Portland, Oregon is a city that encompasses the best of the Pacific Northwest and there’s never been a better time to travel to the city of roses. Portland is a city where you can come as you are, whether that’s a flannel shirt and Doc Martens (the nineties dream IS very much alive in Portland), a tailored shirt and vintage wingtips that go perfectly with a well groomed beard or a bohemian dress with a slightly undone bun. With a commitment to local ingredients, a dynamic coffee and craft beer scene, and a creative spirit Portland has emerged as one of the best food towns in the US. A weekend is just long enough to fall for Portland’s charms, here are my recommendations for a weekend trip to Portland.
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Getting around Portland
Portland is a city that is super walkable and bike friendly but if you’re going a bit further afield Portland’s MAX lightrail puts the city at your finger tips. Single ride tickets cost $2.50 and all day passes are $5.00.
Portland Hotels
ACE Hotel (learn more) (book here)
The Dossier (learn more) (book here)
The Benson Hotel (learn more) (book here)
The Heathman Hotel (learn more) (book here)
Caravan Tiny House Hotel (learn more) (book here)
Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland (learn more) (book here)
Things to Do in Portland
Portland Saturday Market
Portland is a city of makers and no where is that more evident than the Portland Saturday Market. Set along the Willamette River the Portland Saturday Market features over 350 vendors and artisans as well as a diverse array of culinary offerings. With everything from handcrafted pottery to one-of-a-kind jewelry and distinctive woodwork the Portland Saturday Market showcases the best of PNW craftsmanship.
Portland Japanese Garden
Proclaimed as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan” the Portland Japanese Garden offers a serene retreat overlooking the city. To get there from the city take the MAX lightrail to the Washington Park stop (the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum and Portland International Rose Test Garden can also be reached at this stop) and then take the free shuttle which loops around Washington Park’s attractions. Explore 8 different garden styles over 12 acres or take in one of the many cultural events hosted by the Portland Japanese Garden.
Powell’s City of Books
As the largest bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books is a temple for bibliophiles. Occupying an entire city block in Portland’s Pearl District Powell’s features thousands of books across 6 rooms and 3,500 sections as well as a variety of “only in Portland” souvenirs. If you’re lucky you can time your visit with one of the many author lead book readings and signings that are regularly hosted at Powell’s.
The Pearl District
Portland is home to a diverse array of eclectic neighborhoods but if you’re limited on time a visit to the Pearl District is a must. Home to the aforementioned Powell’s City of Books as well as numerous art galleries, cafes and boutiques the Pearl District offers up some of the best of Portland within a few city blocks. The Pearl is also home to some of Portland’s best eats including Andina for upscale Peruvian, Multnomah Whiskey Library for the world’s largest whiskey collection and the 1927 S’mores Company for decadent gourmet s’mores.
Food in Portland
Coffee in Portland
It’s nearly impossible to find a bad cup of coffee in Portland. Skip the mermaid and head to one of the many smaller independent roasters and cafes that pour a serious cup of joe. Stop by Stumptown Roasters, one of Portland’s original third wave roasters, for a tasting of their latest roasts or check out Never Coffee Lab for their Oregon latte ( an all-too-addictive latte with dulce de leche, Cascade hops and local Jacobsen sea salt). If you want a simple but expertly pulled espresso then Public Domain Coffee is your place.
Search for the Best Donuts in Portland
Whether you spell them doughnuts or donuts there’s no doubt that Portland may be the best city in the country to find these tasty little treats. Thanks to their maple bacon bar Voodoo Doughnuts put Portland on the donughnut map and any given time of day you’ll find people lined up down the block for their funky flavors that range from guava to grape and toppings that include Froot Loops and Tang. For my doughnut money I recommend standing in the slightly shorter lines at Blue Star Donuts for their nuanced gourmet confections; with flavors like orange olive oil and apple brandy with marcona almond crumble Blue Star makes hand crafted donuts for grown ups.
Portland Craft Beer
In Portland if you’re not drinking coffee you probably have a pint in hand. Portland boasts more craft breweries per capita than any other city in the world and there may be no better city for hopheads. Whether you want a lager from Wayfinder, a porter from Ecliptic Brewing, or barrel aged sours from Cascade Brewing Barrel House you’re bound to find a brew you like at one of Portland’s 70 breweries. I couldn’t pass up a chance to stop by Oregon based Deschutes Brewery ( a personal favorite of mine) for one of their all too drinkable IPAs.
Where to Eat in Portland
A strong farm to table ethos and a penchant for creativity has made Portland a haven for foodies. I can’t even begin to touch on a fraction of Portland’s amazing eateries but I do have a few I can recommend. For the fluffiest biscuits this side of the Mississippi piled high with everything from fried chicken to sausage gravy to pimento cheese Pine State Biscuits is the place to be. If you’re craving something a bit more nordic share (or don’t share, I won’t judge) a plate of ebleskeiver (Danish pancakes served with lemon curd and lingonberry jam) at Broder Cafe. For the best ramen this side of the Pacific check out Afuri Ramen and Dumpling.
Food Trucks
Food in Portland doesn’t have to be limited to four walls, some of the best eats in PDX can be found in one of the many food trucks scattered throughout the city. Start your morning at Fried Egg I’m in Love for one of their delectable fried egg sandwiches (I’m a fan of the Yolko Ono, an over medium egg sandwich on sourdough with handmade sausage, pesto and parmesan) or get in line at Stretch the Noodle for one of their amazing handpulled Chinese noodle bowls.
Josy A says
You had me at Japanese garden, giant book shop and doughnuts! 😉
I would really like to visit Portland, mostly to get out hiking nearby, but it is good to see how fun the city would be too!
Nicole Claesen says
Thanks for the fantastic tips and suggestions! My husband travels to Portland often for business and we can’t wait to go as a family. He is a big Voodoo Doughnut fan too. I’d like to visit the Pearl District, thanks for the suggestion on that one.
Pinning this to reference when we’re able to visit!
Bliss Eatts says
I’ve never been to Oregon, but now I’d love to.
Tiffany Pence says
This post brings back memories! Portland was the first place Tom and I traveled to in the US. I loved Powell’s and the Pearl District. The seafood is really good in Portland, too.
April Moreno says
Me too, when it comes to hunting down the best local coffee shops! But oh my that book store is something else, I know both my sister and I would love every minute spend inside.
Cynthia Clarke says
A part of my travel bucket list is to visit all 50 states. This definitely helps as I know little about the Pacific region. Thanks for this!
Sarah says
This is a nice little guide for Portland. I especially loved the garden idea and ACE Hotel looks so fancy to stay at!
Andi says
I spent 6 months in Portland thinking I would eventually live there, so much to do and most especially EAT – you’ve put together a great guide!
Tania Muthusamy says
It sounds like Portland is a real foodies paradise. Donuts, coffee, beer and the huge book shop as well. Will have to check it out.
Amanda says
I have always wanted to visit Portland. These tips will definitely help me plan my trip!
Josefine says
Downtown Portland looks so cool! It’s funny, I recently spent a full week in Portland but I didn’t make it downtown. I spent most of my time on the East part of town and in Hood River! I’d love to go back though 🙂