Portland’s neighborhoods are awesome, but I personally think its compact, buzzing downtown is a must-see. Downtown Portland is made up of 200 compact blocks, with plenty of corners and districts to explore, as well as trendy bars, cool restaurants, eclectic food trucks, and indie boutiques. From my hours spent in this urban area and from lazy afternoons to something more active, here are my favorite awesome things to do in downtown Portland, Oregon…
Our Top 3 Best Things To Do
1.
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Best For Handicrafts made by local artists
Visit Portland Saturday Market
2.
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Best For Foodies
Check out the Food trucks at Hawthorne Asylum
3.
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Best For Iconic Landmark
Take a picture at Portland Stag Sign
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Visit Portland Saturday Market
Portland Saturday Market is an outdoor market in Tom McCall Waterfront Park that sells handicrafts made by local artists. It is the largest constantly-running market in the United States and I seriously love this place!
Portland Saturday Market features various handicrafts, including pottery, jewelry, woodcraft, and papercraft.
If you are an art lover, I’d suggest visiting this historic market even if you don’t want to buy anything. It’s a perfect place to explore Portlandian art.
The market showcases products by more than 250 vendors. Portland Saturday Market is open on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Pros
Board range of Handicrafts like pottery and woodcrafts
Ideal place for art lovers
Promotes work of local artists
Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Willamette River while exploring
Cons
Is only open on Saturdays
Limited operating season
Nearby Attractions
Willamette River
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Must Do Things
Gain insights into the city's vibrant arts scene
Dwell into the historic charm of the place
Facilities
Flexible arrangements for seating
Nearby food stalls
Check out the Food trucks at Hawthorne Asylum
Portland is famous for its rich culture, history, and cuisine. If you want to enjoy the best of local Portland cuisine, I’d suggest trying the food at Hawthorne Asylum.
Located on Madison Street in Southeast Portland, Hawthorne Asylum is a sprawling food court featuring a wide range of food trucks. It offers an eclectic American fare served at communal tables.
The food court has a vibrant ambiance and attracts food lovers from all parts of the city. It is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Pros
Offers wide range of food trucks
Various dietary preferences including vegetarian vegan and gluten-free
Budget-friendly
Convenient hours and fun vibe
Cons
Early closing timing
Potential queues
Nearby Attractions
Portland Art Museum
Willamette River
Must Do Things
Take a Walk or Bike Ride Along the Willamette River
Enjoy live music
Facilities
Convenient public transport
Nearby parks for relaxation
Take a picture at Portland Stag Sign
Portland features many cool photography locations. While you are in Portland, I’d suggest taking photos of all the historical landmarks in the city.
Portland Stag Sign is a neon-and-incandescent-bulb sign on the top of the White Stag Building in the Old Town Historic District of Portland.
Portland Stag Sign is a landmark sign that carries various messages and animations. If you want to let people know you are in Portland, click a photo with this sign. It is an iconic sign that screams ‘Portland.’
Pros
It is a symbol of Portland's history and culture
It is designed with its neon and incandescent bulbs
Located in the famous Old Town Historic District
The landmark is social media worthy
Cons
Possible crowds
Limited entertainment options nearby
Nearby Attractions
Pittock Mansion
Washington Park
Must Do Things
Explore the Historic side of Old Town Historic District
Hike in Forest Park
Facilities
Nearby Hotels
Cafes and Restaurants in vicinity
Visit Pioneer Courthouse Square
Located in the heart of downtown Portland, Pioneer Courthouse Square is a public space that stretches across an acre of city block. It is popular as the living room of Portland and is configured as an amphitheater featuring 25 steps of seating area.
Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts more than 300 years every year. It also features Umbrella Man, one of the most popular pieces of public art in the state of Oregon and I would highly suggest visiting him!
The square is open to the public every day between 5 a.m. and 12 a.m.
Pros
The square hosts more than 300 events each year
Chance to experience local public art
Photography opportunities
The square is open to the public every day from early morning until midnight
Cons
Can be crowded
Parking challenges
Nearby Attractions
Powell's City of Books
Portland Art Museum
Must Do Things
Try local food carts
Visit nearby museums
Facilities
Music enthusiasts can visit venues like the Crystal Ballroom
Gyms and Fitness Centers
Listen to some music at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Whether you are a music lover or not, you must spend an entire evening at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom.
Located in a historic building on Burnside Street in West Portland, Crystal Ballroom is a concert venue and club featuring a spring-loaded dance floor.
McMenamins Crystal Ballroom hosts a wide range of live musical performances. It has a classy bar offering Northwest-style pub fare and hand-crafted beers. The ballroom has a beautiful interior and a vibrant ambiance.
Pros
Hosts a wide range of live music events
Spring-Loaded Dance Floor
Vibrant Ambience
The venue has a classy bar that offers a selection of hand-crafted beers
Cons
Low capacity
Mostly local and indie artists perform
Nearby Attractions
Providence Park
Portland Art Museum
Must Do Things
Enjoy performances of local artists
Perfect spot for memorable late night outings
Facilities
Convenient transportation
Dining and Food facilities nearby
Go shopping at Pioneer Place
Located in Southwest Portland, Pioneer Place is an urban shopping mall featuring classy vintage shops, indie boutiques, and luxurious eateries. This vibrant retail destination lies in the heart of downtown Portland. It features many luxury retail outlets and offers a matchless shopping experience.
Pioneer Place stretches across four city blocks and comprises four buildings that connect through skywalks or underground mall sections.
Pioneer Place is open Sundays through Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the mall stays open till 7 p.m.
Pros
Is home to a wide range of luxury retail outlets
Diverse shopping options
Extended weekend hours
Skywalks and Underground connections
Cons
It closes relatively early in the evening
Limited outdoor space
Nearby Attractions
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Powell's City of Books
Must Do Things
Dine at Ritzy Eateries
Explore the Skywalks
Facilities
Diverse dining options
Many nearby sightseeing opportunities
Take a Walk at Waterfront Park Trail
If you want to explore the shores of the Willamette River on foot, you must take a walk along the Waterfront Park Trail. It is an out-and-back trail that allows you to explore all corners of the park.
While you can cycle along the trail, it may be better if you walk as it is only 12 miles long. The trail is family-friendly and has an elevation gain of 320 feet.
As you travel along the bank of the Willamette River, you get to explore tiny natural areas and riparian corridors. The walk starts at the Sellwood Bridge and takes you to Eastbank Esplanade-Waterfront Park.
Pros
It's suitable for walkers of all ages and fitness levels
The trail passes by several landmarks and points of interest
You can explore small natural areas and riparian corridors
The 12-mile length of the trail makes it a manageable outing
Cons
Some people may find the length of the trail less
Urban Environment of the track can be a potential con
Nearby Attractions
Portland Japanese Garden
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Must Do Things
Take a Walk in Forest Park
Enjoy the Columbia River Gorge
Facilities
Nearby stations
Plenty of food carts around the Park Trail
Drink a whiskey at Multnomah Whiskey Library
Multnomah Whiskey Library is the best place to enjoy top-notch cocktails in Portland. Located on Alder Street in Southwest Portland, Multnomah Whiskey Library is an upstairs lounge with a vintage interior.
At Multnomah Whiskey Library, you can enjoy more than 1,500 spirits in a cozy setting. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 4 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.
Pros
Extensive spirit selection
Offers crafted cocktails
Cozy setting
Vintage-chi interiors
Cons
Higher prices
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Nearby Attractions
Washington Park
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Must Do Things
Enjoy late night drinks
Visit nearby attractions
Facilities
Explore the Willamette River in an electric boat at Riverplace Marina
The Willamette River is one of the top attractions of Portland. You can explore every corner of the river in an electric boat at Riverplace Marina.
Located in Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Southwest Portland, Riverplace Marina provides direct access to the Willamette River and many other fun activities.
It offers secure boat moorage, paddleboard, and kayak storage.
Pros
Provides direct access to the Willamette River
The marina offers secure boat moorage providing a safe place to dock your boat
Boating on the Willamette River is a family-friendly activity
Photography opportunities
Cons
Weather-Dependent activity
Possible Time Limitations
Nearby Attractions
Portland Japanese Garden
Hawthorne Bridge
Must Do Things
Explore Willamette River
Capture nearby attractions for your social media pictures
Facilities
Place for docking personal boats
Nearby dining options
Visiting Washington Park
Portland is home to a wide range of urban parks featuring diverse garden styles, wildlife, hiking trails, and exquisite vegetation.
Located on Canyon Road in Southwest Portland, Washington Park is a complex of parks housing a rose garden, Japanese garden, theater, children’s museum, soccer stadium, and greenhouse.
The park covers about 485 acres of natural land, including miles of hiking trails.
From picnicking to hiking to birding, you can enjoy a wide range of activities at Washington Park. The park is open to the public every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pros
The park is renowned for its stunning rose and Japanese gardens
With miles of hiking trails
the park is a great destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts
It is a pleasant place for birdwatching and other wildlife viewing
Provides plenty of green space for relaxing
Cons
Possible parking challenges
Limited activities
Nearby Attractions
Portland Art Museum
International Rose Test Garden
Must Do Things
Hike or Walk the Trails
Birdwatching
Facilities
Public Transport Accessibility
Playgrounds
Play Golf at Glowing Greens
Located on Taylor Street in Southwest Portland, Glowing Greens is an indoor course for mini-golf with a pirate theme. It is a family-friendly indoor destination featuring a colorful playroom for kids.
The place is open Fridays through Mondays at different times.
If you like the idea of playing blacklight miniature golf, you must visit this place in Portland. Glowing Greens also features escape rooms in a basement setting.
Pros
Family-Friendly
Variety of Activities
The venue often hosts birthday parties and special events
It an indoor activity which is not affected by the weather
Cons
Possible parking challenges
Limited activities
Nearby Attractions
Potential noise levels
Limited to 4 total guests due to less space
Must Do Things
Challenge Yourself in Escape Rooms
Compete with Friends and Family
Facilities
Birthday Packages
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Beth Pinches – writer and photographer
Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road-tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. Other places she loves include Croatia, Finland, Japan and India. In between adventures, travel writing and performing she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele. Find Beth on Linkedin or Facebook.
Hotel Reviewing Experience – Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Visit Jersey, Visit Sweden, and Israel Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos. Listed as a top UK travel journalist.
Portland Reviewing Experience – Lived in Portland for 6 months and spent many months scouting out all the coolest spots.
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