Being a friendly, safe, and easy-to-get-around city, Portland is an excellent choice for a solo travel break – whether male or female. If you want to make the most of this fantastic city as a single traveler I can make some suggestions. From calm markets to beautiful, peaceful gardens, here are my personal favorite things to do alone in Portland, Oregon…


- +1 503-494-8283
- 3303 S Bond Ave
- 5:30 am to 9:30 pm

PDX Night Market
I’m a huge fan of this place and I can spend hours here. PDX Night Market is a quarterly event that displays native businesses of Portland. From food and drinks to arts and crafts to music and culture, there’s so much that this event offers to its attendees.
The PDX Night Market showcases some of the best food businesses across Portland, such as Olympia Provisions, Twisted Gyros, Pdxempanadas, and Los 2 Compadres. I’d suggest heading to Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai if you have a sweet tooth!
The event also features an eclectic array of lifestyle businesses, including Soul Space Incense, Out of Office Ceramics, Penrose Candles, Cozy Creations, Katie M Mudd Ceramics, and BeeWild Candles. They also have an extensive line-up of threads, adornments, and beauty and body products.
If you feel like doing something alone in Portland, spending an evening at PDX Night Market may be the best option. At PDX Night Market, you can explore colorful and diverse native art by The Scribblist or Joan McGinnis Art while enjoying a margarita from Eola Hills Winery. The timings of the event vary depending on the season.
Pros
Variety of food and drinks
Lifestyle and Artisan businesses
Beauty and body products
Native art by The Scribblist
Cons
Closed Sunday through Thursday
Limited parking
The area is crowded at times
Must Do Things
Try the margarita from Eola Hills Winery
Portland Aerial Tram
The Portland Aerial Tram, or OHSU Tram, is an aerial commuter tram that travels between South Waterfront and Marquam Hill.
It has two stations, i.e., S. Moody & Gibbs on the waterfront and Kohler Pavilion on the hill. The team is accessible to the public all year long,, designed to withstand severe weather conditions.
OHSU Tram is one of the country’s only two commuter aerial trams. If you want to do something adventurous alone while in the city, you may want to take this 3-minute ride from South Waterfront to Marquam Hill or vice versa.
You can explore the best of both neighborhoods while riding on the tram. The tram is not pet-friendly, and you can only bring service animals.
Pros
Can withstand harsh weather
Accessible all year long
3-minute fun ride
Wheelchairs are welcome
Cons
Not pet-friendly
Closed on Sundays
Must Do Things
Have a look at the Marquam Hill
Freakybuttrue Peculiarium
Located on Thurman Street in Northwest Portland, Freakybuttrue Peculiarium is an art gallery and museum showcasing peculiar artwork, macabre displays, and merchandise.
It’s a great place to visit alone as the gallery is too morbid for children. The gallery also features merchandise, such as artistic t-shirts, totes, comic books, hoodies, and vinyl stickers.
It is the only gallery that features the artwork of Colin Batty and Mike Wellins. The place is worth visiting if you admire sui generis art. You can spend an entire afternoon here exploring the creepy aesthetic masterpieces of Colin Batty.
The museum is open Wednesdays through Mondays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Pros
Unique museum and art gallery
Scary and peculiar artwork
Merchandise available on-site
An eclectic mix of items
Cons
Not recommended for children
Can be a bit creepy for some people
Must Do Things
Have a look at the merchandise
The Grotto
Located in the Madison South district of Portland, The Grotto or The National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother is a shrine stretching over 62 acres of area at the top and foot of a cliff. It is an outdoor shrine where people come to seek peace, pray, and enjoy natural beauty.
The Grotto is a 30-foot-wide cave in The National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother. The cave boasts a statue of the Virgin Mother carrying Jesus in her arms. It is one of the most frequented holy places in the city.
Whether or not you are religious, you can visit this beautiful shrine alone to meditate, reflect, or enjoy some moments of peace.
The shrine also features The Chapel of Mary, The Peace Garden, and The Monastery. The National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother is open between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on all days of the week.
Pros
A man-made historic cave
A most frequented holy place in Portland
Unique outdoor sanctuary
Grotto gift shop selling religious items
Cons
The parking is not secure
Must Do Things
Reflect and enjoy some moments of peace
Hike at Hoyt Arboretum
Located in the west of downtown Portland, Hoyt Arboretum is an urban park that spans 189 acres on top of a ridge in the Tualatin Mountains. The park is a part of Washington Park, a vast complex of public gardens in Portland.
From birding to hiking to picnicking, you can enjoy a wide range of activities in this beautiful urban park. The park features lush green foliage, a museum, and thousands of endangered trees.
Hoyt Arboretum boasts 12 hiking trails that hikers of all levels can use. If you visit Washington Park, you may want to hike along the Hoyt Arboretum.
It’s one of the most enjoyable things you can do alone in the park. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on all days of the week.
Pros
Activities like picnics and hiking
12 miles of hiking trails
189 acres long park
On top of a ridge in the Tualatin Mountains
Cons
Limited free parking nearby
Trails are busy at times
Must Do Things
Have a look at the various endangered trees
Portland Japanese Garden
Located in Washington Park in Southwest Portland, Portland Japanese Garden is a public park with eight botanical gardens stretching across 5.5 acres. The park boasts exquisite waterfalls, a teahouse, walkways fringed by beautiful herbage, and circuitous streams.
Portland Japanese Garden is a great place to decompress and enjoy some moments of solitude. The park is open Fridays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Pros
Authentic Japanese garden outside Japan
Exquisite waterfalls
Eight different garden styles
Onsite teahouse in the tea garden
Cons
Closed on Tuesdays
Can get crowded at times
Must Do Things
Enjoy nature in solitude
OMSI After Dark
Located along the south waterfront of Portland, The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a science and technology museum with large-screen theaters, science labs, a planetarium, and a massive array of hands-on permanent displays.
You must attend the OMSI After Dark event to explore all museum features. OMSI After Dark is a night event for people above 21.
You can have it all from rotating shows to submarine tours to food and drinks at OMSI After Dark.
Pros
Special planetarium shows
Can meet local scientists
Local science pub to grab drinks
OMSI After Dark Night event
Cons
Night event is only for 21+
Must Do Things
Do take the submarine tour
Multnomah Falls
Located on Multnomah Creek in Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is one of the most frequented natural recreation spots near Portland. You can access the waterfall from the Historic Columbia River Highway and Interstate 84.
With an elevation of 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon. The waterfall features both paved and unpaved hiking trails. Multnomah Falls is worth visiting if you want to revel in the striking views of the Columbia River.
Pros
Most frequented natural spot
An elevation of 620 feet
Paved and unpaved hiking trails
Striking Columbia River views
Cons
Can get crowded at peak times
Parking lot can be busy on holidays
Must Do Things
Take pictures of the natural beauty
Portland Art Museum
Located on the West Coast of Portland, Portland Art Museum features an extensive array of Asian and American Art. It is one of the oldest museums in the country, with a diverse collection of artworks from local and global artists.
Portland Art Museum also boasts a film theater and hosts weekly exhibitions. It is a great place to visit for history buffs and art enthusiasts. It is open Wednesdays through Sundays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The museum also has a small cafe and a gift shop.
Pros
A world-class art museum
Featuring local and global artwork
Free admission every Friday from 4 to 8 pm
On-site cafe and gift shop
Cons
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Busy on free days
Must Do Things
Attend the exhibition that is held weekly.
Tilikum Crossing Bridge
Tilikum Crossing Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that connects the South Waterfront district of Portland to the Central Eastside. The bridge is open to pedestrians, bikers, and public transport.
Crossing this 14-foot wide bridge is one of the fantastic outdoor adventures you can do in Portland. As you cross the bridge, you will experience lighting changes and mesmerizing views of the Willamette River.
Pros
Mesmerising Willamette River views
One of the most iconic landmarks
Great sunset and skyline views
Perfect for cyclists and pedestrians
Cons
No other activity is available
Must Do Things
Visit at night to see the lighting
Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Located in Southeast Portland, Oregon, the Rail Heritage Center is a railway museum that features 60-year-old rail heritage artifacts symbolic of Portland’s distinct position as the country’s country’s rail hub.
The museum also features various vintage passenger cars, steam locomotives, and other rolling stock. Whether or not you are a railroad enthusiast, you will have a good time exploring the rail history of Portland at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
The hands-on exhibits available in the museum are accessible to the public.
Oregon Rail Heritage Center is open Thursdays through Sundays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Pros
60-years-old rail heritage artifacts
Vintage passenger cars
Free public exhibitions
Interesting rail history and gift shop
Cons
Closed Monday through Wednesday
Must Do Things
Explore the museum and rails
A Bike Tour of Breweries
Portland boasts some of the best breweries in the Pacific Northwest. If you are a fan of English craft beers, you must make a bike tour to Level Beer in the Argay neighborhood of East Portland.
You can learn much about how beers are made and sold by taking a bike tour of a brewery. If you like German-style beer, you may want to tour Rosenstadt Brewery.
While you can explore a brewery on foot, doing it on a bike is more fun.
Pros
A two-hour ride
Can buy your beer at each stop
Can go individually or in groups
Multiple bikes are available
Cons
21 below are not allowed
Price increases on weekends
Must Do Things
Try Level Beer in the Argay neighborhood
Powell’s City of Books
Located on Burnside Street in West Portland, Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world. It is a landmark bookstore that attracts travelers and tourists alike.
The bookstore features an excellent selection of books. They have over 3,500 sections of books arranged in 9 color-coded rooms.
The bookstore is open throughout the week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you are a book lover, you may want to spend an entire day exploring the eclectic array of books at Powell’s. They also have a gift shop and a cafe.
Pros
Largest independent bookstore
9 color-coded rooms
Array of books of all kinds
On-site gift shop and cafe
Cons
No parking available closeby
No public restrooms
Must Do Things
Explore and choose books!
Columbia River Gorge Airplane Tour
The Columbia River Gorge boasts some of the most prominent landmarks of the Pacific Northwest. It features all types of natural landmarks, from exquisite waterfalls to alpine meadows to rainforests.
If you want to explore all parts of this massive canyon, you should take an airplane tour over the Columbia River Gorge.
An airplane tour of the Columbia River Gorge allows you to see every corner of the largest national scenic area in the United States.
Pros
Natural stunning views
Exquisite waterfalls
Largest national scenic area
Fun flight experience
Cons
Not for people scared of heights
A pricey option
Must Do Things
Take your camera and capture the natural beauty
City Tour on an electric Segway
While there are many ways to do sightseeing, you may want to ride an electric Segway to make your experience more adventurous.
From the coast ofthe Willamette River to downtown Portland, you can explore all parts of the city on an electric Segway.
If you like sightseeing and know how to ride a Segway, a city tour on an electric Segway may be the best thing you can do alone in Portland.
Pros
Adventurous ride
Can explore all around the city
Helpful attentive guides
Fun and sociable vibe
Cons
The introduction is a bit long
Must Do Things
Make new friends with other tourists
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Gaby Maia – writer and photographer
Born and raised in Brazil, Gaby has always had a taste for the intriguing, the off-beat and the far flung. After traveling around most of South America, living in Spain and Italy and then moving to England, her feet have stayed continually twitchy. Studying for a degree in Spanish translation and then learning five more languages only poured more fuel onto her traveling ardor. Gaby likes nothing better than discovering new destinations in her spare time and meeting the locals, tasting the cuisine and then writing about her favourite places. Her other indulgences include French cinema, boxing, photography, colourful manicures and soaking up the rays on a sun-infused beach. The places she loves the most include Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Turkey, Barcelona, Lisbon and Cornwall. Find Gaby on Linkedin or Twitter.
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