Portland doesn’t try to run from its eccentricities. On the contrary, its residents often encourage each other to “Keep Portland Weird.” You’ll find tons of independent businesses in this Oregon city, including a bounty of food trucks and plenty of outdoor markets. Things to do in Portland also include a bike ride along one of Stumptown’s many trails and scoping out vintage clothing stores downtown. Whether you want to get a caffeine fix in the form of locally brewed coffee or take a thought-provoking tour of a regional art museum, Portland activities will keep you entertained and inspire a love of the city.
Areas & Neighborhoods
While Portland is resoundingly offbeat through and through, the city is quite diverse in its offering of idiosyncrasies. The neighborhoods in The City of Roses represent this diversity quite well, with some districts teeming in nightlife and others in food trucks. One thing is sure: Whether you travel to Portland alone, with family, or in the company of friends, there is a neighborhood here to make you feel right at home.
Downtown — Portland’s downtown district is full of life and activities, and the good news is that you can walk to most of them. In fact, many Portland walking tours start and end here. From small, local boutique stores and the farmers market to international retailers and world-class restaurants, downtown has it all.
Nob Hill — The Portland area called Nob Hill surrounds NW 21st and NW 23rd Streets. Thanks to its reputation as being on the chicer side of things, many people call the district “Trendy-First and Trendy-Third.” Nob Hill is a great destination for anyone who is a fan of Victorian architecture, interesting storefronts, and local breweries. This part of Portland is also adjacent to Forest Park.
Belmont — If you want a high percentage of independent coffee shops and stores, head to this neighborhood. It’s also a treasure trove of food carts. Trek to this part of town to see vintage Portland at its finest.
Things to See in Portland
Before you hit the bike trail or put on your walking shoes, there are plenty of things to sit back and enjoy in Portland. Get entertained at one of the many local theaters, many of which put on Broadway productions. Venues like the Keller Auditorium and Winningstad Theatre always have something lively on stage. If it’s a photo opportunity you’re after, the Portland Observatory offers guided tours and boasts spectacular views. Other things to do in Portland, Oregon, revolve around quirky art. From a gallery dedicated to old vacuum cleaners to Ping Pong’s Pint Size Puppet Museum, Portland art keeps you on your toes.
Things to Do & Attractions in Portland
There are plenty of fun things to do in Portland, at any speed. Foodies must take a tour of local food carts, which operate out of trucks around the city. From Hawthorne Street to downtown, you can grab a mouthwatering bite at almost any hour. If you want to become one with nature, head to the Portland Japanese Garden or the Portland International Rose Test Garden. Expand your horizons by signing up for one of the many tours from Portland, Oregon. You can reach Mount Hood and other attractions within a few hours.