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THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO PORTLAND

 * Attractions
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Primary Menu 31 Events Near Me Search
 * Attractions
   View All Attractions Museums Parks & Gardens Family Friendly Shopping On a
   Budget EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO
 * Culture
   View All Culture Arts Beer Biking Cannabis Cultural Communities Craft Spirits
   Food Makers Music Nightlife Outdoors Sports Weird Wine MORE CULTURE
 * Neighborhoods
   View All Neighborhoods Alberta Arts District Belmont Central Eastside
   Division/Clinton Downtown Hawthorne Lloyd Mississippi Northwest / Nob Hill
   Old Town Chinatown Pearl District St. Johns Sellwood-Moreland Williams ALL
   NEIGHBORHOODS
 * Region
   View All Region Near the City Columbia River Gorge Mount Hood Oregon Coast
   Willamette Valley ALL REGIONS
 * Plan
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 * Events
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THIS IS PORTLAND

Cozy up to Portland's season of hygge with foggy hikes, soaking pools and
comforting eats.


WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE IN PORTLAND

It’s okay to admit that you occasionally get stressed or down. Thankfully
Portland's self-care offerings are deep; walk in over 200 parks, find time for
yoga, sauna, soaking, and health-conscious food to practice self-care like a
Portlander.


LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN PORTLAND

Portland's Asian communities celebrate the Lunar New Year with traditional
dances, lantern ceremonies and stunning performances.


WINTER IN PORTLAND


GET SNUGGLY IN PORTLAND WITH A WARM CUP OF YOUR FAVORITE DRINK, INDOOR FUN AND
PREMIER EVENTS TO ENJOY.

More Winter
Previous

TEA: PORTLAND’S OTHER HOT BREWING SCENE

Tea drinkers can enjoy a favorite cuppa or sample exotic varietals in Portland's
teahouses. Chai tea, bubble tea and classic green tea are just a few of the many
teas brewed in and around Portland.

JANUARY IS PORTLAND MUSIC MONTH

January is officially Portland Music Month and MusicPortland has curated a
lineup of 100+ local artists to support the music community. Get tickets to hear
extraordinary live music that will light up the winters at venues all over
Portland.

PORTLAND SOUP SPOTS

Whether you’re craving ramen, Mexican pozole or classic chicken noodle, these
local soup spots will warm you from the inside out.

PORTLAND WINTER LIGHT FESTIVAL

Brighten your February with glowing sculptures and thousands of twinkling lights
at Portland’s annual Winter Lights Festival.

WHAT TO DO WHEN IT RAINS

Yes, it’s true — it rains in Portland. Locals don’t let that stop them, and
neither should you! From kid-friendly indoor activities to parks and gardens
that keep you covered, Portland will keep you busy rain or shine.

GRESHAM NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Looking to venture off the beaten path like a Portlander? This neighboring town
is where locals go to slow down, stroll through quaint historic architecture and
feast on international fare.

GUIDE TO PORTLAND’S INDEPENDENT MOVIE THEATERS

Portland has more operating historical movie theaters than all but three other
U.S. cities. Find art films, first-run movies, revivals and more in our guide.

Next


EXPLORING PORTLAND’S EXTINCT VOLCANOES

Portland is home to four extinct volcanoes — some dating back millions of years.
Here’s how to enjoy hiking, shooting hoops, picnicking and more on these natural
wonders.

Take a hike


PORTLANDERS

Meet some of the people who make this place what it is in our new
community-based video series.

Watch now


FOOD CART FINDER

Search 200+ Portland food carts by cuisine, trademark dishes and dietary needs.

Find Carts Now

Illustration by Subin Yang


A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS

Portland is known for the vibrancy and uniqueness of its many neighborhoods,
each with a distinct sense of place, and — in quirky Portland fashion — spread
across six so-called "quadrants."

Locals will tell you that you haven’t truly been to Portland until you’ve
connected with our diverse communities.

Visit our neighborhoods page to get acquainted with more than 20 awesome
Portland neighborhoods.

View our neighborhood guide




NORTH PORTLAND

North Portland sits atop the City of Roses, bordered by the Columbia River to
the north, the Willamette River to the southwest and North Williams Avenue to
the east. Portland’s so-called “Fifth Quadrant” is a lively patchwork of
commercial districts, natural spaces and residential areas. It’s home to some of
the city’s most charming neighborhoods, including St. Johns, Mississippi,
Williams and Kenton.

Explore North Portland




NORTHWEST PORTLAND

Northwest Portland stretches from Forest Park in the west to the Willamette
River at the east, encompassing the central city’s Old Town Chinatown and Pearl
District, Northwest/Nob Hill, Slabtown and miles of wooded hillsides. Its west
side is forested and serene; its east side is urban and lively, a vital part of
the central city.

Explore Northwest




NORTHEAST PORTLAND

For shows, sports and big events, Northeast Portland is hard to beat. In
addition to being home to the Moda Center and the Oregon Convention Center,
Portland’s largest quadrant boasts striking architecture, historic theaters, a
variety of public golf courses and other attractions. You’ll also find numerous
colorful neighborhoods, including the Alberta Arts District, Hollywood, Lloyd
and many more.

Explore Northeast




SOUTHWEST AND SOUTH PORTLAND

Best known for lively downtown Portland — the compact, walkable heart of the
City of Roses — Southwest Portland is also home to Washington Park’s numerous
attractions, Goose Hollow’s blend of historic and modern, the small-town charm
of Multnomah Village and more. Nearby South Portland is a laid-back river
community offering water recreation, low-key urban green spaces and lots of
spots to eat, drink and shop.

Explore South Explore Southwest




SOUTHEAST PORTLAND

If you’re searching for Portland’s best-known attributes — hip, artsy, quirky,
foody — you may find yourself in Southeast Portland. It’s home to some of the
city’s liveliest neighborhoods and popular areas for eating and imbibing, like
the Hawthorne District, the Central Eastside and the Jade District. Farther out,
you’ll find peaceful parks and family-friendly attractions like the Oregon
Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and Oaks Amusement Park.

Explore Southeast


UPCOMING EVENTS

Full Calendar
Editor's Pick
Jan. 1–31, 2024


PORTLAND MUSIC MONTH

Various locations Cost Varies

January is officially Portland Music Month and MusicPortland has curated a
lineup of 100+ local arti…

Editor's Pick
Music
Editor's Pick
Aug. 26, 2023–Mar. 17, 2024


BLACK ARTISTS OF OREGON

Portland Art Museum $0 – $25

Black Artists of Oregon, highlighting and celebrating the work of Black artists
in and outside the c…

Editor's Pick
Art & Design, Cultural Communities
Editor's Pick
Jan. 10–14, 2024


PORTLAND BOAT SHOW

Portland Expo Center $15

The 64th annual Portland Boat Show is where you’ll find the best deals of the
season on the full r…

Editor's Pick
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Dec. 16, 2023–Jan. 28, 2024


PORTLAND WINTER ICE RINK

Portland Winter Ice Rink $12 – $20

The Portland Winter Ice Rink and Woodsy Winter Village is a family-friendly
outdoor ice rink located…

Editor's Pick
Outdoors, Sports
Editor's Pick
Jan. 9–14, 2024


PORTLAND JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Lincoln Performance Hall $10 – $55

OJMCHE is proud to present the Portland Jewish Film Festival 2024. Plan to join
screenings of five n…

Editor's Pick
Cultural Communities, Film
Editor's Pick
Jan. 11–15, 2024


PORTLAND OLD TIME MUSIC GATHERING

Various Locations Cost Varies

Portland Old Time Music Gathering is thrilled to announce our 2024 artist in
residence: Hubby Jenkin…

Editor's Pick
Festival, Music


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PORTLAND, OREGON

WHERE IS PORTLAND, OREGON?

Portland is on the northwestern border of the state of Oregon, in the Pacific
Northwest region of the United States, north of California and south of
Washington. Portland, Oregon’s largest city, is 78 miles (126 km) from the
Oregon Coast, at the convergence of two major rivers (the Columbia and
Willamette), near the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, Willamette Valley
wine country and other regional destinations. The Portland metro area rests on
traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet,
Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla and many other tribes.

HOW FAR IS PORTLAND FROM SEATTLE?

Portland is 175 miles (282 km) from Seattle, or about a three-hour drive by car.
The trip from Seattle to Portland can also be made by bus, train (via Amtrak),
plane (via Alaska Airlines and Delta, among others) or even by bike — if you’re
a seasoned distance cyclist, that is.

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I SPEND IN PORTLAND, OREGON?

For the most robust Portland experience, a week will allow you to deeply immerse
yourself in the city. If you’re limited to a weekend, however, you can still
experience many of Portland’s main attractions. Check out our collection of
itineraries to plan based on the length of your stay and which part of the city
or region you’d like to explore. Our events calendar can also help you find
things to do during your next trip to Portland.

No matter how long your scheduled visit is, there are always more live music
venues, art galleries, food carts and natural areas to explore.

WHAT IS LIFE IN PORTLAND, OREGON, LIKE?

Portland is known for having the amenities of a major city (such as an
international airport, an efficient public transit system, major league sports
teams and many museums and art galleries) and the charms of a small city (such
as plentiful arts and crafts fairs, independent bookstores and local traditions
like the annual Rose Festival Parade and the World Naked Bike Ride).

It’s typical to spend a day in Portland strolling through one of the city’s many
unique neighborhoods, visiting locally owned businesses, restaurants, public
green spaces and cultural attractions.

Perhaps because of our abundant rainfall, Portland’s culture of coziness
encourages people to spend time indoors honing their crafts, making art,
enjoying delicious food, seeing live music, browsing bookstores, and sipping
tea, beer, wine, cocktails and coffee.

Rain or shine, you can take advantage of the city’s proximity to nature by
playing in the Willamette River, wandering through lush public parks and
gardens, biking the city’s 162 miles (261 km) of bike lanes and hiking trails
both within city limits and in the nearby Columbia River Gorge.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN PORTLAND, OREGON?

Portland’s calendar is packed year-round with events, live music and
performances, meaning there’s never a shortage of things to do. (Use our events
calendar to explore upcoming Portland events based on their dates and your
interests.)

Portland also offers a seemingly infinite array of things to see, taste and do.
For a first-time trip, we recommend checking out our list of top sights and
things to do in Portland. To take a deeper dive, check out our culture
collection where you can explore dozens of ways to enjoy Portland’s music, art,
bike culture, food, beer, outdoors, makers, tax-free shopping, cultural
communities, nightlife, sports, cannabis, weirdness and more.

WHAT SHOULD I SEE IN PORTLAND, OREGON?

The things you should see during a trip to Portland, Oregon depend on your
interests. For first-time visitors, we recommend checking out our list of top
sights and things to do in Portland, which highlights popular attractions like
Powell’s City of Books, Portland Japanese Garden, Portland Saturday Market,
Forest Park and more.

For a deeper dive into things to see and do in Portland, check out our culture
collection where you can explore dozens of ways to enjoy the city’s music, art,
bike culture, food, beer, outdoors, makers, cultural communities, nightlife,
sports, cannabis, weirdness and more.

WHAT MAKES PORTLAND, OREGON, UNIQUE?

Above all, the people of Portland are why the city is so exceptional. Portland
has a thriving community of artists and makers who encourage innovation in
design and craft (whether it be creating a sneaker or a new flavor of doughnut).
In Portland, it’s good to experiment with what you love.

Portlanders also place a high value on sustainability, which can be seen in the
way locals maintain and enjoy the city’s public gardens and green spaces, urban
forests, miles of protected bike lanes, efficient public transportation and
preserved natural areas.

WHAT IS PORTLAND KNOWN FOR?

Portland is perhaps best known for being a sustainability-minded, bike-friendly
city with easy access to nature; plentiful coffee, art, craft beer, delicious
food and live music; and crafty people who celebrate individuality and
creativity (which, yes, some people call “weird”). Check out our culture
collection to explore more things Portland is known for and visit our list of
top sights and things to do for a round-up of can’t-miss local attractions.

Portland’s layout is also unique. With 12 bridges entirely within city limits,
and several more connecting Portland to Vancouver, Washington, the city’s
“Bridgetown” moniker is certainly accurate. Portland is divided into north and
south by Burnside Street and into east and west by the Willamette River. What’s
the final result of this awesome confluence of bridges, rivers and bustling
streets? A vibrant city with six quadrants (yes, there are six of them!) and
more than 90 formally recognized neighborhoods — each with its own unique style,
each calling out to be explored.

WHAT FOOD IS PORTLAND FAMOUS FOR?

Portland is a renowned culinary destination — broadly speaking, it’s a city
famous for fresh food featuring local ingredients. You’ll find everything from
some of the finest seafood in the world to truly delectable doughnuts. Portland
is also known as perhaps the greatest city for food carts. And if you’re looking
for outdoor dining, you’re in luck: The number of patio options in Portland is
truly impressive.

While Portland doesn’t necessarily have a single iconic food, it does have a
number of must-taste specialties. The Maple Bacon Bar at Voodoo Doughnut, the
white curry (with brisket burnt ends) at Eem and khao man gai at Nong’s are a
few you won’t want to miss. And don’t forget about the beverages for which
Portland is most famous: coffee and craft beer. (We’re no slouches when it comes
to wine and tea, either.)

IS PORTLAND, OREGON, SAFE TO VISIT?

Yes — Portland is a safe city for visitors. Like many cities, Portland is
confronting issues related to social justice, livability and the coronavirus
pandemic. But for a major American city, Portland continues to have
comparatively low rates of violent crime. Of course, it makes sense for visitors
to Portland to exercise caution, stay aware of their surroundings and take steps
to learn more about safety in Portland.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT PORTLAND, OREGON?

The best time of year to visit Portland depends on your preferences, as each
season has its own unique weather conditions, events and attractions. You can
explore the changing colors of fall, the cultural offerings of winter, the
gorgeous blooms of spring and the abundant outdoor adventures of summer.

No matter when you visit, Portland offers tax-free shopping, diverse cultural
offerings, live music, award-winning culinary experiences and more. To find out
what each season and month in Portland offers, check out our When to Visit page.
You can also visit our events calendar to discover more things to do and see
based on your interests and the dates of your trip.

WHY DO PEOPLE SAY, “KEEP PORTLAND WEIRD”?

The phrase “Keep Portland Weird” actually has roots in Austin, Texas, where
independent businesses adopted the slogan “Keep Austin Weird” in 2002 to
encourage people to shop locally. Terry Currier, the owner of Music Millenium,
is said to have been so inspired by the phrase he brought it back to Portland (a
city that, like Austin, has its own culture of weirdness).

Portland’s quirks appear in many ways, including at annual events like the World
Naked Bike Ride and the Adult Soapbox Derby, or in strange places like the
Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and the world’s smallest park. The city’s thriving and
ever-expanding community of artists, designers and makers also help foster
Portland’s culture of embracing individuality and creative expression.

You can find the city’s iconic black and yellow “KEEP PORTLAND WEIRD” mural at
22 SW Third Ave., behind Dante’s and across the street from Voodoo Doughnut.

WHAT IS THE RACIAL MAKEUP OF PORTLAND, OREGON?

According to the U.S. Census, as of 2021 the racial makeup of Portland, Oregon,
is:

 * White: 77.4%
   
 * Black or African American: 5.8%
   
 * American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8%
   
 * Asian: 8.2%
   
 * Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6%
   
 * Two or More Races: 5.3%
   
 * Hispanic or Latino: 9.7%
   

(These percentages do not add up to 100% because some categories reflect people
who listed more than one race.)

CAN I DRINK TAP WATER IN PORTLAND?

Yes, Portland’s tap water is safe to drink. Most of the city’s tap water comes
from rainfall collected in the Bull Run watershed, a drainage basin located 30
miles (48 km) east of Portland. Bull Run water isn’t filtered (though a new
filtration system is being installed and is expected to start filtering Bull Run
water by 2027), but chlorine is added to the water to disinfect it of any
potential natural contaminants. For more information about Portland’s tap water,
visit the City of Portland’s About Portland’s Water System website.

WHY DO THEY CALL PORTLAND “STUMPTOWN”?

Portland earned the nickname “Stumptown” during a period of unprecedented change
to the once-forested area in the mid-1800s, when white settlers chopped down
vast numbers of trees to make room for city development. Though the trees were
cleared, many of their hard-to-remove stumps were left behind (they were so
prevalent, in fact, that Portlanders used to jump from stump to stump to avoid
trekking through muddy roads). The Portland of today is stump-free, but the
nickname “Stumptown” lives on.

WHY IS PORTLAND CALLED “RIP CITY?”

The term “Rip City” was born during an NBA basketball game on Feb. 18, 1971,
between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers. When Blazers
guard Jim Barnett hit an unexpected long-range shot, play-by-play announcer Bill
Schonely blurted out (for reasons still unknown) “Rip city! All right!”

Unfortunately, the Trail Blazers lost the game 136 to 114, but Schonely’s
celebratory words, “Rip City,” live on today as both a nickname and rallying cry
for Portlanders and Blazers fans around the world.


PLAN YOUR TRIP


USE THESE RESOURCES TO GUIDE YOUR TRIP TO THE ROSE CITY.

More Resources
Previous

PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PDX)

Portland International Airport (PDX) boasts an easy light rail connection to
downtown, local food and drink, free Wi-Fi, tax-free shopping with no markups —
and 500 flights daily.

MAX LIGHT RAIL

Portland's efficient light rail system connects the metro area and downtown
core. Learn how to ride and where to go on MAX.

WHERE TO STAY

Those looking to learn where to stay in Portland have plenty of options, from
glamorous, high-rise hotels to cozy homes embedded within Portland’s many
neighborhoods. Lodging options throughout the city are as plentiful as they are
unique.

TOURS & ITINERARIES

Let local experts — and our targeted itineraries — offer inspiration for your
time in and around Portland.

PORTLAND STREETCAR

The City of Roses built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar in 2001: the
sleek and modern Portland Streetcar.

Next

Illustration by Subin Yang


THE PORTLAND REGION

Portland is the perfect launchpad for adventure, with the rugged Oregon Coast,
snow-capped Mount Hood, lush wine country and waterfall-filled Columbia Gorge
all within easy driving distance of the city.

Explore the Portland Region




MOUNT HOOD

Located 90 minutes from Portland, Mount Hood — Oregon’s tallest peak — offers
four seasons of fun. Scenic recreation offerings range from camping, hiking and
fishing to nearly year-round skiing. Whether you’re hitting the slopes,
exploring the mountain’s miles of trails or cozying up to a fireplace, Mount
Hood provides a treasured escape from the city.

Explore Mount Hood




THE COLUMBIA GORGE

Just 30 miles (48 km) east of Portland, explore the Columbia River Gorge
National Scenic Area, a deep canyon that’s home to more than 90 gorgeous
waterfalls, epic vistas and nearly endless options for outdoor recreation.
Hiking and water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding are major draws in the
gorge.

Explore the Columbia Gorge




WINE COUNTRY

A short drive from the city, Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country wows with
lush scenery and, of course, delectable wines. In addition to scores of
vineyards and tasting rooms featuring pinot noir and other varietals, this area
boasts quaint towns, farms and scenic routes to explore by car, bike or boat.

Explore Wine Country




THE OREGON COAST

Just 79 miles (127 km) west of Portland, the rugged, unspoiled Oregon Coast
offers rocky vistas, miles of public beaches, family attractions and surfing.
Towns along the coast include busy fishing ports, historic settlements, artistic
enclaves and vacation resorts. Here, you can explore tide pools, hike,
whale-watch and savor fresh seafood and microbrews.

Explore the Oregon Coast







VISITOR INFORMATION

visitorinfo@travelportland.com
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503-427-1372
Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

PORTLAND VISITOR CENTER

1132 SW Harvey Milk St #104,
Portland, OR 97205

Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

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