bloom)
• Shop for fresh produce at the Portland Farmers Market
• See a show at “ The Schnitz “
• Dance on air at the Crystal Ballroom
• Get some culture at the Portland Art Museum
• Pick up a unique Portland souvenir at the Saturday Market (open on Saturday and Sunday)

Best Restaurants in SW Portland

Saucebox has one of the best happy hours in all of Portland! And they aren’t one of the most popular spots which means it’s usually easy to get a table. Happy hour is from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm daily and they have great specials on food and drinks. The cuisine is Asian Fusion and you won’t want to miss out on the crispy brussels sprouts – they are to die for!

Luc Lac Kitchen is a popular spot for a lunch break in Portland. Serving popular Vietnamese dishes like pho, tom yum soup, banh mi, and papaya salad, this lively restaurant never disappoints. Plus they are open late at night so you can grab a delicious bite after a night of dancing in Downtown Portland!

Pine Street Market is a great place to eat with a group because there are multiple restaurant options all in one space. You can each choose your preferred cuisine and then sit together in the shared eating spaces. My personal favorite is Marukin Ramen – they have giant bowls of steaming delicious ramen soup!

Speaking of ramen, our favorite soup spot in Portland is Boxer Ramen . It’s a simple yet colorful noodle shop with an open kitchen so you can watch your bowl of ramen being prepared. What most people don’t realize is you can actually mix the soups. We recommend 1/2 Shiitake Shoyu Ramen + 1/2 Veggie Curry. And get a starter of the Okonomiyaki Tots!

Uno Mas Taquiza is our favorite spot to hang out during Timbers games when we don’t have tickets to see it in the stadium. Even when we do have tickets to the game, sometimes we linger at Uno Mas, snacking on cheap tacos and spicy Margheritas for far too long, and never end up even going to the game! We love that they have big-screen TVs, great food and drink specials, and are located super close to the stadium.

Best Desserts in SW Portland

Of course, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Voodoo Doughnut – it’s one of the most popular sites in all of Portland! They are known for their strange but wonderful doughnut flavors as well as their catchy slogan – “the magic is in the hole”. No trip to Portland is complete without a stop at Voodoo Doughnut!

Blue Star Donut is another Portland institution that is known for its unique donut concoctions. In our humble opinion, the donuts at Blue Star are actually tastier than those at Voodoo and it’s another must-visit during your trip! There are several locations all over the city, but their flagship store and production facility are in SW Portland on the corner of 12th and Morrison. The Hard Apple Cider Fritter and the Lemon Poppy Buttermilk Old Fashioned are our favorites!

Best Bars in SW Portland

Established in 1879, Huber’s Cafe is the oldest restaurant in Portland. It is also the birthplace of Spanish Coffee. You’ll have to come in during your trip to Portland to see the impressive Spanish Coffee presentation by the bartenders. Be sure to have your camera ready and give them a tip!

McMenamins Crystal Ballroom is an event space that is known for its spring-loaded dance floor. So you’ll be bouncing while you dance! Check out the events calendar to see who’s playing during your trip. I especially love to party on the floor known as “ Lola’s Room ” – the dance parties are usually throwbacks to previous decades and attendees dress accordingly.

Dantes is a club on Burnside that I would recommend for two nights only – Sunday and Monday. On Sunday nights, they host Dantes Sinferno which is a crazy burlesque show with out-of-this-world performances. And Monday is Karaoke From Hell where you sing along with your own rock band to a huge audience. Both are classic Portland experiences that you won’t soon forget!

Perhaps the most exclusive bar in Portland, the Multnomah Whiskey Library offers over 1,200 whiskey varieties in a refined setting. A reservation is required and typically only members are allowed to make one. Unfortunately, membership starts at $650/year and is currently full. Fortunately, they offer a “Hall Pass” for $25 per person for out-of-town whiskey aficionados. Check their calendar to see if there is an available time slot during your visit to Portland.

Best Hotels in SW Portland

The Nines Hotel

The Nines Hotel is luxurious right in the center of downtown Portland near shopping, restaurants, bars, and the famous Portland waterfront! Rooms are spacious and gorgeously decorated in an old-school Hollywood glamour style. You’ll love the ultra lush bed and the views of the city from your room. It’s arguably the best hotel in all of Portland!

Check Prices on Booking.com

The Heathman Hotel

If you are a fan of the Fifty Shades of Grey series, or if you just love ghost stories, then you’ll definitely want to book a room at The Heathman Hotel ! It was built in the 1920s and is known for its paranormal activity, especially in rooms ending in “03”. Even if you’re not into either, you’ll love how luxurious this Portland institution is!

The Pearl District

The Pearl District was formerly the industrial area of Portland – you’ll probably notice that many of the streets lack sidewalks as it was never really meant to be pedestrian-friendly. But in the past decade, The Pearl has seen an increase in swanky boutiques, craft breweries, and gourmet restaurants.

The Pearl is most famous for its monthly “ First Thursday ” event on the first Thursday of every month (weather permitting). Art galleries and shops serve samples of booze and occasionally small bites as well so you can sip while you shop. Most locals get gussied up to attend the affair as it’s the place to see and be seen.

The Pearl is also home to Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent book store in the world, and most Portland visitors stop in for at least a quick look around. Also, the Pearl borders Old Town which has several fun distractions like Ground Kontrol (a bar full of classic arcade games), the Lan Su Chinese Gardens , and Darcelles XV which features Portland’s longest-running drag show.

The Pearl is sandwiched between the SW Downtown area and Northwest 23rd so if you choose to stay here you’ll be able to walk to either area. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Portland if you don’t want to be bothered with renting a car.

10 Best Things to Do in The Pearl

• Sip champagne while browsing art galleries at First Thursday
• Play in the fountain at Jamison Park
• Shop for second-hand books at Powell’s City of Books
• Walk along the boardwalk at Tanner Springs Park
• Explore the shanghai tunnels on a creepy underground Portland tour
• Go on a BrewCycle tour
• Wander through the Lan Su Chinese Gardens (technically in the Old Town but close enough)
• See a drag show at Darcelle XV
• Relive the 80s at Ground Control Classic Arcade
• Go indoor rock climbing at Planet Granite

Best Restaurants in The Pearl

Tilt is one of our favorite restaurants in all of Portland. And it turns into a rather lively bar in the evenings as well! the portion sizes are absolutely massive and everything on the menu is really delicious. We usually end up splitting one of the salads and a big plate of fries – delicious! Sit in the bar area for lunch and stay for a few extra cocktails!

Brix Tavern has good food and even better happy hour specials! House cocktails are $6.50 and food starts at just $5. And with two different happy hours a day, it can’t be missed! Plus, they have a great boozy brunch to get your day started off right.

Andina has been serving delicious Peruvian cuisine in the Pearl since 2003. We love their ceviche and empanadas. And if you like spicy drinks then you must try the Sacsayhuamán which combines passion fruit puree and cane sugar with habanero pepper vodka – it’s one sexy cocktail.

Best Bars in The Pearl

10 Barrel Brewing is new-ish to Portland and they have one of the busiest rooftop bars in the city! When the sun is shining you’ll find that the rooftop patio is packed with locals sampling beers, meeting new friends, and enjoying the views. You won’t want to miss it during your trip to Portland! But if you want a table, expect a wait, especially on weekends.

If you want to watch a game or play some pool, then the basement of Blitz Bar is the place to be! With lots of big-screen TVs and a variety of bar games, you’re sure to be entertained for hours here. Plus, they have a huge selection of beers on tap and some tasty (albeit unhealthy) bar snacks.

Fancy a fancy cocktail? Teardrop Lounge has got you covered. A Portland stalwart serving delicious bespoke cocktails in a fun and funky setting, it’s one of our favorite spots in the Pearl. Stop by for happy hour (4-6 pm) for $7 drinks and $5 small plates.

Northwest Portland

Northwest Portland is technically the entire area north of West Burnside Street and on the west side of the Willamette River. It encompasses The Pearl and stretches all the way to Beaverton (the people who live out there claim their address is still “Portland” but everyone else knows it’s really the boring suburbs).

For the purposes of this guide, we’ll specifically be talking about the area around NW 23rd Avenue because it’s a great little pedestrian-friendly area filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. If you’re looking for an escape from the city, NW Portland is home to Forest Park – a 5,200-acre urban forest with over 80 miles of trails. You can even walk to several of the park’s trails from NW Portland making it accessible even if you don’t have a car at your disposal.

The NW Portland neighborhood is also just a short distance from Washington Park where you’ll find the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Gardens – both of which are on every “ must-see in Portland ” list (they are technically in SW Portland – it’s confusing, we know).

If you’re visiting Portland and don’t want to be bothered with renting a car then we recommend staying in Northwest Portland.

Things to do in NW Portland

• Shop ’til you drop in the boutique stores along NW 23rd Avenue
• Try bone marrow ice cream at the original location of Salt & Straw
• Go on a hike in Forest Park , one of the largest urban parks in the USA
• Go on a bar crawl down NW 21st Avenue
• Get weird at the Freakybuttrue Pecularium
• Smell the roses at the International Rose Gardens
• Find zen in the Portland Japanese Gardens
• Check out the view from Pittock Mansion
• Sing karaoke in your own private room at Voicebox
• Grab a minibike and go zoobombing

Best Restaurants in NW Portland

There are dozens of great sushi restaurants in Portland, but one of our favorites has always been Mio Sushi on NW Johnson Street. The sushi here is very affordable but without sacrificing quality, and it is in a super cute little house right off of NW 23rd Ave. If you don’t mind paying more for sustainably-sourced sushi you can also check out Bamboo Sushi .

Another one of our lunchtime favorites in the NW Portland neighborhood is Boke Bowl . A lot of people come to Boke Bowl for Ramen noodles, but we love the steamed buns! They are like little tacos made from Chinese-style steamed buns (baozi) and stuffed with delicious ingredients like fried chicken, pork belly, and miso mushrooms. The warm brussels sprouts salad with Thai vinaigrette is also a great accompaniment to your meal.

Besaw’s has a reputation for being one of the best restaurants for brunch in Portland. It used to be located in a charming little rundown house but recently moved to a larger, more modern setting. While it has lost some of its former charms, the more spacious dining room means that there is a shorter wait for weekend brunch. We actually think the happy hour is the best deal at Besaw’s – on Sundays when it lasts from 5 pm to close.

Best Desserts in NW Portland

It would be a travesty to visit Portland without sampling the strange and wonderful ice cream flavors at Salt & Straw ! The flavor combinations are totally bizarre (Bone Marrow and Bourbon Smoked Cherries, anyone?) but somehow they work! And the best thing about Salt & Straw is they’ll let you sample as many flavors as you want. So whenever I visit, I sample a bunch of flavors and then buy a pint of Pear with Blue Cheese ice cream to take home with me. Keep in mind that there’s always a long line!

Papa Haydn is technically a restaurant with a full menu, but they are really known for being one of the best dessert spots in all of Portland. Even if you choose to dine elsewhere you should hit Papa Haydn for an ooey-gooey decadent dessert. It’s the perfect spot for a post-dinner glass of wine and a sweet treat!

Best Bars in NW Portland

North 45 is a popular gastro-pub tucked along NW 21st Avenue with a surprisingly spacious courtyard outback. The indoor setting is narrow and intimate with tall shelves of liquor lining the wall behind the small bar (and a rolling ladder to fetch bottles from the top shelves). North 45 is quite popular for drinks in the evening and if you’re hungry the mussels are also quite good.

Paymaster Lounge is everyone’s favorite dive bar in NW Portland. To find it you’ll need to venture a bit off of the beaten path and keep an eye out for the “Paymaster Check Writers & Signers Swingline Business Machine Company” sign above the front entrance. With cheap drinks, friendly bartenders, delicious boozy slushies, and a big heated patio out back, Paymaster is a quintessential Portland neighborhood bar.

While Muu-Muu’s is technically a diner, this restaurant is at its busiest late in the evening when people pour in from the neighboring bars for a nightcap and late-night food. If you’re hungry (or thirsty) after 11 pm in NW Portland this is one of the best options in the neighborhood!

Best Airbnbs in NW Portland

Renovated NW Retreat

If you want to stay in the popular NW 23rd neighborhood, then you’ll want to check out the Renovated NW Retreat  Airbnb. You’ll appreciate having a full kitchen, as well as a living room, bedroom, office, and bathroom to enjoy. It’s a cute, modern space in a fantastic location – you can walk to tons of fun bars, restaurants, and cute boutiques!

We hope you have a fun stay in one of these trendy Portland neighborhoods!

Planning a trip to Portland? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Portland, Oregon

Written by Chloë Ernst and Brad Lane Updated Mar 18, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Portland, the largest city in Oregon, straddles the Willamette River and is considered by many to be one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. It's a combination of creative culture and flourishing city attractions that brings flocks of tourists and soon-to-be residents to The City of Roses.

Perhaps to compensate for the damp Pacific Northwest winters, visitors will find a wealth of cultural happenings, musical entertainment, theater, and a selection of other fun things to do in Portland . And those same rains nourish the city's impressive gardens, one of the city's top attractions. Green spaces range from colorful plantings of roses and rhododendrons to a classical Chinese garden.

Portland's proximity to other major Pacific Northwest destinations also adds to its popularity. From the Oregon Coast to Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, epic Oregon adventures are less than two hours in any direction.

Discover the best places to visit in this culture-rich city with our list of the top attractions in Portland, Oregon.

See also: Where to Stay in Portland

1. Washington Park

2. columbia river gorge national scenic area, 3. pittock mansion, 4. international rose test garden, 5. forest park, 6. powell's city of books, 7. portland japanese garden, 8. portland art museum, 9. lan su chinese garden, 10. oregon museum of science and industry, 11. oregon zoo, 12. crystal springs rhododendron garden, 13. portland saturday market, 14. mount tabor park, where to stay in portland for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to portland, best time to visit portland, oregon.

Portland's Washington Park contains a number of tourist attractions, including the famed International Rose Test Garden, a zoo, and museums. A one-time wild land first purchased by the city in 1871, it is located to the west of the city center. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring the park's attractions, and another strolling through the unusual gardens.

The well-known International Rose Test Garden is where new varieties of roses are grown. In the city's mild climate, roses continue to flower into autumn, though visitors will want to catch an annual Rose Festival in May and June.

The Portland Japanese Garden is another all-day escape in Washington Park. It's one of the largest outside Japan and is landscaped on the grounds of an old zoo.

Other popular things to do in the park include visiting the present-day zoo, the Portland Children's Museum , and Hoyt Arboretum . The Oregon Zoo at Washington Park features animals from across the world, including African crocodiles, American beavers, and Asian elephants. The Hoyt Arboretum is comprised of 190 forested acres and features 12 miles of hiking trails.

Address: 4033 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon

The Columbia River marks the Oregon-Washington state border, and its entire length is a remarkable sightseeing region ideal for leisurely drives and enjoying the outdoors.

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is one of the top day trip destinations from Portland , covering an immense 292,500 acres along the Pacific Northwest's largest river. The trip takes in locks, viewpoints, and hiking trails.

Many visitors like to stop and photograph the waterfalls that edge the route, including the towering Multnomah Falls (which flows year-round), lovely Oneonta Gorge , and Latourell Falls in Guy W. Talbot State Park.

Other places to visit include Vista House at Crown Point and the Angel's Rest hiking trail. Camping is available in the gorge at Ainsworth State Park.

Just west of downtown Portland, this grand home was built in 1914 by Henry Pittock - founder of the Oregonian newspaper. Pittock lived here for only five years until his death in 1919 at the age of 80.

The house, set for demolition in the 1960s, brought the community together as they persuaded the City of Portland to purchase the home. Through private fundraising, the mansion was restored to its full glory, and it is because of this forward-thinking of residents that visitors have a chance to tour this impressive and eclectic home today.

Especially for its day, the Pittock Mansion had many impressive features, including a central vacuum system, intercoms, and indirect lighting. The home is set on 46 acres and at an elevation 1,000 feet above Portland. This allows for exceptional views of the city on clear days.

During its heyday, the home was also known for its impressive gardens. That trend continues today, plus the house is mid-way between Washington Park , Hoyt Arboretum , and the many trails of expansive Forest Park.

Address: 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, Oregon

Official site: http://pittockmansion.org/

The Rose Test Garden in Portland's Washington Park was founded in 1917 and is the oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. The grounds are divided up into several sections with many interesting plants and spaces to explore. The garden develops new rose varieties and even miniatures, and past award winners are planted in what is known as the Gold Award Garden , which also features a lovely gazebo.

It's best to visit during the late spring bloom. On blue sky days, Portland's city center and Mount Hood are in clear view from the gardens. Parking is often competitive at the International Rose Test Garden, but the city provides expansive public transit options to reach the park.

Another lovely Portland rose garden - Peninsula Park Rose Garden - is set in a sunken landscape on the other side of the river.

Address: 850 SW Rose Garden Way, Portland, Oregon

Forest Park flanks the west side of the city and provides more than 5,000 acres of Northwest forest to explore, providing an easy escape from the urban environment. It covers the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains and is one of the largest urban parks in the country. The park is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation.

The park is home to many of the best hiking trails in the Portland area and contains more than 80 miles of hiking and walking trails. First-time visitors should bring a map to help navigate. The 30-mile Wildwood Trail is popular, as it connects with other pedestrian paths that circumnavigate the city.

Another popular loop is the Maple Trail Loop , which highlights some of the tallest flora in the park. The iconic Pittock Mansion is also accessible with a hike through Forest Park starting from Lower Macleay Park.

Address: NW 29th Avenue and Upshur Street to Newberry Road, Portland, Oregon

Bibliophiles will love exploring more than a million books at this legendary used bookstore. Shelves mix new titles with used copies for a slightly haphazard but welcoming feel.

Staff picks, clever displays, and plenty of space to lean against a corner and read make choosing a book easier to do. The Burnside location also features a roomy coffeeshop with plenty of space to sit and read your new book selection.

The events calendar at Powell's Books has something nearly every day, including author readings, panel discussions, writing workshops , and many different types of book clubs . This shop on Burnside Street is one of five of the independent chain's locations in the Portland area, and easily the largest.

Address: 1005 W. Burnside Street, Portland, Oregon

Official site: http://www.powells.com/

Encompassing 12 acres within Washington Park, Portland's Japanese Garden is located on the grounds of an old zoo. It was first opened to the public in 1961 and built to give the citizens of Portland a place to find serenity in their day and to recognize the growing cultural ties between Oregon and Japan. Both impressions remain today at the Japanese Garden, and the area is beautifully laid out in a variety of styles that offer a uniquely peaceful experience for visitors.

Garden spaces include the picture-like Flat Garden , the Strolling Pond Garden , and a Tea Garden complete with a lovely ceremonial teahouse. Events at the garden include cultural demonstrations, lecture series, and mindfulness tours. The Umami Café at the garden features tea and Japanese finger foods served in a bright and modern cafeteria.

Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, Oregon

The Portland Art Museum is the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest, founded in 1892. It has since amassed a substantial and varied collection. The number of items exceeds 50,000, and only a small portion is displayed in more than 112,000 square feet of gallery space .

Highlights include Native American artifacts, graphic arts, English silver, Asian art, photography, and Northwest art. One of the Portland Art Museum's most notable pieces is Vincent Van Gogh's Cart with Black Ox .

The Northwest Film Center and the visual-arts-focused Crumpacker Family Library are also part of the museum . Free days are offered at the museum in the evenings on the first Thursday of every month.

Address: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, Oregon

Official site: http://portlandartmuseum.org/

The Lan Su Chinese Garden opened in the year 2000 to shed light on Chinese culture and history after the city developed a relationship with its sister city of Suzhou, China.

This tranquil environment blends rocks, plants, trees, gardens, and a lake on about 40,000 square feet, roughly a city block, of land in central Portland. Artisans came from Suzhou to construct traditional buildings and walkways, and native Chinese plants were imported.

Completing the garden is a lovely tea house. Guided and self-guided tours are available, and special events like mahjong, tai chi, and tea tastings also occur on a regular basis. Personal cameras are encouraged at the gardens, but tripods are not allowed.

Address: 239 NW Everett Street, Portland, Oregon

Official site: http://www.lansugarden.org/

The OMSI complex in Portland includes a theater with a four-story screen, a planetarium , a US Navy submarine, and educational hands-on displays. Among the galleries, visitors find colorful, entertaining, and educational exhibits for young children, as well as hands-on and interactive displays for all ages . Some of the fields cover energy, the environment, health, chemistry, engineering, and technology.

Docked just outside the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is the USS Blueback , a non-nuclear submarine that was in use for more than 30 years. This submarine was featured in the movie Hunt for Red October . Today, visitors can climb aboard for a guided tour.

Address: 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, Oregon

Official site: www.omsi.edu

Located in Washington Park, Oregon Zoo features hundreds of species, including many birds and marine animals like Steller sea lions and sea otters. Animals from around the world are represented here, from the African savannah to the Amazon and Arctic. One man, Richard Knight, put together a private collection of animals and began the zoo in the late 1800s.

Visitors may also want to take the time to learn about the Oregon Zoo's conservation programs and research, as one of the primary focuses is on preserving the species of the Pacific Northwest.

The Oregon Zoo features special behind-the-scenes tours that include animal interactions and a look at the operations of the facility. The zoo also hosts a wide range of camps, classes, and after-school programs.

Address: 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon

Official site: www.oregonzoo.org

Beyond the Pacific Northwest's rhododendrons, this Portland garden also contains azaleas, Japanese maples, dogwood, and magnolias on almost ten acres of land . While the main attraction is, of course, the spring blooms, when the colors are simply incredible , the spectacle continues into early summer.

The gardens are just as popular for waterfowl, and hundreds of species of birds are spotted in the park throughout the year. In winter, admission is free, and the garden becomes a peaceful place to spend some time.

The many lovely features of the garden include waterfalls and ponds, along with several coniferous trees. For anyone looking for a great place to volunteer their time and meet other community members, regular Wednesday work parties occur at the garden from February through November.

Address: 6015 SE 28th Ave, Portland, Oregon

The Portland Saturday Market was founded in 1974 and has evolved to become one of the city's largest open-air artist markets with over a million visitors each year. Today, the market occurs between the beginning of March and Christmas Eve in the Old Town Chinatown district, next to the Willamette River.

Over 250 vendors set up each Saturday morning. These local purveyors sell all types of arts and crafts, ranging from woodworks to jewelry and including illustrations, souvenirs, and home décor. It's completely free to visit the Portland Saturday Market, except for parking. The market is very accessible via bicycle or public transportation.

And it's not only arts and crafts at the Portland Saturday Market. Packaged foods like organic tea and artisan caramels add their flavors to the stalls, while a lively food court wafts the aroma of coffee and breakfast entrees. And live music throughout the entire market adds a lovely soundtrack to the community event.

Official site: https://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/

Mount Tabor is a dormant volcano in Southeast Portland surrounded by a city park. It's named after an Israeli peak and has been a public park since 1903. The famous landscape architect, John C. Olmsted helped design the park, which today still features several scenic trails, monuments, and long gardens of native plants.

The park is one of the most popular in Portland to enjoy a sunny day. The park encompasses nearly 200 acres, offering plenty of space to roam and discover something new. A few other park attractions include basketball and tennis courts, statues and public art, and a fantastic sunset view atop the summit.

The best place to stay in Portland for fun and sightseeing is right downtown. The city center is relatively compact, and staying here will put you in reasonable proximity to many of the major attractions. Nearby is Nob Hill with trendy restaurants and boutiques. Below is a list of highly- rated hotels in convenient locations :

Luxury Hotels :

• One of the most highly rated hotels in the city is the recently renovated RiverPlace, a Kimpton hotel. This boutique hotel lies along the beautiful Willamette River, adjacent to the Waterfront Park, a perfect place for a stroll.
• Another good option is the Embassy Suites by Hilton in the heart of downtown, near Old Town Chinatown.
• The Sentinel is also a popular choice, just up the street from Powell's Books, one of Portland's landmarks.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Just a little outside the main downtown area but close to the chic Pearl District is the Residence Inn . This recently renovated property is an extended-stay hotel with large suites.
• The Courtyard by Marriott downtown has an excellent location and offers good-value accommodation.
• Fans of unique properties will like the Ace Hotel with its clawfoot bathtubs and funky interior decor.

Budget Hotels:

• The Crystal Hotel is a hip option with unique decor and a saltwater pool, in a good location downtown.
• Another popular hotel is the Econo Lodge , near Portland State University and the Portland Art Museum, known for being good value.
• The Park Lane Suites and Inn offers both regular rooms and large suites, making it a good option for budget-minded families. It's also conveniently located near Washington Park, which is home to many of the city's attractions, including the Portland Japanese Garden, the zoo, Portland Children's museum, and the Hoyt Arboretum.

Sightseeing Tours :

• A great way to explore the city without the hassle of parking and finding your way around is the Portland Sightseeing Tour Including Columbia Gorge Waterfalls . Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in a bus and seeing all the city highlights, with interesting insider information from an expert guide. On this full-day tour, you'll learn about Portland's food cart culture and visit the city's different neighborhoods and top attractions, including the beautiful Columbia Gorge waterfalls.
• If you're short on time, the Best of Portland Small-Group Sightseeing Tour is a half-day tour in a luxury van or SUV. The tour also includes a convenient pickup from your downtown hotel as well as fresh pastries, seasonal snacks, and a naturalist guide, who shares fascinating information about the parks, gardens, and city landmarks.
• For a more on-the-ground-style sightseeing adventure, the Portland Segway Tour gives you the flexibility of either a one-hour riverfront tour or a two-hour tour. The longer tour adds even more attractions, such as the Pearl District and Powell's Books, to the same riverside itinerary.
• Oregon is famous for its spectacular wilderness areas, and a fun and easy way to see them is on a day trip from Portland. The Mt. Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River is a fun way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without the worry of navigating your way and researching the top destinations. Board the coach from your downtown hotel on this full-day tour, and sit back and relax as your guide leads you through the highlights of the scenic Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood area, including waterfalls, the Cascade Mountains, and the pretty town of Hood River.

The best time to visit Portland depends on what you plan to do when you get here. The time of year and the weather in Portland can be significant factors when planning your trip. The summer season shines with postcard appeal. The winter and shoulder seasons do live up to its rainy reputation, but many would consider it just a drizzle.

The best time of year to go to Portland is during the summer, when the City of Roses is on full display. The gardens are in bloom, the skies are sunny, and the city is alive with local markets and outdoor concerts.

The summer months see the least amount of rainfall , so it's a great time to get in hikes at Mount Hood and the best opportunity to see the International Rose Test Garden and the Japanese Garden in Washington Park at their peak.

While summer is the best time to visit Portland it is also the high tourist season. That means more people on the ground and high rates for hotels and airfare. If you plan to visit in the summer, you should find a place to stay and book hotel rooms several months in advance to ensure availability.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Other Oregon Cities : East of Portland, in the Columbia River Gorge, the city of Hood River is gaining notoriety as the windsurfing capital of the West Coast. South of Portland in the Willamette Valley, the state capital of Salem features great manicured spaces, including an ornate state capitol building. For some Southern Oregon adventures, the Shakespearean city of Ashland entices travelers with its attractions and festivals.

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• Tiny Houses

The Best Neighborhoods To Stay in Portland, Oregon

Posted by Arthur McMahon February 08, 2021 Updated September 25, 2023

We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers’ experience, user reviews and more. We may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links. See our editorial policy to learn more.

Portland is only as weird as you want it to be, and you can control your level of weirdness simply by choosing the right neighborhood to stay in.

Of course, all of Portland neighborhoods are a little bit weird — in a delightful way.

There are over 100 distinct neighborhoods and districts throughout the city. You’ll find there are as many unique places to stay in the city as there are reasons to visit, and each area has its own vibe and attractions to draw you in.

Whether you want to be close to the action in Downtown, get your nature fix at Forest Park, or partake in a legendary Burnside pub crawl, one of the Portland neighborhoods below will be perfect for your visit. Read on to figure out which Portland neighborhoods will best suit your next Rip City getaway.

Related: The 11 Best Oregon VRBOs for Your Next Getaway

Southwest Hills: The Best Neighborhood for Families

Simply called the “West Hills” by locals, the Southwest Hills neighborhood sits above the city. While the neighborhood is but a few steps away from Downtown, its natural topography separates it from the heart of the city with broad swaths of greenery. Places like Governors Park and the Marquam Nature Park form a natural noise-absorbing border wall.

That said, there are areas of the West Hills that provide awesome views of the city. On clear days, these same vistas are decorated with the distant snow-capped peaks of mounts Hood, Adams, and St. Helens.

The separation from (and proximity to) Downtown is part of what makes it the best of the Portland neighborhoods for families. There’s an abundance of kid-friendly parks nearby, and the ever-popular Oregon Zoo and iconic Portland Japanese Garden are only minutes away.

The homes in the West Hills are overall large, historic, and ornate. They come in all styles, from Victorian estates to ranch homes. Many are off winding forest roads, cantilevered above the region’s tree-laden hillsides.

West Hills is also directly above Portland State University and adjacent to the massive OHSU complex, making it a convenient area to stay when visiting friends and family at either campus.

Related Read: The 9 Best Beaches in Oregon to Enjoy the Pacific Vibes

Pearl District: The Best Neighborhood for Urban Exploration

Located on the waterfront near Downtown and Old Town Portland, the Pearl District is one of Portland’s most popular, most historic, and most urban neighborhoods. Until recent decades, The Pearl was a railroad and warehouse district, but it’s now a chic community becoming more and more popular by the day. It manages to maintain its small-neighborhood charms while existing just steps from the city’s skyscrapers and modern offices.

It’s where many of Portland’s white-collar workers who prefer a short commute choose to live and has boutique stores, antique shops, and coffee shops aplenty on nearly every street.

This neighborhood is also home to Powell’s City of Books , a famous destination for bookworms from across the west. This is the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, with floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with books that covers an entire city block.

At The Pearl, you’ll have the option of renting a high-rise loft apartment or a street-level condo across a wide range of prices. Many new green spaces have been opened as the area undergoes redevelopment, including the community-centric Jamison Square, with a kid-friendly wading pool.

Buckman: The Best Neighborhood for Couples and Culture

You can call it hip, hipster, or just plain weird, but Portland’s unique culture is alive and thriving in Buckman. This centralized neighborhood on the east side of the Willamette River is packed with independent shops, eateries, and beerhouses, and its north and south borders are formed by two of the city’s most popular streets – Burnside and Hawthorne avenues.

This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Portland with many historic homes and buildings, especially in the eclectic mini-district around Hawthorne Avenue. The equally trendy neighborhoods of Belmont, Kerns, and Laurelhurst are all within walking distance, too.

Since it’s across the water from Downtown, Buckman is the best place to see Portland’s skyline silhouette from across the river. The Waterfront Loop Path hugs the river through Buckman and is popular for biking and walking, with pedestrian pathways leading to Downtown and other stretches of the city.

Also nearby is the Rose Quarter, Portland’s hub for events and sports. If you’re looking to catch a Trailblazers game, rock out at a show in the Moda Center, or attend a conference at the Oregon Convention Center, Buckman is a great place to stay.

Forest Park: The Best Neighborhood for Outdoor Recreation

Adjacent to Portland’s beloved Forest Park , a 5,200-acre urban park with over 80 miles of trails, the Forest Park neighborhood borders miles of natural Pacific Northwest forest (as well as Downtown Portland.) Many of the homes here are deep in the lychen-covered woods with direct access to trails.

The Forest Park neighborhood is almost separate from the city, creating the feel of being in a remote community far from downtown. The reality, though, is that you can be in the city in five or 10 minutes, making it one of the best Portland neighborhoods for people obsessed with Pacific Northwest nature.

Forest Park is home to many of Portland’s most popular fringe attractions. The Hoyt Arboretum is surrounded by hiking trails that stretch out in every direction. It’s a great spot to stop and learn about Portland’s great outdoors before hiking deeper into the lengthy Forest Park trail system.

Travelers may also want to see Pittock Mansion , a gorgeous museum on immaculately landscaped grounds showcasing the city’s pioneer history. It’s up on a hill and has some of the best views of Portland and its surroundings of anywhere in the city.

Forest Park has miles of trails, some leading to viewpoints overlooking the Tualatin Valley and the convergence of the Columbia and Willamette rivers. The Audubon Society of Portland and the on-site nature sanctuary offer trail programs and guided hikes, and the Witch Castle ruins offer a glimpse into Portland’s past.

Alberta Arts District: The Best Neighborhood for Artistic Folks

The Alberta Arts District is actually a fusion of three Portland neighborhoods (King, Vernon, and Concordia) bridged by the boutique shops, art galleries, and independent eateries of NE Alberta Street. Local designers are put front and center at the retail locations in this neighborhood, and the counterculture vibe reigns supreme. If you’re after Portland’s famous weirdness, you’ll find it here.

That said, the neighborhood is extremely welcoming to people of all creeds and colors. This historically poor section of Portland is where immigrants lived in the city’s early years, and from those roots blossomed a diverse community where art, collaboration, and inclusion now shine.

As often the case with artists, change and evolution happen at such a rapid pace in this district that the neighborhood is always evolving. Galleries are always rotating what artists they have on display, new celebrations and festivals spring up every year, and businesses seem to rotate with the seasons.

The true embodiment of the Alberta Arts District is on full display during every last Thursday of the month at the cleverly named Last Thursday street festival. This monthly celebration of art and community represents the current trends in the neighborhood, and each new month brings a different mosaic of sights, tastes, and smells to experience.

Need another reason why this is one of Portland’s best neighborhoods? It’s midway between downtown and the PDX airport. That makes the Alberta Arts District both quirky and convenient, so for some, it’ll be the perfect Portland experience.

Sellwood-Moreland: The Best Neighborhood for Small-Town Vibes

There are many reasons why you might choose Selwood-Moreland as a place to stay while visiting Portland. The neighborhood is really three independent communities: Sellwood, Eastmoreland, and Westmoreland.

Each of these self-sustaining communities is, for the most part, out of sight of Portland’s city center. They’re more like independent towns with easy access to the city. They’re all very walkable and great options for families or visitors who prefer staying outside the city. There’s even a historic theme park in the area called Oaks Amusement Park, a Portland icon since 1905.

The area is also home to multiple historic theater venues (the Moreland Theater is a well-known one) and has its own selection of notable eateries, as well as a rotating cast of food cart businesses that have become hugely popular around the city.

Much of the “Keep Portland Weird” crowd hasn’t made its way down to Sellwood-Moreland, which will be either a benefit or a drawback depending upon your tastes. Nevertheless, it’s a welcoming community that leans a bit more conservative than much of the rest of Portland. That’s not to say the neighborhood is without personality, though — it’s simply a tad more subdued than what you’ll experience deeper into the city.

Portland Travel Tips

• Get a Hop Fastpass for easy public transit travel, or rent a bike from Cycle Portland . Public-use E-scooters are also a popular way to get around the city.
• Embrace the weird. There are a lot of quirky characters, wacky art installations, and independent thinkers all across Portland. Being weird is a part of the norm.
• Get out of the city. Ask a local what it is you should see or do during your stay and they’ll say something like “Have you seen the Gorge ?” or “You’ve got to take a trip to the coast !” or “Have you been to Mount Hood yet?” Portlanders sure do love Oregon, and they’ll make sure you do, too.
• Everywhere is someone’s favorite place to eat or drink. In Portland, every business attempts to stand out from the crowd. There’s always a new hot brunch spot every week, a newly discovered gastropub that’s all the rave, or a newly rebranded donut shop. Wherever you choose to indulge or imbibe, you can’t go wrong.

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Posted by Arthur McMahon

Arthur loves to walk. It’s as simple as that. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach, or along the city streets — he believes walking is the best way to experience the world. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was his first backpacking foray, and he hasn’t stopped crushing miles since. Arthur and his wife now regularly travel into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest seeking new trails to hike.

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Every Portland Neighborhood You Need to Know

 posnov/Getty Images

Portland, Oregon is an exceptionally friendly city. Baristas ask you how your day is going and then give you their undivided attention as they await your answer. Drivers always yield to bikers and pedestrians, and are known to wait patiently (sometimes infuriatingly) at intersections waiting for the other driver to go first. But knowing which neighborhoods are worth your while can be less visitor-friendly. That’s because there are officially 125 neighborhoods in PDX in five different “quadrants” (that’s right…five, not four!). NE, NW, SE, SW, and the bonus area of North Portland. So while there may be a lot of micro-nabes to choose from, these are the top hotspots on the east and west sides of the Willamette River (which bisects the city) for shopping, staying, eating, imbibing and exploring.

Pearl District

artran/Getty Images 

If you’ve already heard of one neighborhood in Stumptown, chances are it’s the Pearl. After all, the formerly grungy warehouse district next to downtown is now the city’s most polished gem (think of it as Portland’s version of NYC’s SoHo or DUMBO). It’s densely packed with luxury high-rises, high-end clothing and home shops, and pricey salons for those in need of a mani/pedi or rocker-chic haircut. There’s no shortage of farm-to-table restaurants and cocktail bars, either. But you’ll also still find scrappy Portland stalwarts like Powell’s Books , a fiercely independent “City of Books” that’s anchored the neighborhood since 1971. If it’s your first time visiting, use Powell’s as your starting point and wander the Pearl from there by heading away from busy West Burnside — it’s one of Portland’s most walkable neighborhoods.

Chris VR / TripSavvy 

You’ll find the bulk of the city’s hotel options downtown, ranging from classic ( The Heathman ), hipster ( Ace ), trendy ( The Nines ), and lots of great options that somehow manage to toe the line between all three categories ( Dossier , Monaco , Lucia , and Modera , which are housed in historical buildings but have modern interiors). At the epicenter of downtown is Pioneer Courthouse Square , where you might stumble across a rock concert, political protest, holiday tree lighting, or Feast Portland food festival event, depending on the day. Hundreds of food carts are concentrated in this area, making the options for cheap eats endless. Check out what’s on exhibit at the Portland Art Museum or what performances are coming to “The Schnitz” (AKA Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall ). On Saturdays, do not miss the farmers market on the Park Blocks on P.S.U. campus. Bursting with PNW bounty and stellar ready-made eats, it really is one of the country’s best.

 St. Jack Restaurant & Bar

One of the Rose City’s best shopping streets is Northwest 23rd street, where charming shops and cafes line a stretch of about 20 blocks between Burnside and Vaughn streets spanning the Nob Hill/Alphabet/Northwest districts. Look for small, independent Portland retailers like Betsy & Iya jewelry and Manor Fine Wares , plus national brands including Free People, Williams-Sonoma, and Kiehl’s. And if you’re looking for a neighborhood to take advantage of Portland’s ubiquitous happy hour deals, this is it (many restaurants actually have two! Typically something like 4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close). It’s easy to stroll between favorites like St. Jack , Fireside , Matador , Bamboo Sushi , and 23Hoyt slurping down the specials.

SE Division

Salt & Straw

Southeast Division Street was fairly sleepy until Pok Pok came around. But Andy Ricker’s Asian BBQ joint — run out of his house — put both the street and Portland on the country’s culinary map. A zillion chicken wings, several restaurant expansions to NYC and LA, and a few James Beard awards later, the O.G. Pok Pok is still delivering a can’t miss menu of Thai-focused dishes. (If there’s a wait, walk across the street to its sister restaurant, Whiskey Soda Lounge , for cocktails and wings). Now the street reads like a greatest-hits of PDX dining. You’ve got Salt & Straw's famous ice creams, Ava Gene’s modern Italian cuisine, Lauretta Jean’s amazing pies, Indian street food at Bollywood Theater , and a slew of cute spots to belly up to a bar or peruse locally handmade gifts.

East Burnside

A few blocks east of the Willamette, you’ll find the Jupiter Hotel and Doug Fir Lounge , a hip (but without trying too hard) hotel with neighboring live music venue that helped make Portland’s east side cooler than it’s west side. It’s the major landmark on this stretch of East Burnside Street, where you’ll find everything from tattoo parlors and strip clubs to rock-climbing gyms. Stop into delightfully divey bars like Sandy Hut (just a block north of Burnside on Northeast Sandy Boulevard), and truly top-notch eateries including Le Pigeon , Canard and Tusk , plus some of Portland’s best fried chicken at the perpetually busy Screen Door .

Mount Tabor

TripSavvy / Ana Alarcon

See that green hump in southeast Portland as you look towards Mount Hood? It’s an inactive volcano just 60 blocks from downtown called Mount Tabor. It's where locals go to play tennis, jog around the reservoir, and — on a clear day — catch views of the city skyline and west hills from one side, “the mountain” to the other.  (It’s also where the fun, boozy ridiculousness known as the Adult Soapbox Derby goes down every summer.) After your sweat session, reward yourself with breakfast, lunch or dinner at neighborhood favorite Coquine , which is just a couple blocks away. No matter what meal your order, getting some chocolate chip cookies to go on your way out is practically a city ordinance. 

For fifty-some blocks starting at the Willamette River and going east, all of Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard is dotted with some of the best of what Portland has to offer. We’re talking vegan eateries, cideries, perfumeries, doughnuteries, fresh-pressed juiceries…basically all of the “ies.” Some stretches are more walkable than the rest, but the area around the historic Bagdad Theater is the best for strolling. You can’t miss the beloved Portland landmark — just look for the theater’s vintage neon sign looming high on Hawthorne and 37th. Don’t be dissuaded by the patchouli vendors (remember, the dream of the '90s is still alive in Portlandia!). There’s good stuff to be found here, and it’s a quintessentially Portland experience.

Mississippi Avenue

Prost! Portland

Another scrappy PDX neighborhood that’s come into its own is North Mississippi Avenue, now a legit destination for live music, shopping, dining and drinking. The popular retail area is only five long blocks long, but it’s packed with Portland goodness. In the mood to shop? Delight in The Meadows , a tiny jewel box filled with finishing salts, chocolates, bitters, wine and fresh flowers (nothing else), or Pistils Nursery , where succulents, ferns, and exotic plants fill every crevice and corner. Hungry? Grab tacos at ¿Por Qué No? , bivalves at Olympia Oyster Bar , comfort food brunch at Gravy, or ice cream at Ruby Jewel . Or, settle in for four artful courses of seasonal PNW fare at Quaintrelle — an absolute steal at $65 considering how fresh, refined, and inventive each and every plate is. Feeling parched? Interurban , Prost, and StormBreaker Brewing will quench that thirst.

Alberta Arts District

EddieHernandezPhotography/Getty Images

Tiny houses, food carts, art galleries, coffee bars, and breweries line funky Northeast Alberta Street, putting it in the running for the most-Portland Portland neighborhood. The action runs for about 20 blocks starting at Northeast 10th street. Sample the global cheap eats from an eclectic mix of restaurants on wheels, catch a show at the sweet Alberta Rose Theater , and shop independent clothing and home boutiques. If you’re really digging the vibe, see how much fun you can have in 150 square feet at one of the Lilliputian house rentals. If you visit in summertime, the neighborhood hosts a boisterous and fun art walk the last Thursday of every month.

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A Local’s Guide to the Top 16 Things to Do in Portland Oregon

It’s no longer a secret that Portland, Oregon is a cool place to live and to visit. In this post, we share the top things to see and do that we recommend to our friends and family who visit Portland .

Portland has many other attractions, of course, but these are our personal favorites that we would prioritize.

Jedd and I first met in Portland back in 2007, and the city has experienced a major boom since those days. In fact, it’s become such a popular tourist destination that some places touted as “local Portland landmarks” are now frequented almost entirely by out-of-town visitors.

Since becoming nomadic, we still return to Portland often. The fact that I was born there is additional street cred (especially considering that many of the people you meet in Portland now are transplants from California).

Although it’s changed a lot, we still have our favorite spots, and we love to help people discover the classic parts of Portland that we first came to love.

In this post, we’ll cover:

– Top 16 things to see and do in Portland from a local’s perspective – Our favorite Portland restaurants – Awesome day trips from Portland – The best time of year to visit Oregon – Where to stay in Portland (plus an Airbnb discount)  

* Access our free Portland packing checklist here *

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Oregon? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Oregon here: What you need to know about Oregon travel right now

Photo credits: In addition to our own images, many of the pictures in this post were taken by our brother, Joel Chang.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend places we truly love.

Table of Contents

1. Powell’s Books: Famous Portland Landmark

Out of all the things to do in Portland, Powell’s City of Books is probably on every single top ten list. It’s one of the few “mainstream” attractions in downtown that we’d recommend 100% to any visitor because it’s truly unique to Portland.

If you’re not familiar, Powell’s is one of a few brick-and-mortar book stores still thriving in the age of Amazon. It takes up a full city block with multiple levels – about 1.6 acres of retail space! Even if you don’t make a purchase, a visit to Powell’s Books is an experience in itself. Just wander around!

Powell’s now has a few satellite locations, but as a visitor, the main location downtown in the Pearl district is the one you want to see. Check it out at 1005 W Burnside St (on the corner of 10th Avenue and West Burnside). Enjoy a free guided tour on Sundays at 10 a.m. or 4 p.m.

2. Best Portland Neighborhoods (Sellwood!)

Personally, we prefer Portland neighborhoods over the downtown area . If you’re a city person, there are plenty of things going on in the city center that you’d probably love. But it’s almost a different world downtown, and we always recommend that visitors prioritize some time to explore at least one of Portland’s cozy, quirky neighborhoods.

Our all-time favorite neighborhood in Portland is Sellwood-Westmoreland , located down south along the Willamette River. It has its own small town feel that’s a bit different than other communities in the city. In fact, Sellwood is a bit off the beaten path. As amazing as it is, most visitors only see the more “famous” neighborhoods (more on those below).

We love the wide streets lined with trees and sidewalks, beautiful parks, small shops, and family-friendly feel in Sellwood. It’s also home to our favorite restaurant in Portland, Jade Bistro and Patisserie, which serves up delightful Southeast Asia fusion dishes in a bright, casual atmosphere.

Also check out Tea Chai Te – a cafe built out of an old train car! If you’re into biking, running, or walking, be sure to check out the extensive Springwater Corridor  multi-use trail which loops through Sellwood and continues up the river.

As far as other Portland neighborhoods go, you can take your pick from NW 23rd Street , The Pearl District , Belmont Street , Alberta Arts District , Mississippi Avenue , and Hawthorne Boulevard . Each one has a trendy commercial district with interesting shops, cafes, and its own variation of that artsy/quirky/green Portland vibe.

Northwest 23rd and The Pearl are both districts in Northwest Portland. They’re essentially downtown, and they tend to have higher-end shops.

The other neighborhoods are all East of the Willamette River. Belmont, Alberta, Mississippi , and Hawthorne  are street names where thriving, local businesses are the centerpoint, surrounded by charming residential communities.

You can’t really go wrong to pick one or two, walk the streets, window shop, and enjoy a meal.

3. International Rose Test Garden and Hoyt Arboretum

See more #JumpingJedd pics around the world here

A huge part of Portland’s appeal is the natural beauty, which is why we chose our next two recommendations. The International Rose Test Garden and Hoyt Arboretum are neighboring parks just above downtown that are free to the public.

You can enjoy both back to back or choose one that appeals most to you. (The Portland Japanese Garden is also next door, which is also highly recommended, though there is an admission fee.)

The Rose Garden is quite extensive. The roses usually bloom from April through October, which is really the best time to visit Portland anyway, as we’ll discuss below. Portland is known as the “City of Roses” so this attraction is an iconic part of the city.

Parking near these parks can get busy in peak seasons, but it’s also accessible via the Washington Park Shuttle from the MAX light rail’s  Washington Park  station. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the gardens or hike around both parks for exercise.

4. Council Crest Scenic Portland Viewpoint

One of our favorite views overlooks the whole city of Portland from Council Crest hill , above downtown. It’s one of the highest points in city limits.

You can get to Council Crest by car or hike up via an urban trail system. On a clear day, you’ll see wonderful views of the area’s snow-capped mountains.

This is one of those spots that locals know and love, but it’s less common on the tourist track. It can be a nice place for a picnic, the end of a rewarding urban hike, or just a quick drive-in-and-out stop.

5. OMSI: Oregon Museums of Science and Industry

OMSI is a long-time favorite Portland attraction for locals. I grew up visiting this hands-on science museum as a child, and I still enjoy the experience as an adult.

There are a number of permanent interactive exhibits like brain-teaser puzzles, the human body, earthquakes, and fun physics experiments. The museum also features rotating temporary exhibits and IMAX movies. It’s a great place to bring the family for a rainy afternoon.

Bonus if you’re in Portland on the first Sunday of the month: OMSI admission is only $2!

6. Salt & Straw Ice Cream Shop

Everyone thinks Voodoo Donuts is iconic Portland. Yes, they have weird donut shapes and flavors, but guess what? Those long lines out the door are 90% tourists. Locals are over it and have found other favorite donut shops, namely Pips and Blue Star .

Portland’s true sweet sensation is Salt & Straw ice cream . Granted, you still have to stand in line. And yes, they have locations outside of Portland as well. But even locals think it’s worth the wait.

What makes Salt & Straw special is their hand-made, local flavors. Combinations like pear and blue cheese, strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper, and sea salt caramel are not only unusual, many are quintessentially Northwest. You can find all 4 scoop shop locations here .

Classic Portland Experiences

Our remaining Portland recommendations are not necessarily specific points but rather broader categories of popular activities for Portland. Visitors and locals alike love these, so I’d rank them about the top non-touristy things to do in Portland, Oregon.

7. Portland Food Carts

Food carts are ubiquitous in Portland. New “pods,” or groupings of food trucks, have continued to pop up in nearly every neighborhood across the city.

The most well-known food cart pods began in downtown, where inner-city workers order lunch. You can find nearly every type of ethnic food, from taco trucks to Thai to fancy hand-made Italian pasta carts.

Not every food cart has amazing food, but you can easily sample dishes from multiple places at once. Many of the food cart pods outside of downtown will also have a common area for tables and sometimes a bar. There’s a map of the various locations on the Portland Food Carts website .

For one of the top quality food carts in town, visit Artigiano on SE Division Street (open weekend nights May through October). This outdoor osteria serves authentic, handmade Italian dishes inspired by the chef’s annual research trips to Italy.

Jedd’s oldest brother helps out the chef, Rachael. We recommend ordering the chef’s choice menu and eating family style.

8. Visit Portland Breweries

Craft beers, and the breweries that produce them, are also ubiquitous in Portland. Several dozen craft breweries originated in Portland, with Widmer Brothers being one of the big-name originals.

True to the Portland spirit, Hair of the Dog Brewery  prides itself on originality. Their tasting room on SE Yamhill features uniquely-named beers on tap, served alongside pub food with a local twist.

The traditional English-style  Horse Brass Pub , an establishment that pre-dates Portland’s micro-brew explosion, is located on SE Belmont. They keep 59 beers on tap and serve them up in proper Imperial pints.

The Portland Cider Company Cider House on SE Hawthorne serves up a couple dozen ciders on tap, all produced in the Northwest. For fresh, local ciders, there’s no better place.

Check out this brewery guide  to do some beer tastings or indulge in a hearty meal alongside a refreshing pint.

9. Portland Farmers Markets and Street Fairs

The local flavor of Portland is incredibly vibrant in the various markets across the city. Markets are a great way to experience not only the products and produce of the region but also the people.

The Farmer’s Market every Saturday at PSU has the ultimate Portland vibe and is great for people watching. The Saturday Market  is a large, outdoor arts and crafts market located under the Burnside Bridge. These two are the most well known markets. Both are accessible via public transit and close during the winter months.

Olympia Provisions  has a booth at the market in addition to their two restaurant locations in Portland. Their specialty is handmade, traditionally cured meats.

In addition to fresh produce and locally-made products, the Portland Farmer’s Market is also a great place to grab a meal, like this farm-to-fork breakfast dish by  Verde Cocina .

Most neighborhoods also have their own smaller farmer’s markets during the week. And annual street fairs , featuring local artists and food vendors, are a popular activity during the summer.

10. Best Portland Food & Restaurants

Portland is no doubt a foodie town. Chain restaurants are rare in the city. Instead, you’ll find all kinds of locally owned restaurants to suit any taste or dietary restriction. Of course, everyone has their own favorites.

As we mentioned in the neighborhood section, Jade Bistro and Patisserie in Sellwood is our personal favorite, with indoor and outdoor seating. I always order the wide rice noodles, which resembles a Thai pad see ew . The truffle fries are a must try, too.

Jenny and Tammy at Swiss Hibiscus restaurant (just off of Alberta on NE 14th) not only serve up amazing Swiss-European food with Hawaiian “aloha spirit”, they’ve also become friends as well as clients of ours. 

Paprika schnitzel and goulash, both served with spätzli, followed a tasty soup, salad, and bread. Swiss cuisine is similar to German, which a hint of French and Italian, too. As far as we know, Swiss Hibiscus is the only Swiss restaurant in the area. It was #1 on Trip Advisor for a while and their fantastic dressing has been featured on Diner, Drive-ins, and Dives.

It’s hard to beat the value you get with Saburo’s super-sized nigiri and jumbo sushi rolls in the Sellwood neighborhood. The place is only open for dinner, and there is often a long line wrapped around the outside of the building of people waiting for a table. We typically put our name on the wait list as soon as we arrive, and then take a walk around Sellwood – the best neighborhood in Portland 😉 – while we wait.

Though we’re not “fast food people,” we can’t help but love the burgers, fries, and shakes at Burgerville , which focuses on local ingredients and sustainability. I’d call Burgerville an iconic eatery in the Northwest region.

Ken’s Artisan Pizza is another Portland icon. Ken Forkish makes obsessively good, Italian-style wood-fired pizza in Southeast Portland.

There are countless “ best” bakeries in Portland. Try Ken’s Artisan Bakery (a sister shop to his pizza place) on Northwest 21st, Pix Patisserie on Burnside for desserts that are a work of art, and any of the Petite Provence locations for French-style pastries and delicious breakfasts.

For the best bagels in Portland , head to Bentley’s Bagels in downtown Nob’s Hill area for New York style boiled bagels.

For a Portland restaurant with quirkiness and atmosphere (but average food and service), McMenamin’s Kennedy School is super intriguing to explore. 

11. Best Coffee in Portland

Coffee is also a big part of Portland culture. Different people swear by different roasters. Popular local makers include Stumptown and Coava , but new roasters and coffee houses are popping up every year.

Coava Coffee has made a name for itself with conscientious, single-origin coffees. The spacious Brew Bar on SE Grand serves as the company’s tasting room and storefront for their roastery.

A favorite Portland coffeeshop of ours is Cathedral Coffee with cool interior and outdoor spaces to hang out in a residential neighborhood of North Portland.

Best Day Trips from Portland Oregon

Another winning attribute about Portland is that it’s perfectly poised amidst other amazing places to visit . From the city, you’re only an hour’s drive from the ocean, the mountains, the high dessert, impressive gorges, and countless waterfalls. Even Seattle is only a three hour drive (in low traffic).

If you have access to car and some time to spare while visiting Portland, we strongly encourage you to take a day trip to any of the places below.

13. Columbia River Gorge waterfall hikes

The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s most scenic drives. Take I-84 East from Portland and you’ll soon be zipping along the massive Columbia River, with Washington State just across the water. As you approach Corbett, take the slower but more scenic Old Highway through a canopy of trees and past one waterfall after another. Choose one for a hike, depending on how far you want to walk.

The crowning glory of the Columbia Gorge is Multnomah Falls , a spectacularly tall waterfall. It can be seen from the highway but it’s worth pulling over and getting a closer look. This happens to be one of the most visited attractions in the state, so expect traffic to back up.

Unfortunately some areas of the Gorge suffered from major fire damage so check beforehand for these areas, which may still be closed to the public: Benson State Recreation Area, Sheppard’s Dell State Natural Area, Angel’s Rest Trailhead, John B. Yeon Trailhead, Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, Toothrock Trailhead, Ainsworth Day Use area and Starvation Creek State Park.

14. Oregon Wine Country

The Willamette Valley is making a name for itself on the world wine stage. Just a short drive southwest from Portland, you’ll find yourself amidst beautiful rolling hills and vineyards. Small towns like  McMinnville , Independence , Newberg, Dundee, and Carlton have grown to accommodate more and more wine producers, tasting rooms, and other amenities for tourists.

The region’s Pinot Noir is perhaps most popular. But Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling are also grown in the area. You can use this interactive winery map  to plan your own wine tasting tour.

15. Silver Falls and Silverton, Oregon

One of Oregon’s best kept secrets in the spectacular Silver Falls State Park. Where else can you visit 10 waterfalls in one hike? Not only that, but you can actually walk behind two of the largest waterfalls. The landscape reminds us of Lord of the Rings. It’s undoubtedly one of our all-time favorite places.

Silver Falls is an hour and a half drive south of Portland. If you prefer to make it an overnight trip, you can either camp at the State Park or find accommodations in the nearby town of Silverton , where we enjoyed a stay at the beautiful Oregon Gardens Resort.

16. Salem, Oregon

Oregon’s capitol, Salem, is roughly an hour South of Portland on I-5. Since it’s the closest thing to a “homebase” for us, we do have quite a few recommendations for Salem, including more side trips .

When is the best time to visit Portland?

Summer is really the best time to visit Portland , in our opinion. The skies are blue, the land is green, temperatures are warm, and traffic lightens a bit without school in session.

While the weather is getting more unpredictable, you’re more likely to get long stretches of soggy and dreary weather from mid October through mid April. It’s manageable with a good rain coat if that’s the only time you have to visit. But daylight also gets really short in the winter months.

May and June can be hit or miss with rain. July and August are usually rain-free but can occasionally get quite hot. September is usually pretty spectacular.

How To Get Around Portland

You can get around Portland relatively easily without a vehicle if you stay within walking distance of a MAX light rail station . Buses also run regularly and are widespread across the city.

Another option would be to get a Zipcar membership (though it’s probably not worth it for a short visit if you don’t also use their network in your hometown).

Biketown bicycle rentals by Nike and scooter rentals are also available on many street corners. And of course, there’s always Uber or Lyft.

If you’re on an Oregon road trip or drive to Portland with your own car, know that parking and traffic are getting more challenging each year. Ten years ago we could drive across Portland in 20 minutes. Not so anymore!

Where to Stay in Portland

Where to stay in Portland depends on where you want to visit and whether you have a car. There are many different options for accommodations in Portland, including Airbnb rentals, chain hotels, quirky hostels, and everything in between.

I heard that Portland has the highest saturation of Airbnb hosts for any city. That’s partly thanks to the city’s lax regulations on ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units) and also because Airbnb has an office in Portland!

Personally, I’ve always wanted to stay at McMenamin’s Kennedy School because it’s so unique.

The McMenamin’s franchise is well known for refurbishing historic buildings into funky brew pub restaurants. Located in Northeast Portland off the beaten path, the Kennedy School is a former elementary school that now houses a restaurant, bars, movie theater, heated saltwater soaking pool, hotel rooms, and more murals than you can count.

>> Click here for photos, prices, and availability at the Kennedy School <<

The Duniway by Hilton is one of the higher end, hip and modern downtown hotels. The 4 star property is well located and very classy.

>> Click here for prices and availability at The Duniway <<

That just about covers our favorite places and top things to do in Portland, Oregon. Did we miss anything? What is your #1 recommendation in Portland? Let us know in the comments!

Going to Portland? Take this article with you as your local’s guide to Portland! Upload the article for free to your phone with the  GPSmyCity app . You can also upgrade to get an offline GPS map that guides you to each location we mention. Or subscribe to access all articles and maps for a full year.

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NW 23rd and the Pearl are in NW Portland, not northeast!

Ah! Thanks so much for catching that typo. It has been fixed!

Portland is such a unique city. Powells is defiantly one of the best spots there!

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6 Portland Neighborhoods: A Comprehensive Guide to the City’s Best Areas

• 4 June 2023

Portland, Oregon is a city known for its vibrant culture and diverse neighborhoods. Each of the city’s six sections—North Portland, Northeast Portland, Northwest Portland, South Portland, Southeast Portland, and Southwest Portland—hosts a unique array of neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and character. In total, there are 95 officially recognized neighborhoods in Portland, represented by volunteer-based neighborhood associations which serve to maintain the distinct identities of these areas.

From the urban vibe of the Pearl District to the scenic beauty of the West Portland Park, Portland’s neighborhoods offer a range of experiences for residents and visitors alike. Exploring these areas unveils the city’s rich history, impressive architecture, local parks, and thriving independent businesses that contribute to Portland’s eccentric charm. Each neighborhood has its own story to tell, reflecting the spirit and diversity of this beloved Pacific Northwest city.

Overview of Portland Neighborhoods

Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant and diverse city known for its unique neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character. This section provides a brief overview of the various regions within the City of Portland, showcasing the main areas and giving you a glimpse into the community that calls each one home.

Downtown Portland is the heart and soul of the city, boasting a range of cultural, dining, and entertainment options. Known for its walkability, downtown features landmarks such as Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Portland Art Museum, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park. High-rise buildings dominate the skyline, with a mix of office buildings, hotels, and residential condos.

• Shopping: Pioneer Place, Southwest Morrison District
• Dining: Diverse food carts and upscale restaurants
• Entertainment: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Keller Auditorium
• North Portland

North Portland is a thriving, diverse community with a mix of residential neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas. With easy access to the Willamette River, it offers outdoor recreational opportunities and continues to grow in popularity. Notable neighborhoods include St. Johns, Cathedral Park, and Kenton.

• Parks: Peninsula Park Rose Garden, Kelley Point Park
• Landmarks: St. Johns Bridge
• Annual events: St. Johns Parade, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

Northeast Portland

Located further north , Northeast Portland features a blend of historic neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and local businesses. Prominent areas include the Alberta Arts District, providing a vibrant and creative atmosphere, and the Hollywood District, which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

• Cultural attractions: Alberta Street, Hollywood Theatre
• Sports and entertainment: Moda Center, Rose Quarter
• Annual events: Last Thursday Art Walk, Mississippi Street Fair

Southeast Portland

Southeast Portland is a large, diverse region with a mix of residential communities, commercial corridors, and parks. It is rich in culture, featuring the Hawthorne District, known for its unique shops, vintage stores, and lively nightlife. The area is also home to beautiful parks and family-friendly neighborhoods such as Sellwood-Moreland, Lents, and Montavilla.

• Parks: Laurelhurst Park, Mt. Tabor Park
• Dining and shopping: Hawthorne Boulevard, Division Street
• Community centers: East Portland Community Center

Southwest Portland

Southwest Portland is home to beautiful, natural landscapes, residential communities, and a variety of recreational opportunities. The area includes the scenic council crest park with its breathtaking views of the Portland skyline, as well as family-oriented neighborhoods like Hillsdale, Multnomah Village, and Hayhurst.

• Parks: Washington Park, Tryon Creek State Natural Area
• Cultural institutions: Portland Community College Sylvania Campus , Lewis & Clark College
• Shopping and dining: Multnomah Village, Raleigh Hills

Northwest Portland

Northwest Portland is a thriving area with a mix of historic neighborhoods, trendy shops, and upscale dining options. The area includes the Pearl District, known for its high-end boutiques, art galleries, and loft-style residences, as well as the Alphabet District and Nob Hill, where historic homes and tree-lined streets create a charming atmosphere.

• Parks: Forest Park, Wallace Park
• Shopping and dining: 23rd Avenue, the Pearl District
• Landmarks: Union Station, Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center

Popular Neighborhoods

Pearl district.

The Pearl District is a thriving neighborhood with trendy boutiques, galleries, bars, and restaurants. It’s an ideal location for professionals and art enthusiasts seeking a vibrant urban atmosphere.

Located in northwest Portland, Nob Hill offers upscale shops, restaurants, and urban living with easy access to Forest Park and downtown.

The Hawthorne District is a lively area famous for its quirky local shops, cafes, and theaters, attracting both residents and visitors.

Belmont’s vibrant residential and commercial mix create a unique atmosphere, featuring the neon signs of Tarboush Lebanese Bistro as an iconic part of the area’s charm.

With a mix of historic homes, parks, and modern amenities, Montavilla is a desirable neighborhood for families and young professionals alike.

Sunnyside is a walkable, bike-friendly neighborhood with a laid-back vibe, featuring popular local establishments like Laurelhurst Park and the historic Hollywood District.

Kenton is a quaint, friendly neighborhood located in north Portland that offers easy access to the vibrant Alberta Arts District.

Alberta Arts District

Known for its monthly “Last Thursday” art walk and community events, the Alberta Arts District is a hotspot for creativity and culture, attracting artists and visitors from all over.

Albina is a historic neighborhood in north Portland that has seen significant revitalization over recent years, providing unique shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences for its residents.

Nestled in southwest Portland, Maplewood offers picturesque streets, a strong sense of community, and excellent schools, making it an ideal place to live for families.

The Division Street neighborhood is a thriving business district with popular shops, restaurants, and some of the best places to live in the city.

As Portland’s oldest neighborhood, Old Town Chinatown offers a blend of history and modern attractions to its residents, including popular nightlife venues and cultural events.

Healy Heights

Healy Heights is an affluent residential neighborhood with stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, making it a sought-after location for people looking to live in a unique setting.

Well-suited for families, Argay is a quiet neighborhood located in northeast Portland, featuring well-maintained parks and easy access to the nearby University Park area.

Located in southeast Portland, Glenfair is a diverse neighborhood that offers a variety of housing options, commercial areas, and parks for residents to enjoy.

Named after the volcanic cinder cone at its heart, the Mt. Tabor neighborhood offers a mix of historic homes and modern development. Residents appreciate the area’s many parks, including the popular Foster-Powell area, and its close proximity to the trendy Multnomah Village.

Lifestyle and Amenities

Portland is a vibrant city with a diverse range of neighborhoods, each offering its own unique blend of lifestyle and amenities. In this section, we will explore some of the key features and attractions that make these neighborhoods stand out.

Restaurants

Many of Portland’s neighborhoods are known for their thriving culinary scenes, from the tasty Lebanese cuisine at Tarboush Lebanese Bistro in the Belmont neighborhood to the diverse food options in the Mississippi Avenue and Hosford-Abernathy & Hawthorne areas. These neighborhoods are also home to many immigrant-owned restaurants that celebrate the diverse communities found throughout the city.

Retail Shops and Boutiques

From the vintage shops of Burnside Street to the indie boutiques in the Northwest District, Portland neighborhoods offer a variety of retail experiences. The Central Eastside and Sellwood-Moreland areas are particularly known for their eclectic mix of shops, ranging from local artisans to trendy fashion.

Portland is renowned for its coffee culture, and its neighborhoods are dotted with cozy cafes perfect for work, meetings or simply enjoying a cup of joe. Among the most notable are St. Johns Bridge and Jade District, where you can find an array of locally-owned cafes.

Grocery Stores

Access to a variety of grocery stores is important for many residents in the city. Neighborhoods such as Goose Hollow and the Alphabet District offer a range of options, including locally-owned markets, supermarkets, and specialty stores catering to the diverse needs of the communities.

Live Music and Bars

Live music is an integral part of Portland’s culture, and many neighborhoods are famous for their lively music scenes. The Northwest District and Central Eastside areas host an array of bars, venues, and pubs hosting live performances, while the Moda Center and Oregon Convention Center are popular destinations for larger concerts and events.

Arts and Galleries

From the Hollywood Theater to the Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland neighborhoods are home to various arts and cultural venues. Washington Park, Pittock Mansion, and Cathedral Park showcase the city’s history and beautiful scenery, while the Saturday Market is an excellent destination for local art and crafts.

Parks and Attractions

Portland is well-known for its green spaces and parks , such as Waterfront Park, Mount Tabor Park, and the iconic waterfront along the Willamette River. The city’s many bridges, including Burnside St and St. Johns Bridge, provide unique vantage points and walking paths, connecting residents to the city’s diverse attractions.

Safety and Livability

Portland is a diverse and vibrant city with various neighborhoods offering both safety and a welcoming environment. Among the safest neighborhoods, Goose Hollow is known for its sophisticated vibe and dynamic blend of people from different backgrounds. This area has received an overall grade of A+ in terms of safety and livability.

Another safe neighborhood is Homestead , with a low violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 residents and property crime rate of 1,876 per 100,000 residents. The community offers a suburban feel with various recreational spaces, making it family-friendly.

Southwest Hills, also a safe area, has a similar crime rate to Homestead, offering a pleasant environment yet close proximity to urban amenities.

Safety is a top priority in Portland neighborhoods, but it is essential to consider other factors that make them both safe and livable. Some key features include:

• A friendly and welcoming population
• Diverse communities, embracing different cultures
• Access to quality schools
• Proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment
• Accessible public transportation

It can be useful to review crime maps as these can show the overall safety picture in Portland Metro, including the neighborhoods mentioned earlier. Keep in mind that these maps are only a tool that aids in understanding the overall landscape and should not solely dictate your choice of neighborhood.

To help you make an informed decision, research online resources, local reviews, and talk to residents for their perspective on what makes their neighborhood not only safe but also friendly and welcoming. With a well-rounded understanding of Portland neighborhoods, you can find the ideal location that meets your expectations for safety and livability.

Community Involvement and Resources

Portland neighborhoods showcase an active community involvement culture, with various programs and resources to support this engagement. In this section, we’ll look at two key components: Neighborhood Associations and District Coalitions.

Neighborhood Associations

Neighborhood Associations play a crucial role in bringing together residents from different parts of the city. They promote cooperation among neighbors and work toward improving the quality of life in their respective areas. Portland is divided into several neighborhood associations, such as those in Southwest , Southeast Portland , Downtown , and Northeast Portland .

Some popular neighborhood associations include:

• Ladd’s Addition

These associations have their mandates, rules, and responsibilities. They facilitate communication between citizens and the city’s administrative bodies, acting as critical liaisons.

District Coalitions

District Coalitions are formed by several Neighborhood Associations working together for comprehensive, large-scale community development. In Portland, the Office of Community & Civic Life supports these coalitions to promote collaboration among different neighborhoods.

Some of the primary District Coalitions in Portland are:

• North Portland Neighborhood Services
• Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods
• Central Northeast Neighbors
• East Portland Community Office
• Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Coalition

Residents can use PortlandMaps to identify their neighborhood and relevant district coalition, facilitating connections and involvement with local programs and projects.

By participating in Neighborhood Associations and District Coalitions, Portland residents contribute to building inclusive, safe, and livable communities throughout the city.

Exploring Food and Beverage

Portland is known for its thriving craft beer scene. Numerous local breweries are scattered throughout the city, each offering their own unique flavors and atmospheres. One notable example is the Baerlic taproom, which is located in the trendy Alberta District . Its selection of creative brews showcases the city’s love for experimentation and collaboration in the craft beer industry.

Food carts are a quintessential part of Portland’s culinary landscape. They offer a wide variety of cuisines, often in clusters known as “pods”. One such pod houses over 30 food carts and can be found in the Southeast neighborhood. The selection ranges from Mongolian to Moroccan to Hispanic-Indian fusion, satisfying any craving you may have while exploring Portland.

• Mongolian treats: Savor traditional dishes like Buuz dumplings and hearty noodle soups.
• Moroccan flavors: Experience the aromatic spices of tagines and couscous dishes.
• Hispanic-Indian fusion: Don’t miss unique creations, such as tikka masala enchiladas.

Popular Breakfast Spots

Start your day in Portland by discovering some of the city’s most popular breakfast spots. In the Hawthorne District , you’ll find a variety of charming cafes and innovative breakfast restaurants. These establishments not only serve classic choices like eggs benedict and pancakes but also prepare creative dishes inspired by international cuisine.

In the Alberta District , you’re likely to find tasty options for breakfast as well. Check out popular establishments like Gumba for pasta and cocktails, Mole Mole for delectable mole and pozole, and Urdaneta for tapas, such as the highly praised Tortilla Española 2.0.

Transportation and Accessibility

Portland offers a variety of transportation options, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate its diverse neighborhoods. The city’s public transportation system, TriMet , is known for its accessibility and includes buses, light rail, and streetcars.

The downtown area is well-connected, with major freeways such as I-5 and I-405 providing access to the city’s various districts. Additionally, the Portland Streetcar and MAX Light Rail serve the downtown area, connecting it to other popular Portland neighborhoods like the Lloyd District, Alberta Arts District, and Hollywood.

Many of Portland’s neighborhoods feature essential amenities like libraries, galleries, and parks. Laurelhurst Park in the Belmont neighborhood, for example, offers scenic escapes with over 300 trees, a duck pond, and an array of free public events, all accessible to wheelchairs.

In the table below, some key transportation and accessibility features for various Portland neighborhoods have been presented:

Efforts to improve transportation and accessibility at the neighborhood level are essential for promoting sustainable and seamless living in Portland. Convenient transportation choices allow residents and visitors to access the city’s libraries , galleries , and other essential services, making Portland an attractive destination for everyone.

In this article:

Post written by: Jay Y

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30 Best Things to Do in Portland, Oregon + Map

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Oregon | Portland | 30 Best Things to Do in Portland, Oregon + Map

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With so many things to do in Portland, Oregon , it’s no wonder why it’s among the top 10 most popular cities in the United States. However, the reason why I love the so-called City of Roses is because it’s one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the world and one of the quirkiest too!

When I was deciding what to do in Oregon, I knew I had to experience the hip urban feel of downtown Portland, OR . Yet, I also wanted to see the natural beauty of the nearby forests and mountains. So, I did both, and now I’m ready to share the best places to visit in Portland.

I recommend planning a few days to see all that this metropolis has to offer. With its eclectic mix of natural scenery and trendy city streets, you want to make sure you see all the top places in Portland .

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the best attractions in Portland.

1. Washington Park, a calm place to visit in Portland, OR

Washington Park is a beautiful public urban park and one of Portland’s main attractions . It has a little bit of everything – gardens, monuments, recreation areas, public art, and miles of forest trails. There are even two museums and an arboretum.

One of my favorite parts of Washington Park is the Portland Japanese Garden , but I’ll talk about this later.

Another interesting place to go in Portland ’s Washington Park is the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. The museum is suitable for all ages and includes exhibits related to the Pacific Northwest forests and conservation efforts.

You should also check out the walking trails, which connect to Forest Park. One of the most popular trails is the Wildwood Trail . It’s over 25 miles long, but only three of them are in Washington Park. Going on a short hike is a great activity in Portland to do to get some fresh air and exercise.

Two other great attractions in the park are the Hoyt Arboretum and the International Rose Test Garden , which I’ll talk about later.

2. Pittock Mansion, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Portland

Not far from Washington Park, you’ll find Pittock Mansion , one of the top tourist attractions in Portland, Oregon . The 46-room home was built in 1914 in the French-Renaissance style, and today it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion was the home of former Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock, but today it’s an iconic landmark and must-see for anyone visiting Portland .

Some people are fine with just driving past the mansion, but you can also purchase timed tickets for a tour of the residence and grounds. The interior of the home is lavish and artistic and includes a library, Turkish smoking room, sewing room, music room, and several bedrooms. The hilltop mansion provides spectacular views of downtown Portland, OR, and Mt. Hood in the background which is worth the visit on its own.

The Pittock Mansion grounds are free to access and are open daily. However, the mansion is closed to tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you follow the Wildwood Trail from Forest Park, it will lead to the regal estate.

3. Lan Su Chinese Garden, the most beautiful place to visit in downtown Portland

Another beautiful Portland tourist spot is the Lan Su Chinese Garden . Located in the city’s Chinatown neighborhood, the 40,000 ft² walled garden provides a tranquil escape from the busy streets.

The garden is inspired by the classical gardens in Suzhou, China, and about 90% of the plants here are native to China. There are hundreds of lush flowers as well as soothing greenery like orchids, bamboo, and lotuses. Without a doubt, this is one of the most peaceful attractions in Portland, Oregon .

You’ll also find several traditional Chinese structures that will make you forget you’re in one of the busiest cities in the United States. For example, the Painted Boat in Misty Rain is a charming boat-shaped pavilion, and the Flowers Bathing in Spring Rain pavilion by the water is a good place to find your Zen.

Don’t forget to check out the scholar’s studio, the Celestial Hall of Permeating Fragrance , where martial arts students practice. I also thought the Moon Locking Pavilion and two-story Tower of Cosmic Reflection were lovely.

I definitely recommend the Lan Su garden as one of the most serene things to do in Portland . It’s a great place to take your time and admire the still ponds, gorgeous architecture, and pretty plants.

4. Visit Pioneer Courthouse Square, one of the best things to do in Portland

Pioneer Courthouse Square is an outdoor area known as “Portland’s Living Room.” When you visit, you’ll understand why, as it’s a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Fortunately, the square is much larger than a living room (in fact, it’s 40,000ft²).

The square is a huge boon to Portland’s tourism , and I think it’s one of the first things to see in Portland . Two light rail stops are on either side, so it’s easy to get to. If the weather is nice, you’ll see outdoor chess games and a central fountain. Throughout the year, different public events take place in the square’s amphitheater.

4. Pioneer Courthouse Square, one of the best things to do in Portland

The square is also a great place to see some Portland public art. Two popular pieces are the Umbrella Man sculpture and the Weather Machine , a 33-foot-tall column with a large orb. If you go there at noon, you’ll see the orb open up and reveal the weather forecast for the day. Another thing to do at Pioneer Courthouse Square is to enjoy some yummy street food. Several food carts are parked in the square each day.

There is never a bad time to visit the square since there are hundreds of events and programs throughout the year. This tour takes you to the square in the morning while it’s less crowded, as well as Pittock Mansion and the International Rose Garden.

5. Forest Park, the best hike in Portland, Oregon

As I mentioned earlier, Forest Park connects to Washington Park. It’s one of the largest urban forests in the country (over 5,000 acres), so it’s a must-see.  Its trail system is well-known, particularly the Wildwood Trail .

The total trail is 30 miles, but there are many shorter paths in Forest Park. Some of them pass by other Portland attractions like the Japanese Garden and Pittock Mansion, while others travel deeper into the woods.

The western side of the park offers views of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, as well as the Tualatin Mountains. Even though Forest Park is close to downtown Portland OR , you can still find lots of beautiful flora and fauna here. The area attracts wildlife from the nearby Tualatin River Valley, such as black-tailed deer, flying squirrels, great horned owls, and bobcats and elk.

The park is also home to an interesting site, the Witch’s Castle . Also called the Stone House, it’s an abandoned stone building covered in moss (and some graffiti) that dates back over 100 years. Of course, urban legends have dubbed it haunted, making it another weird thing to see in Portland. In reality, it was previously used as a ranger station and public restroom.

Forest Park and all its interesting sights make for a fun weekend outing, so I recommend visiting if you have the time. There is also this urban hiking tour , which follows a 5-mile trail and passes by the Witch’s Castle.

6. Visit the Portland Japanese Garden, one of the best activities in Portland

One of the top attractions in Portland , which I referenced in some of the previous sections, is the Portland Japanese Garden . Located in Washington Park, the garden will transport you to a world of Zen and natural beauty.

The 12-acre site is divided into 8 gardens, as well as a Cultural Village designed by a famous Japanese architect. The Cultural Village is where you can learn more about traditional Japanese arts and customs. From time to time, the building hosts cultural performances.

6. Portland Japanese Garden, one of the best activities in Portland

Back outside, be sure to explore the different areas of the garden, especially the Strolling Pond Garden . It’s one of the most serene places to visit in Portland , although it feels more like an ethereal dream. You can walk across the moon bridge while koi swim underneath. There is also a gorgeous waterfall and a large pagoda lantern that’s over 100 years old.

Besides, you will find a rock garden, a bonsai terrace, and a tea garden with an authentic Japanese tea house. Even if you just spend an hour here, it’s one of the best places to visit in Portland . It’s suitable for all ages and there are public tours available for free, although they depend on the availability of volunteers.

7. International Rose Test Garden, one of the most popular places to visit in Portland

The International Rose Test Garden is part of Washington Park, as I mentioned earlier. The 4.5-acre park has over 10,000 rose bushes and hundreds of varieties of roses. It’s no wonder why more than half a million people visit the garden each year.

The peak time to visit the rose garden is between April and October. The blooms are at their prettiest in June, so you might want to visit during the summer.

The International Rose Test Garden is a popular venue for weddings and other special events, although you don’t have to dress up to go there. The area is a wonderful place to recenter yourself and treat your nose to the delicious floral scents.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the Queen’s Walk, a brick path with bronze plaques commemorating each Rose Festival queen and signed in her real handwriting. There is also the Royal Rosarian Garden, which has blooms dedicated to former public servants. The Shakespeare Garden displays year-round shrubs, tropical plants, and other greenery along a paved walkway.

You should also keep an eye out for the public art, such as the Water Sculpture fountain and the Royal Rosarian bronze statue. Various events are held throughout the year at the garden’s outdoor amphitheater.

8. Go to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, one of the best free things to do in Portland

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Portland , I suggest checking out Tom McCall Waterfront Park . The large park is a popular downtown area and overlooks the Willamette River. It’s a very popular spot for joggers and bikers since the walking and riding paths offer scenic views. The waterfront trail is quite crowded during lunch hour, so it might be best to visit in the morning or early evening.

Since the park is so big, it is divided into several sections. The Esplanade is the riverfront corridor, but there is also the Central Lawn , the primary green space in the park. Several festivals take place here throughout the year, and there is a big fountain that serves as a fun centerpiece during the summer. If you visit in the spring, you’ll get to see the famous cherry blossoms, which line the park’s Japanese American Historical Plaza.

8. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, one of the best free things to do in Portland

The park includes a few memorials dedicated to historical figures and Portland organizations. Other landmarks include Friendship Circle , the steamboat Portland , and the Saturday Market Pavilion . One of the fun Portland weekend activities to do is to visit the outdoor arts and crafts market, which is held every weekend between March and December. I also suggest this bike tour , which takes you along the riverfront corridor to Chinatown and the Old Town district.

9. The Grotto, the most peaceful place to go in Portland, OR

Also known as the National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, the Grotto is a Catholic outdoor shrine. This is one of the most tranquil places in Portland , whether you’re religious or not. The centerpiece of this area is the Grotto Shrine , a cathedral cave carved out of a 110-foot basalt cliff. A statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, as well as a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà are inside.

Above the cliff, there is a botanical garden, several shrines, and a meditation chapel. The Grotto also has nearly two dozen religious sculptures, as well as a John F. Kennedy Memorial.

Many people enjoy walking through the gardens, which are quiet, peaceful, and perfect for contemplation. Some visitors go into the Monastery , which was built in 1936 and serves as a home to the Servite Friars. Other visitors prefer to explore the grounds, which include a Rose Garden, Labyrinth, and Peace Garden .

The Grotto is designated as a National Sanctuary, and several mass services are held each day. The area is open to everyone, and most would agree that it’s one of the most beautiful places in Portland .

10. Portland Art Museum, something you must see in Portland, OR

If it rains in Portland or you’re a big fan of the arts, then I recommend visiting the Portland Art Museum . It’s the oldest art museum on the west coast, and it has a huge collection that spans all kinds of time periods and artistic styles.

What’s great about this museum is that, among its permanent gallery spaces, it also owns an outdoor sculpture garden and the Northwest Film Center.

The museum is also the venue for the Contemporary Northwest Art Awards, which are held every two years and showcase artists from the Pacific Northwest. It’s a cool thing to do in Portland if you’re in the city during the event.

Among the permanent pieces at the museum are classics like Monet’s Water Lilies and Renoir’s Seine at Argenteuil. Of course, you don’t have to be an art historian to appreciate these works. Depending on your preferences, you can peruse the Native American masks, ancient Corinthian vases, Asian woodblocks, or thousands of other pieces.

The art museum is a fun place to visit in Portland for all ages. It’s also a nice thing to do if you get stuck with a dreary, wet Pacific Northwest day.

11. World Forestry Center, a great place to visit in Portland with kids

The World Forestry Center is a unique place to see in Portland . It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the local flora and learn more about the forests of the Pacific Northwest. This is such a valuable part of the country, and the World Forestry Center has fun and interesting exhibits that will appeal to all ages. In fact, a visit here is a wonderful thing to do in Portland with kids .

The Center is a non-profit institution and offers a variety of programs. It also has a museum with several exhibits explaining sustainable forestry, local wildlife, and innovations in timber-working and environmentalism. There are also virtual tours that transport visitors to the boreal, temperate, subtropical, and tropical forests of Siberia, China, South Africa, and the Amazon Rainforest.

After visiting the museum, step outside and explore the rest of the campus. You can climb aboard Peggy, the 42-ton locomotive, or examine a 10,000-pound petrified tree stump that’s estimated to be millions of years old.

The World Forestry Center is conveniently located in Washington Park, so after your visit, you can hop on the Wildwood Trail or another green space in the park.

12. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, the most romantic thing to see in Portland

For those who are looking for romantic things to do in Portland , consider the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. This area is 9.5 acres of gorgeous azaleas, trees, and of course, rhododendrons. Along with thousands of flowers, the botanical garden is also home to several small lakes, waterfalls, and a fountain.

The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk and it’s one of the top Portland Oregon attractions for couples. The atmosphere is calm, and the surroundings are lovely, so it’s a good spot for those who want to take a break from the city. Not only will you find a variety of flora here; there are dozens of species of waterfowl, too. Keep your eyes peeled for Canada geese, herons, gulls, and hummingbirds.

The most recent addition to the attraction is the waterfront butterfly garden, which adds a magical air to the place. Crystal Springs sees many repeat visitors throughout the year, and if you visit, you’re sure to want to come back. There is something so peaceful about the charming footbridges, majestic waterfalls, and vibrant blooms. Plus, it’s a photographer’s paradise!

13. Portland Saturday Market, an amazing thing to experience in Portland

As I mentioned in the section about the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the Portland Saturday Market is something to check out if you’re in the city on a weekend. The market is open every weekend between March and December and is the largest continuously operating outdoor market in the country.

Here, you’ll find arts, crafts, and all kinds of unique Portland stuff . It’s a great way to get out and about, and you can meet local artisans and vendors. You may even find some nice souvenirs and gifts for friends. Dozens of stalls line the waterfront, and the merchandise ranges from hand-crafted jewelry and textiles to art prints, wine, body care, and clothing.

The products aren’t the cheapest, but I think it’s always good to support and pay artists what they’re worth! Besides, you can always stroll along the riverfront and look at the stalls for free. Plus, you’ll already be in the park, so once you’re done browsing, you can explore the rest of the area.

Consider the Saturday Market if you’re looking for Portland weekend activities , and you won’t be disappointed. Just don’t confuse it with the Portland Farmer’s Market, which is open on Saturdays at Portland State University.

14. Alberta Arts District, one of the most popular places to go in Portland

For something interesting to do in the city, check out the Alberta Arts District . In this northeast section of Portland, you can find all the great things that make the city weird, vibrant, and unique.

This section of downtown was once plagued by crime, but now it’s a popular destination for locals and tourists, full of trendy galleries, cafes, and cool things to do in Portland. Pick up a map of all the street art in the neighborhood from the Portland Street Art Alliance and go on a hunt for murals and galleries. Some popular art spaces include the Guardino Gallery, Alberta Rose Theatre, and Ampersand Gallery .

If you’re in the city at the end of the month, stop by the Alberta Arts District for the “Last Thursday” street fair. The event also includes food carts and street performers. After perusing works by local artists, grab a bite to eat at one of the hip restaurants or bars. A few local favorites include Tin Shed, Alberta Street Pub, Radio Room, and Great Notion Brewing .

While exploring the arts district is something to do in Portland for free , I suggest supporting the local businesses by purchasing some art or food. You could also take this tour , which takes you around the neighborhood to some hotspots and little-known corners of the district.

15. Shanghai Tunnels/Portland Underground, an unusual thing to do in Portland

Lots of people refer to this city as a quirky place, and the Shanghai Tunnels Tour is one of the weird things to do in Portland . Also known as the “Portland Underground”, the tunnels are mostly underneath the Chinatown neighborhood, and are remnants of the city’s past.

The discreet passages connected hotel and tavern basements and were originally intended to help with the movement of shipped goods that came from traders on the Willamette River. The underground pathways allowed businesses to transport stock without having to deal with streetcars and trains.

Of course, the tunnels are now one of the strangest Portland attractions and have accumulated some odd stories throughout the years. Today, you can take a tour of the Shanghai Tunnels and learn more about the story of these passageways and the people who once used them. Some tours delve into the haunted legends that many people now associate with the tunnels.

There is even a Museum of the Shanghai Tunnels , which educates visitors on the history of the shanghaiing trade, in which sailors would kidnap individuals to have them serve as deckhands. If you’re fascinated by the tunnels and want to hear more creepy stories, I recommend this ghost tour , which takes you to the Portland underground and other supposedly paranormal places downtown.

16. Hike Mt. Tabor Park, another place you don’t want to miss in Portland, Oregon

Another outdoorsy thing to do around Portland, Oregon is to visit Mount Tabor . Its name is a reference to Mount Tabor in Israel, but the mountain in Oregon is actually a dormant volcanic vent. As if that weren’t cool enough, you can hike to the peak (about 630 feet), to get stunning views of downtown Portland. You will also find an outdoor amphitheater and basketball courts there.

The land around the volcanic hill is referred to as Mt. Tabor Park . Here, you’ll find a visitor’s center and a range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty. There is a 1-mile, 1.5-mile, and 3-mile trail, which loop around the reservoirs in the park.

A visit to Mount Tabor is one of the best free things to do in Portland .

17. Powell’s City of Books, an unforgettable place to go in Portland

You might not think about visiting a bookstore as one of the exciting things to do around Portland but hear me out. Powell’s City of Books is the largest new and used bookstore in the world, and its retail space holds more than a million books spread across an entire city block.

Trust me, visiting Powell’s City of Books is one of the top 10 things to do in Portland . No matter your interests, you can find a book that will speak to you. The bookstore is a lot of fun to explore, thanks to its nine color-coded rooms. There are over 3,500 sections from cooking to languages to travel and everything in between.

The independent bookseller has been open for nearly 50 years. Visiting the store and curling up with a good book has been one of the favorite Portland weekend activities for locals. The shop is more than a collection of books; it’s a community of book lovers, writers, and creative people. Throughout the month, the bookstore hosts workshops and meet-and-greets with local authors and other community members.

It’s also worth noting that Powell’s City of Books is in Portland’s Pearl District, which is known for its art galleries and upscale shops. That said, you’ll find lots of bargains at this bookstore. If you’re going to visit, keep in mind that they’re open Wednesday through Sunday.

18. Hoyt Arboretum, a lovely attraction in Portland, Oregon

Another awesome attraction in Portland ’s Washington Park is the Hoyt Arboretum . The arboretum is open to the public and accessible from the Park or the Wildwood Trail.

This is one of the best places in Portland to get your nature fix. The arboretum has one of the largest collections of coniferous trees in the United States, as well as thousands of species of shrubs and plants. Some of its most prized trees are the dawn redwood, weeping sequoia, and Himalayan birch.

Of course, you don’t have to be a forestry expert to appreciate the lush surroundings and fresh air. Visitors are free to simply walk around and enjoy the natural beauty, or they can participate in a class or program hosted by the arboretum staff. Depending on the time of year, there are different plant and tree species in bloom, so there’s never a bad time to visit.

Once you arrive, feel free to check out the visitor’s center, or go straight to one of the trails or picnic areas. I highly recommend going to the bamboo garden, which has the largest collection of bamboo in the Pacific Northwest. There, you’ll see a bamboo-inspired sculpture, Basket of Air , hanging over the pond in the garden. The arboretum has another living sculpture, House for Summer , which is made of Himalayan birch.

The Hoyt Arboretum is a great place to go if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Portland . Plus, it’s close to several other popular attractions within Washington Park.

19. USS Blueback, another unusual place to go in Portland

Besides the natural beauty, there is other interesting stuff to do in Portland . For example, how about a visit to the USS Blueback ?

This is a decommissioned sub from the United States Navy. It was launched in May 1959 and was the last non-nuclear submarine to join the Navy ranks.

Blueback’s first mission was to the Gulf of Mexico in 1960, followed by the Panama Canal. It also made port calls in Seattle and Vancouver and had a temporary home at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Blueback made trips to Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the Philippine Sea. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry obtained Blueback in 1994, and it has been stayed at the Willamette River, in from of the museum, since then.

This submarine earned two battle stars during the Vietnam War, and it has also appeared in fictional wars on the silver screen. It was featured in Hawaii Five-O in the 1970s and the modern TV show Portlandia .

The sub is on the National Register of Historic Places. In the past decade or so, its radio room has been restored and there are guided tours of the interior several times a day. Touring the Blueback is a cool thing to do in Portland, Oregon with kids . It’s also a fun experience for adults, as most people haven’t been inside a submarine before.

20. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, an interesting attraction in Portland

As I mentioned in the previous section, the USS Blueback is at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). This museum is a boon to Oregon’s Portland tourism and a place I recommend checking out.

In addition to the submarine, OMSI has an IMAX theater, planetarium, and several exhibition halls dedicated to life science, earth science, and environmental technology. It also has a science playground, which is a fun Portland Oregon attraction for children.

Not only is OMSI a great place to learn something new, but it’s also an enjoyable experience. The permanent exhibits include physics, chemistry, paleontology, and biology labs, an earthquake epicenter, and innovation stations. Visitors are encouraged to come up with solutions to real-world problems and scenarios while learning about different branches of science.

The Kendall Planetarium is the next best thing to the wide-open skies of the great outdoors. In fact, a visit to OMSI is a must-do in Portland if you run into bad weather during your trip. The theater plays several different shows depending on the time of day. A few examples of documentaries include arctic fires, evolutionary mysteries, and the life cycle.

OMSI is the place to go if you want to beat your boredom and learn something new about the world around you. It’s a perfect alternative to outdoor activities, especially on those dreary and wet Pacific Northwest days.

21. Mill Ends Park, a little-known area to visit in Portland, OR

Back to the weird sights in downtown Oregon ! Mill Ends Park is one of those interesting things in this city that will make you scratch your head and wonder.

The park is not really a park at all, but more like a tiny shrub in the middle of the road. Dubbed a “tiny urban park”, it’s just two feet across and consists of one lonely tree. The park is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world’s smallest park. You can find Mill Ends Park at SW Naito Parkway in the median strip.

The park was established in 1948 when that little spot on the median was being prepared for a streetlight. For some reason, workers never filled the drilled hole with the pole, so a columnist named Dick Fagan placed some flowers in the hole and named the area Mill Ends.

Being a writer, Fagan came up with an elaborate story about Mill Ends. He wrote in the Oregon Journal that he noticed a leprechaun digging the hole in the median. Fagan ran into the street and grabbed the magical little guy, who granted Fagan a wish. The columnist wished for a park of his own, but the clever leprechaun, noticing that Fagan didn’t specify the size of the park, gave presented the hole in the cement as his new park.

The story of Mill Ends lives on, and Portlandians are quite protective of it. The park changes from time to time, such as when it became a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree or when people put tiny plastic army men in the surrounding dirt. It’s definitely one of those weird Portland things to see .

22. The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum, another must-visit in Portland

Continue your Portland adventure and stop by an unusual little spot in the northwest district. The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum is a place like no other in the city and one that will delight, amaze, and confuse you.

The Peculiarium is home to all kinds of oddities, gags, novelties, books, toys, and much more. You never know what you’ll see at the museum, which opened in 2011 and is the only Freakybuttrue Peculiarium in the world.

Everything about the Peculiarium and its employees is tongue-in-cheek, and you’ll be laughing and having fun in no time. A visit here is a great thing to do in Portland, OR if you want to do something fun and shake up your routine. The items here are peculiar, of course, and you’ll probably feel all kinds of emotions, from disgust to disbelief to joy and amusement. Some of the exhibits include adult themes and dark undertones, so be aware.

The museum is famous for its bug sundaes, so will you be brave enough to try one? You can count me out on that one!

Admission to the Peculiarium is just $5, and you can get in for free if you wear a good costume. If you’re looking for Portland’s best quirks, you’ll definitely have to stop by.

23. Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge, another exciting thing to do in Portland

Multnomah Falls is a spectacular place to see in Portland , and well worth the 35-minute drive. The two-tier waterfall cascades over basalt cliffs from a height of 620 feet. Its waters land in a pool that feeds into the Columbia River Gorge.

The gorge is a huge canyon that stretches over 80 miles and goes through the Cascade Mountain Range. In some places, the canyon is as deep as 4,000 feet, and its western side reaches down to the Portland area.

If you want to see Multnomah Falls, there is a paved footpath that will lead you to Benson Footbridge. The bridge crosses the lower tier of the waterfall, about 100 feet above the ground. Getting up close and personal with the falls will be one of the most exciting Portland adventures of your trip!

Other waterfalls worth visiting in the area are Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horsetail Falls . Besides, check out the Oneonta Gorge if you’re into hiking.

If you don’t want to drive there, you can also take this half-day tour to see the most important sights.

Or, for those who are short on time or want to see the canyon from a different point of view, I suggest this flight tour . The 40-minute flight will give you scenic views of the gorge and Multnomah Falls, as well as the Bridge of the Gods steel bridge.

24. Visit Willamette Valley, the best thing to do in Portland for couples

Another wonderful date idea is a trip to Willamette Valley , also known as the Oregon Wine Country. Imagine miles of open land, the flowing river, and views of the Cascade Range, the Oregon Coast Range, and the Calapooya Mountains. It’s just as lovely as it sounds, and one of the best places to visit near Portland, Oregon .

The Willamette Valley is about 50 miles from downtown Portland, making it a perfect day trip. Visiting one of the 500+ wineries and vineyards is one of the top things to do outside Portland . I recommend this wine tour , which includes transportation to three Willamette Valley wineries.

If wine isn’t your thing, there are other activities available in the Willamette Valley. The area is home to some stunning natural places, such as Silver Falls State Park . Here, you’ll find some trails through the lush forest leading to gorgeous waterfalls.

There is also the more challenging Spencer Butte Hike. It’s a bit of a climb, but you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views over the valley and the city of Eugene, Oregon . Just like Portland, Eugene is part of the Willamette Valley region, so if you want to get to know this city, consider a day trip there, too.

25. Mount Hood, one of the top places to go near Portland

Mount Hood is one of the most interesting things to see in Portland, OR . The stratovolcano, which geologists aren’t sure is active or inactive, is part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc. It’s the second most-climbed mountain in the world, and it’s just 50 miles southeast of Portland.

In addition to being the highest mountain in Oregon, Mount Hood offers year-round activities in Portland. If you visit during the summer months, the area is a haven for camping and hiking. During autumn and spring, there are all kinds of wildflowers and berries to see. The harvest supplies the Fruit Loop vendors, who have their stands at the foot of Mt. Hood in the Hood River Valley .

If you visit during the winter, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the best ski areas in the country. Mount Hood has six ski areas: Cooper Spur, Mount Hood Meadows, Ski Bowl, Snow Bunny, Summit, and Timberline . These resorts offer fun wintertime activities in Portland , including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

When it’s warmer, the Mount Hood National Forest beckons visitors near and far. It is known for its untouched natural beauty and gorgeous alpine lakes. Two of the most amazing ones are Trillium Lake and Lost Lake. On a clear, sunny day, you can see the mountain reflected in still, blue water.

There are so many ways to enjoy this natural area, but if you don’t want to drive there, I recommend this tour , which includes visits to the Hood River, Multnomah Falls, and Timberline Lodge and Ski Area.

26. Cannon Beach and the Coast of Oregon, one of the best beaches in Portland

If you’re willing to take a brief drive, you can visit Cannon Beach and the Oregon Coast . About 80 miles from the city, this beachy area is a popular place for a vacation in Portland .

There you can find Haystack Rock, that was the set of The Goonies movie and one of the best natural places to visit near Portland . This 235-foot sea stack is said to be the third-largest intertidal structure in the world. Wait until low tide to see the tide pools, and you may spot sea slugs, starfish, anemones, crabs, and sea snails.

Seaside is another popular town you should visit at the Coast of Oregon. It’s known as a fun thing to do around Portland , thanks to its amusements, bike rentals, and 1.5-mile oceanfront walkway, The Promenade. It’s also very close to Ecola State Park , one of the best places to visit in Oregon.

Going south you will find Oswald West State Park and Nehalem Bay State Park, other hotspots for camping, yurt rentals, hiking, and biking.

I also suggest visiting nearby Cape Meares . It’s part of the Three Capes Scenic Route , which also includes Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. Cape Meares has a gorgeous scenic viewpoint 200 feet above sea level, granting you unhindered views of the ocean and nearby sights. During the summer, you may spot whales. There is also the Cape Meares Lighthouse and the “Octopus Tree”, a Sitka spruce tree with multiple trunks.

If you don’t want to drive, I recommend this full-day tour, which takes you to some of the most beautiful coastal towns on the Pacific Northwest Coast, including Cannon Beach and Nehalem Bay.

27. Tillamook Seafood Tour, the most fun thing to do in Portland

The Tillamook Coastal area on the Oregon shoreline is one of the best places to visit near Portland Oregon . Here, you’ll find the Tillamook Bay and its charming little town. Contrary to its coastal vibe, its economy relies mostly on dairy farming, although you can also get amazing seafood here. This brings me to my #1 recommendation for this area: a Tillamook Seafood Tour.

This half-day tour will introduce you to the best seafood and cheese in the region. Plus, you’ll get to meet local farmers and fishermen and try your hand at some of their work. Many of the businesses in this area use sustainable fishing and crabbing practices, and it just seems to make the fresh oysters, crabs, and fish taste so much better.

If you’re a seafood lover, that tour is one of the coolest things to do in Portland Oregon , so you shouldn’t miss it out.

28. Eat at Voodoo Doughnut, another unique thing to do in Portland, OR

When visiting a new place, it’s always fun to explore the dining spots that are popular with locals. You can’t spend too much time in Portland without hearing about Voodoo Doughnut . This unique doughnut shop has been featured on TV and in national publications. It started in Portland, but as of 2020, there are nine Voodoo locations spread across five states.

The founders of Voodoo Doughnut opened their shop after realizing there weren’t any doughnut places in downtown Portland. They set out with a plan to dominate the doughnut market with all kinds of intriguing flavors. People quickly noticed Voodoo, and the rest is history. Today, it’s one of the tastiest Portland Oregon attractions you must visit.

The doughnut shop has more than 50 different doughnuts, ranging from yeast and cake doughnuts to specialty treats like map bars, cannoli doughnuts, apple fritters, and even a voodoo doll doughnut. They even offer vegan flavors, and they’ll take custom requests in advance.

Walking the streets with a Voodoo doughnut in hand is one of the coolest things to do in Portland, OR , not to mention the most delicious. Just be aware that this place is extremely popular, and the line of customers often snakes out of the door and down the block. Locals will tell you it’s totally worth it.

However, if you don’t want to wait so long for a sweet treat, Coco Donuts is another popular doughnut spot in Portland with multiple locations. The doughnuts are handmade, and they roast their own coffee, too. This Portland Underground Donut tour will take you to Voodoo Doughnuts, Coco Donuts, and three other prized doughnut shops in the city.

29. Portland Food Tour, the best thing to do in Portland for foodies

If you’re a foodie looking for  fun activities in Portland , you can’t go wrong with this  downtown food tour . Do you know that Portland is one of the best food cities in the US ?

The tour starts at the Pine Street Market, where you’ll learn about the city’s gastronomy and culinary trends. Your tour guide will introduce you to the local food scene as you visit some of Portland’s most iconic restaurants.

As an added bonus, you’ll be able to pair your dishes with some excellent beers. Without a doubt, this food tour is a  cool thing to do in Portland , whether you’re traveling alone or as a group. If you want to get to know the city, there’s no better way than by whetting your appetite!

30. Find the Portland Food Trucks, a great thing to do in Portland at night

Along with the historic pubs and restaurants, as well as its hipster cafes, you must eat at a Portland food truck . There are more than 700 scattered throughout the city, so going on a food truck excursion is one of the top things to do in Portland!

While every local you talk to will have their personal favorite, there are a few popular food cars that I recommend checking out.

First is Cartopia , which serves everything from casual American fare to Middle Eastern gyros and Indian paneer fries. It has a few carts spread throughout the city.

El Local Mexican Food Truck in the Industrial District is where you can get delectable carne asada tacos, guacamole, and chilaquiles. The owners are friendly and serve up big portions as well as vegetarian-friendly plates. The burritos and salsa verde are crowd favorites.

Third Avenue Food Cart Pod is lovingly called the Gyro District by Portlandians. Other city gems include Gumba (hearty Italian food), Gracie’s Apizza (local ingredients), and Kee’s Loaded Kitchen (Southern specialties).

The food cart scene is a Portland Oregon attraction all on its own. These areas are popular hang-out spots among locals and a great place to catch a break and a delicious bite to eat at lunchtime. If you can’t decide with food truck to try, check out this food pods tour and stop at 5-7 different trucks and one brewery.

I hope you enjoyed learning about the best  Portland Oregon attractions , and you have some ideas for your next trip. You can save time planning your  Portland activities  with this convenient map.

This city in the Pacific Northwest is lots of fun and well worth visiting. I’m still amazed by all the things to do in Portland, Oregon , as well as how the city perfectly balances natural beauty with impressive modernization. Do you have a favorite  Portland tourist spot ? Let me know in the comments. I’ll also do my best to answer any questions you may have. Happy travels!

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The 9 best neighborhoods in portland, or.

When considering a move to Portland, you’ll want to know which neighborhoods are the most popular. Known as The Rose City for its favorable growing climate, Portland is a staple city in the Pacific Northwest. What you’ll also find in Portland is an array of eclectic options for entertainment, dining, and culture. Each Portland neighborhood features a unique vibe and local gems that are beloved to residents and tourists alike. Not sure which area is the right fit for you? Check out our list of the top 9 Portland neighborhoods, and discover what makes each Portland area unique. 

Is Portland a good place to live?

Portland, Oregon, is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful natural surroundings, and progressive mindset. It offers a unique blend of outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse dining options, and a thriving arts scene.

The city’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives also appeals to many residents. Portland’s public transportation system, including light rail and buses, makes it easier to get around without a car. Additionally, the city’s proximity to stunning landscapes, such as Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

However, it’s essential to consider some potential drawbacks, such as the high cost of living and housing prices, which have been increasing in recent years. The Pacific Northwest weather, characterized by rainy winters, may not suit everyone’s preferences.

Overall, Portland’s unique charm, progressive values, and abundant recreational opportunities make it an attractive option for many, but it’s essential to carefully assess personal needs and goals before making a decision to move to the city.

The top 9 Portland neighborhoods

• Northwest District
• Downtown Portland
• Creston-Kenilworth
• Sellwood-Moreland
• Goose Hollow
• Pearl District

Selection criteria

To determine the most popular neighborhoods in Portland, we utilized Zumper data to identify the neighborhoods with the largest search volume in the past year. We then ranked these neighborhoods using information on median rent prices, points of interest, and overall vibe. Here are the top neighborhoods in Portland to consider:

1. Northwest District

The best neighborhood for foodies.

Located in Central Portland, the vibrant Northwest District is the city’s most popular neighborhood. Here you’ll find both old Portland-style Victorian houses and sleek new-build condos. Many young professionals call this neighborhood home due to its abundance of bars and restaurants. It’s also considered one of Portland’s most walkable areas, so residents and visitors have easy access to its many dining and entertainment destinations.

If you’re considering living in the Northwest District, you’ll want to get out and experience the top spots for drinks and eats. Try Bartini , where you can savor assorted small plates and expertly crafted martinis, including the rose martini named after the city. Enjoy your main course at G-Love where locally grown produce is the star of any meal. You’ll even have the opportunity to dine inside ‘Gus the Bus,’ the 1973 Volkswagen permanently parked outside of G-Love for patrons to enjoy. For dessert, Salt & Straw has you covered with artisanal ice cream flavors beloved by local Portland residents.

The Northwest District is close to Downtown Portland, Old Town Chinatown, and The Pearl District. And, with Portland known for lush outdoors, you also have easy access to Forest Park , one of the largest urban forests in the United States, via the St. Johns Bridge.

The best neighborhood for hipsters

The Buckman neighborhood is a hipster’s paradise located along the Willamette River, with stunning views of Downtown Portland. Home to coffee shops, eateries, and multiple breweries, this Portland neighborhood is a popular destination for entertainment and Pacific Northwest vibes. Consider grabbing your caffeine fix at Rimsky-Korsakoffee House , one of the city’s oldest coffee houses. Located inside an old Victorian home, Rimsky’s serves homemade desserts and a ghostly atmosphere. Tables named after deceased classical composers and live classical music set the mood.

Looking for the best eats? Hawthorne Asylum , an extensive outdoor food court, showcases various food trucks with options to satisfy every palate and desire. Grab a bite and a beverage with friends as you sit around the firepit and converse with other Portland locals. For beer enthusiasts, you’ll have endless options to frequent in Buckman, including Hair of the Dog Brewing Company , and Cascade Brewing Barrel House . Enjoy the Portland outdoors at Audrey McCall Beach and Eastbank Esplanade , where you can enjoy public art, riverfront views, and scenic bike paths.

3. Richmond

The best neighborhood for style icons.

Set in southeast Portland, the Richmond neighborhood is a trendy area known for unique boutique shops and diverse dining options. It’s also home to the SE division, one of Portland’s thriving districts for small businesses. Along SE Division Street you’ll find great shopping and top eateries including the Bollywood Theater , where you can enjoy Indian street food as you watch old Bollywood films.

The Hawthorne District, an area where locals enjoy art galleries, cafes, and bookstores, is a key drawcard of the Richmond neighborhood. During summer, head to the Hawthorne Famer’s Market , where you can enjoy live music, local food, and street vendors. Another popular destination is McMenamins Bagdad Theatre & Pub , a historic staple for cinema and cuisine dating back to 1927. Hawthorne is also the home to the best vintage shopping in Portland. Must-shop vintage collectives include Artifact , Village Merchants , and the House of Vintage , where you’ll find over 60 retailers of vintage clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods, and art.

4. Downtown Portland

The best neighborhood for people on the go.

Downtown Portland is where you’ll find most of the city’s high-rise buildings, along with some of the best options for dining, outdoor spaces, and Portland culture. Easily accessible by TriMet , Portland’s light rail, streetcar, and bus system, you won’t be short of things to do in this neighborhood.

Downtown Portland is home to the Portland Saturday Market , considered the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the United States. Established in 1974 and running from March to December, the market features 150 booths, live music, and tasty bites. Awarded the title of the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest, The Portland Art Museum is in the center of Portland’s Downtown Cultural District. It showcases a renowned permanent collection and special exhibits throughout the year.

Downtown Portland is also known for its entertainment options. The historic McMenamins Crystal Ballroom on W Burnside Street hosts shows from a wide range of music genres under the glow of the building’s grand chandeliers and historic architecture. Catch the Oregon Symphony and other cultural events at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall or enjoy jazz and burlesque at The Jack London Revue .

5. Creston – Kenilworth

The best neighborhood for dog owners.

he Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood is one of the oldest areas of Portland. While a primarily residential neighborhood with a more laid-back vibe, Creston-Kenilworth doesn’t fall short of options for residents to eat, drink, and have fun. Dog-friendly spaces like Creston Park and Kenilworth Park make this neighborhood the ideal choice for dog owners.

The main street of this neighborhood is SE Gladstone, where residents can frequent many local establishments. Beer drinkers will find an oasis in C-Bar Portland , which features 20 rotating taps. You’re welcome to bring your dog or your kids until 10 p.m. Gladstone Street Pub also welcomes dogs and their humans to their back patio area. Enjoy a drink around the firepit with live music on selected nights. After drinks, venture down SE Gladstone Street to Saint Pizza Lounge & Gladstone St. Pizza , a friendly pizzeria that permits dogs on its patio.

6. Sellwood-Moreland

The best neighborhood for families.

Portland’s urban feel and unashamed weirdness appeal to many new residents, but it’s not all the city offers. For a suburban neighborhood that’s ideal for raising a family, consider Sellwood-Moreland . This friendly community moves at a slower pace, and that’s exactly how the residents like it. Most residents own their own homes, but you can find limited rentals at affordable prices. The local schools are also excellent, so you can feel confident your kids can reach their academic potential here.

Sellwood-Moreland is a 12-minute drive from Downtown Portland, but there’s plenty within the community to keep you all entertained. The kids will love Oaks Amusement Park , which has provided family fun since 1905, and Moreland Theater , a historic cinema showing the latest films since 1926. The whole family will also love looking for animals as you explore the trails of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge . When you’re eating out, the classic menus at Bertie Lou’s Café , San Felipe Taqueria , and Saburo’s Sushi House should satisfy even the fussiest eaters.

7. Nob Hill

The best neighborhood for luxury lovers.

If you enjoy the finer things in life, you’ll want to settle in Nob Hill . People call this high-end northwest Portland neighborhood the city’s most European community. Imagine strolling down tree-lined avenues munching on macarons or biscotti from Ken’s Artisan Bakery . You can stop off at Kiehl’s for luxury skin treatments before shopping the fashion boutiques on NW 23rd. The French bistro tables and superb brews at Barista Café transport you to Paris.

Nob Hill’s flat streets make it very pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly. Downtown Portland is only a five-minute drive away, and it’s close to Highway 30 if you want to explore further afield. Nob Hill also borders the Pearl District, Kings Heights, and Goose Hollow.

8. Goose Hollow

The best neighborhood for sports fans.

Bordering Downtown Portland, Goose Hollow is the ideal choice for sports fans who want easy access to the heart of the city. Portland Thorns FC and Portland Timbers FC both call Goose Hollow home, so if you’re not already a soccer fan you soon will be. You can cheer on the teams in person at Providence Park or from local sports bars like the Civic Taproom , the Independent Sports Bar & Grill , and River Pig Saloon .

The free-roaming geese that gave this neighborhood its name have long since moved on. That means you can enjoy the treats from cute casual eateries like Fehrenbacher Hof , Coco Donuts , and Hot Lips , famous for its pizza pies made from local ingredients, in peace. While it’s close to the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland, Goose Hollow’s superb green spaces, including Washington Park , Portland International Rose Test Garden , and Portland Japanese Garden can all help you recharge your batteries.

9. Pearl District

The best neighborhood for singles.

Singles who want to be in the coolest part of Portland are flocking to the Pearl District . This neighborhood is so hot right now thanks to its vibrant arts scene and buzzy nightlife. The Pearl District has the highest concentration of art galleries in Portland, including Blue Sky Gallery , Bullseye Gallery , and Froelick Gallery . Expect modern art that pushes the boundaries from these and other local institutions. First Thursday Street Gallery , held on the first Thursday of every month, is a great way to immerse yourself in the local arts scene.

The restaurants of the Pearl District are also creative, with the culinary teams at Republica , Andina , and Arden Restaurant all pushing the envelope. If you just want to head out for drinks, you can’t go wrong at Deschutes Brewery and Public House or the rooftop bar at 10 Barrel Brewing . If you’re looking for the one, or the one for right now, try vibey nightspots like No Requests , Pink Rabbit , and Teardrop Cocktail Lounge .

Frequently asked questions

Portland’s cost of living is relatively high compared to the national average. Housing costs, in particular, have been rising steadily in recent years. However, the city’s lack of sales tax and abundance of public transportation options can help offset some expenses.

Yes, Portland is renowned for its bike-friendly infrastructure, making it easy for residents to commute by bicycle. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes, paths, and bike-sharing programs, encouraging a more sustainable and active lifestyle.

Portland’s job market is diverse, with opportunities in various sectors, including tech, healthcare, education, and the arts. The city’s economy has seen steady growth, and it attracts a mix of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives.

Portland experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. The city’s reputation for rain is well-known, but the rain often comes in light drizzles rather than heavy downpours.

Portland’s proximity to stunning natural landscapes offers ample outdoor recreational opportunities. Residents can explore Forest Park , one of the largest urban forests in the United States, or hike in the nearby Columbia River Gorge . The city’s parks, like Washington Park and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, offer spaces for picnics, walking, and outdoor events.

Portland boasts an efficient and well-connected public transportation system, managed by TriMet . It includes buses, light rail (MAX), and streetcars, making it convenient for residents to navigate the city without a car.

Absolutely! Portland is known for its pet-friendly atmosphere and numerous dog parks. Many restaurants and cafes also allow dogs on their outdoor patios, making it a welcoming place for furry companions.

Portland is a haven for arts and culture enthusiasts, offering museums, theaters, and live music venues. The city hosts various events and festivals celebrating music, art, and local culture. Powell’s City of Books , one of the world’s largest independent bookstores, is a favorite spot for book lovers.

Final thoughts

Living in Portland, OR, offers a dynamic lifestyle with access to nature, cultural attractions, and a thriving urban scene. The best neighborhood for you will depend on your preferences, needs, and interests, as each area has its own unique offerings. Consider exploring different neighborhoods to find the one that suits your lifestyle best.Begin your search for a great apartment today, and start living life as a Portland local.

Zumper's team of rental experts provides you with the latest rental tips, trends, and local laws to help you find great apartments and homes across the country.

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The 9 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Portland

Moving to or within Portland, Oregon? Portland is much more than its award-winning beer, delicious coffee, and its famous environmentally-friendly vibes. Here are our top 9 neighborhoods to check out before you sign your lease.

Table of contents

How we chose the best neighborhoods in portland.

Portland is a city of neighborhoods bursting with personality and dripping in self-expression. With a relaxed vibe, a mad respect for the environment, and bike lanes for days, this city is home to artists, free-spirits, and the young-at-heart.

The booming tech industry tucked into the towering trees of the Pacific Northwest has earned itself the nickname The Silicon Forest. Portland is also the 9th greenest city in the entire country, and is one of the hottest cities for young professionals.

Whether you’re into a mind-blowing coffee culture, a consistently rated best beer city in the country, a thriving arts community, or a love of all things local, Portland’s packed full of curious culture waiting to be explored.

Amidst the idyllic walkable streets and the highest percentage of bike commuters in the country, you’ll find plenty of folks doing their part to ‘keep Portland weird.’

So, break out your parent’s old record player, invest in a solid raincoat, and brush up on your brew knowledge as you prepare to join the surges of creative people making their way into this haven of self-expression. Pump those bike tires and weave yourself into the brilliant tapestry that is Portland.

In order to help you find that perfect home base–because we know it isn’t easy to find the right vibe for the right budget–we’ve put together a list of the top nine quirky and charming neighborhoods that help give Portland its incredible reputation.

What's more, we've built a ranking system for each one to help you make this big decision. We’re ranking:

Atmosphere: nightlife & entertainment, shopping & restaurants, and beauty & parks

Amenities: schools, public transit, and points of interest

Experience: safety, affordability, and walkability

The end result is a prioritized list of the best places to move to in Portland, Oregon.

Why listen to us? We may not have as many one-of-a-kind shops as Portland, but we have been curating top rental experiences across the country for a long time. We’ve picked up a thing or two along the way!

Top Neighborhoods in Portland, Ranked

9. Goose Hollow

Perfect for young professionals and sports fanatics looking for a lively neighborhood with an easy commute to downtown..

Goose Hollow gets its funky name from its interesting history. Back in the day when the neighborhood was founded, many of the local women took to raising geese in the once wild and undeveloped areas. Although the name has stuck throughout the years, you’d be hard pressed to find any geese in the streets these days.

This close-knit neighborhood enjoys the ideal mix of downtown living and an established, residential community.

Sports fans will feel right at home with not one, but two legendary soccer teams. Providence Park is a stadium that belongs to both the Portland Thorns FC and the Portland Timbers FC. Join the local crowds showing support in the stadium, or if you aren’t fast enough to grab a ticket, head over to the many local sports bars to catch the game with a local brew.

Into reusing and recycling? You’ll adore Scrap, Portland’s well-loved creative reuse center that is brimming with ideas, inspiration, and materials for your next weekend project.

Looking to find out why Goose Hollow scores a perfect five in our Beauty & Parks category? Visit Washington Park right next door for some of the best views of the city, an International Rose Garden, museums, wilderness, and even a zoo!

All of the convenience, history, and incredible greenspace in Goose Hollow does make living in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Portland come at a more expensive price tag with Affordability scoring a two out of five.

Come check out this vegan foodie’s paradise handily situated right next to downtown.

Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how Goose Hollow scored:

Affordability: 💸 💸

Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳

Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉

Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍 📍

Public Transit: 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃

Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅

Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎

Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍

Walkability: 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️

8. Buckman & Kerns

Perfect for young professionals looking for an urban, artsy, and bike-friendly neighborhood..

Buckman & Kerns–say hello to the eccentric east side of Portland. Delightful tree-lined streets surrounded by historic homes, bordered by peaceful parks. The Buckman & Kerns area is an oasis for pedestrians and cyclists looking to move around the city effortlessly.

Come and meander down the picture-perfect streets, do some window shopping, stop for a drink–or two–in the sunshine… This neighborhood is ideal for those looking to enjoy themselves in idyllic parks and lush outdoor spaces.

Due to the banging beer culture in this neighborhood, the locals tend to be younger, single 20-and-30 somethings. A great spot to meet people and plan your next outdoor adventure. Whether you swipe right or wait for your meet-cute, you’ll have plenty of date ideas to debrief with your friends afterwards.

Laugh until you cry at the Helium Comedy Club, take a trip down the memory lane of retro gaming at Electric Castle’s Wunderland. Support local food and music at the Portland Night Market… You get the idea.

If you’re looking for a place to relax after all of that socializing, hit up Colonel Summers Park or take your four-legged best friend to the Washington High Dog Park. Enjoy the waterfront views at Eastbank Esplanade and you’ll understand why Buckman & Kerns has a perfect score in Beauty & Parks.

With high scores in Schools, Points of Interest, and Public Transit, Buckman & Kerns is the right neighborhood for those looking to enjoy a night out, enjoy the day in, or enjoy the day outdoors.

Here's how Buckman & Kerns scored:

Affordability: 💸 💸 💸

Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

Safety: ✅ ✅

Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎

Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍

Walkability: 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️ 🚶🏽‍♀️

7. Mississippi Avenue

Perfect for young families, hipsters and young professionals looking for the famous portland feel..

Although Boise is the official name, if you’re a local, you’ll call it the Mississippi Neighborhood, Mississippi Street, or the Mississippi District. It’s one of the hottest neighborhoods in Portland with trendy shops, vibrant cafes, and an insane amount of Food Carts.

This street is bursting with colorful art and draws you right into everything this neighborhood has to offer. Located only 10-minutes north of downtown, this effortlessly cool street is home to hip shops, famous restaurants, and enough people watching opportunities to last a lifetime.

Do you like endless food options on a night out? You’ll find something on this street for every craving. Dying for some southern food? Try Miss Delta Restaurant and Bar for some classic biscuits and gravy. Desperate to find some delicious gluten free pizza? Head over to the local favorite, Mississippi Pizza. Feeling adventurous? Try the famous, experimental farm-to-table Quaintrelle. Whatever craving you have, Mississippi Avenue will satisfy it.

Meet ‘The Lightbulb Lady’ at Sunlan Lighting and discover this iconic store taking light bulbs to a whole new level. Experience Paxton Gate, an eccentric shop that was featured in the famous Portlandia show. Every shop along this street has a unique story waiting to be told.

Mississippi Avenue boasts impressive scores in Nightlife & Entertainment, Shopping & Restaurants, and in Walkability. You’ll truly become local when you start complaining about the cost of living as Affordability scores a two out of five.

This unusual, exciting, and eccentric area is the perfect place to get the true Portland experience.

Here's how Mississippi Avenue scored:

Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳

Nightlife & Entertainment: 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍

Safety: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

Shopping & Restaurants: 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍 🛍

6. Downtown Portland

Perfect for young professionals looking to live in the middle of all the action..

Portland’s quirky downtown is both memorable and unique. This extremely well-connected neighborhood is full of walkable streets, world-class shopping, and contagious good energy.

Locals brag about one of the most beautiful downtowns of any city in terms of lush green space and connection to the outdoors. A perfect score in Beauty & Parks means that you’re never far from a park that looks like a postcard.

This compact area is easy to get around by foot and is well-connected by the city’s public light rail, the bus system and the Portland Streetcar. Here in Downtown, we have perfect scores in both Walkability and Public Transit which allow residents to not only move around the neighborhood, but also the greater Portland area, with ease.

Downtown Portland is a cultural hub that draws in visitors and residents alike. Don’t miss places like the South Park Blocks, a green corridor crossing through the heart of the city. It’s home to the famous Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Historical Society, and Portland State University.

Looking for weekend plans? From the quirky charm of Mill Ends Park–a park just 24 inches long, complete with a small swimming pool and a diving board for butterflies, to the Oregon Brewers Festival that draws in crowds of over 60 thousand you’re sure to find fun in every size.

The neighborhood is focused on improving the safety in the area, however, there is still work to be done as Safety only scores a two out of five. So, make sure to invest in a sturdy bike lock to continue to enjoy the unbeatable convenience of riding your bike on the daily.

With enchanting events like the Portland farmer’s market, the unbelievable Powell's City bookstore, and enough restaurants to satisfy your inner foodie, you’ll find magic around every street corner in Downtown Portland. Rankings: Weighted rankings were determined by scoring neighborhoods on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories, with 5 being the best.

Here's how Downtown Portland scored:

Affordability: 💸 💸 💸 💸 💸

Points of Interest: 📍 📍

Public Transit: 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃 🚃

Schools: 🍎 🍎

5. Nob Hill

Perfect for extroverts who want to be surrounded by people and high-end shopping..

Located in Northwest Portland, Nob Hill is considered Portland’s most European neighborhood. This upscale neighborhood is known for the best shopping and people-watching in the area.

This neighborhood holds a charming piece of Portland's history and draws a consistent crowd that takes advantage of the walkable and bikeable streets. If you’re looking for hustle and bustle, lots of character, and something going on everywhere you turn, then look no farther.

Local laws are centered around pedestrian and bike safety so you can feel safe and secure making your way around your neighborhood. A perfect score in Walkability, a five-minute drive into Downtown, and a four out of five in Public Transit make it super easy to get where you want to go.

To keep up with the Portland traditions and famous weird vibes, Nob Hill offers the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum which is home to bizarre and strange collections that you have to see to believe.

To soak up some sun and get your time in nature, go for a weekend hike in the 70 miles of trails in the nearby Forest Park or find your inner peace at the idyllic and authentic Portland Japanese Garden.

Check out the countless top-notch eateries, set some new trends with all of your new finds at the charming boutiques, enjoy a show at Cinema 21, break out your best karaoke duet with your buddies at VoiceBox, and take advantage of endless happy hour deals all over the neighborhood.

Living in Nob Hill gives you big-city fun in a neighborhood-sized setting.

Here's how Nob Hill scored:

Points of Interest: 📍 📍 📍 📍 📍

4. Sellwood-Moreland

Perfect for those looking for a relaxed and safe community with lots of history..

Sellwood-Moreland is a neighborhood with a small-town neighborly vibe. Ideal for people looking for a quieter pace of life.

This self-sustaining neighborhood has a strong sense of community pride. An impressive perfect score in both Schools and Affordability makes this area at the top of the list for those considering family life in the future.

With an amusement park that’s been around since 1905 and a single-screen cinema that originally opened in 1926, Sellwood-Moreland brings a historic vibe to the table that adds some depth and personality to everyday life.

Delightful history, friendly neighbors that you actually know, and a five-star rating in Shopping & Restaurants? Yes please! In Sellwood-Moreland you have access to unique cuisine like the mouth-watering Asian-fusion teahouse called Jade Bistro & Patisserie and the fresh, house-made bagels at the Either/Or cafe. Enjoy becoming a regular at Kay’s Bar, a local dive bar that has weathered Portland’s wild transformations since 1934.

For your nature fix, head over to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge for 170 acres of meadows, woodlands, and wetlands or catch the sunset from the winding trails along the Willamette River.

As a quaint, safe, and vintage-loving neighborhood where all are welcome and the days move easy, Sellwood-Morland is a quintessential place to get both the old and the new Portland experience.

Here's how Sellwood-Moreland scored:

Public Transit: 🚃 🚃 🚃

Schools: 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎

3. Hosford-Abernathy & Hawthorne

Perfect for young people looking for an affordable and buzzing neighborhood with its own unique personality..

Now for our top three neighborhood finalists. In third place we’ve got the Hosford-Abernathy & Hawthorne neighborhood, known for its bohemian vibe. A place that mixes eclectic charm with quirky expression; a low-key lifestyle with a lively nightlife.

Vintage shops full of that next statement piece for the house, for your wardrobe, or for your next gift exchange. Block after block of eccentric cafes and prime thrift shopping. Be ready to sip through and sift endless amounts of possibility.

Take in the epic panoramic views of downtown from the top of an extinct volcano! Mt. Tabor Park is a century-old public space full of forested trails, fresh air, and adventure.

It’s also home to the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby—which is as wild as it sounds. Fulfill your need for speed and go for gold as you race your way down the volcano in homemade vehicles, surrounded by cheering spectators.

Catch an evening movie after work at the Cinemagic Theater, grab brunch at the local chain restaurant Fried Egg I’m in Love, or peruse your way through the House of Vintage–you’ll find plenty of things to do as you become a local in this beloved neighborhood.

Hosford-Abernathy & Hawthorne score highly in Affordability and Safety, and give you incredible perfect scores in Public Transit, Walkability, Points of Interest, and Nightlife & Entertainment!

Come check out this happening neighborhood for everything from classic diners to cozy bookstores to unforgettable festivals. Grab the latest craft beer flavor and brush up on your Pinball skills as you become a local in this eccentric and quirky community.

Here's how Hosford-Abernathy & Hawthorne scored:

Affordability: 💸 💸 💸 💸

Beauty & Parks: 🌳 🌳 🌳

2. Northwest District

Perfect for young professionals looking for a classy, luxurious life with all the shopping you can dream of..

NW 23rd Avenue, also known as Trendy-Third Avenue, is one of the most popular shopping districts in all of Portland–think sophistication, luxury, and class.

Located just above Nob Hill, this neighborhood has a charming European feel and is the place in Portland to find upscale everything. NW 23rd is known for its long, bustling stretch of unique, one-of-a-kind stores and eateries.

Situated between Washington Park and Forest Park, the Northwest District enjoys a high score in Beauty & Parks. Hike the Hoyt Arboretum in Washington Park or head over to the extensive 70-mile trail system at Forest Park for some adventurous fun and the chance to show off your new Lululemons.

Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Honey Lavender, Double Fold Vanilla… these are just some of the mouthwatering, delicious combinations at the famous ice-cream shop, Salt and Straw. If you prefer dinner before your dessert, check out The Fireside Gastro Pub for northwestern cuisine in a gorgeous, contemporary space or head over to Bamboo Sushi–the world’s first certified sustainable sushi restaurant.

The Northwest District has exceptional public schools, a vibrant nightlife, cuisine to impress even the toughest food critics, and enough to keep you busy all year long. It’s no wonder that this neighborhood comes in second place in our top neighborhoods in Portland!

Here's how Northwest District scored:

1. Pearl District

Perfect for young professionals looking to be in the middle of the hippest and hottest area in portland..

Chic, artistic, lively... urban living at its finest. Welcome to our top neighborhood in Portland; the Pearl District. This bustling and buzzing branch of Portland has an industrial vibe featuring gorgeous galleries and cutting-edge cultural institutions.

Here in this neighborhood, art takes center stage with the highest concentration of art galleries in the entire city and a home for the city's biggest theater organization. A perfect score across all of our entertainment categories means that you’ll have no problems filling up your social schedule with nonstop art, culture, and cuisine.

On the first Thursday of every month, check out the First Thursday Street Gallery for free exhibits and art galleries filled with work by local artists. Get lost in the world’s largest independently owned bookstores that covers an entire city block. Let your inner child loose at the interactive fountains at Jamison Square.

The Pearl District also boasts some of the best brewpubs in the Portland area–which is really saying something when Portland is known for being home to some of the finest beer on earth!

With places like the Deschutes Brewery and Public House which features 18 taps of both experimental beers and time-tested classics, the industrial-chic rooftop at 10 Barrel Brewing, and the Teardrop Lounge–a place that redefines handcrafted cocktails, you can happily become an expert in local brew culture.

People in this neighborhood are always on the move, ready to seize the day and take full advantage of all the upscale shopping, urban parks, and urban historic charm. With remarkably high scores in almost every category across the board, the Pearl District is the place to be for people looking for hip, high-quality, happiness.

Here's how Pearl District scored:

What You Need to Know Before Moving to Portland

Time to break down the numbers from our top neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon.

Let's get the bad news over with first. Affordability isn’t great, coming in with a 2.9/5. It all depends on where you’re coming from as Portland is more affordable than some of your bigger cities on the coast, but has a higher cost of living on average than many interior areas.

Like any big city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and it’s no different in Portland as Safety scores a 3.3. Schools also come in the middle of the scale and score an average of 3.6

Now for the good news. Portland scores an insanely impressive 4.9/5 in Walkability making it one of the most walkable cities around. Invest in some comfy footwear and get those steps in as you explore everything this city has to offer.

With super high scores in Shopping & Restaurants (4.6), Points of Interest (4.6), and Nightlife & Entertainment (4.3) you’re more than covered in terms of finding ways to enjoy your free time and living it up–all without leaving the comfort of your neighborhood.

On top of that, both Public Transit and Beauty & Parks score a 4.3, making it not only a ridiculously easy commute to get where you’re going, but a beautiful and enjoyable one as well.

For a city nestled in nature–close to the beach and close to the mountains and bursting with creative energy, take a look at all that Portland has to offer.

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The 50 best neighborhoods to see in Portland

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1 Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront

2 Apizza Scholls

3 Powell's City of Books

4 old town chinatown, 5 pittock mansion.

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6 Lan Su Chinese Garden

7 washington park, 8 salt & straw, 9 pioneer courthouse square, 10 mcmenamins kennedy school, 12 mt. tabor park, 13 sisters coffee company in the pearl district, 14 sapphire hotel, 15 portland art museum.

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16 Portland Saturday Market

17 papa haydn, 18 oregon historical society, 20 breakside brewery - dekum, 21 pine street market, 22 st. honoré bakery se division, 23 fifty licks ice cream, 24 blue star donuts, 25 north 45 pub.

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26 Laurelhurst Theater

27 lloyd center, 28 ground kontrol classic arcade and bar, 29 mcmenamins crystal ballroom, 30 mississippi studios, 31 the paramount hotel portland, 32 cartopia food carts, 33 mcmenamins crystal hotel, 34 mark spencer hotel, 35 residence inn by marriott portland downtown/pearl district.

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37 The Hoxton, Portland

38 voicebox karaoke - se portland, 39 lovely's fifty fifty, 40 inn at northrup station, 41 burnside skatepark, 42 rebuilding center, 43 hawthorne asylum food cart pod, 44 sunlan lighting inc, 45 pioneer square.

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46 Hotel Grand Stark

47 portland international guesthouse, 48 mt tabor, 49 northwest portland guesthouse, 50 portland japanese garden, top searches in portland, popular road trips from portland, what's the weather like in portland.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Portland for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Portland in January
• Weather in Portland in February
• Weather in Portland in March
• Weather in Portland in April
• Weather in Portland in May
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All road trips from Portland

• Portland to Seattle drive
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• Portland to Astoria drive
• Portland to Banff National Park drive
• Portland to Monterey drive
• Portland to Bend drive
• Portland to Yosemite National Park drive
• Portland to Yellowstone National Park drive
• Portland to Banff drive
• Portland to Denver drive
• Portland to Olympic National Park drive
• Portland to Calgary drive
• Portland to Sedona drive
• Portland to Hood River drive
• Portland to Eugene drive
• Portland to Colorado Springs drive
• Portland to Grand Canyon National Park drive
• Portland to Greater Palm Springs drive
• Portland to Whistler drive
• Portland to Salt Lake City drive
• Portland to Tucson drive
• Portland to Jasper National Park drive
• Portland to Phoenix drive
• Portland to Page drive

Explore nearby places

• Lake Oswego
• the Happy Valley
• Oregon City
• Wood Village
• Wilsonville
• Brush Prairie
• North Plains

All related maps of Portland

• Map of Portland
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Portland throughout the year

• Portland in January
• Portland in February
• Portland in March
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• Portland in May
• Portland in June
• Portland in July
• Portland in August
• Portland in September
• Portland in October
• Portland in November
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Portland?

Get inspired for your trip to Portland with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Portland Itinerary
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Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Vancouver
• Top things to do and attractions in Hillsboro
• Top things to do and attractions in Beaverton
• Top things to do and attractions in Oregon City
• Top things to do and attractions in Troutdale

Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Vancouver
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• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Beaverton
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Oregon City

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The 17 best things to do in Portland right now

From quirky bike tours to doughnuts the size of your head, here are the best things to do in Portland

Portland is a fun, quirky little city, known for its super fun attractions and its innovative art scene. There’s plenty to see and do here, from music festivals to bike rides, and its ever-growing popularity lends itself to trendy craft breweries, food trucks and fabulous restaurants. 

You might be visiting for Portland Rose Festival, for Chinese New Year or for the Winter Lights, but on either side, there’s a whole load of activities to fill your trip. Whether you like the sound of a whiskey library or a botanical garden, our list of the best things to do in Portland will see you through. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Portland 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Portland 🍔 The best food trucks in Portland 🍻 The best breweries in Portland 🍩 The best doughnuts in Portland

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Fun things to do in Portland

1.  Voodoo Doughnut

What’s better than doughnuts, I hear you cry? That’s right, it’s donuts the size of your head. And if that sounds like a dream come true, the answer to all of your prayers is right here, in Portland. Voodoo Doughnuts is a wild doughnut store in the city, with over 50 artisan flavours on offer, including 25 vegan options. Flavours range from grape ape to blueberry cake, so you’re in for a treat. 

2.  Bike tours of Portland

There are plenty of ways to see this city, but arguably the best way is via a bicycle. And if even that isn’t enough, you can join a bike tour in the city, from Pedal Bike Tours and Portland Bicycle Tours , which offer fully guided tours to get the most out of Portland. You can even join a drinking tour, where you pedal between the city’s best microbreweries, or they offer customized rides to your liking. 

3.  Portland Art Museum

• Greater Portland

Founded in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is the oldest in the Pacific Northwest and, impressively, one of the oldest galleries nationally. With a vast array of works on display (contemporary, modern, and ancient pieces - and more than 45,000 of them), there is enough to keep you busy for an entire day.  Peep some outstanding Native American art and one of the world’s most impressive collections of English silver. Its two buildings in Portland’s cultural district are connected via a subterranean gallery, with a sculpture garden to explore outdoors (look out for the towering Roy Lichtenstein work  Brushstrokes ). 

4.  Powell’s City of Books

• Jefferson Street

The largest independent bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books is home to more than 1 million new, used and rare tomes. Bookworms can find plenty to do in this labyrinthine store. In the Purple Room, check out the Espresso Book Machine, which you can use to publish your own book in the time it takes to make a cup of coffee. The Rare Book Room has plenty of signed volumes if you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift. 

5.  Multnomah Whiskey Library

The Multnomah Whiskey Library stocks an incredible selection of more than 2,000 liquors from around the world.  Portland is rightly famous for its craft beer scene, but fans of the hard stuff now have their own clubhouse here too. This beautiful membership-based bar (Read: You have to become a member to imbibe) exudes sophistication and old-school class—it is already known as one of the finest whiskey bars in the world. If all libraries were like this, we’d be much more studious. 

6.  Portland Saturday Market

• Attractions

A huge outdoor market – Portland's largest and the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the US – selling a great variety of arts and crafts.  For a good ol' browse and a spot of breakfast/lunch. A stroll on any Saturday will turn up unique items (which make for great Christmas presents), like deer-antler jewelry and vegan soap. You can guarantee the quality of the food, as a panel of judges regularly checks the quality of what's being sold.

7.  International Rose Test Garden

• Parks and gardens
• Arlington Heights

One of only six test gardens for the American Rose Society and the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States.  Whether you're a rose fanatic or just like to stop and smell them, the International Rose Test Garden has hundreds of them for you to admire and sniff. More than 10,000 rose bushes bloom with around 650 varieties of roses. Peak bloom is usually in June, but you can enjoy the beauty from April to October.

8.  Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

• Central Eastside

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has to be one of the coolest educational facilities on the planet.  Not only does it have the submarine from  The Hunt For Red October  (a.k.a. the USS  Blueback ) as a permanent floating exhibit outside, but its outstanding planetarium also hosts Laser Pink Floyd shows. Yep, that’s laser shows to a thumping 1970s soundtrack. This place  seriously  rocks.

9.  Portland Center Stage

Portland has plentiful performing arts options, from the wonderful Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, a.k.a. the “Schnitz,” to the Oregon Ballet Theater. But the most dramatic setting is undoubtedly the Gerding Theater in the city’s old armory. Already on the National Register of Historic Places, the building has attracted lavish praise from the architectural world for its intelligent renovation. The reviews are equally glowing for the theater’s resident company, Portland Center Stage. 

10.  Revolution Hall

The iconic 113,500-square-foot brick school on SE Stark Street was extensively renovated before starting a new life as a music venue.  Portlanders have been going back to school in droves—namely, George Washington High School, which reopened as live music venue Revolution Hall in 2015 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. The popular rooftop bar with outstanding city views doesn't hurt either. It sure beats sneaking a beer behind the cafeteria.

11.  Nong’s Khao Man Gai

Although Portland is home to more than 500 food carts, which you’ll see (and smell) baking, frying, and grilling all over town, Nong’s Khao Man Gai is a must-try.  The simple yet delicious poached Thai chicken and rice at this food truck is a local legend. Within this miniature kitchen, one dish is perfectly executed time and time again - tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic sauce fit for a king. 

12.  Pittock Mansion

The French Renaissance–style château perched high in the West Hills was originally built for  The Oregonian’s  wealthy publisher Henry Pittock in 1909.  This mansion-turned-city-owned museum tells the story of Portland’s growth over the last century through the eyes (and belongings) of the prominent Pittock family. At more than 1,000 feet above sea level, the mansion also commands some of the finest views over the city, making its lawns a popular picnic spot. Grab your strawberries and blankets, people.

13.  White Stag Sign

Also known as the Portland Sign, a large neon sign atop the White Stag Building.  This iconic sign welcomes those coming across the Willamette River to downtown Portland via the Burnside Bridge. Though the wording has changed over the years, it was designated a historic landmark in 1977 and permanently changed to read "Portland, Oregon" in 2010. Walk across the bridge to snap a pic, and try to get the skyline behind it. During Christmastime, the stag's nose glows red like Rudolph's. 

14.  Pioneer Courthouse Square

Widely referred to as “Portland’s Living Room”, this park hosts around 300 events each year.  Pioneer Courthouse Square is also home to one of the city’s most famous residents: “Umbrella Man.” Otherwise known as  Allow Me  by J. Seward Johnson, the bronze statue of a suit-clad, umbrella-toting man has become a Portland icon, overlooking the events in this popular gathering space. 

15.  Forest Park

• Willamette Heights

If Portland is a republic of tree huggers, then Forest Park is its capital. At a whopping 5,200 acres, it is the largest forested natural area within city limits in the United States—and a mere 10-minute drive from downtown, with multiple entry points.  A verdant idyll situated on the west side, amongst the Tualatin Mountains. With 80 miles of accessible trails and beautiful views of the Willamette River, the reserve is a haven for hikers and wildlife alike.  If you’re feeling fit, lace up your sneaks and tackle one of Forest Park's many hikes.

16.  Oregon Historical Society

Thousands of artifacts tell the story of Oregon, from early settlement to the present day. For instance:  Thanks to the flip of a coin in 1845, Portland gained its name. Had the coin landed the other way up, you'd be in Boston right now. It's great historical facts like this about the city and the state that make the Oregon Historical Society a winning visit. You can see the very 'Portland Penny' in question while you're there, as well as a 9,000-year-old sandal and a replica ship's hull.

17.  The Shanghai Tunnels Virtual Tour

This network of underground catacombs was supposedly used for nefarious purposes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is now one of Portland's must-visit and most unique tours .  While a sale of the building has now restricted access to physical tours of the tunnels, Cascade Geographic Society still offers amazing virtual tours of these not-so-well-kept secrets with intriguing backstories. Legend says that a dark secret lurks beneath Portland’s streets, where many an unsuspecting (or inebriated) Portlander would wake up to find himself aboard a merchant ship bound for the Orient—a process known as “Shanghaiing”. Step inside the Shanghai Tunnels virtually, and come face to face with this subterranean world, from hidden trapdoors to holding cells – just be sure to look over your shoulder.

More great things to do in Portland

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Best places near Portland to catch the Northern Lights

P ORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – Thanks to a severe geomagnetic storm, the Pacific Northwest and much of the United States, is poised to see Northern Lights late Friday night and very early Saturday morning.

“The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued the first G4 (Severe) geomagnetic watch since 2005. The aurora tonight and early tomorrow morning may become visible over much of the northern half of the country, and maybe as far south as Alabama to northern California,” according to the National Weather Service.

So, stepping outside when the strongest auroras are expected, roughly between 10 p.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Saturday, would be a great way to catch a glimpse.

“We will get lucky in NW Oregon and SW Washington, too! The forecast is in favor for viewing the aurora with mainly clear skies up and down the valley. The coastline might see patchy clouds, but we are expecting near-perfect sky conditions for viewing around the region,” said KOIN 6 meteorologist Kelley Bayern.

But for those looking to have a chance at seeing a spectacular show there are some things to think about and some places near Portland worth checking out.

“The best way to see the aurora will be away from areas with light pollution. You’ll want to get away from the city and out to darker fields, parks, and hilltops. Look towards the north and from the horizon to overhead. You might just get lucky,” said Bayern.

Traditionally, when forecasters say there is a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, hundreds of people hop in their car and make the trek to the Crown Point Vista House in the Columbia River Gorge. There is little doubt that the views from that vantage point can be awe inspiring, but so can the crowds. During recent geomagnetic storm events, it has been tough to even park near Vista House and can even be dangerous as people pack the roads.

So here are some other places near Portland worthy of consideration:

Jonsrud Viewpoint:

• 15652 Bluff Rd, Sandy, OR
• Pro: Sweeping, panoramic views to the north and east
• Con: Could attract crowds

Lookout Ridge Park:

• 2900 W 5th St, Washougal, WA
• Pros: More secluded, lack of light
• Con: Northern view slightly restricted

Portland Women’s Forum Viewpoint:

•  39210 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR
•  Pros: More secluded, lack of light pollution
•  Con: Vista House overflow could make it crowded

Council Crest Park:

• 1120 SW Council Crest Dr, Portland, OR
• Pro: If it is a bright show, the view over Downtown Portland could be spectacular
• Cons: City light pollution, closes at midnight

Panorama Point:

•  Hood River, OR
•  Pro: Amazing views to the North
•  Cons: Light pollution, potential to be crowded

Regardless of the viewing location, Bayern says there are a few things to keep in mind.

“It is still springtime,” Bayern said. “Lots of snow remains in the Cascades. If you are heading out to the foothills, be aware of snowpack down to around 3,000 feet in elevation. That means muddy trails. Bring a jacket with you tonight, we’ll see cool overnight temps in the upper 50s.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

The Best Places to Stay in Portland, Maine

By Nicole Kliest

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Close your eyes and picture a summer setting—and if it includes the sights, sounds, and smells of the sea coupled with al fresco meals and sun-drenched activities, take this as your sign to book a trip to Portland, Maine. This coastal city is beloved for its Old Port and storybook lighthouses, and while lobster rolls and clam chowder are famously on offer, the food scene is diverse and thriving, so be sure to swing by a couple of food trucks while in town and don’t miss out on the craft beer scene, either.

Whether you spend your days at sea on a whale-watching tour or strolling through the maze of picturesque cobblestone streets, booking a charming home base for your getaway is a must. Ahead, explore the best places to stay while in Portland, Maine, from quaint bed and breakfasts to boutique hotels housed in historic buildings.

Longfellow Hotel

This 48-room Small Luxury Hotels of the World property finally opens its doors this summer in Portland’s historic West End. It’s the first independent, full-service hotel to open in the city in two decades and is owned and operated by Uncommon Hospitality , with design by Post Company . The hotel’s food and beverage amenities will include wellness-focused Twinflower Café and a European-style lobby bar named Five of Clubs. The spa, Astraea, will be a particular highlight with private infrared sauna rooms and experiences tailored toward massage and meditation. Longfellow will also offer a complimentary house car that can provide guest transportation into the Old Port—a must when visiting.

Amenities: Restaurant, spa, bar, bicycle rentals

Address: 754 Congress St, Portland, ME, 04102

The Blind Tiger

By Irene Kim

By Christian Allaire

Arranged across a pair of renovated 19th-century homes in the West End, this boutique property blends the coziness of a guest house with the amenities of a discerning hotel. Blind Tiger on Danforth is set in a Federal-style mansion house, while Blind Tiger on Carleton occupies an 1869 Victorian townhouse. The rooms are decorated with local artwork, vintage furniture pieces, and layers of decor accents collected over time, adding to the nostalgic feel. While here, be sure to borrow the property’s picnic blanket and baskets for a day in the sun, or head for the historic speakeasy turned billiard room for an after-dinner tipple.

Amenities: Breakfast, billiards, fitness center, on-site parking

Address: 163 Danforth Street, Portland, ME 04102

Black Point Inn

This beachfront hotel is located a few minutes from Portland proper in the Prouts Neck area, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides. The property was originally built in 1878, and now offers 25 rooms and suites, each with individual furnishings and design schemes. There are several areas for guests to sprawl out, from the Sun Porch (stocked with games and books) to the Legendary Cliff Walk (a 1.75-mile trek that winds along the shoreline). Bikes, kayaks, and a pool are also among the offerings, as well as The Chart Room, the hotel’s main restaurant with breathtaking food and locally sourced cuisine.

Amenities: Restaurant, fitness center, tennis courts, private beach, swimming pool

Address: 510 Black Point Road, Scarborough, ME 04074

The Press Hotel

Housed in the historic headquarters of the Portland Press Herald , this Autograph Collection hotel spills across seven different floors with nods to the building’s history (think typewriters and printing press motifs). Even the rooms and suites take design cues from the newspaper; each one comes with a vintage-style ‘journalist’ desk, wood floors, herringbone area rugs, and local artwork. The hotel’s Union restaurant is hyper-focused on sourcing local ingredients from land to sea, including honey harvested on their very own rooftop.

Amenities: Restaurant, bar, fitness center, airport shuttle

Address: 119 Exchange Street, Portland, ME 04101

Inn by the Sea

A picturesque oceanfront resort merely a few minutes from Portland, the Inn by the Sea is quintessential Maine. Book one of the property’s Beach Suites to enjoy an outdoor patio and deck overlooking the water, and be sure to begin each morning with a peaceful stroll along the mile of sandy beach. The hotel’s restaurant, Sea Glass, offers an afternoon tea service complete with a lobster roll and front-row views of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

Amenities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, spa, private beach

Address: 40 Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

Pomegranate Inn

Vibrant and eccentric, this bed and breakfast is a celebration of color and print. It’s housed within an 1884-era building and each room flaunts unique qualities, such as fireplaces with intricate hearths, large windows, and painted murals. And because this is a B&B, expect a lovely breakfast each morning consisting of fresh bites such as an egg and asparagus scramble served with fresh pastries and coffee.

Amenities: Breakfast, fireplaces, pet-friendly

Address: 49 Neal Street Portland, ME 04102

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The 10 Best Places to Live in Oregon in 2024

Reading Time: 12 minutes

If you’re planning on moving to Oregon, add these cities to your list.

Home to lush landscapes, renowned coastlines, and abundant recreation opportunities, Oregon has it all. The state can generally be split into two sections, divided by the Cascade Mountains: Western Oregon and Eastern Oregon. The Columbia River and its famous Gorge defines the state’s northern border with Washington. Oregon and Washington have similar climates, topographies, and cultures, so residents relocating from one to the other is fairly common.

Western Oregon includes the Oregon Coast, Oregon Coast Range , and Willamette Valley , and is where a majority of the state’s population lives. Cities like Portland, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, and Cannon Beach are all located here. The region has a mild, marine climate and sees quite a bit of rain.

East of the Cascades is Eastern Oregon, which is located on the Columbia Plateau and is much drier than Western Oregon. Bend, Hermiston, and Pendleton call this area home, with the Blue Mountains, Wallowa Mountains, and Alvord Desert popular destinations. The region sees hotter summers and colder, snowy winters.

But which cities in the Beaver State are the best for you? In this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the best places to live in Oregon, ranking them on qualities such as affordability, navigability, and number of amenities. You can find more information about our methodology here or at the bottom of the article.

1. Portland, OR

Portland tops our list as the best place to live in Oregon. Known for its quirky vibes, rainy weather, and massive public parks, Portland has it all. Often compared to its northern neighbor Seattle , Portland is built into the hills along the Willamette River, just south of the Washington border. The city is also just an hour and half from both the coast and Mount Hood, making for incredible seasonal recreation opportunities.

Portland is famed for its eclectic, small-town feel and weird, indie culture – and it’s not afraid to lean into it. The Filmed by Bike Festival, Pedalpalooza, Geek Week, and Rose City Comic Con are some of the most popular annual events. Portland also hosts the largest iteration of the World Naked Bike Ride along its many bikeable streets . The number of cycling events is apt, given that it’s the second-most bikeable city in the U.S.  

On the whole, Portland is in love with bikes, green spaces, and great cuisine, and has a long history of being on the forefront of social , governmental , and environmental change . Portland’s public transportation is also top-notch.

Some of the most famous attractions in Portland include Forest Park, Powell’s City of Books, the Portland Saturday Market, and TomMcCall Waterfront Park. The area is also home to dozens of delicious globally-inspired eateries, like Dirty Lettuce, Gabbiano’s, and Urdaneta. And perhaps most famous of all are the city’s hundreds of food carts (trucks) serving all manner of dishes. 

Portland homes for sale | Portland houses for rent | Portland apartments for rent

Your future home is just a tap away

Just a few miles southwest of Portland, Milwaukie is second on our list of the best places to live in Oregon. The city is much slower paced than Portland, offering residents a quiet, green, suburban feel while still maintaining a very walkable and bikeable layout. It’s also very convenient to live in Milwaukie and commute into Portland using the MAX Orange Line. House and rent prices are a bit higher, though.

Milwaukie is officially known as the Dogwood City of the West for the many dogwood trees that bloom every spring. In fact, the city comes together every year on May 21st to celebrate both its incorporation and its gorgeous blooming trees. This love of nature is reflected in the dozens of gorgeous parks, trails, and viewpoints that dot the area. Sellwood Park, the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and the Springwater Corridor Trail are beloved natural attractions. 

Milwaukie is also a city that embraces the old and new. Along 21st Ave downtown, modern bars and restaurants like Ovation Bistro & Bar and Decibel Sound & Drink are a few blocks from Wunderland Cinemas and Milwaukie Bowl , a classic cinema and bowling alley. The historic Oaks Amusement Park is also just three miles from downtown along the Willamette.

Milwaukie homes for sale | Milwaukie houses for rent | Milwaukie apartments for rent

3. Eugene, OR

Eugene comes in as the third-best place to live in Oregon. Two hours south of Portland and adjacent to Springfield along the Willamette River, Eugene is home to the University of Oregon (UO). The city also boasts ample outdoor recreation, local shops and markets, and historic architecture. It’s also the birthplace of Nike . Unsurprisingly, Eugene is obsessed with running and is known as TrackTown USA, holding the annual Prefontaine Classic at UO’s Hayward Field. A number of Olympic athletes also train in Eugene.

Similar to Portland, Eugene is equidistant from the Oregon coast and Cascade mountains – just about two hours by car each way – and offers plenty of outdoor recreation within city limits as well. The gorgeous Alton Baker Park and Hendricks Park are local hotspots, while dozens of walking and cycling trails and bridges make it easy to get around. 

Eugene is also in the South Willamette Valley, meaning wineries , great cuisine, and local agriculture are all nearby. King Estate Winery, Morning Glory Cafe, and Sabai Cafe & Bar are especially popular options. 

Importantly, Eugene has grown considerably in the past several years. It used to be a fairly small, affordable, and eclectic college town, but as more people moved to the area and the university grew larger, housing, rentals , and the general cost of living grew alongside it. However, Eugene is still more affordable than other Northwest cities like Portland and Seattle. 

Eugene homes for sale | Eugene houses for rent | Eugene apartments for rent

4. Salem, OR

Next on our list is Salem, the capital of Oregon. Located between Eugene and Portland along the Willamette River, Salem is in the heart of the fertile Willamette Valley and surrounded by gorgeous state parks, forests, and vineyards. Willamette University calls the city home and even offers internships at the capitol building for those curious about local government. 

Salem has a reputation for being fairly quiet compared to Portland and Eugene, but it has a lot going for it. Perhaps most famous is the regional wine scene , highlighted by the Honeywood Winery, Redhawk Winery, and Cherry Hill winery. Eola Hills Wine Cellars even offers an all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch. Commuting to other cities is also fairly easy: just hop on the Amtrak train and you can get to Portland and even Seattle within a few hours. 

Outdoor recreation is another major benefit of living in Salem. You’re within two hours of the Cascades and the coast, and within walking distance to plenty of local parks. Minto-Brown Island Park is one of the largest parks in the area and offers trails, a golf course, and riverside activities year-round. 

Like most cities along the Willamette Valley west of Cascades, Salem sees fairly rainy weather from October through April, with late spring and early fall providing the most enjoyable weather. An increase in wildfires, heat waves, and other extreme weather has made summers more challenging, especially since most homes don’t have air conditioning . 

Salem homes for sale | Salem houses for rent | Salem apartments for rent

5. Tigard, OR

Tigard comes in at number five on our list of the best places to live in Oregon. Just south of Beaverton, Tigard is a suburb of Portland and a popular spot for people who enjoy a slightly slower pace of life. However, the city still boasts plenty of lively hotspots, including Pizza Caboose, Washington Square Mall, and the Broadway Rose Theatre Company .

Pedestrians , cyclists , and outdoor recreation are heavily prioritized in Tigard. Most roads are tree-lined and have designated bike lanes and well-maintained sidewalks with access for people with disabilities. For a longer outing, Fanno Creek Trail is one of the most popular routes for runners and walkers, connecting Tigard with neighboring suburbs Beaverton and Tualatin, and even extending to Portland. 

Parks are everywhere as well. Greenway Park, Summerlake City Park, and Dirksen Nature Park are popular spots. And just outside the city, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and Tryon Creek State Natural Area provide possibilities for longer outings. 

Commuting to Portland may be a challenge though, as the main highway (Pacific Highway) often gets incredibly crowded during rush hour. Highway 217 likely won’t help either. There are plenty of direct bus routes from Tigard to Portland, but no train service. The slightly higher cost of living also pushes it down in rankings. 

Tigard homes for sale | Tigard houses for rent | Tigard apartments for rent

6. Bend, OR

The only city on our list east of the Cascades, Bend, OR comes in at number six. Sitting on the Deschutes River three hours southeast of Portland, Bend is a fast-growing outdoor haven known for its four-season recreation , small-town feel, and historic downtown. 

Bend is just a short drive away from Mount Bachelor, Mount Washington, the Three Sisters mountains, and the Deschutes National Forest, all of which are perfect for summer and winter recreation. Skiing, hiking, climbing, cycling, and running are all popular options.

Within the city, it feels as though you’re already in the wilderness; local and regional parks and trails are woven into the fabric of the city. The Deschutes River Trail, Shevlin Park, Larkspur Trail, and the Pilot Butte Trail are great spots. 

Bend’s climate is markedly different from Western Oregon ; it’s primarily dry and sunny, with moderately warm days and cool nights. The city sits at 3,623 feet in elevation just east of the Cascade Mountains, and is technically considered a high desert. This means temperatures can vary widely from day to night, and especially between seasons. Summers are usually dry and fairly hot, while winters can be cold and snowy. Temperatures are generally moderate, though. 

One growing concern about the area is the wildfire and air quality risk during the summer and early fall. In recent years, Bend has seen multiple weeks of unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke. If you’re considering moving to the area, make sure you understand how to maintain good indoor air quality .

Bend homes for sale | Bend houses for rent | Bend apartments for rent  

7. Beaverton, OR

Beaverton is the seventh city on our list of the best places to live in Oregon. Tucked between the West Hills and Tualatin Valley farmlands, Beaverton contains big-city amenities while maintaining its rural and suburban charm. Plus, it’s only seven miles from Downtown Portland and is along the MAX Red Line , meaning easy access into the city. Beaverton is known for being home to the Nike and Intel headquarters.

Beaverton is an incredibly fertile, green, and clean place to live. Infrastructure is well maintained, bike lanes are everywhere, and forests and streams dominate the landscape. And most impressive of all are the endless trails, parks, and paths . The Westside (Powerline) Trail, Cooper Mountain Nature Park, and Tualatin Hills Nature Park are popular spots. 

An important aspect to keep in mind is that Beaverton has pushed its urban boundaries out quite a bit in the past decade , which has led to a lot of changes to local farms and agriculture. Many beloved U-Pick farms and local markets have been turned into new housing developments and schools. Beaverton just recently (unofficially) passed 100,000 residents , after all, and the city wants to keep growing . 

Plenty of local farms are still around, though, including Hoffman Farms Store, Oregon Heritage Farms, and Smith Berry Barn. There are also many gorgeous vineyards in and around the area that are popular among locals, like Cooper Mountain Vineyards and Raptor Ridge Winery. The Beaverton Farmers Market is also a beloved Saturday tradition operating year-round. 

Beaverton homes for sale | Beaverton houses for rent | Beaverton apartments for rent

8. Medford, OR

Located in Southwestern Oregon, just 31 miles north of the California Border, Medford is the eighth city on our list of the best places to live in Oregon. The city is in the Rogue Valley south of the Willamette Valley, which means there is plenty of recreation, farming, wine, and natural beauty. The Rogue River runs from nearby Crater Lake National Park to the Pacific Ocean, while Mount Ashland and Mount McCloughlin provide trails, winter recreation, and vistas. The Table Rocks are another landmark.

Living in Medford also means you’re close to whitewater rafting in Grants Pass and the famous Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. If you would rather stay within city limits, there are brewpubs, wineries, and artisanal cuisine within walking distance. Wild River Brewing and Pizza, DANCIN Vineyards, and Tartine are great spots for a lunch or evening event.

Medford’s climate may also be a welcome bonus. The city is in a rain shadow between the Siskiyou and Cascade Mountains, meaning its climate is more akin to Eastern Oregon than you would expect. Medford sees half as much precipitation as Portland and Eugene (~18 inches vs. ~40 inches), with most of it coming during the cool winter months. Summers are hot and dry. Fog and temperature inversions in the winter can also play a large role in daily life by limiting visibility and air quality fairly significantly.

Medford homes for sale | Medford houses for rent | Medford apartments for rent

9. Gresham, OR

Gresham is a far-eastern suburb of Portland (in what’s known as East County ) and is known for its variety of amenities, suburban feel, and proximity to vibrant natural beauty. Gresham covers a fairly large area and contains everything from a lively downtown, to riverside marinas, to rural farmland. The city is often lumped together with nearby Troutdale.

Outdoor recreation is a huge part of life in Gresham. Some of the most popular outdoor spots are the Powell Butte Nature Park, Main City Park, Sandy River Delta, and the 21-mile Springwater Corridor Trail . You’re also just over an hour from Mount Hood. When the mountain is out during a clear day, the view will make you yearn to be on its slopes. 

Many people live in Gresham and work in downtown Portland. As such, it’s fairly easy to commute into the big city along Highway 26, Interstate 84, on the MAX Blue Line , which runs most of the day, every day. Driving during rush hour can take quite a while, though. In fact, the Portland area has the 10th-worst rush-hour traffic in the nation. The region is continually working to improve its navigability, though.

Gresham homes for sale | Gresham houses for rent | Gresham apartments for rent

10. Oregon City, OR

Oregon City rounds out our list as the tenth-best place to live in Oregon. A far southwestern suburb of Portland, Oregon City is known for its industrial history, riverside views of the Willamette, and being the final stop on the Oregon Trail . While Oregon City is a suburb, it has its own vibe and locals view it as a distinct city. The climate is nearly identical to Portland, though.

History is one of the best parts of living in Oregon City. In the center of the city are the Willamette Falls, the site of the country’s first long-distance electric line and a major milestone of hydroelectric power. Just northeast of that is the Municipal Elevator , the only outdoor municipal elevator in the U.S., which vertically connects two levels of the city separated by a bluff. The McLoughlin House, Museum of the Oregon Territory, and End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center are nearby as well.

While Oregon City is small, it’s still home to plenty of good food and breweries. Some popular spots include Canard, Oregon City Brewing Company, Tony’s Fish Market, and Mi Famiglia Pizzeria.

Oregon City homes for sale | Oregon City houses for rent | Oregon City apartments for rent

Thinking about moving to the area?

Methodology.

Redfin’s Best Places to Live rankings are meant to help home searchers make an informed decision when choosing where to live. To attempt to measure the overall quality of a metro area, each ranking takes into account several key factors, including access to healthcare, open outdoor space, navigability, housing trends, employment statistics, income, and travel time to work. Only metros with a population of 20,000 or greater were considered for our Oregon list. More information about our methodology can be found here .

Data valid April 2024. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.

Jamie is part of the content marketing team and is passtionate about climate change, housing affordability, and housing market trends. His dream home is a small, modern, and minimalist forested home where he can hear the wind blowing at night.

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Solar Storm Makes Northern Lights Visible in Portland’s Night Skies

The aurora borealis could be visible through sunday..

The northern lights have filled our skies and will synchronize three empty nights above Portland.

the aurora borealis (northern lights) from Portland last night 🌌 pic.twitter.com/5Dww2z0bw0 — ♒️👑 (@dtquinene) May 11, 2024

Death Cab aside, Portlanders were staked out across town Friday night, May 10, to see the aurora borealis, cameras at the ready. Long exposure photos reveal the dreamy, otherworldly greens and magentas glowing in the night. Without them, Portlanders might not have been able see them as vividly as they appear in movies.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center first reported significant solar storms May 5 . The northern lights’ visibility this far south of the Arctic Circle is due to several coronal mass ejections, where the sun expels magnetic field and plasma mass. CMEs can cause problems for communications and power plants. The Federal Emergency Management Agency currently reports no outages or interruptions due to CMEs.

Saw the #Auroraborealis tonight all the way in Portland, Oregon. I cried. I never thought I would get a chance to see this. pic.twitter.com/TAKsIqPjGE — Hannah (@pomehanate) May 11, 2024

Matt McIntyre and his boyfriend were among scores of visitors to the Women’s Forum Lookout in the Columbia River Gorge on Friday night. They were trying to escape city light pollution, but even at that distance from Portland, McIntyre wrote via Facebook Messenger that he couldn’t see much activity in the sky without assistance.

“You could see the faintest of like light green streaks in the sky, but most of the coloring required the camera on night mode, long exposure to pick up the UV rays,” McIntyre wrote.

Meanwhile, poet Jzl Jmz stayed closer to home. She joined friends at the top of Mount Tabor after midnight on Friday, where she could take photos of the aurora on her phone.

“It was awesome to trek up the mountain with friends and see how many people were there,” she wrote via X’s direct messenger. “It sparked so many conversations about life, space and the future.”

you could see the northern lights from as low as Portland,Oregon last night: pic.twitter.com/XX8X5Kn8x6 — jzl thee doll 🇵🇸 (@jxzzhndz_) May 11, 2024

When several CMEs merge on Sunday, May 12, the northern lights could be seen as far south as California and Alabama. They were last seen over Oregon in 2015.

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.

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The Picture Show

Photos: see the northern lights from rare solar storm.

Geoff Brumfiel

Christchurch, New Zealand: People look at the Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights, in Rolleston on May 11, 2024. Sanka Vidanagama/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

The largest geomagnetic storm in nearly two decades is hitting Earth's atmosphere . It's producing a beautiful glow in the sky all over the world.

A sunspot has sent a stream of charged particles towards Earth.

As those particles hit the Earth's atmosphere they will be heated and start glowing producing beautiful aurora.

South looks north, as solar storm brings auroras

Lisa Upton is with the Southwest Research Institute. Social media is already filling with photos from places like Finland, Russia, Germany and New Zealand, which catches the same effect in the southern hemisphere. It's not clear how far down in the U.S. the aurora will spread, but Upton is keeping an eye out in Colorado.

Space weather forecasters expect the solar storm to peak overnight, but it will last throughout the weekend.

Brunswick, Maine: The northern lights flare in the sky over a farmhouse, late Friday, May 10, 2024. Robert F. Bukaty/AP hide caption

Brunswick, Maine: The northern lights flare in the sky over a farmhouse, late Friday, May 10, 2024.

Estacada, Ore.: In this image taken with a long exposure, cars pass by as people look at the night sky towards the northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, on Friday, May 10, 2024, in Estacada, Ore. Jenny Kane/AP hide caption

Lake Berryessa, Calif.: The blinking lights of a plane streak through the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, which is visible on May 11, 2024. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images hide caption

London, Ontario: People stop along a country road near London, Ontario to watch the Northern lights or aurora borealis during a geomagnetic storm on May 10, 2024. Geoff Robins/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

Brandenburg, Germany: Light green and slightly reddish auroras glow in the night sky. Patrick Pleul/dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images hide caption

Brandenburg, Germany: Light green and slightly reddish auroras glow in the night sky.

Whitley Bay, England: People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

Crosby Beach, Liverpool, England: The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, glow on the horizon at Another Place by Anthony Gormley. Peter Byrne/PA Images/Getty Images hide caption

Crosby Beach, Liverpool, England: The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, glow on the horizon at Another Place by Anthony Gormley.

Saxony-Anhalt, Schierke, Germany: Northern lights can be seen from the Brocken. The natural spectacle is particularly intense on Saturday night. Matthias Bein/dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images hide caption

Rochester, N.Y: Northern Lights light up the sky on May 11, 2024. Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

Hesse, Germany: Northern lights appear in the night sky over the Pferdskopf near Treisberg in the Hochtaunus district of Hesse. Lando Hass/dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images hide caption

Mount Mitchell, N.C.: Unusual sun activity created a G5 Geostorm on Earth sparks northern lights on May 10, 2024. Peter Zay/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

London, Ontario: Northern lights or aurora borealis illuminate the night sky near London, Ontario, during a geomagnetic storm on May 10, 2024. Geoff Robins/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

Debrad, Slovakia: Northern lights illuminate the sky May 11, 2024. Robert Nemeti/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

Eindhoven, Ukraine: Northern lights illuminate the sky in Eindhoven, Ukraine, May 10, 2024. Nikos Oikonomou/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

Liseleje, Denmark: Northern lights illuminate the sky in Liseleje, Denmark on May 11, 2024. Mohamed El-Shemy/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

Markville, Minnesota: The northern lights glow in the sky over St. Croix State Forest late Friday, May 10, 2024. Mark Vancleave/AP hide caption

Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine: Northern lights light up the sky May 11, 2024. Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

Skidmore, Missouri: Old tombstones stand against the northern lights at a cemetery early Saturday, May 11, 2024. Charlie Riedel/AP hide caption

Middletown, California: Northern lights illuminate the night sky over a camper's tent north of San Francisco on May 11, 2024. Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

Middletown, California: Northern lights illuminate the night sky over a camper's tent north of San Francisco on May 11, 2024.

Estacada, Oregon: In this image taken with a long exposure, people look at the night sky towards the northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, on Friday, May 10, 2024. Jenny Kane/AP hide caption

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• geomagnetic storms
• aurora bourealis