Your Ultimate Guide To The Best Places In Portland

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore the best places in Portland, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s vibrant arts scene, eclectic neighborhoods, and beautiful natural landscapes.

4 million people flock to Portland every year, lured by the city’s urban charm and vibrant energy. For good reason. The ‘City of Roses’ enchants with quirky attractions, buzzy food halls, and gorgeous natural surrounds. Ready to explore stuff to do in Portland? Let’s dive in.

Top 10 Best Portland Attractions To Check Out

1. Washington Park

Magnificent 410-acre Washington Park is one of the essential places to go in Portland. This sprawling urban green space is home to some of the city’s key things to see and do in Portland:

• The International Rose Test Garden, the oldest public rose test garden in the US. From May to October, stop and sniff your way through 10,000+ rose bushes representing 650 varieties. Admission is free.

• The Oregon Zoo, home to 1,800 animals across 230 species. Don’t miss the Asian elephant exhibit.

• The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, where interactive exhibits explore the importance of forests. Climb the 5-story Canopy Lift for a birds-eye forest view.

• The Portland Japanese Garden, an authentic, 12-acre Japanese garden with eight separate garden styles. The serene setting features tea houses, picturesque bridges, koi ponds, and a stunning view of Mount Hood.

2. Portland Saturday Market

Every weekend from March to December, the historic Old Town transforms into the lively Portland Saturday Market. It’s the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the United States. Browse unique creations from over 350 local artisans, grab a bite from 50+ food stalls, and enjoy live music. From paintings to pottery to jewellery and more, it’s a one-stop shop for Portland-made treasures and a must-add to your list of fun things to do in Portland Oregon.

3. Powell’s City of Books

No trip to Portland is complete without losing yourself in the hallowed aisles of Powell’s City of Books. Covering an entire city block, Powell’s is the world’s largest independent bookstore. It houses over 1 million new and used books across 3,500 sections. You can easily spend hours browsing the color-coded rooms. Check their event calendar for author readings, book clubs, and writing workshops. Stop by the Rare Book Room to marvel at their collection of autographed first editions and out-of-print titles.

4. Pittock Mansion

Perched 1,000 feet above the city, the Pittock Mansion offers a glimpse into Portland’s past. This stately 1914 mansion was home to prominent Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana. Today, you can tour the 46-room estate, which has been carefully restored to its original grandeur. From Georgiana’s lush gardens to Henry’s Turkish smoking room, each space is a time capsule. Don’t miss the incredible panoramic view of the city from the mansion’s terrace.

5. Portland Aerial Tram

For a unique perspective on the city, hop aboard the Portland Aerial Tram. This 3-minute ride whisks you from the South Waterfront district to the top of Marquam Hill, 500 feet above the city. The upper terminal offers stunning views of downtown Portland, the Willamette River, and even Mount St. Helens on a clear day. At the top, you can explore the Oregon Health & Science University campus or hike the nearby trails.

6. Lan Su Chinese Garden

Transport yourself to the Ming Dynasty at the serene Lan Su Chinese Garden. This walled garden in the heart of Old Town is an oasis of tranquility. Designed by artisans from Portland’s sister city Suzhou, it’s the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China. Stroll the curving pathways past whispering streams, exquisite pavilions, and graceful bridges. Pause for tea at the two-story Tower of Cosmic Reflections teahouse. Check their calendar for events like tai chi, calligraphy demos, and tea tastings.

7. Forest Park

Just minutes from downtown lies the lush haven of Forest Park. With 5,200 acres, it’s one of the largest urban forests in the United States. Hikers, runners, and mountain bikers flock to its 80 miles of trails. The popular 30-mile Wildwood Trail meanders through the heart of the park, offering glimpses of indigenous flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for northern pygmy owls, black-tailed deer, and rough-skinned newts. Stop at the various viewpoints for breathtaking vistas of the Willamette River and Cascade Mountains.

8. Portland Art Museum

Art aficionados shouldn’t miss the Portland Art Museum. It’s the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest and houses over 42,000 works spanning ancient to contemporary. Highlights include:

• An extensive collection of Native American art, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest

• European masters like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh

• Modern and contemporary works by the likes of Warhol, O’Keeffe, and Rothko

• The Gilkey Center for Graphic Arts, with over 26,000 prints, drawings, and photographs

The museum also hosts touring exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, and family programs.

9. Mississippi Avenue

For a taste of Portland’s famous indie spirit, spend an afternoon strolling Mississippi Avenue. This vibrant street is packed with locally-owned boutiques, quirky bars, live music venues, and food carts. A few must-visits:

• Reading Frenzy, an indie bookstore specializing in small press and self-published titles

• The Rebuilding Center, a nonprofit treasure trove of reclaimed building materials

• Mississippi Studios, an intimate music venue showcasing local and touring acts

• Prost!, a lively German pub with an expansive back patio

Don’t forget to snap a pic with the iconic Mississippi Avenue sign!

10. Portland Farmers Market

Portland takes its farm-to-fork ethos seriously, and there’s no better place to experience it than at a Portland Farmers Market. From March to December, several neighbourhoods host weekly markets brimming with just-picked produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods. The Saturday PSU market is the crown jewel, with 140 vendor stalls surrounding the Portland State University campus. Grab a reusable bag and stock up on local honeys, jams, cheeses, breads, and more. Most stalls offer samples, so arrive hungry! Live music and chef demos round out the festive atmosphere.

Discover Portland with Seamless Connectivity from Airtel

From lush parks to indie boutiques to a legendary food scene, the things to do in Portland are as diverse as they are plentiful. This guide just scratches the surface of the many fun things to do in Portland Oregon. The real joy lies in uncovering your own favourite haunts and hidden gems. So pack your sense of adventure (and a raincoat), and get ready to experience the magic of the Rose City for yourself. Reliable connectivity is key to a smooth trip – consider Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming to stay connected as you explore the best places to go in Portland. Happy trails!

Central Portland is quite walkable and bikeable, with short blocks and dedicated bike lanes. For longer trips, TriMet operates an efficient network of buses, light rail (MAX), and streetcars. A day pass offers unlimited rides for $5. Portland is also extremely ride-share friendly, with Uber and Lyft widely available.