A Local’s Guide to Portland, Oregon

A Local’s Guide to Portland, Oregon, Portland, Oregon

It’s no longer a secret that Portland, Oregon is a cool place to live and to visit. In this post, we share the top things to see and do that we recommend to our friends and family who visit Portland.

Portland has many other attractions, of course, but these are our personal favorites that we would prioritize.

Jedd and I first met in Portland back in 2007, and the city has experienced a major boom since those days. In fact, it’s become such a popular tourist destination that some places touted as “local Portland landmarks” are now frequented almost entirely by out-of-town visitors.

Since becoming nomadic, we still return to Portland often. The fact that I was born there is additional street cred (especially considering that many of the people you meet in Portland now are transplants from California).

Although it’s changed a lot, we still have our favorite spots, and we love to help people discover the classic parts of Portland that we first came to love.

Out of all the things to do in Portland, Powell’s City of Books is probably on every single top ten list. It’s one of the few “mainstream” attractions in downtown that we’d recommend 100% to any visitor because it’s truly unique to Portland. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
How it works: The full article is featured in the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Download the app to your mobile device to read the article offline and create a self-guided walking tour to visit the sights featured in this article. The app's navigation functions guide you from one sight to the next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Sights Featured in This Article

Guide Name: A Local’s Guide to Portland, Oregon
Guide Location: USA » Portland
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Michelle Chang
Read it on Author's Website: https://intentionaltravelers.com/locals-guide-top-things-to-do-in-portland/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Powell’s Books
  • Jade Bistro and Patisserie
  • Tea Chai Te
  • Springwater Corridor
  • NW 23rd Street
  • The Pearl District
  • Belmont Street
  • Alberta Arts District
  • Mississippi Avenue
  • Hawthorne Boulevard
  • International Rose Test Garden
  • Hoyt Arboretum
  • Portland Japanese Garden
  • Washington Park station
  • Council Crest hill
  • Oregon Museums of Science and Industry
  • Voodoo Donuts
  • Pips
  • Blue Star
  • Salt & Straw ice cream
  • Widmer Brothers
  • Farmer’s Market every Saturday at PSU
  • Burnside Bridge
  • A&D
  • Swiss Hibiscus
  • Burgerville
  • Tasty & Sons
  • McMenamin’s Kennedy School
  • Stumptown
  • Coava
  • Hotel Monaco
  • The Duniway by Hilton
  • Artigiano
  • Hair of the Dog Brewery
  • Horse Brass Pub
  • Portland Cider Company Cider House
  • Olympia Provisions
  • Saburo’s
  • Ken’s Artisan Pizza
  • Ken’s Artisan Bakery
  • Pix Patisserie
  • Petite Provence
  • Cathedral Coffee

Insider Tips for Portland, Oregon

3-Day Itinerary in Portland, Oregon: Off the Beaten Path

3-Day Itinerary in Portland, Oregon: Off the Beaten Path

Portland is a city that thrives on individuality and creativity. Unlike other major cities, Portland prides itself on its eclectic neighborhoods, vibrant arts scene, and a commitment to sustainability. Not to mention, it’s one of the top foodie cities in the country. The city’s unofficial motto, “Keep Portland Weird,” is a testament to its embrace of the unconventional and the offbeat....  view more
Awesome Things to Do in Portland for Free

Awesome Things to Do in Portland for Free

Portland, Oregon is a city like none other. I should know – I lived there for over 20 years.
Known for its offbeat charm, artistic soul, and fiercely independent spirit, the City of Roses is a haven for creatives, nature lovers, foodies, and anyone who marches to the beat of their own drum. It’s a city that embraces the weird (you’ve seen the bumper stickers), but also delivers some of the...  view more
21 Romantic Date Ideas in Portland (from a Local)

21 Romantic Date Ideas in Portland (from a Local)

Portland, Oregon, is a city that effortlessly blends its quirky charm with natural beauty, making it a perfect playground for couples looking to create memorable date experiences. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s no shortage of fun and romantic activities to explore.
11 Best Indoor Things to Do in Portland

11 Best Indoor Things to Do in Portland

Portland might be known for its lush green landscapes and outdoorsy culture, but it also offers a fantastic range of indoor activities—perfect for rainy days and winter visits. Whether you’re exploring the city’s cozy cafes, browsing cultural landmarks, or diving into unique experiences, Portland has no shortage of indoor charm.
A Foodie Tour of Portland

A Foodie Tour of Portland

If there’s one thing Portland knows how to do right, it’s food. From creative food carts tucked into alleys to James Beard-worthy spots with lines out the door, this city is a dream for any foodie—and I say that not as a visitor, but as someone who called Portland home for over 20 years.
17 Unusual Things to Do in Portland (from a Local)

17 Unusual Things to Do in Portland (from a Local)

Portland is celebrated for its food and a vibrant creative culture. But it’s also celebrated for being weird. Dig deep and you’ll find a treasure trove of the unusual and the unique. For adventurers looking beyond the conventional tourist trails, Portland offers a plethora of odd and intriguing activities to explore.
Insider Tips Overview