Things to do in Portland
Welcome to Portland
Oregon's largest city, Portland sits at the confluence of two major rivers. The Willamette River runs through the city center, while the Columbia River is north of the city on the border with Washington. Portland is a haven for outdoors enthusiasts, foodies, and beer lovers. It's the ideal base to explore the gorgeous Pacific Northwest scenery, and a reliable tour guide will help you find that frame-worthy photo op. Just an hour away, you’ll find the Columbia River Gorge with its numerous waterfalls (including the iconic Multnomah Falls) and the famous wineries of the Willamette Valley. If you’re up for a workout, do some hiking, paddle-boarding or even white-water rafting. The Oregon coast, another great day trip option, offers miles of public beaches to explore. In Portland itself, join locals on a jog or bike through Forest Park, the largest urban park in America. Stop at Powell's Books to browse the stacks; do a bike tour of the many breweries in the area; or sample a wide variety of international cuisines from the city’s famous food carts. Comedy fans won’t want to miss a tour of the local landmarks that serve as the backdrop for the hit IFC sketch show, “Portlandia.”
Top 15 attractions in Portland
Columbia River Gorge
Multnomah Falls
Portland Steel Bridge
Latourell Falls
Willamette Valley
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Mt. Hood
Portland Japanese Garden
Pioneer Square
International Rose Test Garden
Wahkeena Falls
Portland Pearl District
Powell’s City of Books
South Park Blocks
Washington Park
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All about Portland
When to visit
Portlanders love outdoor activities, and with summer temperatures at a comfortable high of around 80°F (26.6°C), it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the city’s outdoor markets, street fairs, and gardens. Plus, it’s the main season of the Portland Rose Festival. For budget-seeking travelers, winter brings lower hotel rates, but also a higher chance of rain.
Getting around
Although Portland can be hilly, it’s generally bike-friendly, with tons of bike lanes and relatively low speed limits, making visiting by bicycle a popular option. The public transit system, TriMet, is also excellent, with buses and an extensive light rail network, known as the MAX, that connects the airport and many of Portland’s suburban areas with the city center. Rental cars are also a great option, particularly if you want to get out and explore the surrounding forests.
Traveler tips
For epic views of the city, take a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram, which connects the South Waterfront neighborhood near downtown with the hillside Oregon Health and Sciences University. Although the tram is primarily used for commuting by employees, students, and patients at OHSU, it’s also a great way to get familiar with the city.
