It’s been called the City of Roses, the City of Bridges, Rip City, Portlandia and Beervana. As this wealth of nicknames suggests, Portland has much to offer. From food carts and farm-to-cone ice cream to breweries and books, Portland has something for everyone. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to begin. Here’s our primer to get you started.
Forest and River Trails
The famed Wildwood Trail winds through the wooded beauty of Forest Park. Thirty miles in total length, the trail connects various Portland greenscapes, including Washington Park and Hoyt Arboretum. It’s just one of the dozens of trails in Forest Park, which welcomes all types of walkers, runners and leashed dogs. (Owners, be sure to pack out all pet waste and keep dogs on designated trails.) Not up for a forest hike? Portland is home to many scenic accessible river paths including along Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Eastbank Esplanade. Pack your hat and sunscreen (or raincoat, depending on the season), reusable water bottle and prepare for a leisurely urban adventure. Bonus points for taking the MAX or a bike to the path.
City of Roses
Located in the West Hills, the beautiful formal gardens of the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park range over 4.5 acres. The location makes it easy to visit the adjacent Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden and the World Forestry Center — all with a free wheelchair-accessible shuttle that operates year-round. You can also find gorgeous rose gardens in other parts of the city — namely North Portland’s Peninsula Park and Ladd’s Addition, in Southeast Portland. Roses are in full bloom in late May and early June.
World-Famous Food Carts
Portland’s 700+ food carts bring the culinary world to your doorstep. From international cuisines like those of Thailand, Greece, Hawaii, Egypt and Cuba to American takes like vegetarian Mexican, Beijing-meets-U.S. and gourmet grilled cheese, it’s all here. The city’s 20+ food-cart pods are sprinkled throughout the downtown core and neighborhoods. Many include covered, heated seating in addition to family- and pet-friendly patios for year-round enjoyment, and most serve alcohol as well. Visit FoodCartsPortland.com for maps and information.
Bike City, USA
Portland has been lauded a top city for bike riding for good reason. You’ll find almost 400 miles of protected bike lanes throughout the city — a mix of bike paths, designated bike lanes and neighborhood “greenways” where bicycles and pedestrians are given priority over cars. The Tilikum Crossing, or Bridge of the People, provides access over the Willamette River to pedestrians, cyclists and MAX riders only. An interactive digital Portland Bike Map shows designated bicycle roadways and connections. The Rose City is famous for its vibrant group cycling events and BIKETOWN bike-share service, an easy way to get around town. You can rent a bike or e-bike, or book a guided bike tour of the city that will take you to some of the top scenic and cultural sites.
Ice Cream, Donuts, Chocolate and More Sweets
Salt & Straw broke the mold as one of the first “farm-to-cone” ice cream shops. Visit the many scoop shops throughout the city — including Kate’s Ice Cream, voted Best Vegan Ice Cream Shop in America — but leave room for lots more sweet treats. If the line’s too long for the maple-bacon creations at Voodoo Doughnuts, there’s lots more deliciousness at Blue Star Donuts and Pip’s Original. Also be sure to check out Portland’s artisan chocolate makers, where you taste the top-quality cacao and tour the fair-trade bean-to-bar operations.
Luxe & Affordable Urban Hotels
At McMenamins Kennedy School in Northeast Portland, you can get a beer, stop for dinner, relax in the soaking pool, spend the night or take in a movie in the former auditorium of this converted 1915 elementary school. It’s just one of many luxe, affordable hotels within the city where you can be located within walking distance to excellent tax-free shopping and offerings in a vibrant neighborhood. You may not want to leave the property since many include dreamy spas, outstanding on-site restaurants, rooftop bars and other amenities perfect for an urban vacation or staycation.
Craft Beer Capital
With over 80 brewpubs, Portland is the largest craft-brewing market in the U.S. What’s your pleasure? We’ve got IPAs, sour beers, Belgians, organic ales and everything in between. Nearly all of the city’s brewpubs include patios that are family- and pet-friendly, with top-notch food offerings. Some of the city’s most innovative, legendary and lauded breweries include Breakside Brewing, Widmer Brothers (a leader since 1984), Great Notion, Ex Novo Brewing (a nonprofit), Steeplejack Beer (located in an old church), Hopworks Brewery (a sustainable pioneer), plus many more.
Walk the 4T Trail
It’s easy to see the city without a car, thanks to the 4T trail, a self-guided tour via train, trail, tram and trolley. The iconic Portland Aerial Tram climbs 500 feet from the South Waterfront to Oregon Health & Science University’s main campus on Marquam Hill. Buy a ticket for the 3-minute ride to the top, admire the panoramic views and catch the free roundtrip downhill.
Award-Winning Restaurants
Portland is famous for its incredibly diverse culinary scene, with numerous award-winning chefs and restaurants that welcome visitors. Try James Beard Award-winning bakery JinJu Patisserie in North Portland for exquisite pastries; live-fire Haitian food at Kann in Southeast Portland, a stellar 5-course Thai tasting menu at Northwest Portland’s Langbaan, and some of the nation’s finest pizza at Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty in North Portland and Ken’s Artisan Pizza in Southeast Portland. How is this such a culinary hot spot? Many began as a food cart or restaurant pop-up and gained a loyal following before their success as a brick-and-mortar.
Independent Book Shops
Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore, takes up an entire city block. Browse the stacks for new and used literature, children’s, cooking, mystery, science fiction and more. With two locations (the Pearl District and Beaverton), Powell’s is just one of the city’s many top independent book shops. In Northwest Portland, Bishop & Wilde is a unique and inclusive queer-friendly bookstore that was included in the Gay Cities’ list of the 10 most unique LGBTQ+ bookstores in the U.S. Downtown, find Grand Gesture Books, the city’s first romance bookstore and its third Black-owned bookstore.
