Looking for the best things to do in Downtown Portland? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
With its hip urban vibe, Pacific Northwest charm, and abundance of arts, culture, food, and outdoor activities, Portland is a vibrant city with no shortage of great activities.
From exploring unique districts like the Pearl and Alberta Arts to catching a show at Arlene Schnitzer and bar-hopping brewery tasting rooms, Portland entices you with its walkable attractions.
In this article, we’ll break them down in a comprehensive list of the best things to do in downtown Portland. This includes sights of interest, outdoor pursuits, cultural experiences, family-friendly fun, seasonal events, and many more.
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Iconic Landmarks and Attractions
1. Pioneer Courthouse Square: The City’s Living Room
Known as Portland’s living room, Pioneer Courthouse Square is a bustling urban plaza for community gatherings.
This is our favorite place to hang out on any given lazy day, simply to soak in the high blue skies of Portland and watch the world go by.
Grab a bite out of a nearby vendor and steal a seat on the red-bricked stairs to marvel at beautiful tall buildings when the sun is out.
Thanks to its central location, Pioneer Courthouse Square serves as a great place to rest your muscles in the middle of a busy day out exploring.
With its unique design and artistic features, the square hosts over 300 events a year, ranging from farmers’ markets to outdoor concerts.
Whether you’re catching a live performance or simply people-watching, this vibrant space offers a true taste of Portland’s community spirit.
Address: 715 SW Morrison St Suite 702, Portland, OR 97205
2. Powell’s City Of Books: World’s Largest Independent Bookstore
You don’t need to be a bibliophile to come here. The dedicated staff here knows exactly that they’re working for the world’s largest independent bookstore, and that’s why nothing stops them from pampering you to the fullest.
This iconic building occupies an entire city block and houses over a million new and used books. Wander through its color-coded rooms, attend author events, or simply get lost in the literary world.
Wondering what else they have in store for you?
Well, the locals put their friends up to a wrinkle that Powell’s the best place to grab cool keepsakes from an extensive selection of knickknacks and tons of unique souvenirs whenever they’re in town on a visit.
And now it’s our turn to spill you some secrets: the in-store coffee shop called Guilder Cafe will top up your visit here. Come to rest your legs while reading a few opening chapters of your newly bought volume.
Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
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3. Portland Art Museum: Exhibits And Collections
Dubbed as the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest, Portland Art Museum offers an insightful introduction to Native American and Northwest arts.
The epic collection catalogs noticeable events and creations of everything related to Native American artifacts and Asian arts to photography, prints, and contemporary pieces.
Today, a visit to the Portland Art Museum is one of the top things to do in downtown Portland.
On top of that, you can also find occasional events hosted throughout the years for a hands-on experience and go home with a new hobby.
Admission Rate:
| Type | Price |
| Members | Free |
| Adults | $25 |
| Seniors (62+) and College Students | $22 |
| Children 17 and under 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. | Free |
Address: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
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4. Lan Su Chinese Garden: Tranquil Urban Oasis
On the lesser-known side, Lan Su Chinese Garden draws crowds into a world of tranquility.
Smack dab in the heart of Portland Old Town with a stone’s throw away from Steel Bridge, Lan Su is a stunning garden that’s part of the Portland – Suzhou Sister City Association.
This is where nature lovers can indulge in an authentic garden that offers a peaceful escape from urban life.
Wander through the winding paths, admire the intricate architecture, and enjoy traditional Chinese tea at the Teahouse. The garden’s lush landscape and reflective ponds make it a perfect spot for contemplation and relaxation.
On any given sunny day, you’d see families with kids throwing scavenger hunts, learning calligraphy, and sipping on fine tea.
There’s no wait time here at all. Tickets are available on site but online purchases will save you some pennies.
Address: 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
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Outdoor Activities and Parks
5. Tom Mccall Waterfront Park: Activities And Events
Stretching along the Willamette River, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a lively green space that offers a variety of activities and events. From jogging paths to picnic spots, this park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy the seasonal festivals and outdoor concerts or simply take a leisurely stroll along the river.
When the air is crisp, the 36 acres of waterfront park is filled with bustling life, with people walking pooches or throwing a picnic and seeking fresh goodies out of the Portland Saturday Market at the south end of the park.
It also plays host to Oregon Maritime Museum, while springtime means 100 Japanese cherry trees are brought to life at this charming park for photo-ops.
Address: 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
6. Bike Tours: Exploring The City On Two Wheels
Looking for the best way to cover Portland’s best things to do to complete a day trip?
Slide down the busy streets on your two wheels or sign up for a bike tour to make the most of it.
Portland is known for its bike-friendly streets, and there are plenty of well-received bike tours that take you from the downtown area to scenic waterfront paths.
Depending on what your heart desires, you can choose your tour to be tailored around a certain theme.
From a two-hour e-bike tour through Portland’s major neighborhoods to a three-and-a-half-hour getaway chasing majestic waterfalls in Portland’s backyard, you name it!
7. Urban Hiking Trails: Best Paths For City Hiking
If you’re looking to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air, Portland’s urban hiking trails are just the ticket. The city offers a variety of trails that weave through parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas.
Whether you’re in the mood for a gentle stroll or a challenging hike, these paths provide a great way to connect with nature without leaving the city.
We know the sun is calling and it’s hard to leave your wandering soul at home. That’s why we put together a curated list of our eight favorite soft-surface trails in Portland for you to check out.
Explore the Forest Park’s extensive trail system or take the 4T Trail for a unique combination of hiking, tram, trolley, and train.
Shopping and Dining
8. Pearl District: Trendy Shopping And Dining Area
When it comes to shopping and dining in Portland, the vibrant Pearl District should be the first name to pop up in your mind. This hip neighborhood is home to art galleries, boutiques, and some of the city’s top restaurants.
Wander through the chic pedestrian walkways and explore local designer shops filled with fashion-forward apparel, handmade jewelry, and home decor.
The Pearl is a trendy, hippie hub where indie boutiques and big-name brands come to share a common ground.
There’s a range of homegrown favorites such as Powell’s City of Books or international retailers to max out your credit cards.
When you work up an appetite, chow down on artisan pizzas, fresh seafood, or farm-to-table fare at one of Pearl’s acclaimed eateries. Don’t miss dessert at a swanky pastry shop like Saint Cupcake.
With its sophisticated yet laid back vibe, the Pearl is ideal for a day of retail therapy paired with an Instagram-worthy meal.
9. Food Pods: Unique And Diverse Food Options
Portland is not short on great food. But if someday your stomach is rumbling hard, don’t bother scrolling down page after page just to find that one spot to eat! Portland’s food trucks will be your lifesaver.
Here in the city, all the food trucks gather in clusters which they proudly call ‘pods’!
The sheer variety of mobile eats cruising around town is mind-blowing.
You can find authentic tacos and tortas, steaming bowls of ramen, crispy Belgian fries smothered in toppings, or good ol’ American comfort classics like grilled cheese and Philly cheesesteaks.
With so many options rolling around, it’s tough to decide. Go on a food truck crawl and sample bites from numerous vendors, or track down your must-try spot using apps like Food Cart Finder.
Don’t be shy about chasing trucks down – it’s all part of the fun, casual dining experience that makes Portland a street food paradise.
🍕 Foodie? Check out these top-rated Portland food tours!
10. Local Breweries: Highlighting Portland’s Craft Beer Scene
Beer lovers rejoice! Portland has more breweries than any other city on Earth.
So if you’re looking for the best thing to do in downtown Portland when the sun beams down, check out one of the top ten breweries that take the locals by storm.
Make your way to brewpubs like Ruse Brewing, Great Notion, and WayFinder for a generous take on Double Stack, North Of Summer, or Passion Fruit Mochi that surely gives your palate a wild ride.
Wherever you imbibe, expect a laid back, friendly atmosphere perfect for kicking back after a long day of exploring.
11. Coffee Shops: The Best In The Downtown Core
Portland takes its coffee seriously! And we don’t think the booming coffee scene here needs any more introduction.
For the ultimate caffeine fix downtown, check out local faves like Stumptown, Coava, and Heart.
These indie shops brew up expertly sourced beans with meticulous methods, whether it’s pour-over, siphon, cold brew, or espresso.
Cozy up at the counter or a communal table and dive into a creamy cappuccino, velvety latte, or straight-up black coffee that highlights subtle flavor notes.
Beyond the expertly crafted drinks, these cafes also cultivate chill community vibes, quality baked goods, and even latte art that’s almost too pretty to drink!
Nightlife and Entertainment
12. Live Music Venues: Best Places For Live Performances
Going on a date? Looking for a better way to spruce up your daily grind? You’ve come to the right place!
Guess what? Portland’s live music scene is legendary. First, start with what your heart desires! Are you that type of hardcore indie rock and folk?
If so, check out intimate venues like Mississippi Studios, Revolution Hall, and Doug Fir Lounge!
If you want a massive concert experience, stay tuned on the event calendar page of the Moda Center to catch big-name touring acts. Or even better, combine a bit of sightseeing and history while you’re in search of some great art.
In this case, Portland’s coolest spots for live music such as McMenamins Crystal Ballroom are the top calls to catch national acts in a historic ballroom.
Wherever you rock out, Portland delivers a stellar lineup of talented local musicians, a cool atmosphere, and great acoustics nightly.
13. Comedy Clubs: Where To Catch A Laugh
Crack it up before bedtime? That’s some real therapy right there!
Plus, Portland is home to stellar comedy clubs that make your date a lot more fun than kicking back in a bar just talking about random things.
In Portland downtown, Helium Comedy Club brings nationally-touring stand-up acts to its central location.
For a more intimate show, check out Curious Comedy Theater, which spotlights local comedians in a small theater setting.
Funhouse Lounge also hosts both amateur and professional comedy nights in an edgy, laidback space.
With its thriving comedy scene, Portland delivers all types of funny business any night of the week.
14. Seasonal Festivals: Year-Round Entertainment Options
Seasonal events and festivals keep Portland young! And the locals know it best.
All 12 months are filled with a great deal of fun, and ticking off its never-ending roster of events will surely be a daunting task.
But we’d like to emphasize some of our favs for a heads-up!
When spring is around the corner, the mid-winter feast of Fold Festival takes place at the historic Crystal Ballroom where the celebration of American country music draws crowds for three days in a row.
Summertime is when you know it’s time to jam out during the Waterfront Blues Festival or the annual Oregon Brewers Festival.
As the leaves change, get your fill of food and music at Feast Portland or the MusicfestNW indie rock fest.
The lively Portland Pride Festival and Festival Latino celebrate community in summer while the Oregon Shakespeare Festival draws bard lovers each spring.
Even winter brings holiday cheer at the ZooLights and Festival of Lights events.
The lively First Thursday art walks occur monthly too. From major music gatherings to cultural celebrations down neighborhood streets, Portland’s packed festival calendar promises spirited, vibrant entertainment all year long.
Family-Friendly Activities
15. Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry (OMSI): Educational Fun
For a ton of educational fun, there’s no better place than the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to tag your kiddos along.
Known as OMSI for short, this country-famous science center features five huge exhibit halls with hands-on displays covering everything from robots to dinosaurs.
Your little ones will have a whale of a time crawling through a human heart, exploring outer space in a planetarium, and watching laser shows.
OMSI also hosts some of the best activities in downtown Portland at night, with its once-of-a-kind night out called OMSI After Dark.
Ultimate fun such as tasting local brews, watching a show, or trying a demo show is all the rage – though it demands 21+ visitors to attend.
Museum Rate:
| Type | Rate |
| Adult (14+) | $18 |
| Senior (63+) | $15 |
| Youth (3 – 13) | $13 |
| Infant (Under 3) | $Free |
Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214
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16. Saturday Market: Weekend Family Fun
If that’s enough learning for the week, it’s time to chill out a bit with a family trip to a farmers’ market. Alright, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is surely the most talked-about spot to find fresh produce and munch on tasty bites.
Vendors sell handmade arts, crafts, and food while street performers like jugglers, magicians, and musicians entertain passersby.
Let the kids ride the carnival rides, play midway games, or sway to their favorite jams when the bands are drumming hard.
And to keep that energy going on, don’t forget to grab brunch or snacks from the wide array of food carts and trucks.
It’s all free for everyone to visit! So come with an empty stomach and an open heart to try it all.
Address: Portland Saturday Market – 2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
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17. Oregon Zoo: Nature-Related Family Fun
Westside Portland is blanketed with a massive green space where a multitude of recreational and educational hubs coexist.
For local families, this marvelous greenery lies south of Arlington Heights, where elephants, polar bears, tigers, and other animals share the 64-acre habitat.
Single entry is a couple of dollars away and advance reservation is needed, while local families snag away annual membership for a great deal.
Walking around is not too hard since this medium-sized zoo is peppered with shaded winding paths and picnic benches are scattered all around.
To make the most of your visit, keep an eye on the zoo’s event calendar to see what kind of fun is going on.
Seasonal events such as Halloweens pair up with zoo light walk, keeper talks, and international cat day to have your kids in awe!
Admission Rate:
| Type | Rate |
| Adults (12 and up) | $24 |
| Child (2 – 11) | $19 |
| Infant (Under 2) | $Free |
Address: 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221
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Cultural Experiences
18. Historic Tours: Exploring Portland’s Past
Dive under and unveil the real sides of Portland downtown by embarking on a historic tour.
For a great start, stop by the Architectural Heritage Center down the street of SE Grand Ave and reach out to their knowledgeable guides for an insight into the city’s architecture, history, and growth on guided walks.
Alternatively hop aboard the Portland Walking Tours trolley for a lively overview of Portland’s origins, food scene, and culture.
For those who wanna keep up with the spooky feel when Halloween is around the corner, try one of Portland’s Ghost Tours to fetch yourself through haunted waterfront areas.
19. Art Galleries: Showcasing Local Talent
Portland’s art scene shines in its myriad local galleries scattered throughout the city.
The Pearl District and downtown are packed with acclaimed galleries like Augen, Froelick, and Laura Russo showcasing works by contemporary Pacific Northwest artists.
Alternatively, the First Thursday Art Walk is when galleries stay open late to feature new exhibits, receptions, and other arty happenings.
Down the busy streets, you can embark on a hunt for awesome street art and murals around the Alberta Arts District, Central Eastside, and other hip neighborhoods.
With its creative spirit, Portland offers inspiration around every corner through vibrant public visual arts displays and galleries promoting up-and-coming talent.
20. Theater Scene: Best Theaters And Shows
Here’s our theater lover’s guide to Portland!
Teaming up with the vibrant food and coffee scene as well as the great outdoors, the best theaters in downtown Portland keep the local audience and visitors alike thrilled for years.
For smashing Broadway touring musicals, head to Keller Auditorium. Meanwhile, the Portland Center Stage features acclaimed regional productions in its state-of-the-art downtown theater.
You can also take in nationally touring comedy, dance, music, and variety shows at the historic Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Hidden gems such as Artists Repertory Theatre, Imago, and CoHo Productions are indeed extremely popular amongst local fans with their provocative contemporary works.
Whether you want a lavish musical spectacle or an intimate drama, Portland’s vibrant theater scene hits all the right notes.
Seasonal Activities
21. Summer Things To Do In Downtown Portland
Summer is undoubtedly the best season to celebrate great outdoor events when thriving nature is at its best while the long and sunny days make people happier than ever.
Waterfront Blues Festival beckons a massive crowd to Tom McCall Waterfront Park when July comes.
For photo-ops, come see over hundreds of different types of roses blooming from April to October at the International Rose Test Garden, or hit up the lively Portland Farmers Market and sample juicy berries, stone fruits, and other seasonal bounty.
To get closer to the waters, rent a kayak and paddle along the downtown Willamette River waterfront for unique city views.
From blooms to boating, Portland summers serve plenty of fun for soaking up sunny days.
22. Winter Things To Do In Downtown Portland
Year ends and Portland twinkles with holiday magic.
Bundle up and go ice skating at Lloyd Center Mall or sip hot cocoa and warm up as you wander through festive light displays at Oregon ZooLights and the Xmas Street of Peacock Lane’s over-the-top neighborhood spectacle.
We all know that shopping for Christmas and ringing in the New Year keep people energized in winter.
Once again, come over for one-of-a-kind gifts at the Portland’s Bazaar or Crafty Wonderland while warming up with a steaming cup of mulled wine or cider.
No matter how you like to embrace the season, Portland’s holiday cheer will put you in a festive mood.
23. Spring And Fall Things To Do In Downtown Portland
When spring and fall arrive, Portland blooms with beautiful gardens and cultural celebrations.
In early spring, stroll under the cotton-candy-colored cherry blossom trees in Waterfront Park and blend in the crowds at the Japanese American Historical Plaza to immerse in the sparkling petals.
The shoreline of Portland also witnesses an annual Portland Rose Festival with its floral parades, drag boat races, and closer to June.
Celebrate cultural pride and drink green beer on St. Patrick’s Day while Cinco de Mayo Fiesta takes over the waterfront of downtown for 12 hours straight over three days of May.
As the leaves change in fall, sample pumpkin-flavored everything at farms and pumpkin patches. Or pick your own ripe apples and pears at area orchards.
From flowers to fall harvests, spring and autumn offer their own brand of Portland fun.
Tips and Recommendations
What Is The Best Way To Get Around Downtown Portland?
Getting around Portland is a breeze thanks to its convenient public transportation options.
Light rail trains and streetcars run frequently to most major destinations within the downtown core or the nearby Pearl District.
Get to know TriMet, the company that manages literally all the public transport in Portland – as long as you stick to the metro area.
Be mindful that cash is not accepted but contactless bus fares through Hop Fastpass mobile app are highly encouraged.
Another fun way to explore is by bike. Oh yes!
Sliding around on your two wheels is not only a healthy way to sightsee but also offers a gateway to Portland’s over 300 miles of bike lanes and trails.
What Are The Best Places To Stay In Downtown Portland?
Luxury hotels like The Nines along with hip budget-friendly independents like the Jupiter Hotel have been household names for repeated visitors.
On the lower end of the price spectrum, opt for cozy B&Bs or boutique inns that can be found everywhere in Portland’s charming neighborhoods like the West Hills and Northwest District.
For an immersive outdoor adventure, there are campgrounds within city limits as well as nearby state parks and national forest sites.
Wherever you hang your hat – be it a chic high-rise suite or a tent under the stars – you’ll find the perfect Portland pad.
Safety Tips In Downtown Portland
Portland is a relatively safe city, but it still pays to take common-sense precautions.
Stay alert to your surroundings, especially when alone at night or riding public transit. Keep valuables attended and your wallet in a front pocket or concealed bag.
Getting around by Uber or Lyft is a good idea at night versus walking. And never leave drinks unattended or accept rides from strangers.
Taking basic safety measures will allow you to relax and enjoy all of Portland’s cool sights and activities.
From hip shopping and dining in the Pearl District or laughing out loud at comedy shows and exploring hands-on museums with the kids, downtown Portland serves up endless possibilities for fun.
The central core is not short on fun things to do on land – but have you ever tried surveying the city up above?
With these seven best air tours in Portland right here, you’ll surely cover renowned landmarks, both manmade and natural within a matter of minutes.