Portland Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Portland? Read this comprehensive guide to discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Portland

Welcome to Portland, the largest city in Oregon and a gem in the Pacific Northwest. From bustling streets full of amazing food and craft breweries to beautiful parks and natural scenery, Portland has everything that a tourist could want. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will highlight all of the must-visit attractions, hiking and biking routes, things to do, places to stay, and more. So, let’s get started and explore the amazing city of Portland.

List of Places to Visit in Portland

Portland has a diverse range of attractions, including cultural, historical, and natural features. Here are some of the best places to visit in Portland:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
  2. Portland Art Museum
  3. Lan Su Chinese Garden
  4. Pittock Mansion
  5. Pioneer Courthouse Square
  6. Portland Japanese Garden
  7. Oregon Historical Society Museum

Natural Attractions of Portland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Forest Park
  2. Washington Park
  3. International Rose Test Garden
  4. Mount Tabor Park
  5. Hoyt Arboretum
  6. Powell Butte Nature Park
  7. Council Crest Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Portland

Portland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the city:

  1. Wildwood Trail
  2. Springwater Corridor Trail
  3. Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion
  4. Marquam Trail to Council Crest
  5. Lower Macleay Park
  6. Tryon Creek State Park
  7. Powell Butte Nature Park

Best Things to Do in Portland: Activities and Tours

From beer tours and food crawls to visiting iconic landmarks, there’s no shortage of things to do in Portland. Below are some of the best activities and tours:

  1. Cycle Tour of Portland
  2. Brewery Tour
  3. Public Art Walking Tour
  4. Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour
  5. Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Tour
  6. Portland Food Crawl
  7. Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Portland

If you have a week to spare, you can explore Portland’s best attractions. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Visit Pittock Mansion, Forest Park, and Washington Park
2 Cycle tour of Portland, visiting South Waterfront, Eastbank Esplanade, and Portland’s bridges
3 Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry followed by Powell’s City of Books
4 Explore the Portland Art Museum followed by a food crawl
5 Hike in Mount Tabor and Tryon Creek State Park
6 Visit Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge
7 Visit the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, and Lan Su Chinese Garden

Food and Drink Scene of Portland

Portland is known for its food and drink scene, with a variety of restaurants, food carts, and craft breweries. Below are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Voodoo Donuts
  2. Fried Chicken and Waffles
  3. Pok Pok’s Fish Sauce Wings
  4. Salt and Straw Ice Cream
  5. Portland-style Pizza
  6. Blue Star Donuts
  7. Grilled Cheese Sandwich at The Grilled Cheese Grill

Local Beverages

  1. Portland craft beer, with breweries such as Deschutes, Rogue, Breakside, and more.
  2. Stumptown Coffee
  3. Kombucha
  4. Powell’s City of Books coffee

Where to Stay in Portland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Portland has a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, ranging from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Portland:

  1. The Benson
  2. The Heathman Hotel
  3. Ace Hotel Portland
  4. Society Hotel
  5. McMenamins Kennedy School
  6. HI Portland Northwest Hostel
  7. The Mark Spencer Hotel

What to Buy in Portland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to take home some souvenirs or local products, here are some ideas:

  1. Portland Roasted Coffee
  2. Portland-Scented Candles
  3. Oregon Pinot Noir
  4. Local Arts and Crafts
  5. Powell’s City of Books Merchandise

Local Culture and Customs of Portland

Portland has a unique culture around sustainability, environmentalism, and inclusivity. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the city has a vibrant arts and music scene. It’s always a good idea to respect the culture and customs of the locals, which includes:

  1. Being mindful of the environment and reducing waste
  2. Embracing the diversity of people and cultures
  3. Supporting local businesses and artists
  4. Cycling and using public transportation

Best Time to Visit Portland

The best time to visit Portland is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Spring and Fall can also be beautiful, with colorful foliage and mild weather. Winter tends to be rainy and cold, but there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Portland

Do:

  1. Explore the city on foot or by bike
  2. Try the local cuisine
  3. Support local businesses and artists
  4. Visit the Farmer’s Markets and food carts

Don’t:

  1. Litter or leave trash on the streets
  2. Jaywalk on busy streets
  3. Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  4. Wear offensive clothing or accessories

Safety and Health

Safety in Portland

Portland is a relatively safe city, but it’s still important to take precautions. Here are some safety tips:

  1. Don’t walk alone at night
  2. Avoid leaving valuables in your car
  3. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas
  4. Stay on designated hiking and biking trails

Health in Portland

Portland has a clean environment, thanks to the city’s sustainability initiatives. Make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and bring a light jacket for the cooler evenings.

Getting to Portland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Portland is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. Below are some transportation options and logistics to help plan your trip:

Airports Near Portland

  1. Portland International Airport
  2. Eugene Airport
  3. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Bus Stations Near Portland

  1. Greyhound Bus Station
  2. BoltBus Station
  3. Portland Union Station

Other Options

  1. Amtrak Train Station
  2. Portland Streetcar
  3. Trimet Bus and MAX Light Rail

How to Get Around in Portland

Portland is a very walkable and bike-friendly city, with a good public transport system. Here are some ways to get around:

  1. Walking
  2. Biking
  3. Public Transport (MAX Light Rail, Streetcar, Bus)
  4. Car Rental and Taxis

Where to Go Next from Portland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Portland is located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, with plenty of nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Oregon Coast
  2. Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge
  3. Seattle, Washington
  4. Olympic National Park

Conclusion

Portland offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious food and drinks. We hope that this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip and discover some of the best attractions, activities, and places to stay in Portland. Safe travels!

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