Top Experiences in Portland and beyond….
Portland’s fun and unexpected attractions range from gardens and food carts to (tax-free) retailers of coffee, doughnuts and books. Here are a few experiences the city has to offer -
POWELL’S CITY OF BOOKS
From humble storefront beginnings in 1971, Powell’s has grown into a Portland landmark and one of the world’s great bookstores. Covering an entire city block, Powell’s City of Books contains more than 1 million books in 3,500 different sections. Get a cup of joe at the in-store coffee shop, grab a map to the nine colour-coded rooms, and lose yourself in the largest independent used and new bookstore on Earth.
Open 9 a.m.-11 p.m., 365 days a year; free.
LAN SU CHINESE GARDEN
A year-round wonder, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is an authentically built Ming Dynasty style garden. Covered walkways, bridges, pavilions and a richly planted landscape frame a picturesque lake in this urban oasis built by artisans from Portland’s sister city of Suzhou. Public and audio tours are available, and the garden’s teahouse serves light snacks and traditional teas. Lan Su hosts many events, including a two-week Chinese New Year celebration and summer concerts.
Open daily; admission charged.
PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET
Enjoy a distinctive experience at Portland Saturday Market, the nation’s largest weekly open-air arts and crafts market. Stroll down row upon row of unique creations made by the people who sell them, and enjoy live music and international snacks. Located in Waterfont Park, at the Skidmore Fountain MAX station. Make a $25 purchase and receive a free TriMet ticket or a two-hour parking validation at any Smart Park garage.
Open rain or shine, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., March through December 24; free.
STUMPTOWN COFFEE ROASTERS
In 1999, Stumptown Coffee took Portland caffeine lovers by the storm. What started as a single roastery on Southeast Division Street quickly expanded to the rest of Portland and, more recently, New York City and Seattle. Stumptown emphasises direct trade and highlights the different flavour profiles of coffee varietals. While grabbing a latte from Stumptown may take longer than going to Starbucks, the gorgeous latte art, not to mention the singularly Portland vibe, will more than make up for it.
PORTLAND BIKE TOURS
Portland bike tours let you see the city like a local, rolling through neighbourhoods along this cycling-friendly city’s many bike paths, trails and lanes. Portland has more than 350 miles (563 km) of bike lanes, paths and low-traffic streets designated as “bike boulevards,” making cycling one of the best ways to see the city. Many of these bikeways run right through the heart of downtown and past popular attractions, shops and restaurants.
PITTOCK MANSION
High in the West Hills of Portland, Pittock Mansion soars 1,000 feet above the city’s skyline. A century-old symbol of Portland’s dramatic transformation from a small lumber town to a bustling city, it’s an architectural wonder. With picture-perfect views of rivers, forests, bridges and mountaintops — and 23 storied rooms teeming with treasures — no other place in town offers a more breath-taking view or a more revealing glimpse of Portland’s past.
Open daily; admission charged.
FOOD CARTS
From breakfast to dessert, Portland's eclectic food carts have diners' cravings covered, all over town. Too much of a good thing? That’s one reaction to Portland’s staggering number of food carts (more than 600 at last count, with an estimated 400 operating at any given time). But rather than being overwhelmed by the options, why not embrace the delicious dilemma? Go whole hog (hm, sounds like a good name for a food cart) and choose a day’s worth of meals from these can’t-miss carts.
PORTLAND FARMERS MARKET
Widely considered one of the world’s finest farmers’ markets, the Portland Farmers Market operates eight weekly markets, spring through fall. In addition to fresh produce, the market is a go-to spot for prepared food items, as well as cheeses, meats, flowers and more.
The flagship market is held on Saturdays in the South Park Blocks at Portland State University. On Mondays, the market comes to Pioneer Courthouse Square (June-September), and Wednesday’s market is held in the South Park Blocks of the Cultural District (May-November).
VOODOO DOUGHNUT
Located in Old Town’s popular nightlife district, Voodoo Doughnut is one of the city’s most unusual and delicious culinary destinations. The doughnuts, topped with creative ingredients such as bacon, Captain Crunch and Oreos, are almost as fun to look at as they are to eat. Locals and visitors line up 24 hours a day for what may be the most innovative doughnuts in the world. Be prepared for adorable moustached faces to look up at you from your food (mirroring the many bearded young men you’ll encounter biking around Portland).
Open all day, every day. Two locations.
INTERNATIONAL ROSE TEST GARDEN
Portland’s International Rose Test Garden is the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. Each year hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world enjoy the sights and scents of the gardens. The garden’s spectacular views and more than 8,000 roses make it one of the city’s most notable signature landmarks. Located in Washington Park. The best rose-viewing months are May-September.
Open daily; free.
TAX FREE SHOPPING
Unlike most states in the U.S., Oregon has no sales tax. You’ll save 5 to 10 percent on everything you buy. Find the brands you love at stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, H&M and Apple, or try Made in Oregon shops for Oregon’s unique products and gifts. Outlet shoppers will save on brands like Adidas, Coach, Nike and Gap at centres in Troutdale, Woodburn, Seaside, Lincoln City, Bend and Phoenix. Hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces in the Pearl District, Nob Hill and Hawthorne in Portland.
PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN
In the scenic hills above Washington Park, the Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty which has been proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Encompassing 12.4 acres and 12 separate garden spaces, the garden includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood. Guided tours are included with cost of admission.
Open daily; admission charged.
BEYOND PORTLAND -
WINE COUNTRY
A short drive from the city, the Willamette Valley wows with lush scenery and delectable wines.
Wine enthusiasts know Oregon for its pinot noir, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit local vineyards. These include spectacular views, budget-friendly flights and tasting rooms made for slowing down and staying awhile. These wineries near Portland feature several varietals — including, yes, pinot noir — making for an ideal escape from the city.
MOUNT HOOD
Located 90 minutes from Portland, Oregon's tallest peak offers four seasons of fun.
The world’s second-most-climbed mountain, Mt. Hood's year-round recreation agenda also features skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping and biking. And best of all, everything is just a short drive from Portland.
With daily Delta Air Lines flights non-stop from London Heathrow to Portland, experiencing this city has never been easier!
