Top 22 Best Shopping Destinations in Portland

The Pearl District, located on the banks of the Willamette River, used to be an industrial warehouse destination. Like most relics of Portland’s industrial past, it has become a glamorous neighborhood of modern lofts, trendy bars, and stylish shops.

Stroll through the pedestrian-friendly Pearl District, and you’ll find warehouses converted into spacious shops. If you’re looking for popular chain retailers, you’ll find plenty of those, but while in Portland, why not check out some local boutiques? I’d suggest heading to the iconic Powell’s City of Books, Recycled Chic Boutique, and Keen Footwear which are all my personal favorites! 

Northeast Alberta Street is one of the best places to shop in Portland for art lovers and creatives. This street is in the Alberta Arts District, part of revitalized Northeast Portland.

Any time you come to this street, you can browse shops selling the work of local artists as well as funky objects such as tiny survival tools at Cord.

The best time to visit Alberta Street is during Last Thursday, an art walk organized once a month. That’s when you see the true weirdness that helps fuel Portland’s beating heart. Check out art shows, receptions hosted by local businesses, and live performances.

On the border between Portland’s city center and the affluent area of West Hills, Uptown Shopping Center is one of Oregon’s oldest and best centers for shopping until you drop.

The center’s major draw is that you can meet your daily needs by shopping at the large grocery store, one of the only ones of its size in Portland’s center, and shopping for luxury items such as clothing and home goods.

The major draw of Uptown Shopping Center is Zupan’s Market, a local Portland chain of grocery stores specializing in locally sourced foods and unique global fare. The center also has a pharmacy for healthcare needs and clothing chains such as Chico’s.

If you’re looking for a unique gift or want to browse what the artisans of Portland are up to, then there is no better place to go than the Portland Saturday Market.

The country’s largest continuously operating arts and crafts market usually has hundreds of vendors selling everything from paintings and pottery to supplies for magical rituals.

Besides unique things, the Portland Saturday Market offers a unique shopping experience. Wander around the great outdoors, looking at the different vendors and taking in the live musicians who often perform.

Jantzen Beach Center was an amusement park now one of Portland’s top shopping destinations. Although the vintage carousel is sadly still in storage off-premises, you can get your kicks by shopping instead of riding.

The outdoor shopping center has popular stores such as TJ Maxx, Home Depot, and HomeGoods. You can get anything you need for the whole family, including your pets and home.

Jantzen Beach Center also has popular fast-casual chains such as Panera Bread and Cracker Barrel.

If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience that you can’t find at a typical mall, then check out North Mississippi Avenue, one of Portland’s premier urban shopping districts.

This stretch of street in North Portland is packed with local businesses. Besides retailers selling clothes and other goods, check out quirkier shops such as Sunlan Lighting, which specializes in lightbulbs, or Mississippi Records, the go-to shop for local music nerds.

This street is also packed with quirky food options, including Prost Marketplace, a collection of food truck vendors. Come back at night to check out the live music.

If you want to shop for food and drinks rather than clothes, then the Portland Farmers Market is the place to go. The Farmers Market has several outposts throughout the city, but the largest one is near PSU.

Every weekend, vendors from Portland and surrounding farms shop with some of the city’s freshest, most delicious produce.

Besides produce, you can also get other products at the Portland Farmers Market, such as spices, smoked meats, baked goods, and ready-to-eat food.

Whether you plan a picnic later or want some lunch at the moment, you can’t go wrong with visiting the Portland Farmers Market. Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, it’s worth walking through and taking in the ambiance.

Northwest 23rd Avenue is one of Portland’s premier outdoor shopping districts like North Mississippi Avenue. The street’s southern end has many popular national chains if you want something familiar.

However, once you venture north, most of the avenue still belongs to local vendors.

You can buy everything from beauty supplies at Blush Beauty Bar to craft jewelry to pet supplies along one of Portland’s hippest streets. Make frequent stops along the way, and don’t neglect the coffee shops, teahouses, and eateries that can fuel your shopping excursion.

Washington Square, a shopping mall located a short drive outside central Portland, is one of the biggest shopping centers in the Pacific Northwest.

The mall has 176 stores, including chains you would expect from every mall and unique finds. You can find everything you need here, from casual clothing to formalwear to new technology.

You need proper fuel to hit all of the stores in Washington Square, which is why the mall also has plenty of dining options, from nationwide favorites such as Auntie Anne’s to smaller businesses selling baked goods, crepes, and cuisine from around the world.

Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard is one of the best shopping streets if you are looking for the full Portland experience of quirky independent shops, cafes, and more.

This historic district of Portland has many independent stores tucked behind old-fashioned storefronts.

If you want to revamp your outfit sustainably, check out Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard’s many thrift stores, including cult favorite House of Vintage. The street also features plenty of independent bookshops, cafes, and theatres for when you need a rest theatre shopping.

The Northeast Broadway neighborhood, or the Lloyd neighborhood, surrounds the Oregon Convention Center. If you’re looking for a traditional mall experience, check out Lloyd Center, the largest mall in Oregon.

If you want a more authentic Portland shopping experience, stroll down Northeast Broadway, which has independent specialty shops for all kinds of products.

Bookworms will flock to Broadway Books, while you can pick up funky gifts for friends at home at Elmer’s Flag and Banner, a quirky flag store.

One of the area’s best shopping destinations is just outside of Portland. Bridgeport Village, located in the Portland suburb of Tigard, is a shopping center packed with options for shopping and entertainment.

The self-described lifestyle center has over 75 shops, including popular chains such as Crate & Barrel, Talbots, and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF FIFTH.

Even if you aren’t interested in shopping, Bridgeport Village is a fun afternoon. You can walk around the pleasant pedestrian paths that lead to an Italian-inspired gazebo, catch a movie at Regal Cinemas, and enjoy little touches of luxury, such as free umbrellas (a necessity in rainy Portland).

When you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland, take a trip to Multnomah Village, a charming residential suburb Southwest of the city.

The quaint, old-world-like charm of the town features a vibrant small business scene, including restaurants, galleries, and quirky shops.

In Multnomah Village, you can support local businesses selling everything from books to toys to clothing from independent local designers.

One of the most famous local draws is John’s Marketplace, a shop dedicated to beer that is a must-visit in brew-obsessed Portland.

The Nob Hill neighborhood is one of the best places to shop in Portland if you want quaint storefronts and local boutiques.

The Victorian neighborhood has become one of Portland’s most bustling spots.

Some of the best places to shop are boutiques owned by local artisans who sell their wares. Get unique jewelry at Betsy & Iya, buy art at Russo Lee Gallery, or shop for books at the old hippie stalwart New Renaissance Bookshop.

When you’re tired from shopping, grab a bite to eat in Nob Hill’s bustling restaurants.

West End, a downtown section bordered by Yamhill Street and Park, is one of the best places to shop in Portland if you’re looking for upscale boutiques that still have a bit of that Portland quirky vibe.

The district is like a microcosm of Portland, with everything from DIY stalwarts Tender Loving Empire to retailers selling outdoor apparel to equip hiking-obsessed hippies and the tourists who come to join them.

Locals and tourists alike are flocking to this trendy area.

Powell’s City of Books is beloved by bookworms nationwide. This independent bookstore is packed to the rafters with the latest bestsellers and an eclectic collection of used books.

Powell’s is the largest new and used bookstore on the planet.

Bookworms could spend hours browsing the many shelves, but even people who may not consider themselves book lovers will appreciate this insight into one of Portland’s quirkiest shops.

Don’t forget to check out the Rare Book Room or stop by for one of the frequent readings with local and famous authors.

Lloyd Center is a shopping mall a little way out of downtown Portland. It has many beloved retailers, such as Hot Topic and Torrid, and a well-stocked food court.

However, one of the main draws of the mall does not come in the form of shopping but in the form of skating. Lloyd Center has an indoor ice skating rink where you can rent skates and take lessons or freestyle.

If you’re looking for a fun activity while you shop or even a unique date idea, the Lloyd Center Ice Rink is the place to go.

Eastport Plaza Shopping Center is a smaller shopping centre serving the community around Southeast 82nd Avenue. Its primary draw is national chains such as Walmart, GameStop, and Ross Dress for Less.

The shopping centre also has other businesses that cater to people’s needs, such as accountants, dentists, and even a gym.

While this is not the place to go for luxury shopping, it is the place to go to meet your household needs.

Gateway Shopping Center is a medium-sized strip mall on NE Halsey Street in Portland. It has popular chains such as Ross Dress for Less, Office Depot, and Kohl’s.

If you want a beauty treatment, the shopping center has a salon, nail salon, and tanning center. Most food offerings are from popular chains such as Starbucks and Quizno’s.

If you want to do affordable shopping, Gateway Shopping Center is your place.

Cascade Station is an outlet center located in Northeast Portland on the way to the airport. The retailers here can sell their goods without tax, so you can find top-brand goods for a much lower price than elsewhere.

The stores at Cascade Station include Carhartt, Banana Republic, and Nordstrom Rack.

Cascade Station’s shops are arranged around a plaza for a pleasant shopping experience. There are also several dining options for when you get tired of shopping.

Mall 205 is a small enclosed mall in Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood. It features big chains such as the large DIY store Home Depot and Target as the anchor stores.

If you need to get some paperwork done, a branch of the Oregon DMV is also located in the mall (I would suggest rewarding yourself afterward with a treat at the food court).