Portland

🇺🇸 United States of America
A vibrant city of culture, food, and natural beauty.

Portland - Vacation Briefing

Located in the beautiful state of Oregon, Portland is a thriving city that seamlessly blends urban living with stunning natural landscapes. Known for its quirky charm, Portland offers a unique mix of hipster coffee shops, craft breweries, and local artisans. Explore the city's vibrant food scene, from food carts serving international cuisine to farm-to-table restaurants showcasing the region's fresh and organic produce. Nature lovers can hike through lush forests, visit picturesque waterfalls, or take a scenic drive along the breathtaking Oregon coast. With a strong sense of community and a laid-back atmosphere, Portland is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxed yet exciting getaway.

Popular Sights in Portland

Things to do during your Portland vacation

Welcome to Portland! Here are some things to do in this vibrant city.

  • Visit Powell's City of Books: Explore the world's largest independent bookstore and get lost in its vast collection of books.
  • Discover the Portland Art Museum: Immerse yourself in art from various periods and cultures at this renowned museum.
  • Explore Washington Park: Enjoy beautiful gardens, numerous hiking trails, and visit the popular Oregon Zoo.
  • Take a stroll through the Lan Su Chinese Garden: Experience the tranquility of this authentic Chinese garden nestled in the heart of the city.
  • Savor local food at the Portland Saturday Market: Sample delicious food from the diverse range of vendors at this lively outdoor market.
  • Shop at the Pearl District: Discover boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants in this upscale neighborhood.
  • Enjoy the serenity of the Japanese Garden: Find peace in the meticulously manicured gardens and traditional Japanese architecture.
  • Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: Get hands-on with interactive exhibits that explore science, technology, and natural history.
  • Discover the iconic Portlandia statue: Marvel at the second-largest copper statue in the United States, a symbol of the city's creativity.
  • Experience the nightlife in the Old Town Chinatown: Enjoy live music venues, vibrant bars, and dance clubs in the heart of Portland.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Columbia River Gorge: Enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls, forests, and mountains on this stunning scenic route.

Why you should visit Portland

Overall
7.6

Portland, United States of America is a diverse and vibrant city with a lot to offer, but it has its drawbacks.

Safety
6

While Portland generally has a lower crime rate compared to other major cities in the United States, there are still some safety concerns to be aware of. Certain neighborhoods may have higher crime rates, and occasional protests can lead to unrest.

Culture
9

Portland is rich in culture and offers a diverse range of museums, galleries, and theaters. The city also has a thriving music scene and is known for its unique and alternative culture.

Nightlife
8

Portland has a lively nightlife scene with a wide variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. The city is known for its craft beer culture, and there are plenty of options for entertainment at night.

Adventure
8

For adventure seekers, Portland offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing. The city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains and forests, providing ample opportunities for adventure.

Relaxation
7

Portland offers opportunities for relaxation with its beautiful parks, gardens, and nearby natural attractions. However, the city can be bustling and crowded at times, which may not appeal to those seeking a completely tranquil getaway.

Best time to visit Portland

Portland offers a variety of experiences throughout the year. For outdoor enthusiasts, the best time to visit is from June to September with pleasant temperatures and endless hiking trails. For art and culture lovers, spring and fall offer vibrant festivals and events. Winter is ideal for cozying up in coffee shops and exploring the city's craft beer scene.

Jan
Mild weather, but rainy
2°C - 9°C
Feb
Mild weather, but rainy
2°C - 10°C
Mar
Emerging spring, fewer crowds
4°C - 12°C
Apr
Mild weather, spring festivals
6°C - 15°C
May
Warmer weather, outdoor activities
9°C - 19°C
Jun
Ideal weather, outdoor adventures
11°C - 22°C
Jul
Warmest month, outdoor festivals
13°C - 26°C
Aug
Warm weather, summer events
13°C - 26°C
Sep
Mild weather, fall foliage
10°C - 22°C
Oct
Cooler weather, harvest season
6°C - 16°C
Nov
Cooler weather, cultural events
4°C - 11°C
Dec
Cool weather, holiday festivities
2°C - 9°C
December offers cool temperatures in Portland, but also a festive atmosphere with holiday lights and events throughout the city. It's a great time to experience the local holiday markets and enjoy the cozy ambiance of the city's coffee shops.

A guide To your first day of Portland vacation

morning

  • Start your day with a visit to the iconic Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. Get lost in the shelves and discover new reads.
  • Grab a cup of locally roasted coffee and a delicious pastry at one of the city's many cozy cafes. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and watch the city come to life.

afternoon

  • Explore the stunning landscapes of Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States. Take a hike or bike ride along the scenic trails and immerse yourself in nature.
  • Visit the Portland Art Museum and indulge in the vibrant art scene of the city. Discover contemporary and traditional artworks from local and international artists.

evening

  • Experience the lively food truck culture of Portland by tasting a variety of delicious cuisines from around the world. Try unique and mouth-watering dishes from different food carts.
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront of the Willamette River. Take in the breathtaking views of the city skyline and relax in one of the waterfront parks.

night

  • Immerse yourself in Portland's thriving live music scene by catching a concert at one of the many intimate venues. Enjoy a night of great music and discover new bands and artists.
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife of Portland by visiting one of the city's trendy bars or breweries. Sip on locally crafted beers or cocktails and soak up the energetic atmosphere.

How to get to Portland

By Plane

Portland International Airport (PDX) serves as the major hub for reaching Portland, United States of America, with excellent global connections. Located just 25 minutes from the city center, it offers convenient transportation options for travelers. Additionally, PDX is renowned for its sustainable practices and unique amenities, including local shops and live music performances.

By other means

Portland boasts an efficient public transport system, with the TriMet serving as the backbone. The MAX Light Rail connects the airport to downtown Portland in just 40 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers. Buses and streetcars provide extensive coverage within the city, allowing easy access to popular attractions like Powell's City of Books and the Portland Japanese Garden.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!

Flights

Accommodation

Best for travelers who are ...

Portland appeals to a wide range of visitors, from young urbanites seeking a trendy city experience to nature enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors.

How long to stay in Portland?

To truly experience Portland's unique vibe and explore its many attractions, we recommend staying for at least 5-7 days.

Similar destination to Portland, United States of America

Because Portland is known for nature,sightseeing,history,architecture,food and shopping these destinations might be a good fit for you: