Portland, Oregon—a city where tall-forested areas surround indie coffee shops, and wondrous food carts sit adjacent to gorgeous art galleries. Whether you are taking a long weekend or spending up to a month off to explore the Pacific Northwest, the quirky charms of this city provide unique experiences to all visitors. If it is your first time in town, this travel guide to Portland will help you see what they should do based on my list of 15 things to do in Portland for first-time visitors. This guide includes not only popular attractions but also a few hidden yet fun excursions as well. Let's start by checking out this delightful mix of nature, culture, and creativity that characterizes Portland, Oregon!
Every first-time visit to Portland isn’t complete without walking through the fragrant paths of the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. From May through October, the garden has over 10,000 rose bushes blooming, with spectacular views of flower fields and Mount Hood on clear days, all free of charge.
City Experience Tip: Bring your camera and picnic blanket. This garden is Instagram-worthy.
Adjacent to the Rose Garden is the serene and well-designed Portland Japanese Garden, which is recognized as one of the more authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Think stone lanterns, koi ponds, and winding paths, all of which have created a peaceful oasis in the city.
Best Time To Visit: Spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (autumn leaves).
You should check out the Alberta Arts District if your vibe is more artsy, colorful, and local. This northeast Portland neighborhood has a lot of street art, indie boutiques, and local cafes. Check out Last Thursday, a large art walk and street fair with live music, food vendors, and local culture every month in the Alberta neighborhood.
Top Activity: Grab a coffee (or cold brew) and explore the murals.
One of Oregon’s most iconic natural attractions, Multnomah Falls, is just a 30-minute drive from the city. The towering 620-foot waterfall is the most photographed in the state and has a beautiful viewing bridge you can hike up to.
Travel Guide Tip: Get there early—parking fills up fast, especially in summer.
A Portland legend, Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world. It spans an entire city block and features rooms organized by genre and rare and out-of-print books.
Pro Tip: Head to the café upstairs and get lost in a book with a locally roasted coffee.
Get a new perspective of Portland by taking to the water. The Willamette River cuts through the city and offers scenic views of downtown and its many bridges.
Activities Available: Kayak rentals, jet boat tours, and dinner cruises are popular ways to see the city from a different angle.
One of the most unforgettable things in Portland is eating like a local, which means food carts. With hundreds of them scattered across the city, you can find everything from Korean tacos to vegan doughnuts to Burmese noodles.
Best Pods: Cartopia (SE Hawthorne) and the 5th Avenue Food Cart Pod (Downtown)
Want to soar over the city? The Portland Aerial Tram connects the South Waterfront to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) on Marquam Hill and offers breathtaking views of the cityscape, river, and Mount Hood.
Sightseeing Highlight: Go at sunset for the golden hour glow.
Over 5,000 acres, Forest Park is one of the most extensive urban forests in the country. With more than 80 miles of hiking trails, it’s a favorite for locals and visitors looking to experience Portland’s natural side.
Trail to Try: The Wildwood Trail offers a forest escape just minutes from downtown.
Located in the downtown cultural district, the Portland Art Museum houses an impressive collection of Native American art, contemporary works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Cultural Experience Tip: First Thursdays offer free admission and art walk events in the area.
With more breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S., Portland is a craft beer lover’s paradise. The Portland Ale Trail helps guide your tasting journey, whether you’re into hoppy IPAs or smooth stouts.
Open every weekend from March through December, the Portland Saturday Market is the largest continuously operating arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S. From handmade jewelry to gourmet snacks, it’s a vibrant place to shop, snack, and people-watch.
Must-Try: Elephant ears (fried dough topped with cinnamon sugar)!
Known as one of America’s most bike-friendly cities, Portland is full of scenic trails. The Eastbank Esplanade is a favorite route along the Willamette River, perfect for biking or walking.
Travel Guide Tip: Rent a Biketown bike for an easy, eco-friendly ride.
No list of things to do in Portland would be complete without a trip to Voodoo Doughnut. Known for its quirky flavors (think maple bacon bars and doughnuts topped with cereal), it’s an iconic stop that reflects the city’s "Keep Portland Weird" mantra.
Fun Activity: Snap a selfie with your pink doughnut box in front of the shop’s neon sign.
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is a peaceful oasis in the city center in Portland's Old Town Chinatown. Built by Chinese artisans from Portland’s sister city in China, the garden features intricate architecture, tranquil water features, and seasonal tea tastings.
City Experience Tip: Visit in spring when the plum blossoms bloom.
Portland's public transit system, TriMet, incorporates many options, including buses, streetcars, and the MAX light rail. TriMet is convenient and clean and offers a fantastic way to travel around town without renting a car.
Day passes are cheap, and you can city-hop with ease.
Portland is not only a city; it's an attitude—a blend of nature, creativity, community, and culinary curiosity. Kayaking on the Willamette one minute and sipping espresso in an indie café the next will be something you will never forget.
This travel guide will give you 15 never-to-be-forgotten things to do and will be a sample of what is possible in this great city. Whether you are in town for a weekend or a week, this city has lots to offer -- from things to do and places to see to experiences unique to the city. And with your first visit under your belt, the chances are good you will already be planning your next trip.
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