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Portland is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and most visitors split their time between downtown, the Pearl District, and the east side across the Willamette River. Each area has a clear personality and price point. Here are the best neighborhoods in Portland to consider for a stay or an afternoon. For Portland weather by month, see our Portland weather by month.
Best Neighborhoods in Portland: Downtown and Pearl District
Downtown
Downtown Portland runs west of the Willamette, centered on Pioneer Courthouse Square and the Portland Art Museum. It’s the best base for first-time visitors wanting walkable access to Powell’s Books, the waterfront, and most transit lines. Hotel rates here are the highest in the city, averaging US$180 to US$300 a night. It suits business travelers and sightseers who want everything within 15 minutes on foot. For best time to visit Portland, see our best time to visit Portland.
Pearl District
The Pearl District sits just north of downtown, a former warehouse area now packed with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, plus the excellent Jamison Square park. It’s popular with food-focused travelers willing to pay US$180 to US$350 a night for boutique hotels and condos. The First Thursday gallery walk is the monthly highlight. For things to do in Portland, see our things to do in Portland.
Old Town Chinatown
Old Town Chinatown, between downtown and the Pearl, holds the Lan Su Chinese Garden and the Saturday Market on the waterfront. It’s the city’s historic core but has more visible street homelessness than other areas; stick to NW 3rd and 4th avenues near the garden and use caution after dark. Budget travelers find the cheapest hostel beds in the city here. For Portland events and festivals, see our Portland events and festivals.
Best Neighborhoods in Portland: East Side
Alberta Arts District
Alberta Arts District, along NE Alberta St from about 10th to 30th, is known for murals, independent restaurants, and the monthly Last Thursday art walk. It appeals to travelers who want a creative, residential feel and lower prices than downtown. Vacation rentals average US$150 to US$250 a night, and there are few big hotels. For Portland travel tips, see our Portland travel tips.
Hawthorne and Division
The Hawthorne and Division corridors in southeast Portland are ground zero for food carts, vintage shops, and craft coffee, anchored by Casa Diablo and dozens of restaurants along SE Division St. It’s the best pick for food-focused visitors wanting to eat their way across a neighborhood. Boutique stays run US$140 to US$240 a night.
Mississippi Avenue
Mississippi Avenue in north Portland packs breweries, taco spots, and live music into a few walkable blocks. It’s younger and grittier than Alberta but has the densest concentration of independently owned bars in the city. Plan an evening here for dinner and a show; lodging nearby is mostly Airbnbs from US$130 to US$200 a night.
For specific hotel recommendations by area, read our where to stay in Portland guide, which pairs each neighborhood with three vetted hotels.
