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Portland rewards slow exploration: independent bookstores, 600-plus food carts, more than 70 breweries, and one of the best urban park systems in the country. Most top sights cluster around downtown, the Pearl District, and Washington Park, so you can cover a lot on foot or by MAX light rail. Here are the standout things to do in Portland, with hours and prices. For Portland weather by month, see our Portland weather by month.
Things to Do in Portland: Parks and Gardens
International Rose Test Garden
At 400 SW Kingston Ave in Washington Park, this free garden grows more than 10,000 rose bushes across roughly 650 varieties. It’s open daily from 5am to 10pm, and admission is free. Visit between late May and early July for peak bloom; early morning offers the fewest crowds and best light for photos of the downtown skyline below. For best time to visit Portland, see our best time to visit Portland.
Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden at 611 SW Kingston Ave spans about 4.8 hectares (12 acres) with eight traditional garden styles and a tea house. Adult admission is US$21.95, students US$16, and it’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm in winter and until 6pm or 7pm in summer, closed Mondays. The five-story Peace Pagoda and the autumn maple display are the highlights. For Portland events and festivals, see our Portland events and festivals.
Forest Park
Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States, covering more than 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) with over 130km (80 miles) of trails. The Wildwood Trail runs 48km (30 miles) end to end. Entry is free and the park is open dawn to dusk. Start at the Lower Macleay Trailhead near NW 30th and Upshur for the short hike to the stone Witch’s Castle, about 1.5km (1 mile) each way. For best neighborhoods in Portland, see our best neighborhoods in Portland.
Things to Do in Portland: Culture and Food
Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s at 1005 W Burnside St occupies an entire city block with more than a million new and used books across three floors. It’s open daily 9am to 11pm, and just browsing is free. Ask for a map at the front desk and plan an hour minimum. The Rare Book Room upstairs is worth the elevator ride even if you’re not buying. For where to stay in Portland, see our where to stay in Portland.
Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum at 1219 SW Park Ave houses more than 42,000 works, with strong Native American, Asian, and Northwest collections. Adult admission is US$25, and it’s open Wednesday through Sunday 10am to 5pm. The first Thursday of each month is free from 5pm to 8pm. For Portland travel tips, see our Portland travel tips.
Portland Food Carts
Portland licenses more than 600 food carts grouped into pods around the city. The largest clusters are the Cartopia pod at SE 12th and Hawthorne, the Hawthorne Asylum pod, and the downtown pod at SW 5th and Oak. Most cards charge US$8 to US$15 for a meal and are open from late morning to late evening. Look for Nong’s Khao Man Gai chicken rice, one of the city’s signature single-dish stands.
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut’s original shop at 22 SW 3rd Ave is open 24 hours daily and is known for the bacon maple bar and the Voodoo Doll doughnut. Order the Bacon Maple Bar (US$4.75). Expect a line on weekends; the store at 1501 NE Davis St has shorter waits.
Things to Do in Portland: Day Trips and Views
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls, 48km (30 miles) east of the city in the Columbia River Gorge, drops 189 meters (620 feet) in two tiers and is Oregon’s tallest waterfall. Viewing is free and open year-round, though from late May to early September the I-84 exit requires a timed-use permit (US$2). The paved path to the Benson Bridge viewing area takes about 10 minutes.
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion at 3229 NW Pittock Dr is a 1914 French Renaissance estate with wide views over the city to Mount Hood. Adult admission is US$13.50, and it’s open daily 10am to 5pm. The free lawn lookout just below the mansion offers the same skyline photo opportunity without paying admission.
