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Portland

Indie bookstores, food carts & leafy riverfronts

Browse Portland

Portland is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Powell's City of Books, Portland Saturday Market and Powells City of Books. Food lovers should not miss Voodoo Doughnut and Pok Pok. Below you will find 11 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Portland at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: spring and autumn
  • Highlights: Powell's City of Books and Portland Saturday Market
  • Where to stay: Pearl District and Washington Park
  • Local picks: 11 hand-chosen recommendations
  • Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Where to stay in Portland

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This place is NOT for everyone. But it is something to behold. Privata calls itself a “swingers club”. But mostly this is simply a place to be body positive (they welcome all…

Washington Park

Terraced rose gardens with views to Mount Hood.
★ 4.6
$

Old Town

A walled Ming-style garden and teahouse downtown.
★ 4.6
$

West Hills

A hilltop chateau with a sweeping panorama over the city.
★ 4.6
$

Southeast

Andy Rickers acclaimed northern Thai street-food restaurant.
★ 4.5
$$

Downtown

A guided graze through the citys famous food-cart pods.
★ 4.5
$$

Washington Park

One of the finest Japanese gardens outside Japan.
★ 4.7
$$

Waterfront

A long-running weekend market of local makers by the river.
★ 4.4
$

Downtown / Pearl

A Portland institution and the largest independent bookstore in the world – a whole city block of new and used titles spread across colour-coded rooms. Easy to lose an afternoon here; grab a coffee and follow your curiosity down the aisles.
★ 4.8
$

Pearl District

The worlds largest independent bookstore, a full city block.
★ 4.7
$

Downtown

A stylish luxury hotel atop a historic downtown department store.
★ 4.5
$$$

Old Town

The pink-boxed cult doughnut shop with wild toppings.
★ 4.3
$

Book your trip to Portland

Find the best hotels and book tours and experiences, all in one place.

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Portland travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Portland?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Portland at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Portland?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Portland?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Portland guide.

What is the best time to visit Portland?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Portland is worth visiting year-round.

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