20 Incredible Instagrammable Spots in Portland

With a quirky, fun, creative, and colorful outlook and some seriously gorgeous backgrounds, I honestly believe Portland is a photographer and Instagrammer’s dream. From cute and quirky cafes to wonderful waterfront parks, here are my all-time favorite Instagrammable spots in Portland…

Top 3 Most Instagrammable Places in Portland
1.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park 1 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Landscapes
Portland Waterfront
2.
Voodoo Doughnut Portland l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Colorful Donuts and Building
Voodoo Doughnut
3.
Hotel deluxe Portland l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Retro Charm
Hotel deluxe

City Life

Best For Landscapes

Portland Waterfront

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Portland waterfront includes parks like the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and South Waterfront Park, along with the South Waterfront Park, as well as landmark hotels, plazas, bridges, and the view across Ross Island.

It’s a beautiful area by day, and I love that the park gives you endless options for Instagram shots, especially when the music festivals are on, but it really comes alive at night.

Here, you can grab fantastic images as the city lights reflect off the water and give your followers a different look at Portland life. A beautiful area that is perfect on its own or makes a great backdrop for whatever you are doing, it’s the most versatile place in Portland for your Instagram story.

Pros

Reflective city lights enhance photos

Versatile backdrop for creativity

Ideal for music festival snapshots

Beautiful waterfront parks for a relaxing walk

Cons

Crowded during music festivals

Photography is subject to the weather

The parking space is limited

Nearby Attractions

Dan & Louis Oyster Bar

Bill Naito Legacy Fountain

Portland Oregon White Stag Sign

Best For Iconic Landmark

Portland White Stag Sign

Portland White Stag Sign

A lighted neon sign is sitting on top of the White Stag building in downtown Portland. It’s been there since 1940 and, as a result, is perhaps one of the most famous landmarks in the city.

I personally love this photogenic spot and it’s great for your Instagram as an instantly recognizable mark of where you are. Try to take photos around Christmas where the famous white stag is given a red nose and festive addition.

Pros

Iconic historical landmark from 1940

Christmas photos with memorable red-nosed stag

Stunning sunset photo backdrop

Ideal for beautiful Instagram shots

Cons

It gets crowded during special events

Only lights up at night

Nearby Attractions

Portland Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnels Tour

Japanese American Historical Plaza

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Best For Beautiful Sunsets

St. John’s Bridge

St. Johns Bridge views

The city has a lot of bridges, but if you want the best Instagram locations in Portland, you have to pick St. John’s Bridge. A classic steel suspension bridge, it has two 120-foot-high towers and a 2,000-foot total span.

The size is impressive, but set against the backdrop of the tree-covered hills on the opposite bank, it has an even greater visual impact as the contrast between artificial and natural is so stark.

Other than that, the stone arch supports are a great detail for closer shots, and when dotted with vehicle lights at night, you can create some unforgettable images.

Pros

Iconic steel suspension bridge

Offers picturesque city and river views

Unique blend of nature and architecture

Stunning sunset views and night shots

Cons

Sunsets last for a short while

Potholes can cause problems for drivers

Nearby Attractions

Urban German Wursthaus

Cathedral City Park

Best For Beautiful Architecture

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Portland

With its bright neon lights outside and the fabulous art deco interior that was completely restored in the 1980s, wherever you take photos around the concert hall, you will get something amazing.

It is perhaps the interior where you can get the best effects; the steeply sloping seating, reminiscent of a Roman amphitheatre, creates an incredible look on camera, and careful framing will leave your followers wondering how you got the shot.

Outside, the wonderful 1920s style is so cool and unlike most buildings in the area and is sure to stand out and grab attention.

Pros

Art Deco interior and historical significance

Unique Roman amphitheater seating

Ideal for creative photography

Unique 1920s architectural style and neon lights

Cons

The seating capacity is limited

Opens for events only

Nearby Attractions

Mill Ends Park

Portland Art Museum

Hotel Rose - A Staypineapple Hotel

Best For Incredible View

The view of Mount Hood from Pittock Mansion

View of Portland from Pittock Mansion

The mansion itself sits in the West Hills of Portland and is built in a French Renaissance style, which makes it a great place to grab some interesting photos in its own right.

However, what makes the drive or hike you are feeling fit to Pittock Mansion so worthwhile for your Instagram page is the view.

Look east, and you have Mount Hood in the distance, the green, tree-lined hills in the middle ground, and Downtown Portland in the foreground. It’s an impressive sight and makes for an iconic image that your followers will love.

Pros

Ideal for nature and city enthusiasts

Stunning view of Mount Hood

Unique French Renaissance architecture

Historic mansion from the 1910s

Cons

The hike might not be accessible to all

Closes early at 5 pm

Nearby Attractions

Pittock Mansion

Witch's Castle

Beauty Spots

Best For Garden Lovers

Portland Japanese Garden

Portland Japanese Garden

With 12 acres of beautiful gardens to explore, you can find the perfect setting for your photos. With naturally growing trees, ferns, and shrubs from Japan, ponds, waterfalls, bridges, and more, beautiful images are never far away.

The Japanese plant life gives a very different look that stands out, too, while Koi Carp and stone gardens are unmistakably Japanese.

The pavilion is host to a range of cultural events throughout the year, and they can give you some magical photos of a different culture.

Pros

12 acres of picturesque Japanese gardens

Cultural events for diverse photo opportunities

Unique flora from Japan

Ideal for nature lovers and plant enthusiasts

Cons

Closed on Tuesdays

Pollen can cause problems for allergic people

Nearby Attractions

Sacajawea Statue

International Rose Test Garden

Oregon Holocaust Memorial

Best For Colorful Flowers

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm Portland

With its rows of brightly colored tulips of every variety stretching into the distance, every photo here will stand out. Rich, vibrant colors, traditional windmills, and natural beauty are great, and if you drop by during the annual Tulip Festival, you can expect even more.

Images from the farm will really stand out when placed among city shots from the rest of your Portland adventure, a splash of color that no one will ignore.

Pros

Unique traditional windmill adds charm

Stunning and vibrant tulip displays

Perfect during the annual Tulip Festival

Vibrant colors enhance city snapshots

Cons

Crowded during Tulip Festival

Seasonal availability may limit visit times

Nearby Attractions

Hanson Vineyards

Best For View of Bridge

Cathedral Park

Cathedral Park Portland Instagram

Cathedral Park has something for everyone. From the beach to nature walks, views across the river to the tree-lined hills beyond, and, of course, the fabulous St/ Johns Bridge.

If you want to take some beauty shots of Portland, then this is where you will find Instagram gold.

Pros

Iconic view of St. John’s Bridge

Scenic river and hill views

The serene atmosphere for photography

Nature walks and beach access

Cons

Limited indoor photo options

The parking space is limited

Nearby Attractions

St. Johns Bridge

McMenamins St. Johns Theater & Pub

Restaurants

Best For Colorful Donuts and Building

Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut Portland

Voodoo Doughnut PortlandThere is no mistaking the bright pink exterior of Voodoo Doughnuts’ second outlet in Portland; with its wild graffiti-like artwork, it will certainly stand out on any Instagram feed. Voodoo Doughnuts Too also benefits from fewer crowds than the original Old Town location, so it is generally better for your Instagram shots.

However, if you are happy with the crowds, the original Voodoo Doughnuts has plenty to offer, too.

With a less in-your-face purple frontage, the exterior may not be as photogenic, but inside, it is a riot of color with all kinds of delicious, sweet snacks that make wonderful images. Whichever location you try, you will love it; just don’t eat too many!

Pros

Colorful and photogenic interior

Less crowded than the original location

Pink exterior and unique graffiti-like artwork

A wide variety of delectable treats

Cons

Food is limited to donuts only

The pink exterior might not appeal to all

Nearby Attractions

NORMANDIE

Jupiter Hotel Portland

Buckman Field Park

Best For Incredible Decor

Via Delizia

Via Delizia Portland

This restaurant may not look like it’s anything special from the outside, no different from a hundred other eateries in the city. To get to the special part, you really have to go inside.

Here, among the tables, you’ll find an olive tree. It’s a beautiful thing and well worth a visit on its own. But you can also enjoy some lovely and photogenic food here, with a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and ice creams that taste as good as they look.

Pros

Variety of delicious sandwiches and pastries

Unique indoor olive tree

Aesthetic and photogenic food

Great ambiance for social media

Cons

Closes early at 3 pm on Tuesdays

The exterior is unassuming

It might require a prior reservation

Nearby Attractions

The Fields Offleash Park

Jamison Square

Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown

Coffee Shops

Best For Instagram-worthy Murals

Presso Coffee in Portland

Instagrammable coffee shops Portland

The Coffee is great, but you come here for the mural right outside. A pink wall and beautifully intricate flower mural make a great backdrop for your Instagram shot, giving you classic Portland style in an easy-to-get photo.

There’s a second mural on the wall inside, too, next to the counter. This one has a flower theme, too, but it is more realistic in terms of color and looks. Both make for great shots on your Portland adventure.

Pros

Perfect for classic Portland-style photos

Two stunning murals for a variety

Great coffee as a bonus

Ideal backdrop for social media

Cons

Only focuses on coffee

The indoor seating is limited

Nearby Attractions

Kenton Park

Paul Bunyan Statue

Oregon Contemporary Art Centre

Best For Indoor photography

Upper Left Roasters

Upper Left Roasters Portland

If you want a photogenic coffee, this is the place to go.

With fewer baristas and more coffee artists, you can get an Instagram-worthy shot of your delicious drink, as they’ll make it look absolutely fabulous for you.

Pros

Coffee artistry for great photos

Ideal for social media

Offers a unique coffee presentation

Photogenic coffee and atmosphere

Cons

The staff is limited

Busy during peak hours

Nearby Attractions

North Rose Garden

Helium Comedy Club

National Hat Museum

Best For Hip Vibes

Never Coffee

Never Coffee Portland Instagram

Never Coffee interestingly uses color, both on its logo and throughout the café. With modern wall art and more, there are endless opportunities for finding the perfect shot; even the menu itself has artistic appeal.

Great Coffee as well, a lovely place to spend time.

Pros

Unique and artistic decor

Abundant photo opportunities and vibrant ambiance

Ideal for leisurely visits

Unique menu design and great coffee

Cons

It can be a bit expensive

Closes early at 4 pm

Nearby Attractions

Multnomah Whiskey Library

Petunia's Pies & Pastries

Sentinel

Hotels

Best For Retro Charm

Hotel deluxe

Hotel deluxe Portland

Behind the imposing façade, this hotel hides a truly incredible interior. Awash with wood, leather, and marble, it is an extravagant paradise that takes you back to the classic 1930s heyday of cinema.

From the bold flower designs found on the floors to the giant images of Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, and more in the lobby, everywhere you turn, there is an opportunity to grab an iconic image.

The rooms carry on with this, and outside, the classic minigolf course and more mean that all day, every day, this hotel gives you a chance at unique, eye-catching images that your followers will love.

Pros

Fun and unique leisure activities

Captures the 1930s cinema heyday vibe

Iconic photo opportunities at every corner

Instagram-worthy interiors and decor

Cons

Retro charm but fewer modern amenities

Luxury may come with a higher price tag

Nearby Attractions

McMenamins Crystal Ballroom

Providence Park

OSA Oregon Society of Artists

Best For Hipsters

Ace Hotel

Ace hotel Portland

It may not be as obvious as some, but Ace Hotel is a great place to grab some quirky images that give a very different take on Portland. A useful style allows the distinct foal pieces in each room to stand out further and provides a very different aesthetic for any Instagram shot.

Things like the giant ‘Hotel’ sign in the lobby, piles of books used as bedside tables, and more give plenty of opportunities to grab images that really are something completely different.

Pros

Quirky room details for creativity

Distinctive 'Hotel' sign in the lobby

Piles of books as bedside tables for charm

Unique off-beat Instagram photo opportunities

Cons

It may not suit all photography styles

It might be less conventional for some

Nearby Attractions

Roseland Theater

Cheryl's on 12th

North Park Blocks

Other great spots

Best For Panoramic Views

Portland Aerial Tram

Portland Aerial Tram Oregon

On a clear day, a trip on the aerial tram can give you clear views across the riverfront and downtown Mount Hood and Mount ST. Helens is on a short journey.

A new perspective lets you see the beautiful area in new ways, capturing images that you simply cannot get from any other vantage point.

Pros

Unique perspective for captivating images

Stunning cityscape photography opportunities

Panoramic views of the riverfront and downtown

Cons

Closed on Sundays

Limited space for passengers

Weather-dependent for clear views

Nearby Attractions

Momiji Sushi Restaurant - OHSU

Duniway Park

Best For Themed Murals

Red Fox Vintage Woodstock

Red Fox Vintage Woodstock Portland Instagram

Red Fox Vintage is an incredibly cool store that sells vintage clothes of all kinds, and if you visit, you will probably find something to fall in love with, but it’s outside where your Instagram opportunity lies.

The giant mural includes themes from Greek mythology and is a must-see for any visit to the area.

Pros

Unique vintage clothing and decor

A collaboration of the city’s top vendors

Captivating Greek mythology-themed mural

Ideal for Instagram enthusiasts

Cons

Smaller spaces can feel crowded

Closes early at 6 pm

Nearby Attractions

Woodstock Farmers Market

Cloud City Ice Cream

Lutz Tavern

Best For Pretty Plants

Pistils Nursery

PISTILS NURSERY Portland Instagram

Some stores sell plants; then there is Pistils Nursery. With so many plants, a visit is like a trip around the world to see the best flora and fauna from every continent.

It makes for wonderful imagery, while the exterior is just as interesting, harking back to the traditional wooden storefronts of the 1800s.

Pros

Wide variety of global flora

Stunning Instagram photo backdrop

Ideal for plant enthusiasts

Captivating 1800s-style exterior

Cons

Pollen allergy can be a problem

The unique style may not appeal to all

Nearby Attractions

Beach Community Garden

¿Por Qué No?

Eem - Thai BBQ & Cocktails

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