Explore Portland
Portland is an entertaining city to explore. We find something new every time we head out, as it’s constantly changing and impossible to discover every nook and cranny. The constants, though, are good food and friendly people.
I’ve put together a list of some of our favorite places to eat, drink, visit, and shop, broken up by neighborhood. It’s certainly not an exhaustive list, but if you’re looking for a place to start I certainly hope it’s helpful. I cover the heavy hitters in detail, but make sure to scroll to the bottom for a map marked with many more suggestions that didn’t make the list.
Downtown Portland
Portland’s downtown is a very walkable area. It’s quite small for a larger city’s downtown, but is packed with fun things to explore. I suggest staying in hotels in this area, because all of Portland’s public transit converges on this area, and it is very easy to walk, bike (rental stations are all over the city!), or take the bus, streetcar, or train everywhere you’d like to visit. Here are some of our favorites, but keep your eyes open, hidden gems can be found around every corner.
Pioneer Place
Pioneer Place is a shopping mall that takes up 4 city blocks. The space is split into four towers, each connected in the underground level of the mall, and is home to all kinds of retailers, from the everyday to the high end. Many other shopping can be found in the surrounding blocks. It’s a great place to do some shopping, especially since Oregon has no sales tax!
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square is an amphitheater style city square where all kinds of festivals, art installations, and markets take place. Something new is always happening in this space, especially on the weekends. It is also home to the Portland Visitor Information Center and the TriMet Ticket Office, so it’s a great place to find more info, guides, and tours of Portland.
Alder St. Food Cart Pod
The Alder St. Food Cart Pod is an entire city block of every type of food truck imaginable. There are some pretty great options, but our favorite is Altengartz – a German Bratwurst food truck.
Tender Loving Empire
There are an uncountable number of boutique and indie shops scattered throughout Portland, all offering unique wares. Tender Loving Empire makes this list, because it’s a great place to pick up some Portland souvenirs that you’ll actually want to use. They are a Record Label as well, so you’ll get a chance to listen to and browse some great music while shopping for prints and goods by local artists and makers. Don’t hesitate to stop by all the other great shops right next door though!
Lan Su Chinese Garden
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is the most beautiful place in the city. While technically located in Old Town Chinatown, it’s close enough to other things on this list to be a quick detour after exploring the Portland Saturday Market and stopping for a Voodoo Doughnut. This traditional garden is a sanctuary, once you step inside you forget the busyness going on outside its walls. It’s worth a trip no matter what time of year or what the weather is like. And if you’re a tea fan, you can have a cup at Tao of Tea, some of the best tea in town but only available inside the garden.
Portland Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday Market is a fun collection of local vendors selling all kinds of handcrafted goods. Don’t be fooled by the name, it’s open every Saturday & Sunday. It’s a great place to people watch, enjoy some live music, and find a handcrafted souvenir from Portland. It’s also right on the waterfront, and is a great place to see some of Portland’s many bridges.
Pine Street Market
The Pine Street Market is Portland’s best food court. It houses mini versions of some of our favorite restaurants, including Marukin Ramen, OP Wurst, and Bless Your Heart Burgers (to name just a few). It’s also where you can find Salt & Straw’s Wiz Bang Bar, the best place for soft serve! It’s a great place to go when you can’t decide on where to eat, because everyone can pick out something different and sit down together at one of the long communal tables. It’s also very kid friendly, with high chairs and booster seats to go around.
Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe
Moonstruck Chocolate is a Portland staple. It’s a perfect place to grab a treat, a chocolate based drink or coffee, or a gift box to bring home. They are known for their chocolate truffles, and have an assortment of flavors. The Oregon Distillery Truffle Collection and Oregon Craft Brewers Truffle Collection have gone over very well as gifts for adults and their Ladybug and Critter Truffles are always a hit with kids.
Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum on the west coast. Their collections range from historical to contemporary, and there is something for everyone to see. Super exciting is the Animating Life exhibit, which features Portland based animation studio Laika’s process and artistry. Laika is know for movies including Kubo and the Two Strings, The Boxtrolls, ParaNorman, and Coraline.
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut makes it on just about every list of “what to do in Portland” that you’ll find on the internet. Their downtown location is a sight to behold and their donuts are as wacky as their space. You’ll undoubtedly see people at PDX (Portland’s Airport) toting Voodoo Doughnut’s signature pink boxes! It’s a great place for an instagram pic.
Ground Kontrol
Ground Kontrol is a classic arcade with just about every old arcade game you can think of. It’s a super fun place to go spend some quarters, but be aware that the place serves alcohol and is 21+ after 5pm.
The Pearl District
The Pearl District is just north of city center. It’s an old industrial district that has slowly been converted over the years into shops, restaurants, and living areas. We got married in a converted warehouse in the Pearl District, and many of our favorite restaurants are found in this area. It’s easy to get to using the Portland Streetcar or via a short walk.
Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s is one of the coolest places in Portland! It’s another one of those places that makes it onto every “must see” list, and this one with good reason. Powell’s is a new and used bookstore that takes up an entire city block. Every type of book you can imagine, Powell’s will probably have. There’s a huge children’s section, books in just about every language and on just about every topic. The space is actually a few different buildings that have merged into one, and it can be easy to get lost the first time you visit, but there is a helpful staff to point you in the right direction.
World Foods
World Foods is a small grocery store in the Pearl that has a big selection of goods from all over. Their most impressive offers are a wide selection of imported beer and a deli that lives up to it’s name. If you need a snack or want something to take back to the hotel for later, their prepared foods represent the whole world and are always changing. They also have a chocolate aisle that’s pretty impressive.
Andina
Andina is one of our favorite restaurants in all of Portland. It’s a Peruvian restaurant that’s on the pricier side, but if you’re looking for a fun night out for Tapas or a full meal, you can’t go wrong here. Every night starting at 7pm, live music fills the building. This place is always packed, and you’ll often be given an hour plus wait time, but it’s worth the wait. Luckily there is tons to explore in the surrounding Pearl District while you wait for your table.
Prasad
Prasad is a vegan and gluten-free restaurant located inside a yoga studio, but don’t let that introduction scare you away. Their food is some of the most delicious in Portland. Whether you’re trying their chili (delicious) or one of their bowls (all delicious), you’ll be amazed at the amount of flavor and fullness you get from your vegan and gluten-free meal. Their menu can be a little overwhelming with ingredients like ‘massaged kale’ and ‘sea vegetables’ and ‘jalapeño cashew chz’, but trust us, everything’s delicious. They also have a massive juice and smoothie selection, so if you’re looking for something lighter for breakfast, this place is a great choice.
Tea Bar
Tea Bar is another instagram worthy spot. Their tea offerings are as delicious as they are photogenic too. It’s a great place to try some interesting flavor combos that go beyond your traditional tea shop.
North Park Blocks
The North Park Blocks are a Park that features a couple fun art installations and a playground for children. This park can be pretty lively on the weekends, especially when a Corgis in the Pearl event is going on (usually on sunny Sundays). It’s one of the only playgrounds in the area, but it’s not the only great place for kids. Another park in the Pearl, Jamison Square, has a splash fountain that is filled with little ones all summer long. It may not be warm enough until late May for splashing, though.
Deschutes Brewery
Deshutes Brewery isn’t the only Brewery in the Pearl, but it’s probably the most well known. It’s a great place to try a sample flight and get some Pacific NW grub. The food’s good, the beer’s good, the environment is fun. The Pearl District is home to several other Breweries, Brew Pubs, and Bars as well. If you’re looking for some place that’s open late, Deshutes isn’t your best option, though. Instead try Life of Riley Tavern, Brix Tavern, Low Brow Lounge, or River Pig Saloon.
Little Big Burger
Little Big Burger is a little burger joint that originates here in Portland. The burgers are a great size for a snack or small lunch, and they are super inexpensive. The truffle fries are also a must, but one order can easily be shared between everyone!
Caffè Umbria
We’ve got to be honest, one major thing missing from this list of suggestions is an abundance of coffee shops. Coffee is huge in Portland, but since neither of us drinks it, we don’t have a large list of suggestions. One place we really enjoy is Caffè Umbria, a traditional Italian coffee shop that actually got it’s start in Seattle. Even though this is the only one we can give our recommendation for, so many others (Stumptown Coffee, Case Study Coffee Roasters, Barista, Black Rock Coffee Bar, the list goes on) have been recommended to us. If you try any of them out and love them, let us know so we can make better recommendations for guests in the future!
Nob Hill/NW 23rd Ave
NW 23rd is a street full of shopping and restaurants, and it’s home to our favorite ice cream and donut shops. It’s a little out of the way, but easy to get to via the Portland Streetcar NS Loop. Some of our favorite treats can be found along this street and we love walking through this really pretty neighborhood on the weekends.
Blue Star Donuts
Blue Star Donuts are “Donuts for Grownups”. Our favorite baked treat in Portland, these brioche style donuts come in some unique flavors that are rich and decadent without being overly sugary sweet. You won’t find frosting and sprinkles on these guys! Instead you’ll get to pick from flavors like Blueberry Bourbon Basil, Cointreau Creme Brulee, and Real Maple Bacon. While we usually find ourselves at the 23rd Ave location, there are a few other locations, including one Downtown. Be warned, there will for sure be a line, and once they sell out for the day they close up shop. If you have your eye on a particular flavor, get there early.
Tea Chai Te
Tea Chai Te is a great little tea shop that’s easy to miss when you’re walking down 23rd Ave. This cozy space on the 2nd floor is filled with comfy chairs and sofas and is a great place to sit and unwind after walking around all day. They offer a huge selection of loose leaf teas, bubble teas, and house brewed kombucha.
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw is a must stop while in Portland. Yes, the line will be long (it’s a right of passage in Portland to wait in long lines for brunch and tasty treats), but the flavors will be worth it. Their regular line-up boasts some pretty amazing flavors (including vegan options), and each month they add a new round of downright crazy flavors. You always get to try a bite of as many flavors as you’d like, so you can make sure you get the perfect cone. We usually stick with a Kid Size Cone, though, because those are not small portions (especially after all the free samples!).
Poplandia
Poplandia is Portland’s gourmet popcorn shop. Whether you’re craving sweet or savory, they’ve got some great popcorn flavors to try. The Golden Curry (a savory, vegan option) and Cinnamon Apple Churro are particularly good. While we tend to stop by for the popcorn, Poplandia also shares the space with Saint Cupcake.
Papa Haydn
Papa Haydn is a Portland mainstay that’s been around for over 38 years. While their fine dining menu is certainly reason enough to make a visit, Papa Haydn is best know for it’s incredible selection of desserts. It’s a popular place to get birthday and wedding cakes, but their by-the-slice selection is so large, it’s near impossible to pick just one dessert. While most people will boast Papa Haydn’s desserts, it’s also a great place to come in the evening for wine and cocktails. Papa Hayden’s sister restaurant, Jo Bar & Rotisserie, is also a great option for dinner. If the wait is too long at one, try the other (they share the building).
Hip Hound
Looking for a souvenir for your pup? Hip Hound is the place to go. This is an awesome, local pet store that carries tons of great things for dogs, cats, and people who like dogs and/or cats. The highlight for us is their bulk selection of handmade dog treats, of which you can mix and match as few or as many as you’d like. This pet shop also has a coffee bar inside called Java Hound, so you can sip a cup with your pup.
Washington Park
The Red and Blue MAX lines take you out to Washington Park from city center in 15 minutes. The trip is worth it, especially with little ones, since Washington Park is home to the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Children’s Museum. On weekends, a shuttle can also take you from the MAX station to the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden.
Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is one of the first places we fell in love with when moving to Portland. Set into the hillside of Washington Park, walking through the zoo feels like walking through the forest more than any zoo we’ve been to. At the zoo, you get to see not only your standard zoo animals (lions, bears, giraffes) but also some pretty rare ones as well. The zoo has many conservation programs, and is helping species like the California Condor survive extinction. There are so many activities scattered throughout the zoo for kids, and it easily tops our list of suggestions of things to do with kids on a nice day. A great part of the Oregon Zoo is that Portland’s taste for good food makes it’s way into their restaurants and food stands. Seriously, don’t hesitate to grab some lunch here if you decided to visit, best amusement food we’ve ever experienced.
Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is a beautiful place, you feel transported when you enter. If you’re looking for a place to take in all the fresh, spring greens, this is probably the most beautiful place to do it. The Umami Cafe is also open within the garden, serving traditional combinations of Japanese teas and sweets.
International Rose Test Garden
The International Rose Test Garden has more types of roses than we ever even knew existed. While peak rose viewing season is in June, the roses bloom from April through October, so there’s a pretty good chance you’ll get to see some beautiful blooms if you decide to visit. A great part about the garden is that it is free to explore, unlike most of the other attractions in Washington Park.
Portland Children’s Museum
The Portland Children’s Museum is phenomenal, there’s no other way to describe it. More giant, indoor playground than actual museum, this place is an exploration center that will push every child’s imagination. The museum is split into sections such as a grocery store, a construction site, or a vet clinic, all where kids are at the controls. There are countless activities, something to interest every kid, and because it’s largely indoors, it’s a great place to play even on a rainy Portland day. While it may sound like a great idea to hit both the Portland Children’s Museum and the Oregon Zoo at the same time, we caution against it. Your little one’s can easily spend 4+ hours playing at the museum alone. It’s a great place to let them tucker themselves out, but doing both in one day can be a bit much. If you have the time to do only one, the Museum is a bigger hit for most kids.
Greater Portland
Portland is a sprawling city, with fun pockets of restaurants and shopping all over the place. We wish we could take everyone on a tour of all our favorite places, but there just isn’t enough time in a short trip to make it to everything. This list has been focused on places easiest to reach on foot or via transit from city center, but there are many more things to explore.
OMSI
OMSI (the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) is a place to (literally) dip your hands into science. OMSI offers over 200 interactive exhibits and activities and 8 labs that let you actually try experiments in fields like Paleontology and Chemistry. Beyond the exhibits, you can take a tour of the USS Blueback Submarine, take a ride on the motion simulator, or watch a show in either the Planetarium or the Theater. No matter what age you are, if you’re a science fan, you’ll have fun at OMSI. For kids under 6, though, there is also a special Science Playground perfect for crawling, splashing, and exploring. OMSI is really easy to get to from Downtown using the Portland Streetcar, just take the B-Loop south to get to OMSI from downtown and take the A-Loop to get back.
Smith Teamaker
Both Smith Teamaker locations fall just outside of the neighborhoods listed above. Their Washington Street location is their headquarters, where you can see their assembly-line in action as you’re sipping on your tea. It’s located just on the other side of the river and is easy to get to via either the Portland Streetcar A-Loop or B-Loop. Their NW Thurman location is a smaller, quieter space, and is an easy walk north from the NW 18th & Northrup stop for the Portland Streetcar N/S Line. At both locations you can try a tea flight, best shared between two, where you get to choose four tea varieties from their extensive selection. Smith Teamaker makes this list because their quality teas are really worth the extra trip if you’re a tea fan (and we know some of you are!).
To make things a little easier, we’ve also put together this map of our favorite shopping, eating, and attractions throughout the Portland area. The map includes things we haven’t mentioned above, so feel free to explore a bit and let me know in the comments if you find something worth sharing on a future Explore Portland post!
What a great collection of destinations in Portland! I love Smith’s Tea Bar and take friends there at every chance I get. But I realized I’ve never been to the Moonstruck cafe — how is that possible? Their chocolate is soooo good!
You must go! The downtown location is tiny and easy to miss, but the drinks are so good! Plus we sometimes just stop for a single chocolate, just as a treat.
You got all the best spots on here! Can’t beat Portland when it comes to a never-ending list of eclectic activities! Now I’m craving Salt&Straw ?
I’m always craving Salt&Straw!