Molly Woodstock
Molly Woodstock has been writing and editing content for Travel Portland since 2014. Read More
Neighborhood Spotlight: Downtown
Portland’s highly walkable city center is filled with terrific food, art and tax-free shopping.
If you only have one day to explore Portland’s city center, here’s how to do it right.
Courier Coffee Bar
Coffee connoisseurs select from a hand-written menu of single-origin, house-roasted beans at this fiercely independent shop. Once you’ve made your choice, baristas grind the beans right in front of you to prepare a perfect pour-over into a steaming mason jar.
Tasty n Alder
One of the most celebrated brunch destinations on the city’s west side, this hot spot offers international small plates like pork schnitzel, pan-fried halibut sandwiches and chocolate potato doughnuts, all best enjoyed one of their boozy “grown-ass milkshakes.”
Wildfang
Step across the street to this bastion of tomboy fashion, beloved by celebrities like Janelle Monae and Kristen Stewart for its feminist T-shirts and gender-binary-breaking collection of blazers, bow ties and button-ups.
Pioneer Place
Take a moment to stroll through Pioneer Courthouse Square — affectionately known as Portland’s living room — on your way to the central city’s premier shopping center, which boasts more than 75 stores, including H&M, Apple and J. Crew. (Did we mention that all shopping in Oregon is tax-free?)
Bridge & Burn
Show your Pacific Northwest pride by shopping for T-shirts emblazoned with slogans like “The Upper Left Coast,” “Pacific Wonderland” and “Rivers & Lakes” at the flagship store of this quintessential Portland fashion brand.
Portland Art Museum
Founded in 1892, Oregon’s largest art museum includes paintings by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso, as well as vast collections of historic and contemporary works by Native American and Northwest artists.
Headwaters
Once you’ve explored four floors of art, it’s time for a snack! Opened in 2016, the newest restaurant by James Beard Award-winning chef Vitaly Paley serves up French-influenced seafood dishes (think prawn cassoulet and sea urchin beurre fondue) inside the storied Heathman Hotel.
Union Way
Return to the West End once more for some only-in-Portland shopping. This sleek arcade houses iconic local brands like Danner and Bridge and Burn, along with trendy denim boutique Self Edge and sweet and savory dining options at Boxer Ramen and Wailua Shave Ice.
Multnomah Whiskey Library
End your evening by relaxing into a leather armchair at this sophisticated drinking spot, where expert staff offers recommendations from amongst 1,500 available spirits. Count on a line to get in; downstairs, The Green Room serves as a sophisticated (and thirst-quenching) waiting area.
Division/Clinton Shopping
Tucked within a dense residential enclave, the shops of Division and Clinton streets offer some of the city's most authentic souvenirs.