Insider Guide: Portland, Oregon

COME + GO

Air + Rail

Portland International Airport

Located along the Columbia River, either take the convenient MAX light rail into Portland or rent a car.

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Portland Union Station

Hillside getaway nested near OHSU & river

Iconic, centrally-located train station on the Willamette River for those coming via Amtrak

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STAY + REST

Your AirBnb

www.airbnb.com

SEE + DO

The Heart of Portland

Portland, Oregon: Soul of the City Walking Tour

Zupan's Markets - Macadam

Upmarket family-owned grocery with meats, flowers, and wine

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Willamette Park

George Himes–Willamette Park Loop

The park provides trails to bike and hike along with river access for boats, paddleboards, and kayaks.

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www.oregonhikers.org

Tilikum Crossing Bridge

Tilicum means 'Bridge of the People' in the local Native Chinook language. The span offers a pair of wide paths for both pedestrians and cyclists with only bus- and lightrail-access to link the city’s South Waterfront at OHSU and the Aerial Tram with the burgeoning Central Eastside at OMSI and the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.

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Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Discover the history of Pacific Northwest railroads.

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OMSI

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is worth the time. Be sure to check out its Planetarium too.

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Hawthorne Bridge

Take this bike-friendly bridge on the path from OMSI to downtown.

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Portland Spirit Salmon Springs Dock

Cruise and dine for lunch or dinner with a scenic view of downtown and up the Willamette River on the Portland Spirit while you learn about the city's landmarks.

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Waterfront Park Trail

Enjoy the city view at this riverfront greenbelt which features public art, historical monuments, paved paths, and a fountain.

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Portland Saturday Market

A Portland institution, this outdoor weekend arts-and-crafts market is the largest continually operating in the US that offers tons of food choices and gives visitors a unique opportunity to meet the artists.

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Lan Su Chinese Garden

Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden

Located in Old Town Chinatown, 'the mission of Lan Su Chinese Garden is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony to inspire, engage, and educate our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.'

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Union Station

A historic landmark next to the river with a direct view of the Broadway Bridge and an iconic in-house restaurant, Wilf's.

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Northwest / Pearl District

Fashionable and lively with indie boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, craft breweries, and artisan coffee shops in reclaimed warehouse space.

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Powell's City of Books

Since 1971, this iconic bookstore has sold new and used books for over 50 years, today with a giftshop and cafe.

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Northwest / Nob Hill

Northwest District with brand stores, vintage shops, local designers, stylish bistros, and gourmet restaurants found primarily along 23rd Ave.

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RH Portland | The Gallery in the Historic Alphabet District

This Restoration Hardware Concept Store is an experience in itself but is also located in the heart of Northwest Portland's shopping and food district.

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Pittock Mansion

Historic mansion museum built in 1914 with stunning grounds and city vista surrounded by the woods of the Wildwood Trail.

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Washington Park

Washington Park

Among Portland's signature park are gardens, memorials, the iconic World Forestry Center, Oregon Zoo (see 4T trail below), Rose Test Gardens, the Hoyt Arboretum and the Forest Park wilderness. The Wildwood Trails starts here and stretches for 30 miles.

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International Rose Test Garden

The country’s oldest rose test garden features more than 10,000 roses with views of the skyline and the Cascades

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Portland Japanese Garden

Touted as the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan, the 5-1/2 acres includes 8 unique gardenscapes, an authentic Japanese tea house, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a exquisite view of Mount Hood.

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Hoyt Arboretum

Founded in 1928 and home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents

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World Forestry Center

4T Trail | The Official Guide to Portland

The museum is dedicated to educating people about the importance of trees and forests worldwide with a first-floor focus on forests of the Pacific Northwest.

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4T Trail

Pick up a required all-day TriMet pass to complete the trail loop of 4Ts: Train, Trail, Tram, Trolley.

www.travelportland.com

4T Trail Map

www.oregonmetro.gov

Train

Take the red or blue MAX line from Pioneer Square to the Oregon Zoo.

Pioneer Square

'Known locally as Portland’s “living room,” this public space hosts hundreds of events every year. The square features a waterfall fountain, two brick amphitheaters, two iconic statues and popular food carts at lunchtime.'

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Oregon Zoo

Just minutes from downtown, it's the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi with a nostalgic train and over 2600 animals in exhibits of the Great Northwest, Pacific Shores, Polar Passage, Discovery Zone (with butterflies), Primate Forest, (Asian) Elephant Lands, and Africa.

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Trail

Hike to Council Crest on the well-maintained Marquam Trail.

Council Crest Park

'At 1,073 feet above sea level, Council Crest is the highest point in Portland. From the top of the hill visitors can see five mountains in the Cascade Range: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson and Mount Rainier.'

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Upper Tram Terminal at OHSU

Aerial tram at the Oregon Health & Science University with a hospital and the Doernbecher Children's Hospital

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Tram

On a clear day catch views of Mount Hood beyond the Willamette River (pronounce: will-AM-met) and Portland's east side.

Portland Aerial Tram - Lower Terminal

'The Portland Aerial Tram’s cabins rise 500 feet at 22 miles per hour for the three-minute trip from the South Waterfront to Oregon Health & Science University’s main campus, offering views of downtown, the Willamette River and the mountains.'

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Trolley

Board the Portland Streetcar back to the beginning at Pioneer Square or stop off for some enrichment at the Portland Art Museum and Oregon Historical Society.

Portland Art Museum

A collection of Asian, American, Native American, and European art

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Oregon Historical Society

Essential Portland: 2-Hour Guided Bike Tour

Gain insight into state history, art, and more in well-designed rotating exhibits.

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RIDE + DRIVE

Bike Tour

Parks

Laurelhurst Park

Surrounding a scenic lake with a picnic area, playground, off-leash dog space, horseshoe pit, and basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, Laurelhurst Park was the first city park named to the National Register of Historic Places.

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Mount Tabor

A popular, well-equipped park with expansive views and pathways.

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Rocky Butte

An extinct volcanic cinder cone with great views of Portland and the Cascade Range with hiking and rock climbing areas.

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Springwater Trail Corridor Loop

Springwater Corridor Trail

Wide path designed to accommodate walkers, joggers, hikers, bicycles, wheelchairs and even horses

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Springwater Corridor Map

www.portland.gov

Rivers + Mountains

Mount Hood Timberline Lodge

Firstly, the views from here on a clear day are spectacular: panoramic views of Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south (Mount Adams and Mount St Helen's to the north). As the name denotes, it's at the timberline with a view to the peak of Mount Hood above. We also recommend skiing or snowboarding the resort's slopes with dinner at the restaurant and an overnight stay in the lodge.

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Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Travel just 30 miles east of Portland to this deep canyon forged by the Columbia River that’s home to gorgeous waterfalls, epic vistas and seemingly endless options for outdoor recreation. Crown Point offers jaw-dropping views from this 100-year-old observatory. Hood River is known for microbrews and served as a jump-off point to the Columbia River, one of the most famous kiteboarding and windsurfing locations in the US.

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Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa

This iconic resort, built by lumber magnate and philanthropist Simon Benson in 1921 on the original site of a small, successful 1904 summer resort, is perched on a cliff overlooking the Columbia River within the Gorge near Hood River.

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Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls of the Columbia Gorge

Well worth a short day trip to hike the highest waterfall in Oregon, the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the nation, with a combined cascade drop of 620 feet.

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Crown Point State Scenic Corridor

The crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge, this century-old observatory, rest stop and museum, only 25 miles from downtown Portland, offers epic views as a beacon for Oregon’s founding history.

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St. Johns Bridge

The iconic St John’s Bridge spans the Willamette River north of downtown Portland.

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Forest Park

With 80 miles of forest trails, fire lanes, and roads, 5200 acres stretch 7 miles through the Tualatin Mountains along the eastern slope that overlooks Northwest Portland at the convergence of the Willamette and the Columbia Rivers.

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Wildwood Trail Map

www.portland.gov

Oregon Coast

Astoria

A coastal town at the wide mouth of the Columbia River as it spills into the Pacific Ocean

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Cannon Beach

Watch the sunset beyond picturesque Haystack Rock in this beach town with a laid-back, artsy vibe.

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Depoe Bay

Whale-watch twice a year to spot 18,000 whales that migrate along this coastal stretch.

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EAT + DRINK

Local

JoLa Cafe

Enjoy a nice European-style cappuccino with avocado toast at this neighborhood cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch all day.

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Cafe Du Berry

A favorite spot for breakfast, served everyday, and four nights a week they offer delicious French-inspired dinner options.

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Buffalo Gap Saloon & Eatery: Restaurant & Bar

Fun, local dive bar to hang out and play pool, but they also have an ample food menu.

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Downtown

Voodoo Doughnut - Old Town

As the original, I feel compelled to include this well-known colorful, quirky, creative donut shop.

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Barista

Coffee and pastries with a laidback vibe — look for the other locations at NW 23rd Ave and NE Alberta St.

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Andina

Upscale Peruvian tapas, entrees, and regional cocktails

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Papa Haydn

Great food but epic desserts (see Sellwood location)

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Elephants Delicatessen

Vibrant market with a gourmet deli

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Higgins

A pioneer in the movement to feature fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients, opened in 1994 by Greg Higgins, James Beard award-winning chef

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Jake's Famous Crawfish

Opened in 1892, this Portland landmark is considered one of the nation's top seafood restaurants.

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Oven and Shaker

The imported Milanese wood-burning oven 'unites tradition and creativity' in Neapolitan pizza and Italian street food, while the bar serves memorable beverages with 'only the finest spirits, daily-pressed juices, and large format ice cubes' along with local beers and acclaimed old world wines.

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Eleni's Philoxenia

Modern gourmet Cretan cuisine — that's from the Greek island of Crete — a healthy Mediterranean cooking heritage favoring organic vegetables and all-natural meats.

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Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House

No trip to Portland is complete without a stop at the Deschutes Brewery Pub for a Black Butte Porter, Terminator Stout, or Mirror Pond Pale Ale.

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Huber's Cafe

Portland: Guided Foodie Bike Tour

Portland's oldest restaurant opened in 1879 and is best known for its flaming display upon serving a Spanish coffee.

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Lake Oswego

Some may call this sophisticated city to the south a bit bougie, known for fabulous high-end retailers and lake-side estates, though you'll also find some hidden haunts and places to chill by the lake.

St. Honoré Bakery Lake Oswego

French bakery and cafe with quiche, sandwiches, and salads—and of course coffee and baked goods

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Pizzeria sul Lago

Italian wine and rustic, wood-fired pizza in a casual-chic setting with lake view patio seating

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Bamboo Sushi

Fresh and sustainable sushi and small plates

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Tucci Restaurant

Refined, contemporary Italian meets ingredients of the Northwest

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Beso Bar & Bottle

With the European feel of a neighborhood haunt, this artful wine bar serves seasonal dishes using high-quality ingredients.

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The Same Old New Gemini

Live music on most weekends

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Firehouse Pub

Tiny but fun late-night bar

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Domaine Serene Wine Lounge Lake Oswego

High-end wine bar

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Stickmen's Lakeside Smokehouse & Brewery

Pub with good BBQ next to the lake

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Willamette Valley Vineyards - Lake Oswego

Portland: Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits

Pacific Northwest cuisine with a tasting room for its sustainable wines, a trellis patio with outdoor fire pit

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West Linn + Oregon City

South on the Willamette River, these cities face each other from opposite riverbanks, both with revitalized old towns.

Bugatti's Ristorante

Elevated Italian food most similar to the light, fresh, intensely-flavored dishes found in Italy

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Singer Hill Cafe

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The Hive Social

Focused on housemade, farm-sourced, and artisanal ingredients in its seasonal dishes

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Stone Cliff Inn

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Canard

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Sellwood

Antique stores and collectibles line up among jewelry and clothing boutiques in this nearby neighborhood across the river.

Jade Teahouse

My favorite Asian: a Thai/Vietnamese fusion with fresh veggies, Thai iced tea, Vietnamese coffee, and Parisienne (Vietnamese) pastries

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Reverend's BBQ

Welcoming, contemporary space to dig into some fried chicken and smoked meats with a tap beer

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Papa Haydn

Great food. Epic desserts. This is the original location but they also have one on NW 23rd.

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East Side

The up-and-coming have arrived on the East Side.

Tov Coffee & Tea

Quirky double-decker bus specializing in Turkish coffee

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Doe Donuts

Classic and creative handcrafted seasonal donuts

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Ruthie's

Health-focused food cart in the courtyard behind Someday bar with wood-fired seasonal dishes.

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Kachka

Award-winning Russian restaurant considered best in the country

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Le Pigeon

Enjoy a modern dining experience from the creative French-inspired tasting menus at the bar or communal tables in a cozy atmosphere from James Beard Award-winning chef Gabriel Rucker.

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Canard

James Beard Award-winning chef's bar and restaurant next door to its more formal sister Le Pigeon

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Han Oak (Meju Restaurant)

Upscale minimal-chic Korean

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Hey Love

Cocktails in a tropical modern setting in the Jupiter NEXT Hotel, this restaurant and bar is open every afternoon into the night and brunch is served here on the weekends.

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Rontoms

This popular bar with indoor/outdoor space is usually very busy.

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Church Bar

Great bar with live music

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Stammtisch

Cozy German pub with some "serious German food" as deemed by Lonely Planet that also recommends the meat-filled dumplings called Schwäbische Maultaschen from southwestern Germany. Also try the Jägerschnitzel topped with mushroom gravy and served with red cabbage.

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Metropolitan Tavern

Crafted cocktails with inventive small plates, artisanal pizza, and elevated bar entrees in a casual modern setting

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Proud Mary Cafe

Portland: Food Carts of the Eastside Bike Tour

Coffee roaster serving brunch

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North Portland

Mississippi Ave in particular is lined with breweries—a great place for a pub crawl.

Lovely's Fifty Fifty

Wood-fired pizza with seasonal (sometimes unusual) toppings and housemade ice cream

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Prost!

Warm German pub offering traditionally served sausages, pretzels and imported German bier in a friendly, communal atmosphere

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The 1905

Jazz club. Cozy hangout. Craft cocktails. Artisanal pizza.

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Mississippi Studios

Live music in a restored church. Burgers and booze in an adjacent bar.

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Beyond the Center

Multnomah Falls Lodge

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McMenamins St. Johns Theater & Pub

Explore Ali Giaudrone's Travel Shop

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