The city of Portland is celebrated in both pop culture and among locals for its eccentric personality. From Downtown Portland to Nob Hill, there’s no shortage of things to do within city limits. Some of the city’s top attractions include landmarks like the iconic “Keep Portland Weird” sign and seasonal activities like snow tubing down Mt. Hood. Fortunately, this guide contains a ton of recommendations that can help you make the most of your time in the City of Roses.
As a city known for rainy days and watersports, many of Portland’s best attractions are related to nature and the great outdoors. Grassy trails, blue river, well-manicured rose gardens, and more help keep the city colorful.
Some of the top things to do in the City of Roses include:
The Portland Japanese Garden, the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan
Wildwood Trail, a forested 30-mile trail in Portland’s biggest park
World Forestry Center, a local education facility that also offers river rafting
Sipping locally sourced coffee at the Coava Coffee Brew Bar
Walking among more than 400 species of roses at the International Rose Test Gardens
With a motto like “Keep Portland Weird,” it’s easy to find creative, new places to eat, drink, and shop. Be as spontaneous and weird as Portland’s best attractions and try something new today.
Some of the best daily activities in Portland include:
Sipping an espresso from Courier Coffee
Practicing iyengar yoga at the Portland Yoga Studio
Trying the all-you-can-eat buffet from Dar Salem, a Indian restaurant near downtown
Ordering a 16 oz. cocktail for $5 at Swift Lounge during “jolly hour”
Shopping for fresh produce at one of six Portland Farmers Markets
Portland is home to several watering holes, comedy clubs, and live musical venues. But that’s not all — Portland’s walkable neighborhoods come alive when the sun goes down.
A few of the city’s top nighttime activities include:
Listening to a live musical performance at the Wonder Ballroom
Drinking fine wine while painting a picture at Bottle & Bottega Portland
Shopping (at night!) for local art, jewelry, and food at the Portland Night Market
Indulging in your inner child with classic arcade games at Ground Kontrol
Dancing the night away at Holocene, a popular night club with two dance floors
Portland is known for its well-maintained hiking trails and verdant parks. Everything from Washington Park to the Columbia River Gorge is full of life.
Some of the best outdoor activities in city include:
The Portland Rose Festival, an annual event held each June
Forest Park, which is the country’s largest urban forest reserve
The Portland Saturday Market, the nation’s largest open-air arts and crafts market
The Oregon Zoo’s Summer Concerts, featuring dozens live musical performances
The Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, which includes more than 120 different booths