Most famous for its out-of-this-world cuisine and top-notch restaurants, Portland, Oregon, is every foodie’s dream destination!
Nicknamed ‘Rip City,’ Portland’s tag was sourced from the city’s NBA team announcer during a basketball game versus the Los Angeles Lakers. This term is often used when discussing the Portland Trail Blazers, though the tagline has quickly scattered across the city’s merchandise, jerseys, and mural art.
This city hosts many outstanding qualities. It is the most bike-friendly city in the United States, with many of its residents exceeding the national average of workers commuting by bike.
Experience the hype of Portland and burn extra calories by hopping on one of the local BIKETOWN bikes, traveling downtown, along the Willamette River, and crossing the Tilikum Crossing Bridge.
Portland is well-known for its greenery and parks, one of the most favored being Forest Park. One of the largest urban parks in the United States, Forest Park is overflowing with trails and wild beauty, where you can experience the natural appeal of Portland firsthand.
Whether you stay in the lively downtown or Central Eastside, Portland is guaranteed to leave you impressed by its impactful array of worthwhile activities.
1. Downtown
A home base for all great things Portland, Oregon, downtown is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of many of Portland’s top attractions. You can save money renting a car or snagging a ride on Uber or Lyft by walking instead to experience Portland like a local!
Walk over to top attractions like Powell’s City of Books, an icon in Portland for its supreme selection of books that draws in bibliophiles from all over. The World Cup Coffee and Tea, within the bookseller store, serves fresh coffee, tea, and pastries to sip and snack away while sinking into the world of books.
Finally, don’t pass up walking over to the International Rose Test Garden while staying in downtown Portland! This cute rose garden in Washington Park exudes a tranquil charm, displaying tens of thousands of vibrant and fragrant rose bushes in bloom.
While in downtown Portland, stop by the PSU Farmers Market for local goods and fresh produce sold by hundreds of vendors in this bustling market. Pick from freshly baked pastries and healthy kombucha to decadent ciders and farm-to-table produce!
2. Pearl District
Adjacent to the Northwest District and downtown Portland, the Pearl District is a trendy spot full of upscale chic modern fixes, aesthetic appeal, and popular activities in Portland!
The Pearl District is a fashionable place to stay, near all the stylish boutiques, craft breweries, deluxe fine dining, diverse art galleries, and artisan coffee cafes. First, visit favorite finds like Cerulean Wine. This wine bar and restaurant showcases an industrial and chic design paired with refreshing outdoor patio seating, seasonal menu items, and local art displays.
Then, simmer down for an unrivaled meal at top restaurants like Oven and Shaker, a pizzeria and cocktail bar presented by James Beard-nominated Chef Cathy Whims.
Deciding to stay in Portland’s Pearl District is an excellent selection if you want to be near other popular areas and attractions, including downtown, Old Town, and the Northwest District. Likewise, if you plan on hitting up other famous tourist spots or hidden gems in these areas, Pearl District is the place to stay!
3. Central Eastside
Close to Willamette River and within walkable distance to downtown, the Central Eastside of Portland is ideal for individuals looking for a quieter area near top attractions downtown.
The Central Eastside blends the best of Portland’s industrial tones with fashionable restaurants, trendy microbreweries, and riverside scenery. You’ll find some of the best food and nightlife Portland offers within the Central Eastside. This includes chill haunts like White Owl Social Club, serving up burgers, local craft beers, vegan eats, live music, and great vibes.
Next, sit down for a live performance at the world-class venue, Revolution Hall, in the Central Eastside’s Buckman neighborhood. Then, scour the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), presenting exhibits in its exhibition halls, planetarium, and theatre of the importance and success of technology, industry, and natural sciences.
4. Old Town/Chinatown
The oldest neighborhood in Portland, Old Town Chinatown, is east of the Pearl District off Willamette River and near downtown.
Full of impactful history, boisterous nightlife, and premium shopping, Old Town Chinatown is a great place to stay in Portland, Oregon. First, experience the renowned nightlife of Old Town Chinatown in favorite spots like Fuse Bar, a brick-layered social venue serving coffee during daylight hours and cocktails at night.
Then, experience the glory of live jazz at Wilf’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar at Union Station. The refreshing lounge was inspired by the 1950s, dishing American cuisine with soothing jazz music for an exceptional dining experience.
While staying in Old Town Chinatown, visit Lan Su Chinese Garden, a peaceful oasis in industrial Portland. The botanical garden displays rare native Chinese plant species, stunning Chinese architecture like the pagoda, impressive stonework, a neat tea shop, and tranquil ponds.
It is crucial to proceed with caution at night in Old Town Chinatown. The large homeless population in the area has been an infamous concern.
5. Nob Hill & Northwest Portland
Featuring stunning historic Victorian homes, Northwest Portland attracts many visitors to stroll through its charming, walkable neighborhood, home to many great selections of restaurants, galleries, and shops.
Located in Northwest Portland, adjacent to downtown, is Nob Hill. The neighborhood includes Northwest 21st Ave, Northwest 23rd Ave, Northwest Thurman Street, and West Burnside Street. This neighborhood is a fantastic place to stay or visit. There are excellent opportunities to shop, explore, people-watch, and walk amongst the scenic tree-lined neighborhood decked with Victorian houses ranging from eye-catching brights to calming neutrals.
Peer at the spectacular majesty of the historic Parish of Saint Mark with its awe-inspiring stained glasswork and red brick-speckled structure. Grab a local cider or CBD soda at 21st Ave Kitchen & Bar. This trendy spot has a lively outdoor back patio dedicated to serving Oregon-based drafts, classic American fare menu items like burgers, and craft cocktails.
There are loads of award-winning chefs that present their refined culinary skills within Northwest Portland and Nob Hill. One especially noteworthy spot is The Fireside, a gastropub featuring dual fireplaces and outdoors-themed menu items you’d have at a barbeque or campfire, from apple cobbler to charcuterie boards.
6. Lloyd District
Located near the Oregon Convention Center, across the river from downtown, the Lloyd District attracts sports fans and avid shoppers looking to participate in concerts, sports games, and more!
The Lloyd District is an excellent spot to stay, boasting numerous attractions within the district. First, go for quality retail therapy at the Lloyd Center Mall. Then snag tickets to the city’s NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers, at the Moda Center.
The center doesn’t exclusively host basketball games, with opportunities to see other popular events held at the center, including rodeos, ice hockey, concerts, conventions, ice shows, and circuses.
While staying in the Lloyd District, stop at the area’s celebrated restaurants. From Ethiopian cuisine at Queen of Sheba to vegan fusion cuisine at Blossoming Lotus, the Lloyd District offers endless options to please a variety of appetites and diet inclinations.
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