A couple sits on a picnic blanket at the Waterfront Blues Festival, Portland’s longest-running music festival held yearly at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Credit: NASHCO Photo

Things to Do in Portland

Like the city itself, Portland's attractions and activities are a little unexpected and always inspiring — and some may even be near you right now.

A couple sits on a picnic blanket at the Waterfront Blues Festival, Portland’s longest-running music festival held yearly at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Credit: NASHCO Photo

It’s safe to say a visitor will never experience the same Portland twice. The best attractions are constantly evolving, and there’s always an exciting event about to begin — that means you’re guaranteed to find fun things to do in Portland, whether you know the city intimately or it’s your very first time. And the City of Roses handles inclement weather with style, meaning fall and winter are just as good for a visit as spring and summer. We also have tips and tools to make your Portland visit unforgettable, including transportation help, accessibility information, resources like our Near Me Now app and more.

people amble through a rose garden in full bloom

International Rose Test Garden

Since 1924, the International Rose Test Garden has grown beautiful roses from around the world. Today, over 10,000 bushes, representing over 610 varieties, dazzle with colorful blooms in Washington Park, just west of downtown Portland.

people smiling on a sunny day in front of bunches of flowers while someone off screen is handing them a bundle of cut flowers in a plastic bag

Portland Saturday Market

Open every weekend from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.

an exterior view of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) beside the Willamette River with a huge black submarine docked by a pier

OMSI: Portland’s Interactive Science Museum

With its huge exhibit halls, interactive science labs, multiple auditoriums, “After Dark” events and more, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) lures visitors of all ages.

a red panda walks on a tree limb, surrounded by leaves

Oregon Zoo

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, including elephants, polar bears, rare condors and more.

A couple sits viewing a serene flat rock garden surrounded by trees and shrubs.

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden offers visitors year-round serenity at a woodland sanctuary in Northwest Portland, spanning 12 acres of botanical gardens inspired by the flora and fauna of Japan.

Forest Park

Escape the city without leaving Portland; with 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike and supporting more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species.

people at books shelves in a books store

Powell’s City of Books

Covering an entire city block, Powell’s City of Books is more than a great bookstore: It’s a microcosm of Portland, packed with smart and eclectic books, gifting options, and passionate people. And, like Portland, it’s open 365 days a year.

A woman holds a camera to her eyes in a traditional Chinese garden with a pond, pavilion and trees.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

This year-round wonder houses an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden built by Suzhou artisans, offering a peaceful escape in Portland's historic Chinatown.

Portland Art Museum

Spend a day strolling among sculptures, sketching modern art and soaking in the artistic ambiance at one of the nation’s best art museums.

A large stone mansion with red roof surrounded by trees

Pittock Mansion

High in the West Hills, the Pittock Mansion offers picture-perfect views of the city and interesting insights into Portland's history.

a person gets off the light rail train at the Pioneer Square stop with its iconic red brick walkway

A Car-Free Itinerary in Portland

Skip the car rental and explore Portland the local way. From urban forests to downtown dining, find it all through public transit.

portland oregon old town neon sign with white stag in twilight sky

The Perfect First Trip to Portland

Enjoy Portland’s must-sees and must-eats in our itinerary for first-time visitors to the Rose City.

Perfect Itinerary for Portland Indoor Activities

Whether you’re escaping the weather or just feeling “indoorsy,” here’s a guide to enjoying Portland’s dynamic cultural scene while barely setting foot outside.

a smiling person at a parade holds a rainbow umbrella and a bouquet of flowers above their head

Portland Pride

The Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade is a family-friendly LGBTQIA+ community celebration held in downtown Portland every summer.

Pickathon Music Festival

Every August, Pickathon draws diverse musical performers to celebrate music and the outdoors at the lush Pendarvis Farm just outside of Portland.

Jade International Night Market

Thousands gather every August in Southeast Portland to celebrate the Jade District’s diverse immigrant community at the Jade International Night Market.

a crowd of concertgoers watches a lit up stage among large, leafy trees

Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn

With acts that have ranged from Phoebe Bridgers to Stevie Wonder, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and a hot ticket for cool nights.

three people standing near a food cart carrying books

The Portland Book Festival

Portland Book Festival (formerly “Wordstock”) returns every November with an impressive (and extensive) lineup of local and national authors.

a crowd mingles under a fire display and a lighted purple sculpture

Portland Winter Light Festival

Brighten your February with a visit to Portland’s annual Winter Lights Festival, where you’ll find glowing sculptures, twinkling lights, lively events and more.

Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Shop for handmade crafts, snack on traditional recipes and enjoy entertainment straight from Guadalajara at this popular Cinco de Mayo festival.

youth drum line of marching band in red costumes and hats walk along bridge in parade

Portland Rose Festival

Portland Rose Festival features multiple parades, waterfront carnival rides, concerts, races, fireworks and plenty of roses.

Portland Beer Week

Portland Beer Week spotlights Portland’s breweries, high-quality brews and vibrant beer culture.

two people laughing with a crowd and stage in the background

Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival

Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.

Food

“Food” in Portland can mean so many things, and there’s always more delicious exploring to be done — from food carts to farmers’ markets (and award-winning restaurants, of course), the Portland food scene is an eclectic culinary haven.

Arts

Art gallery wanderers, theater lovers and those with a curious eye will find something to marvel at in this creative city.

a person in bright clothes and high-heeled boots vogues in front of a park fountain, surrounded by manicured rose bushes

Culture

Whether it's arts, beer and food, cultural communities, events or nightlife, culture in Portland takes many forms.

a person follows a trail through towering evergreens

Outdoors

The perfect launchpad for outdoor activities and adventure with snow-capped mountains, the Pacific Ocean, countless rivers, forested hikes and beautiful urban gardens, Portland has something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

two people look through outdoor racks of clothing on a sunny day

Shopping

A local’s comprehensive guide to finding all the best Portland stuff. You'll find it all tax-free, from handmade items and vintage stores to designer goods.

Downtown

Explore Portland's Living Room, abundant tax-free shopping for luxury and local goods, beautiful city parks and easy airport access from your downtown hotel.

two people walking on a sidewalk in front of boutique shops in old Victorian homes

Northwest / Nob Hill

Old Portland charm lives through the repurposed Victorian homes — now boutiques and restaurants — that line the streets of Northwest/Nob Hill with sophisticated shopping, dining, breathtaking views and more.

a vast building with two spires at sunset with the city skyline and hills in the background

Lloyd

Just across the river from downtown, the Lloyd district in Northeast Portland caters to convention attendees, sports fans and shoppers.

Old Town Chinatown

Today, Portland’s original downtown is a bustling entertainment district, home to Portland's famous Saturday Market, Chinatown Museum and Lan Su Chinese Garden.

person sitting on the ground in front of a pond with a bicycle with cityscape in front and a blue sky with white clouds overhead

Pearl District

The chic Pearl District features galleries and cultural institutions, as well as stylish shops and acclaimed eateries on loading docks with cobblestone streets, which hint at this former warehouse district’s past.

row of colorful shops on southeast division street

Division/Clinton

Division is now one of Portland’s most dynamic and stylish neighborhoods. Spend a day wandering its many blocks, stopping along the way to snack, sip and shop at its many must see— and must-eat — destinations.

Alberta Arts District

Spend the day exploring Alberta Street’s eclectic shops, numerous art galleries, lively bars and seemingly never-ending food options.

two people browse products inside a shop

Mississippi

Enjoy live music, local shops and popular restaurants and bars on this historic North Portland street.

Hawthorne

Southeast Portland’s laidback, bohemian district is filled with local artisans and flare. Hawthorne Boulevard is a walkable street with block after block of vintage shops, boutiques, cafes, and historic venues.

many children and a few adults play in the fountain at Jamison Square on a bright summer day

Kid-Friendly Activities

Discover the best things to do in Portland with toddlers, tweens and every age in between.

three people — one using a motorized wheelchair, two on foot — traverse a wide wooden walkway beneath flourishing green trees

Accessible Portland

Discover wheelchair-accessible and sensory-friendly attractions and activities nearby in Portland, Oregon.

a large fountain sprays in the middle of the park, surrounded by hedges and rose bushes

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Portland

Some of the best things to do in Portland are totally free. Connect with nature, discover local artists or learn something new.

person selling products under a tent at an outdoor market

Summer in Portland

In the summertime, Portland pulls out all the stops, with festivals celebrating craft beer, music, contemporary art and the city’s culinary scene.

A view of city skyline with its trees a fiery autumn orange with a snow-capped mountain in the background.

Fall in Portland

As the trees change color and the weather cools, Portland’s calendar fills with cultural, wine and autumnal events.

train station surrounded by snow-covered streets and shrubs

Winter in Portland

Skip the hibernation and visit the City of Roses this winter instead for gorgeous hikes, aromatic fireside hot chocolate, an abundance of holiday lights, and perhaps even a rare snowy park sledding moment.

orange pedicab rides through park under backlit cherry blossoms and a view of the Burnside Bridge

Spring in Portland

Springtime in Portland brings plenty of showers and new growth, along with only-in-Portland activities, adventures, and celebrations of culture, food and flowers.

Portland Weather

Every season in Portland brings unique weather conditions and changes to the city's outdoor scenery. Use our guide to weather in Portland (including average temperatures and rainfall) to help you plan your next trip.

Already Here?

If you’re already in Portland: Welcome! You’ve come to a special place, and you’re in for a great time. There’s a lot going on in the City of Roses, so we have some tools to get your trip started right: If you’re downtown or headed there, a stop at the Portland Visitor Center is a great option. Our friendly staff of Portland experts can help you plan your day, recommend restaurants and attractions, and provide information about events and other things to do in Portland. You’ll also find local maps, brochures from Portland attractions, cell phone charging stations and other amenities.

Questions About Things to Do in Portland

What is the most visited place in Portland?

Powell’s City of Books is the world’s largest new and used bookstore, and the Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Northwest, putting both near the top of many itineraries. Outdoor attractions like the Portland Japanese Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden offer popular natural oases in the heart of the city. Of course in the end it depends on your interests — and Portland has something for everyone.

Is Portland a walkable city?

Absolutely. In fact, downtown Portland’s compact grid blocks make it uniquely walkable among major American cities.

What food is Portland known for?

The food that shines brightest in Portland tends to be fresh, Pacific Northwest fare featuring locally sourced ingredients. Portland’s also known as one of the top cities for doughnuts, brunch and pizza. And it’s a great place for dining out with special diets, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.

How many days do I need in Portland?

You should stay as long as you can, because there’s sure to be that one last thing you wish you’d had time to do! But any trip can be rewarding, whether it’s for a day, a weekend or an extended stay.

Why is Portland good for shopping?

Portland is home to an abundance of unique, awesome shops offering all kinds of great finds, from made-in-Portland gifts to funky vintage treasures to quality bespoke apparel. The fact that shopping in Portland is 100% tax-free isn’t too shabby either.

Why is Portland so quirky?

What can we say? We like to do things a little bit differently. From one-of-a-kind events to cool, funky museums, Portlanders take pride in keeping the city weird.

If a stop at the visitor center isn’t in the cards, fear not — we have great online resources too. The Portland Visitors Guide offers recommendations for must-visit places, food and drink tips, family-friendly suggestions, a neighborhood guide, fun itinerary bookmarks and more — you can easily access the online version on your mobile device. Another excellent tool, the Near Me Now app (which can also be used as a web tool, if you prefer) is an in-the-moment, map-based discovery tool. It displays the best Portland destinations and activities near your current location, including restaurants, food carts, bars, breweries, events, stores, parks and attractions.

Attractions

person sings in to a microphone while playing a guitar with two band members behind on a stage.