Start your exploration of Portland city centre in Pioneer Courthouse Square, the beating heart of the city. An incredible number of festivals, concerts and other events are held here, with over 300 taking place each year. Summertime sees the arrival of the free outdoor cinema season in the amphitheatre on the square.Have a stroll, cycle or skate through Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which is also a venue for some of the larger summer festivals and events. These include parts of the much-anticipated annual Portland Rose Festival.One of the most distinctive features of Portland is the number of food wagons working on the streets. Almost 500 different vendors sell tasty, cheap food in the city, often organising themselves into “pods”. Some of these groups also set up covered areas for protection from the notorious local weather. The multicultural nature of the U.S.A. is clearly seen in the wide-ranging dishes on offer – from Mexican tacos to Greek gyros to Central European goulash.There are also plenty of conventional restaurants to choose from, many of which are very reasonably priced. A number of eateries offer organic and locally sourced food – this is very much a part of Portland's eco-conscious culture.Powell's City of Books is the largest independent bookshop in the United States of America, containing over one million books at any one time and occupying an entire city block. Book lovers can easily while away an afternoon or two browsing around here. The wonderful paintings held in the Portland Museum of Art collections are also a huge city centre attraction.With a range of different lodging options to suit all budgets, the downtown area is an excellent choice for your stay in intriguing Portland.
Downtown Portland Travel Guide
Popular places to visit
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life in this popular park, which is located close to the city centre.
Portland Art Museum
Come here to see the finest and most extensive Native American art collection in the region alongside works from around the globe.
McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Learn about the local history of Portland when you take a trip to McMenamins Crystal Ballroom. Stroll along the riverfront in this vibrant area or visit its top-notch restaurants.
Keller Auditorium
Watch traveling Broadway productions and other shows in a beautiful downtown theater that's been packing in the crowds for more than a century.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Portland’s downtown “living room” is a beloved town square and a symbol of the city’s commitment to lively public spaces.
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Enjoy musical and theatrical performances at a Portland cultural landmark, a historical theater building in the heart of the city.
Activities
From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Essential Portland Oregon Bike and E-Bike Tour!
Portland: Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River
Downtown Portland's Outdoor Sculptures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Portland: Ghosts, Poltergeists, and Psychopaths Walking Tour
All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour
Our pick of the best Downtown Portland Hotel Deals
Reviewed on 13 May 2024
Reviewed on 16 May 2024
Reviewed on 13 May 2024
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Reviewed on 12 May 2024
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Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Portland
Goose Hollow
If you're spending time in Goose Hollow, check out sights like Providence Park or Washington Park and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Goose Hollow-SW Jefferson Street Station or Kings Hill-SW Salmon Street Station.
Pearl District
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Pearl District. Spend some time visiting top spots like Broadway Bridge, and catch the metro at NW 10th & Johnson Stop or NW 11th & Johnson Stop to see more of the area.
Nob Hill
While you're in Nob Hill, take in top sights like Mission Theater or Nathan Loeb House, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at NW 23rd & Marshall Stop or NW Lovejoy & 22nd Stop.
Lloyd District
Enjoy the popular shops in Lloyd District. Moda Center is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at NE Grand & Multnomah Stop or NE 7th & Holladay Stop to see more of Portland.
Hosford-Abernethy
If you're spending time in Hosford-Abernethy, check out sights like Oregon Museum of Science and Industry or Willamette River and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Clinton Street-Southeast 12th Avenue Station or SE Grand & Mill Stop.
Buckman
If you're spending time in Buckman, check out sights like Hawthorne District or Belmont and hop on the metro to see more of the city at SE Grand & Belmont Stop or SE Grand & Stark Stop.
- Places of interest
- What kind of hotels are in Downtown Portland?
- Hotels Near Portland, Oregon
- Which hotel chains are in Downtown Portland?
- More holiday ideas