Things to Do in Portland
Plan your days in Portland, your way
Start at Powell's City of Books, because everyone should, and get pleasantly lost.
Cross the river to the Eastbank Esplanade for the skyline view with your morning coffee.
A food cart pod handles lunch, one cart for the meal, another for the doughnut.
The Japanese Garden offers an hour of quiet above the city.
Wander Mississippi Avenue's shops and murals with no list at all.
The aerial tram gives you Mount Hood on a clear day, no hiking required.
Dinner at a neighborhood spot in Division, where the menu changes with the season.
Catch whatever's playing at Mississippi Studios that night.
Save a morning for Multnomah Falls if you want one big postcard.
Portland meets an open mind exactly halfway.
Top attractions and places to eat in Portland
Oregon Zoo
A large zoo in Washington Park home to a wide range of animals and conservation programs. A popular destination for families to observe wildlife and enjoy outdoor exhibits.
attraction · 4.5 rating · $26
Washington Park
A large park in Portland's West Hills containing gardens, trails, the zoo, and museums. Travelers come to explore its many attractions and green spaces.
park · 4.7 rating · Free
International Rose Test Garden
An iconic Portland garden in Washington Park displaying thousands of rose varieties with sweeping views of the city and Mount Hood.
attraction · 4.8 rating · Free
Portland Japanese Garden
A meticulously designed traditional Japanese garden in the West Hills, featuring koi ponds, stone arrangements, and seasonal plantings across several garden styles. Travelers go for its tranquil landscaping and views.
garden · 4.6 rating · $22.50
Pittock Mansion
A grand early-20th-century French Renaissance-style estate set in the West Hills, showcasing period architecture and interiors alongside expansive views of Portland. Travelers visit for the history, decor, and hilltop panoramas.
shopping mall · 4.7 rating · $16
Lan Su Chinese Garden
An authentic Ming Dynasty-style walled garden in Old Town built by Suzhou artisans, featuring pavilions, koi ponds, and a teahouse. Travelers go for a tranquil, immersive cultural escape in the city.
attraction · 4.7 rating · $18
The Grotto
A peaceful Catholic shrine and botanical sanctuary with free lower grounds; its Upper Gardens require a separate admission ticket.
church · 4.6 rating · Free
Portland Art Museum
The oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, housing a broad permanent collection spanning Native American, Asian, European, and contemporary art. Travelers visit for its wide-ranging galleries and rotating exhibitions.
museum · 4.4 rating · $27.50
Screen Door Pearl District
The Pearl District location of the beloved Southern comfort-food restaurant, serving fried chicken and brunch classics. A convenient spot for travelers exploring central Portland.
restaurant · 4.3 rating
Forest Park
One of the largest urban forest reserves in the United States, with over 80 miles of trails winding through wooded hills above Portland. Travelers go to hike and experience nature within the city.
park · 4.7 rating · Free
kann
An award-winning Haitian restaurant by chef Gregory Gourdet featuring live-fire cooking. Travelers go for celebrated, inventive Caribbean fine dining.
restaurant
Powell's City of Books
An enormous independent bookstore occupying a full city block, renowned as one of the largest new and used bookstores in the world.
attraction · Free
Le Pigeon
An acclaimed French-inspired restaurant on East Burnside known for its adventurous tasting menus and intimate counter seating. Travelers go for elevated, creative fine dining.
restaurant
Screen Door Eastside
A popular Southern comfort-food restaurant known for its fried chicken and hearty brunch dishes. Travelers go for iconic Portland-style Southern cooking in a lively setting.
restaurant
Voodoo Doughnut
An iconic Portland doughnut shop famous for its quirky, over-the-top creations and pink boxes. Travelers visit as a must-do novelty stop synonymous with the city.
restaurant