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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

Local tips for Portland

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Where to stay in Portland

Compare live hotel prices and availability on the map. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Washington Park

Portland Japanese Garden

★ 4.8
$$
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Waterfront

Portland Saturday Market

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

Portland Saturday Market

★ 4.5
$
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Downtown / Pearl

Powell’s City of Books

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
$
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Pearl District

Powell’s City of Books

★ 4.8
$
View guide →

Pearl District

Powells City of Books

The worlds largest independent bookstore, a full city block.
★ 4.7
$
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Boise / Mississippi Ave

ReBuilding Center

Why it matters: a nonprofit running since 1997, the ReBuilding Center keeps tons of usable building materials out of landfills and sells them cheap so home repair stays affordable for everyone. The 30,000-square-foot warehouse doubles as a museum of Portland architectural history – vintage doorknobs, stained glass, clawfoot tubs, doors by the hundreds. Even if you’re not buying, wandering the salvage aisles is a beloved local pastime, and the cob-and-reclaimed-wood entrance is a Mississippi Ave landmark in itself. Closed Mondays.
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Downtown

The Benson Hotel

★ 4.5
$$$
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Downtown

The Heathman Hotel

★ 4.5
$$$
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Downtown

The Nines

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

Voodoo Doughnut

The pink-boxed cult doughnut shop with wild toppings.
★ 4.4
$
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From our home city

Visiting New York City on this trip?

This guide is made by the team behind Like A Local Tours - NYC's award-winning, woman-owned food tour company. If New York is on your route, eat through it with us.

Before you go

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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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