UPDATED JULY 14, 2026
As hometown Portlanders, we've seen the city change a lot since we first wrote this guide in 2015! (We even moved to the coast!) Here's an update to our tiny local's guide to Portland.
Our Opinionated Approach to Visiting Portland
Skip Voodoo Donuts. But do go to Powell's. Try the newest and latest restaurants and beverages. Stay in an artistic, locally-owned hotel. Ride a bike if you can - or check out the Accessible Portland guide for more options. Get out of the downtown and explore the neighborhoods. Spend time in the beautiful gardens and parks. Take in art, meet makers.
Our Favorite Things to Do in Portland
BICYCLE
Rent a bike. This is the best way to see the city. Period. Here's an interactive map to Portland's bike routes. A word to the wise: use Portland's designated bike routes, both for safety and to avoid looking like a bicycle tourist. If you're visiting in June, join one of many free fun themed bicycle rides during Bike Summer (nee Pedalpalooza). For the latest bicycle gossip, news, and a complete list of all of Portland's bicycle businesses, go to BikePortland.org.
EAT AND DRINK
Explore the foods and drinks of Portland. There are so many creative and passionate chefs and food creators. For the quality and variety of foods, it's surprisingly affordable, too.
Here are the resources that keep up with the latest to help you find your jam:
BICYCLES + BEER!
All of our favorite things rolled into one: of course Portland has a bike themed beer tour!
LANDMARKS
Yes, you should probably go to Powell's Bookstore (the big one, downtown). Plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you love to read, schedule a whole day to wander the stacks.
GREENERY
Not just the cannabis shops! Portland (The City of Roses) has gorgeous gardens. Our personal favorites:
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Lan-Su Chinese Garden
- Rhododendron Garden
- Take a walk up to the top of Mt Tabor for a beautiful view of the Hawthorne Strip and Downtown. And get a chocolate chip cookie at Coquine while you're there.
- Leach Botanical Gardens
Places to Stay in Portland
- The Jupiter Hotel is connected to a cool cocktail lounge.
- The McMenamin brothers have converted several unique historical buildings - such as an elementary school - into modern accommodations that honor their historic character but add creative and unique artwork by local artists. All of the locations are affordable and locally-owned, and some feature pools, bars, concert venues, movie theaters, and more.
More Reading About Visiting Portland
Check out the latest books and guides about Portland from indie micropublisher, Microcosm Publishing.
And before you come, you must read Fugitives and Refugees by Chuck Palahniuk (of Fight Club fame). Or, buy it at Powell's while you're here!
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