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The chic Pearl District features galleries and cultural institutions, as well as stylish shops and acclaimed eateries.
In the Pearl, loading docks and cobblestone streets hint at this former warehouse district’s past, while stylish bars and gleaming lofts point toward the future. Read on for our favorite things to do and see in Northwest Portland’s Pearl District.
Where to Stay in the Pearl
A stay amid the condos and galleries of the Pearl District puts you in the heart of the city, with easy access to shopping, dining and cultural offerings, along with proximity to downtown, Old Town Chinatown and Northwest Portland.
Where to Eat and Drink in the Pearl District
Start your morning or midday with a sip of espresso from Barista tucked into a building lobby with outdoor seating on a charming wooden loading dock. Needing less caffeine? Find your way to Tea Bar and peruse their selection of tea lattes. For baked goods and quick bites try French-style bakery Nuvrei which serves up beautiful pastries, creative sandwiches from a sunny spot with outdoor seating at Lovejoy Bakers, and elevated deli fare from HG Provisions, like charcuterie, freshly shucked oysters and grab-and-go gourmet sandwiches.
Step into fine-dining spot Andina and enjoy live Latin-inspired music at adjoining Bar Mestizo before dining on cebiche, tamales, empanadas and other Novo-Andean tapas dishes at this celebrated Peruvian restaurant. Other Pearl favorites include Khao San, serving authentic Thai food in a Thai street setting. Pizza and Italian dishes made of fresh Northwest ingredients are on the menu at Piattino. Get your fill of sustainably sourced fish at Yama Sushi and Sake Bar. And for dessert, try Miss Oz Ice Cream.
Known for its Brewery Blocks, nightlife begins in the Pearl District. Sample some Northwest beers at Deschutes Brewery & Public House or enjoy limited edition brews in addition to their most popular beers at 10 Barrel Brewing. For a sample of Portland’s craft spirits scene, a mixologist at Teardrop Cocktail Lounge will serve up classic cocktails with house-made tonic water, bitters and specialty liqueurs. Or, for a no-frills, dive-bar try Low Brow Lounge.
Art Galleries in the Pearl District
This neighborhood is home to a huge arts community and First Thursday, a bustling monthly art walk.
Things To Do in the Pearl District
The Pearl District was once the art mecca of Portland, though you can find incredible artists and makers all over Portland these days, the Pearl still boasts some of the best galleries and a time-old tradition, First Thursday, when the galleries open their doors after hours and local artists flock to the streets to showcase their work.
For an urban area in the central city, the Pearl District offers more parks and green spaces than you might expect. Tanner Springs Park is a full city block of wetlands, walkways, stairs and sitting areas, providing a glimpse of the neighborhood’s pre-industrial roots. Jamison Square, two blocks to the south, features a fountain that creates a wading pool during the warmer months; The Fields Park, one block north of Tanner Springs Park, is a green space where you can get in some quality time with your friends, family or dog — or just lie back and soak up some rays.
Credit: Justin Katigbak
Portland Center Stage at the Armory brings classic and contemporary theater in a beautifully transformed former armory, featuring a large stage and a smaller black box stage on the lower level. True to its origins, Portland Center Stage started as a mostly classical theater company, now commissioning its own plays from leading national playwrights and bringing the best new work to town from around the country, and offers its space to smaller Portland theater companies, like PETE.
Find Powell’s City of Books and Oblation Paper & Press, among blocks of big brand stores for all your shopping needs, from sports and outdoor wear to shoes, dresses and jeans.
Pearl District Events
Enjoy Portland's Pearl District at these upcoming events.
Central City Guide
The walkable central city includes the Pearl District, Northwest/Nob Hill and downtown.
Downtown and Central City Shopping
Downtown Portland boasts a wide array of shopping options, from major national and international retailers to locally owned boutiques and specialty shops.
Downtown Restaurants
From former food carts to fine international dining, you’re always just steps away from great restaurants in downtown Portland.
Portland's Central City
There's a lot more to Portland's urban core than Downtown, a center for retail, restaurants and cultural attractions. Goose Hollow is home to Providence Park soccer stadium, while the Pearl District is famous for upscale bars, boutiques and galleries. Old Town Chinatown offers streetwear shops, Saturday Market and Lan Su Chinese Garden and Northwest/Nob Hill boasts shopping, dining and access to Forest Park and the historic Pittock Mansion. East of the Willamette River, the Central Eastside offers family-friendly attractions, shopping and nightlife, while Lloyd is home to the Oregon Convention Center and the Portland Trail Blazers.
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