For those who love the vitality of a city but not the constant (and sometimes exhausting) hustle, Portland, Oregon, will be your kind of town. The City of Roses has an undeniably youthful spirit, and it is teeming with craft breweries, food carts, lush parks and offbeat shops.
Whether you’re catching live music at one of Portland’s many venues or eating your way through colorful Mississippi Avenue, the city’s welcoming atmosphere will make you feel right at home.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Take In Portland’s Eclectic Character
The heart of downtown Portland is home to many of the city’s iconic destinations, with well-established local businesses brushing up against hip modern spaces.
Begin your day at Voodoo Doughnut, which has gained national recognition for its deliciously bizarre array of treats. At the risk of missing out, grab at least half a dozen so you can sample everything from their hibiscus frosting to a guava-jelly filling.
With breakfast in hand, make your way up Burnside Street to Powell’s City of Books, the largest used and new bookstore in the world. The vast three-story emporium encompasses an entire city block and has served Portland since 1971. Peruse the incredible collections and pick up a new title or two, whether it be a graphic novel or a guide to hiking in the Pacific Northwest.
Once you’ve wandered through all the color-coded sections at Powell’s, walk toward the Willamette River, stopping at the Third Avenue food cart pod. Food carts are a favorite among Portlanders for good reason: They offer the widest range imaginable of global and local cuisines to choose from.
With dishes like chewy, freshly pulled noodles at Stretch the Noodle, gourmet vegan sandwiches at Buns on the Run (for inventive hot dogs) or Egyptian fare at Elmasry, there’s a meal for every craving. Enjoy your food with a view at the Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which overlooks the Willamette River and a few of the bridges that have given the city its moniker, Bridge City.
As night falls, the downtown area transforms into one of the best spots in town for dancing. Start your evening with a drink at District, which has a moody but laid-back lounge atmosphere, cocktails, DJ sets and a posh VIP mezzanine.
When you’re ready for a more upbeat locale, head to Dixie Tavern for what the two-story venue calls “drinkertainment”: karaoke, servers dancing on the bar and rock ‘n’ roll everything (until 2:30 a.m.).
Saturday: Discover Portland’s Nature, Then Nob Hill
The surrounding mountain ranges and year-round greenery of Portland make it an unusually nature-filled city. Take a leisurely walk through the 410-acre Washington Park, offering 15 miles of winding trails and a variety of curated gardens.
One of Portland’s most-visited attractions is the International Rose Test Garden, where more than 600 colorful rose varieties flourish from late May through October. Washington Park is also home to the Hoyt Arboretum, a peaceful place to lounge under colossal trees or stroll the gentle walking trails.
After a nature-filled morning, head to Nob Hill, where the historic streets are lined with preserved Victorian homes and cozy eateries. Make your way down NW 23rd Street, which is one of Portland’s most popular streets for window-shopping.
From New Renaissance, a bohemian bookstore housed in three conjoined Victorian homes, to the Hip Hound, where dogs are served concoctions alongside their humans, Portland is doing its absolute best to keep things weird — not to mention welcoming.
And when you’re ready for dinner, the rich culinary scene in Nob Hill has plenty of sophisticated restaurants for dining and drinking. Check out Serratto for fresh French, Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, or Urban Fondue if you’re in the mood for a lavish meal of melted cheeses, seasoned broths and specialty cocktails.
Sunday: Dine and Shop Your Way Through the East Side
Start your day off with a brunch spread at Gravy on Mississippi Avenue — but don’t be surprised if there’s a bit of a line, as its fluffy from-scratch biscuits tend to draw a crowd.
The fare is traditional American, with excellent chicken-fried steak and roast-beef hash. But in true Portland fashion, there are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians, too.
Once you’re fueled up with a hearty breakfast, explore the locally owned shops along North Mississippi Avenue. Step into Mississippi Records or Bridge City Comics to find relics from the past, from blues tracks on vinyl to huge collections of comics.
And when it comes to the unconventional, there are specialty stores that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the country — like Paxton Gate, where you can learn how to display insects and shop for animal skulls, or Sunlan Lighting, which carries a variety of colorful and unexpected bulbs.
For a glimpse of Portland’s music scene, head to the hip Doug Fir Lounge to catch a live band. The dimly lit bar is like a modern rendition of a log cabin, with locally brewed beers and craft cocktails featuring regional produce like berries and ginger.
When it’s time to find a quieter place for dinner, walk to the nearby French restaurant Le Pigeon. While it’s earned a Michelin star for sumptuous dishes like braised sturgeon with Burgundian squid stew and smoky beef tartare with anchovy aioli, the interior has maintained a homey and intimate atmosphere.
Related Articles
