Things to do in Portland | The Official Guide (2024)

Credit: Jon Kraft

Like the city itself, Portland's attractions are a little unexpected and always inspiring.

Credit: Jon Kraft

It’s safe to say a visitor will never experience the same Portland twice. The city’s top attractions are constantly evolving, creating exciting pop-ups, debuting new works and hosting events that attract both locals and visitors alike. Read on for our favorite things to do, see and experience in Portland, then check out our events calendar to help you plan your trip.

Questions About Things to Do in Portland

What are the must-see attractions in Portland?

The answer truly depends on your interests; Portland caters to most. If you still can’t decide after perusing this page, check out this article about where to go if it’s your first visit to Portland. Been here a few times? Try our fourth-timers guide.

How can I spend three days in Portland?

This guide to spending 48 hours in Portland includes many of the top attractions in the central city. Use your extra day to visit one of Portland’s many beautiful parks or gardens and explore a Portland neighborhood.

You can also let fate be your guide. Check out our events page to find out what’s going on in Portland when you’re in town or if you’re still planning your trip you can browse events by month. If you want someone else to show you around, make sure your travel plans include a walking tour or biking tour and learn about Portland history, coffee or beer.

What are the best things to eat and drink in Portland?

What are you in the mood for? Portland’s local food scene includes hundreds of food carts representing cuisines from around the world, James Beard award-winning restaurants and plenty of options for diners with dietary restrictions.

As for beverages, Portland is well known for its coffee, but there are also teahouses scattered throughout the city. Most people know Portland’s reputation for craft beer but may not know Oregon is one of the top wine-producing states. There’s also a growing craft distillery scene.

I’m planning my first trip to Portland, what should I do?

If you’re a first-time visitor to the City of Roses, check out our guide for a perfect first trip.

Spring in Portland

Portland's winter rains usher in a season of blooms and springtime events.

More Spring

Portland Rose Festival

Portland Rose Festival features multiple parades, waterfront carnival rides, concerts, races, fireworks and plenty of roses.

Mother’s Day Events in Portland

Myriad Mother's Day events in Portland make it easy (and fun!) to celebrate moms, grandmas and all of the other important women in your life.

UFO Festival in McMinnville

Every May, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s famous UFO Festival, featuring four days of parades, costume contests and expert speakers.

Spring in Portland

Springtime in Portland brings plenty of showers and new growth, along with only-in-Portland activities and celebrations of beer, food, fiestas and flowers.

Traveler favorites and quintessentially Portland attractions

Portland Japanese GardenA haven of meticulously maintained, tranquil beauty, proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden offers meandering streams, intimate walkways and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.

Portland Saturday MarketOpen every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.

Portland International Rose Test GardenThe oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States, the Portland International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park features more than 10,000 roses, great views of the skyline and the Cascades.

Powell’s City of BooksCovering an entire city block, Powell’s has grown into a Portland landmark and the world's largest new and used bookstore — and its location is at the heart of the city, bridging the Pearl District, downtown and the West End.

Lan Su Chinese GardenThis year-round wonder houses an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden built by Suzhou artisans, offering a peaceful escape in Portland's historic Chinatown.

Accessible Portland

Discover wheelchair-accessible and sensory-friendly attractions and activities in Portland, Oregon.

No matter when you visit, there's always something fun to see and do in Portland.

SEE EVENTS CALENDAR

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Haunted Shanghai Tunnel Tour

Old Town Pizza & Brewing – Downtown$38

Old Town Pizza & Brewing is built directly above Portland's infamous Shanghai tunnels. The s…

Editor's Pick

Beer, Guided Tour, History

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Portland Night Market

The Portland Night Market showcasesmany unique businesses that callPortland home. Blendi…

Editor's Pick

Food & Drink, Shopping

Editor's Pick

Mar. 22–Apr. 28, 2024

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Wooden Shoe Tulip FarmCost Varies

Colorful fields reminiscent of Holland burst with acres of tulips in full bloom at the Wooden Shoe T…

Editor's Pick

For Kids

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Darcelle XV’s Weekend Drag Show

Darcelle XV Showplace$28

Darcelle XV and Company have been entertaining audiences from all walks of life for over 50 years wi…

Editor's Pick

Comedy, LGBTQ+, Music

Tax-Free Shopping

Enjoy big-box and indie shopping in the Rose City — all without any sales tax.

Go To Shopping

A Local’s Guide to Buying Portland GiftsFinding the perfect gift can be hard, but in a city of makers and artists, the choices are practically unlimited.

Vintage Shopping in PortlandBrowse costume jewelry, tailored suits and racks upon racks of dresses at Portland's nearly 50 vintage shopping destinations.

Vinyl Shopping in PortlandFrom vintage wax to new European imports, those rare releases you’ve been searching for are surely waiting at one of these rockin’ local vinyl stores.

Portland Toy StoresWhether you’re a parent looking for an educational game or a collector on the hunt for a vintage action figure, Portland’s toy stores deliver.

Portland Streetwear ShopsPortland's laidback, chic aesthetic makes it the ideal home for streetwear. Shop ‘til you drop (tax-free, of course!) at these Portland streetwear shops.

Portland Shoe and Sportswear BrandsPortland is the athletic gear capital of America. Here's where to shop for the best designed-in-Portland shoes and sportswear.

Portland's Gorgeous Gardens

Bask in an abundance of color during the change of seasons.

Leach Botanical Garden

Walk through verdant treetops and breathe in the scent of a four-season pollinator garden in this urban oasis in SE Portland.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Round out your floral explorations of the Rose City with a visit to Southeast Portland’s lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The park boasts more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, with blooms from late February -June.

The Grotto

This serene woodland sanctuary in Northeast Portland features 62 acres (25 hectares) of lush botanical gardens. No matter what time of year you visit, the Grotto offers calm, peace and introspection, transcending boundaries.

Portland is full of landmarks and attractions where you can learn about the city's history and culture.

Plan a magical evening with your special someone, from romantic restaurants to booze-free fun.

More Portland Nightlife

Date Night Ideas in Portland

Planning a romantic evening in Portland? We have date night ideas, activities and adventures for couples who love sports, the arts, the outdoors and more.

Restaurants With a View

Whether atop the city's tallest buildings or nestled next to a river, these Portland restaurants with a view offer a feast for the eyes (as well as the appetite).

Portland’s Signature co*cktails

Portland is home to expert mixologists and one of America’s most vibrant craft co*cktail scenes — sip your way through the city’s signature drinks.

Top 5

Food Cart Scene

Portland is home to hundreds of food carts and food cart pods, including these five favorites.

Cartopia Food Cart Pod
The Cartopia pod is home to a wide variety of food carts and a covered, heated seating area. Most carts are lively late into the night, staying open until midnight Tuesday to Thursday and even later on the weekends.
Portland State University Food Cart Pod
Located on the south end of the Portland State University campus, this food cart pod offers cuisine from around the world. For seating, head to the shady, tree-lined South Park Blocks nearby.
Rose City Food Park
Rose City Food Park is a food cart pod that features covered, heated seating; a family-friendly, dog-friendly, bike-friendly atmosphere; a beer garden and more.
Third Avenue Food Cart Pod
With plentiful riverfront seating at nearby Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, these longtime downtown food carts are a lunchtime favorite, offering cuisine from Mexico, Egypt, Thailand, Vietnam and more.
Prost Marketplace
This long-standing food cart pod is adjacent to Prost! and beloved by everyone from locals to Condé Nast writers.

Top Family-Friendly Attractions

Enjoy hands-on science at OMSI, elephants at the zoo, indoor activities for kids and more.

More Family-Friendly Things to Do

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

With interactive science labs, a planetarium, a giant-screen theater, a retired navy submarine, traveling exhibits and "After Dark" events, OMSI lures all ages.

Oregon Zoo

Located near downtown Portland in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,600 animals.

Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions

Trips outside the city promise all-ages entertainment. Here are four must-see attractions within two hours of downtown Portland.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Find the best things to do based on your interests.

ArtsArt gallery wanderers, theater lovers and those with a curious eye will find something to marvel at in this creative city.

BikingOne of the best ways to explore the Rose City is on two wheels.

BeerPortland is the craft beer capital and home to 70+ breweries. (No wonder we call it “Beervana!”)

Craft SpiritsPowered by a collective of artisanal spirit makers, Portland's craft distilling era has come of age.

Cultural CommunitiesLearn more about Portland, Oregon's many cultural communities, and discover places and ways to find community while on a trip to The Rose City.

Food“Food” in Portland can mean so many things, and there’s always more delicious exploring to be done — from food carts to farmers’ markets (and award-winning restaurants, of course), the Portland food scene is an eclectic culinary haven.

MakersPortland is a hub for artists, entrepreneurs and creators alike, with community studios, warehouses and makerspaces that let you DIY your way around town.

MusicPortland’s musical offerings are diverse as the city itself, with options including indie rock, jazz, classical, pop and more.

OutdoorsThe perfect launchpad for outdoor activities and adventure with snow-capped mountains, the Pacific Ocean, countless rivers, forested hikes and beautiful urban gardens, Portland has something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

Shopping in PortlandA local’s comprehensive guide to finding all the best Portland stuff. You'll find it all tax-free, from handmade items and vintage stores to designer goods.

SportsFrom seeing a soccer match with the Timbers Army to rooting for Rip City and the Trail Blazers, Portland loves its sports.

WineWith wine country in its backyard, Portland overflows with wine bars and urban wineries, offering special varietals from around the world.

Keepin' It Weird

A round-up of Portland's eccentric events and attractions.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Umbrella Optional

5 Fun Things to Do When It Rains

Don't a little "liquid sunshine" stop you from enjoying Portland.

Pioneer Place
This shopping center occupies four city blocks in the heart of downtown Portland, offering tax-free shopping at over 100 stores, an expansive food court, bars and a movie theater.
Powell’s City of Books
From humble storefront beginnings in 1971, Powell’s has grown into an iconic Portland destination. Occupying an entire city block, the world’s largest new and used bookstore offers frequent author talks, a rare book room and a coffee shop.
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)
OMSI's five enormous halls bring science to life with hundreds of interactive exhibits and displays. You can experience live lab demonstrations, see a movie on a four-story-tall screen, explore the stars in a planetarium and even tour a submarine.
Portland Art Museum
The renowned Portland Art Museum is the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest. Located in the heart of downtown’s Cultural District, the museum’s campus includes an outdoor sculpture court, permanent galleries and special exhibitions.
Cinema 21
Originally a single-screen theater and now a three-screen multiplex, Cinema 21 specializes in art-house, foreign and classic films and serves beer, wine and pizza along with concessions classics.