Things to do · Portland, Oregon, US
Things to Do in Portland
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- Getting there
- Portland International Airport (PDX) sits roughly 9 km east of downtown and handles most inbound flights, especially from the West Coast and major hubs like Denver and Chicago. Seattle‑Tacoma International (SEA) is a farther option, about 216 km north, reachable by a two‑hour drive along I‑5. Amtrak’s Cascades line also links the city to Seattle and Eugene, with the station a short walk from the central district.
- Who goes
- The city welcomes around 15 million visitors each year, drawing a mix of food‑obsessed millennials, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture seekers. Summer months, particularly July and August, see the highest crowds as festivals and rooftop patios fill up, while winter—especially January—offers the quietest streets and lower hotel rates.
- Budgeting
- A careful traveler can expect to spend roughly $60–80 per day (about €55–73), whereas a more comfortable pace might run $120–150 (≈ €110–138), with meals and occasional rides on the Portland Streetcar typically accounting for the biggest share. A practical way to stretch your budget is to buy a day pass for public transit and explore the city’s extensive network of free food‑cart locations. Estimate →
Oregon Zoo
attraction · 4.5 rating · $26
A large zoo in Washington Park home to a wide range of animals and conservation programs. A popular destination for families to observe wildlife and enjoy outdoor exhibits.
Washington Park
park · 4.7 rating · Free
A large park in Portland's West Hills containing gardens, trails, the zoo, and museums. Travelers come to explore its many attractions and green spaces.
International Rose Test Garden
attraction · 4.8 rating · Free
An iconic Portland garden in Washington Park displaying thousands of rose varieties with sweeping views of the city and Mount Hood.
Portland Japanese Garden
garden · 4.6 rating · $22.50
A meticulously designed traditional Japanese garden in the West Hills, featuring koi ponds, stone arrangements, and seasonal plantings across several garden styles. Travelers go for its tranquil landscaping and views.
Pittock Mansion
shopping mall · 4.7 rating · $16
A grand early-20th-century French Renaissance-style estate set in the West Hills, showcasing period architecture and interiors alongside expansive views of Portland. Travelers visit for the history, decor, and hilltop panoramas.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
attraction · 4.7 rating · $18
An authentic Ming Dynasty-style walled garden in Old Town built by Suzhou artisans, featuring pavilions, koi ponds, and a teahouse. Travelers go for a tranquil, immersive cultural escape in the city.
The Grotto
church · 4.6 rating · Free
A peaceful Catholic shrine and botanical sanctuary with free lower grounds; its Upper Gardens require a separate admission ticket.
Portland Art Museum
museum · 4.4 rating · $27.50
The oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, housing a broad permanent collection spanning Native American, Asian, European, and contemporary art. Travelers visit for its wide-ranging galleries and rotating exhibitions.
Forest Park
park · 4.7 rating · Free
One of the largest urban forest reserves in the United States, with over 80 miles of trails winding through wooded hills above Portland. Travelers go to hike and experience nature within the city.
Powell's City of Books
attraction · Free
An enormous independent bookstore occupying a full city block, renowned as one of the largest new and used bookstores in the world.
OMSI
attraction · $22.50
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a large hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a submarine. It is a top destination for families and science lovers.
Portland Saturday Market
attraction · Free
A long-running open-air arts and crafts market along the downtown waterfront featuring local artisans, handmade goods, and food vendors.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
park · Free
A large riverside park along the Willamette River in downtown Portland, hosting festivals and offering walking paths and open lawns. Travelers come to stroll, relax, and enjoy city and river views.
Portland Aerial Tram
attraction · $9
An aerial cable car connecting Portland's South Waterfront to the Oregon Health & Science University campus, offering sweeping views of the city, river, and Mount Hood on clear days.
Hoyt Arboretum
attraction · Free
A 190-acre living tree museum in Portland's Washington Park with miles of trails winding through diverse tree collections from around the world.
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