6 minute read

Portland, Oregon, is one of the best places to visit. It’s full of character and beauty, thanks to its stunning scenery and unique, quirky stores. There is always something to do in Portland, especially if you’re a first-timer discovering the city for the first time. The only trouble is, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry – here’s what we recommend.

Making the Most of Your Portland Trip

  • Use Portland’s Public Transportation – Portland’s public transportation is perfect for first-time visitors who don’t want to drive in the city. Try the MAX Light Rail or the Portland Streetcar, depending on where you want to visit.
  • Don’t Forget About Coffee – Portland is famous for having some of the best coffee in the US. Make sure you stop by one of their many, many cafes and sample some yourself.
  • Plan Your Visit Around Events in Portland – Portland hosts a range of events, such as the Portland Rose Festival and the Portland International Film Festival. Depending on your likes and hobbies, you might want to plan your trip around one of these.
  • Use Spareroom For Long-Term Travel – If you’re planning to extend your stay, SpareRoom is a fantastic way to find affordable and reliable long-term accommodation solutions, helping you find rooms for rent in Portland.

The Best Things to Do in Portland

1. Washington Park

If you’ve never been to Portland before, Washington Park is a must-see. This iconic park spans 410 acres and is perfect if you’re a nature lover at heart. Not to mention, it’s home to some of the city’s best attractions, such as:

  • The Portland Japanese Garden – This is considered one of the most authentic gardens outside Japan.
  • The International Rose Test Garden – Wander through different roses, which come out in full bloom during the summer.
  • Oregon Zoo – Get up close to over 200 species of animals. This is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something to do with the whole family.

Take a picnic, or just enjoy the views — however you plan to spend your time, Washington Park is definitely worth the visit.

2. Powell’s City of Books

Book lovers need to stop by Powell’s City of Books when visiting Portland; it’s potentially the largest bookstore in the world. This is an independent bookstore that actually covers an entire city block, and is crammed full of both brand-new novels and used books in need of a home. 

Its nine rooms host over one million books – so no matter your genre, you’re bound to find something you’ll like. They also have an in-store cafe, which is worth checking out.

3. Portland Waterfront

If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful city, we strongly recommend the Portland Waterfront. The Tom McCall Waterfront Park stretches along the Willamette River. You’ll come across plenty of beautiful views and trails – whether you want to disappear into nature or watch the world go by. 

Here are some iconic events you won’t want to miss:

  • Waterfront Blues Festival – Planning to visit in the summer? This annual festival is one of Portland’s biggest events. We recommend renting a kayak or paddleboard to make your experience even more special and unforgettable. 
  • Portland Saturday Market – If you’re an art or history lover, you won’t want to miss this one – it’s one of the oldest and largest outdoor arts and crafts markets in the United States, full of all sorts of homemade goodies.

4. The Portland Art Museum

This is another one for art lovers. The Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the Pacific Northwest, featuring amazing exhibits that range from Native American pieces to more contemporary art. It also supports and celebrates local and international artists, so there’s bound to be something that inspires you.

6. Forest Park

You don’t have to leave nature behind when you visit this city. Forst Park is a beautifully lush forest, spanning over 5,000 acres. You’ll find it just minutes from downtown Portland, so you don’t have to go out of your way when you want to connect with nature.

Hikers will love to know that this park is home to over 80 miles of hiking trails. We personally recommend the Wildwood Trail, which is one of the most popular paths you can take. The hike is moderate, so it’s great if you’re not a super seasoned hiker, but you’re looking for a trail that’s a bit more challenging.

Beginner hikers can rejoice, too, though, as Forest Park also has a range of much easier trails where you can trek along at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful views and scenery.

7. Portland Aerial Tram

The Portland Aerial Tram is a fantastic way to see the incredible views of the city skyline, including the Willamette River, and Mount Hood in the distance. This tram connects the South Waterfront District with the Oregon Health & Science University campus on Marquam Hill. Hop aboard during the sunset and catch the city lights as they start to twinkle in the growing darkness. 

8. Multnomah Falls

If you don’t mind heading out of the city for a little bit, you’ll find Multnomah Falls about 30 minutes outside Portland. This gorgeous 620-foot waterfall is truly breathtaking; it’s the tallest in the state and provides spectacular views from both the base and the top. It’s a fantastic option for beginner hikers, as the trail to Multnomah Falls is accessible, no matter your experience. Although if you prefer more of a hike, you can absolutely continue along Eagle Creek Trail, where you’ll find even more beautiful views and waterfalls to gaze upon.

9. Local Breweries

Another thing Portland is famous for is its craft beers. In fact, this city has over 70 breweries in the city alone; that’s a lot of beer. Whatever your poison – pale ales, stouts, or IPAs – you can trust that Portland has it. 

Try the Deschutes Brewery to get started, and try their popular craft brews.

There are also plenty of guided brewery tours for true beer lovers. With a bit of research, you’re bound to find the best spots to sample the finest beers.

Conclusion

If you’re visiting Portland for the first time, you won’t be disappointed. This stunning city has so much to offer, such as amazing art museums and lush hiking trails. There really is something for everyone, whether your idea of a good time is sipping a beer or two or making the most of the city’s nightlife.