Portland is a cool, quirky, and one of a kind destination. It is the perfect blend of outdoor beauty, delicious food, and laid back residents with a dash of whimsy and weird.
The Rose City unabashedly stays true to its motto: Keep Portland Weird.
The US’s weirdest city offers a world of experiences for anyone who visits. You can easily get sidetracked as there are so many things to see and do, so check out our guide for a good time.
1. Bike around Portland
The best way to get around Portland is on a bike. The city is the most bike-friendly US city with over 300 miles of bike lanes and the highest percentage of commuters on bikes.
Riding BikeTown in downtown Portland | Photo by Alexander Oganezov via Shutterstock
See the sights and get a work out while you’re at it. You can explore the city on your own on the many bike routes or join the guided tours offered. Bike rentals start at $25 for a whole day. Don’t forget to get a bike lock and helmet.
2. Find zen in the Portland Japanese Gardens
You can have a glimpse of the tranquil Japanese way of life without leaving Portland – in the Portland Japanese Gardens.
Waterfalls in a Japanese Garden | Photo by Oregonez via Shutterstock
Hailed as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the beautiful gardens feature calming streams, peaceful green paths, and interesting tea houses. Let the world fall away as you find zen in the gardens. The foliage is especially beautiful during autumn, where they hold moon-viewing nights with live music and Japanese treats. Access to the gardens starts at $17 for adults.
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Admission: $13.95 to $19.95 Ticket price range
Ph: +1 503-223-1321
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Ichiza Kitchen (4.7/5 stars, Vegan, $$$)
• Korean Twist (4.8/5 stars, Korean, $$)
• Sam’s Saj (5/5 stars, Mediterranean, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Portland Japanese Garden in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Portland Japanese Garden based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. Stop and smell the roses at the International Rose Test Garden
Portland has the perfect climate for roses to bloom, which is how it earned its nickname: Rose City. The city is lined with roses at every corner. but the most impressive collection is at the International Rose Test Garden.
International Rose Test Garden in Portland | Photo by Jakub Zajic via Shutterstock
Featuring over 10,000 roses in various colors and shapes, the garden is a true Portland icon. Stroll through the gardens and see or smell the roses in bloom. The garden also has a spectacular view of downtown Portland. Time your visit from April to October, but specifically June – you wouldn’t want to miss the beautiful garden come alive with the roses in full bloom.
International Rose Test Garden
400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 503-823-3636
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Fuller’s Coffee Shop (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Karam Restaurant and Bar (4.6/5 stars, Lebanese, $$)
• Thai Chili Jam Restaurant and Full Bar (4.5/5 stars, Asian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near International Rose Test Garden in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near International Rose Test Garden based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Grab a pint of local craft beer
Another nickname of Portland is “Beervana”. The city has more than 80 operational breweries – the most in any city in the world. Portlanders have a certain pride for their local creations and their bottomless supply of it.
Beers in Loyal Legion with beautiful sunset | Photo by Loyal Legion via Facebook
Immerse yourself in the local craft beer culture and have the quintessential Portland experience by getting a cold one at the many breweries and tap houses.
To sample the most types of beers, try the Loyal Legion, which has over 100 kinds of beers from the area on tap.
5. Have fun in Washington Park
Portland’s landmark park spans over 410 acres. It is home to Portland’s main attractions such as gardens, museums, historic memorials, and zoos.
Washington Park, a large urban park in the city of Portland | Photo by Michael Gordon via Shutterstock
There are also ample green spaces, forest ground, picnic areas, and playgrounds to enjoy. Find your fancy at any of the park’s many attractions and experiences. You can also simply sit down and watch the world go about in the many green spaces.
Welcome to Washington Park | Explore Washington Park via YouTube
The park is open from 5 am to 10 pm daily and offers a free shuttle so you can hop on and off between the attractions.
Washington Park
4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 503-319-0999
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Holy Smokes Righteous Eats (4.6/5 stars, Barbecue, $$$)
• Seasons & Regions Seafood Grill (4.6/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
• Sankuru Trader (5/5 stars, Takeout Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Washington Park in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Washington Park based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Portland International Guesthouse (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Explore the Portland Saturday Market
Adjacent to the Willamette River is the fun and lively Portland Sunday Market. The largest market in the city has over 200 booths of food, crafts, and knickknacks to discover. It also has a stage to host entertaining live events.
Scene of Portland Saturday Market at Waterfront park | Photo by ARTYOORAN via Shutterstock
See for yourself what you can find in the bustling market! The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from March through December 24.
Portland Saturday Market
2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 503-222-6072
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Persian Food Kabob Kabob (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Giants NY Pizza & Subs (5/5 stars, Pizza, $$)
• Korean Twist (4.8/5 stars, Korean, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Portland Saturday Market in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Portland Saturday Market based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• The Society Hotel – Portland (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Sample strange sweets at Voodoo Doughnuts
Voodoo doughnuts neon sign on the building | Photo by Alexander Oganezov via Shutterstock
You can’t go to Portland without stopping by Voodoo Doughnuts. One of the iconic food stops, people line up at the 24-hour local haunt to have a taste of their wacky treats that embody Portland.
A view of various doughnuts displayed for sale at Voodoo Donuts | Photo by Lori Butcher via Shutterstock
It has over 55 kinds of quirky doughnuts to choose from. From “Bacon Maple Bar” to “Dirty Old Bastard”, there is an eccentric treat for everyone. Sink your teeth to a Voodoo Doughnut!
Voodoo Doughnut
22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 503-241-4704
Get directions
8. Take a photo of the “Keep Portland Weird” sign
Nothing represents Portland more than the “Keep Portland Weird” sign. Portlanders have embraced this whimsical motto to their lifestyle and city events (World Naked Bike Ride, anyone?).
People taking pictures of “Keep Portland Weird” sign | Photo by Alex Dolle via Pexels
Take a photo and document that you were in Portland for a weird weekend (or two). It’s right across from Voodoo Doughnuts – walk over after you’ve had your sweet fill.
9. Check out the Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the US. Featuring an impressive collection of over 42,000 pieces of artwork, it is a haven for any art lover.
Interior view of Portland Art Museum | Photo by Daderot via Commons Wikimedia
Spend several hours exploring and learning about the exhibits and collections. Se the plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculptures – interestingly, these were part of the museum’s first exhibit in 1892. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm daily, except on Thursday and Friday when it’s open until 8 pm.
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Admission: Ticket range Free – $20
Ph: +1 503-226-2811
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Giants NY Pizza & Subs (5/5 stars, Pizza, $$$)
• Sam’s Saj (5/5 stars, Mediterranean, $$)
• Murata Restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Japanese, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Portland Art Museum in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Portland Art Museum based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Stay Alfred at Park Avenue West (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Hike to the peak of Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor Park is home to the extinct volcano, Mount Tabor. The park also has other options for recreation – green grounds for picnics, park benches to rest on, playground for kids, and paved trails for early morning jogging.
Mt. Hood from Mt. Tabor | Photo by Jeff Gunn via Flickr
Going up to the peak of the mountain offers a generous reward: a glorious 360-degree view of the city. It’s perfect to view the sunset or the sunrise. The park is open daily.
Mount Tabor Park
6220 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 503-823-7529
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Jurassic (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Coquine (4.7/5 stars, New American, $$)
• Sivalai | Thai Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Thai, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Mount Tabor Park in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Mount Tabor Park based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Bluebird Guesthouse (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Enjoy a classic Portland brunch
Brunch is the quintessential meal in Portland. Restaurants are often competitively ranked for their brunch offerings, and Portlanders line up outside them to cast their votes.
Delicious Cioppino at Mother’s Bistro & Bar | Photo by Mother’s Bistro & Bar via Instagram
It may be fair to say that no city does the mid-morning, early afternoon meal better than Portland.
Head over to Mother’s Bistro & Bar for the homey comfort of breakfast meals like Mom made or the Southern home offerings of Screen Door. You’ll have a fair choice of brunch delights in the city.
12. Get your science on at OMSI
OMSI is a staple of Portland and has numerous exhibits and hands-on experience to demonstrate everything – from physics to biology to chemistry and astronomy. It also has 3 auditoriums, a large screen theater, and a planetarium for you to explore. There’s a little bit of everything for any wonder kid.
OMSI ,museum of science and industry | Photo by Checubus via Shutterstock
Check out the premium exhibits and learn about the different sciences. For a different experience, check out OMSI After Dark, a boozy science fun monthly event for those 21 and over. Each month has a different theme, and the activities revolve around said theme.
Events at OMSI | Travel Portland via YouTube
The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Extended museum hours vary.
Oregon Museum for Science and Industry
1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States
Admission: $9.75 – $24 price range
Ph: +1 503-797-4000
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Baby Blue Woodfired Pizza (5/5 stars, Vegan, $$$)
• Communion Bakehouse (4.9/5 stars, Pizza, $$)
• Willow Restaurant (4.9/5 stars, Fine Dining , $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Oregon Museum for Science and Industry in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Oregon Museum for Science and Industry based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• McMenamins Crystal Hotel (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
13. Seek serenity at Lan Su Chinese Garden
The beautiful walled Lan Su Chinese Garden is a secret favorite spot of Portlanders. The botanical garden transports you from the US to China once you step inside. It features beautiful floral blooms, serene ponds, fauna native to China, meticulously decorated stonework, and a traditional tea shop.
Lan Su Chinese Garden. Reflection in the pond | Photo by Victoria Ditkovsky via Shutterstock
Step into an oasis of quiet beauty and find serenity in the garden. Visit during the mornings on weekdays to have the place all to yourself.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Admission: Free – $37.95 ticket range
Ph: +1 503-228-8131
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Portland City Grill (4.5/5 stars, Seafood, $$$)
• Paley’s Place Bistro & Bar (4.7/5 stars, Pacific Northwestern, $$)
• Andina (4.6/5 stars, Peruvian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Lan Su Chinese Garden based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
14. Grab your caffeine fix
Coffee, just like beer, is exceptional in Portland. The city is brimming with innovative and creative coffee shops offering the best cups of Joe.
A most precise pour by Albina Press | Photo by Albina Press Coffeehouse via Facebook
There is an abundance of coffee shops offering a great cup and a terrific spot to chill. Check out Albina Press, a staple of the Portland coffee culture. The baristas know how to brew the best cup – they’ve been sent to national coffee competitions. It’s a great place to take a break, relax, and watch the baristas do their thing.
Albina Press
4637 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 503-282-5214
Get directions
15. Peruse Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s headquarters, dubbed Powell’s City of Books | Photo by Tada Images via Shutterstock
Powell’s Books is Portland’s beloved and largest independent bookstore, quite literally. The flagship store has over 1 million books lining its 9 rooms and 3,500 sections.
Interior view of Powell City Of Books | Photo by C.Echeveste via Shutterstock
Going through the endless stacks of books with that familiar old book smell is a book lover’s dream. Exploring the bookstore is also a perfect activity when it rains outside – grab a warm cup of coffee by the entrance too.
Powell’s City of Books
1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 800-878-7323
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Andina (4.6/5 stars, Peruvian, $$$)
• Oven and Shaker (4.5/5 stars, Pizza, $$)
• QuickFish (4.6/5 stars, Health Food, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Powell’s City of Books in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Powell’s City of Books based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel deLuxe (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
16. Catch a live show
Live music is a staple of the quirky city. There is always something buzzing at night – from open mics to DJ sets to full-on concerts.
Kyle – Super Duper Tour at Crystal Ballroom | Photo by Crystal Ballroom via Facebook
The best bet to catch a show is to just wing it and head to any interesting drinking hole – and the city has a lot! For example – head over to McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, a popular haunt with a spring-loaded dance floor. Not only does it host fun and loud gigs, but they serve house-brewed beers.
McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Admission: $2/ticket venue fee
Ph: +1 503-225-0047
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Oven and Shaker (4.5/5 stars, Pizza, $$$)
• QuickFish (4.6/5 stars, Health Food, $$)
• Arden Restaurant Portland (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near McMenamins Crystal Ballroom in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near McMenamins Crystal Ballroom based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Pearl District (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
17. Get lost in Forest Park
Take a hike into the world’s largest park within the city limits – Forest Park. The 5,200-acre lush forest with rolling green grounds is a landmark of Portland and is worth a visit.
A shady enchanting scene found in the forest while hking in Forest Park, Portland | Photo by Dee Browning via Shutterstock
Get on one of the 70 miles of trails to explore and lose yourself to become one with nature. Enjoy the scenic view overlooking the Willamette River in the course of your hike. Trails are available for any kind of difficulty, so there is something for anyone at the great Forest Park. The park is open daily from 5 am to 10 pm. Grab some maps online so you won’t get too lost.
Forest Park
Portland, OR 97231, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 503-823-4492
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Q Restaurant & Bar (4.7/5 stars, Pacific Northwestern, $$$)
• Paley’s Place Bistro & Bar (4.7/5 stars, Pacific Northwestern, $$)
• Papa Haydn (4.6/5 stars, American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Forest Park in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Forest Park based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• The Benson, a Coast Hotel (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
18. Say hi to furry friends at Oregon Zoo
Right in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is a family-friendly destination. There are over 955 animals to see in the zoo, and some species are endangered and under a breeding program of the zoo.
Main gate of Oregon Zoo | Photo by ARTYOORAN via Shutterstock
The 64-acre zoo opened its doors in 1888, showcasing the animals donated by a private collector to the city.
Close-up of Siberian tiger, also known as Amur Tiger | Photo by Png Studio Photography via Shutterstock
Don’t miss the Asian elephants, American black bears, Amur tigers, and sea otters as you visit the many homes of each animal.
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, United States
Admission: ticket range $8.50 to $11.50
Ph: +1 503-226-1561
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Holy Smokes Righteous Eats (4.6/5 stars, Barbecue, $$$)
• Seasons & Regions Seafood Grill (4.6/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
• Tokyo Grill (4.7/5 stars, Grill, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Oregon Zoo in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Oregon Zoo based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Mark Spencer Hotel (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
19. See the Pittock Mansion
Many visitors check out the grand Pittock Mansion for a glimpse of the high society in Portland a few decades back.
Outside look of Pittock mansion | Photo by Png Studio Photography via Shuttestock
The mansion has 46 Victorian designed rooms and sits on grounds spanning 46 acres, 1,000 feet above sea level. It was once home to Henry Pittock and his wife in 1909.
Exploring the grounds of Pittock Mansion | KGW News via YouTube
The real kicker of the mansion is the view. It offers an amazing view of the city from its location. It’s a popular spot for bird watching too!
Pittock Mansion
3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210, United States
Admission: Free – $12
Ph: +1 503-823-3623
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• bibi2go (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Khao Soy (4.5/5 stars, Thai, $$)
• Papa Haydn (4.6/5 stars, American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Pittock Mansion in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Pittock Mansion based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Inn at Northrup Station (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
20. Find yummy delights in food carts
Food carts are a Portland thing: great food in quirky servings. And what better way to taste Portland’s culinary delights than from the food carts and trucks on every corner of the city?
Yummy foods at MF Tasty | Photo by MF Tasty
To experience the food truck scene, visit a food cart pod taking up a square block, run into a solo one in the middle of the street, or a small pop-up bunch in the corner. The great thing about it is you will always be surprised at the menu and the offerings. Try to find La Jarochita, a Mexican truck serving nothing over $10 tacos and burritos
21. Play retro video games at Ground Kontrol
Situated at a classic arcade, Ground Kontrol takes you back to your childhood. It is famous for preserving video games from the golden era – Pacman, Space Invaders, and the like.
The Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade | Photo by Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade via Facebook
Featuring retro arcade games with new video games, you can easily spend an afternoon of fun with family or friends at the shop. Have a bit of nostalgia and let the inner kid in you run wild. At 4:30 pm onwards, it becomes a bar and venue for music performances.
Ground Kontrol
115 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 503-796-9364
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Arden Restaurant Portland (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Paley’s Place Bistro & Bar (4.7/5 stars, Pacific Northwestern, $$)
• Pixie Retreat – Pearl (4.8/5 stars, Vegan, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Ground Kontrol in Portland.
The best hotel to stay near Ground Kontrol based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Sentinel (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
22. Celebrate Portland’s oddities
Portland has a wonderful mishmash of offbeat attractions.
It’s Autumn at Mill Ends Park | Photo by Ian Sane via Flickr
There are definitely more crazy and unusual things to see that can’t fit into this list – from Mill’s End, the world’s smallest park, to McMenamins Kennedy School, an old elementary school turned into an entertainment hang out, to the Freakybutture Peculiarium and Museum, a collection of oddities for the curious.
There is always something weird happening in Portland, such as the yearly World Naked Bike Ride – check Portland’s calendar of events. Do as Portlanders do and keep it weird.
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