The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Nicknamed “the City of Roses”, Portland, Oregon, is one of North America’s most unique cities. Indeed, Portland is a city where craft beer is mainstream, the weird and wacky is cool, and where amazing nature is intermingled throughout the concrete jungle. It comes as no surprise, then, that its combination of creative culture and flourishing city attractions brings flocks of tourists and soon-to-be residents to the city on a daily basis.
If you’re planning a trip to Oregon’s biggest city, we’ve got you covered. In today’s article, we share 7 top things to do in Portland, Oregon. From must-see sights and delectable eats, to hidden gems and nature parks galore, this is the ultimate list of things to do on your next trip to Portland. Read on to find out more.
1. Explore The International Rose Test Garden
If you’ve ever wondered why Portland is often referred to as “the City of Roses”, it’s time to set the record straight with a visit to the lovely Portland International Rose Test Garden. Located in Washington Park, the 4.5-acre rose garden is one of the coolest places to see in Portland and just so happens to be the oldest rose test garden in the United States. Home to over 10,000 rose bushes and 610 varieties, this garden is where many companies test new varieties of roses (some are tested here a number of years before they become commercially available).
The International Rose Test Garden is year round, but if you’re keen on witnessing the roses at their finest, try to visit between May and September. Once you’re done exploring, be sure to visit the Rose Garden Store to purchase a memento to take home. The store offers a wide variety of rose items to visitors, with all proceeds going to a good cause, so be sure to buy USD before your trip!
Address: 400 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR 97210
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5am–10pm
2. Stuff Yourself Silly At Voodoo Doughnuts
One thing you have to know about Portland is that it is famous for its donuts. At a time no one can quite pinpoint, Portland became a destination city for donut lovers and some attest it to the meteoric rise of the now-infamous Voodoo Doughnuts. Home to some of the wackiest (and most delicious) donuts in the country, Voodoo Doughnuts has developed a cult-like following not just in Portland, but in almost every corner of the world.
If you’re looking to satisfy an intense sugar craving, simply head down to SW Third Avenue to get your fill of Bacon and Maple, Bubblegum, Cap’n Crunch and other insanely delectable flavours of doughnuts on offer at Voodoo. Even if you aren’t the biggest doughnut fan, we highly recommend giving their classic Voodoo Doll doughnut a try — a chocolate-covered confection shaped like said effigy and packed with delicious red jam (or jelly as they call it on the other side of the pond!).
Address: 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5am–3am
3. Visit The Portland Art Museum
If you consider yourself an aesthete, be sure to carve a couple of hours out to visit the iconic Portland Art Museum. Located in the centre of Downtown Portland’s cultural district, this renowned museum is one of the top places to visit in Portland for art lovers and tourists alike. Although the museum’s main focus is its collection of Northwest and Pacific Coast Native American art, you’ll also catch a glimpse of works by European, Asian and American artists. https://portlandartmuseum.org/
With a vast array of works on display (contemporary, modern and ancient prints, paintings, photographs – and more than 45,000 of them) there’s enough to keep you busy for an entire day. Admission to the Portland Art Museum is $20 for adults. Children under 17 can visit for free.
Address: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 9720
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 5am–3am
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"Portland is a city where craft beer is mainstream, the weird and wacky is cool, and where amazing nature is intermingled throughout the concrete jungle."
4. See Pittock Mansion
Visiting the Pittock Mansion is a dream for history buffs. Originally built in 1914 as a private home for London-born Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock and his wife, this 23-room French Renaissance-style château can be visited on a tour that is open to the public. Spanning over 16,000 square feet and boasting 46 elaborate rooms, a guided tour is the best way to explore every inch of this property filled with incredible artwork, period furnishing and even the original elevator that is operational to this day.
This mansion turned city-owned museum tells an elaborate story of Portland’s growth over the last century through the eyes of the Pittock family and also commands some of the finest views over the city, making its lawns a popular picnic spot. So, be sure to pack some tasty snacks and blankets for an unforgettable picnic on the grounds.
Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm (Except Tuesdays – 12pm – 5pm)
5. Sign Up for A Food Tour
If you are a foodie (because who isn’t?) no trip to Portland is complete without an incredible food tour. Aside from the obvious benefit of getting to sample some of the city’s best food and drink, you’ll also get to meet other foodie travellers like yourself. There are a number of different food tours on offer in Portland, with two of our favourite being:
Lost Plate: A family-run company that offers food tours all around the world, Lost Plate runs a few specialised food tours in Portland, including one that focuses on donuts and one that sticks entirely to food carts. Their tours start at $49 USD. https://lostplate.com/portland-food-tours/
Forktown: Whether you are looking to have a mellow time in the city or branch out and try something new, Forktown food tours can easily accommodate everyone. Forktown offers Classic, Eclectic and Global tours, all of which focus on different cuisines and regions of the city. Most tours last around three hours and cost $115 USD per person. https://forktown.com/
6. Spend A Day At The Pearl District
Once a run-down warehouse district, Portland’s trendy Pearl District is now one of the trendiest places to shop, eat and socialise in Portland. This popular neighbourhood is a hit with youngsters and millennials alike, thanks to the plethora of boutiques, cafes, art galleries, bars, brewpubs and trendy condominiums on offer. By day, you can explore its art galleries and treat yourself to some of Portland’s famous craft coffee. In the evening, the neighbourhood bursts with some of the city’s best nightlife options. Explore 10 of the best things to do in Pearl District here. https://citybop.com/portland-oregon/pearl-district
Top Tip: If you’re a first time visitor to Portland, we highly recommend finding accommodation nearby Pearl District as it is well-located near lots of attractions (especially if you won’t be driving!).
7. Browse At Powell’s City of Books
Last but not least, bibliophiles will be in paradise exploring the gigantic Powell’s City of Books. Established in 1971, the store takes up an entire city block and has 3,500 different sections. The largest independent bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books is home to over 4 million new, used and rare tomes. Not to state the obvious, but that’s a lot of books, and you could easily spend half a day (or more) filling up your suitcase with great book deals.
Top Tip: The Rare Book Room located in the bookstore has plenty of signed volumes if you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift of souvenir for friends, family or a partner.
Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 9pm
And there you have it – 7 incredible things to do in Portland. Fun, eclectic, energetic and with so much on offer, one trip to the City of Roses will certainly not be enough.
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