Northwest / Nob Hill

Northwest Portland’s historic Victorian homes reimagined as boutiques and restaurants exude Old Portland charm in this walkable neighborhood that’s close to the Pearl District, Old Town Chinatown and downtown Portland —as well as Forest Park, with its 70 miles (113 km) of trails to explore in Portland’s west hills. Read on for our favorite things to do and see in Northwest/Nob Hill.

Where To Eat and Drink in Northwest/Nob Hill

Stop in to Barista, as you wander NW 23rd Ave. Sip some of the best espresso Portland has to offer before you head back out to explore Nob Hill. If you are looking for something more than a pastry with your coffee head to Dragonfly Coffeehouse or try Anna Bannanas, Northwest Portland’s oldest coffee cafe serving up tradition coffeehouse fare.

Credit: autumnal_hedge, via Flickr

If you’re looking for a nice cocktail after shopping, or before heading to the galleries, here are some bars to try. Bartini mixes any type of martini you could want, and local watering hole Paymaster Lounge has an outdoor patio for those warm days. For a pint and pool check out McMenamins Tavern & Pool or for a little culture with your beer, head into the traditional Irish pub Kells Brew Pub for live music and local brews.

Though Northwest Portland is known for its fine dining, you can grab a slice at Escape from New York Pizza , or get a quick and healthy meal at Whole Bowl.

Things To Do in Northwest/Nob Hill

History and Mystery

Designed by San Francisco architect Edward Foulkes for Oregon’s original newspaper baron, Henry Pittock, the Pittock Mansion is a city-owned landmark that offers picture-perfect views of the city and its surroundings, as well as a revealing glimpse of Portland’s past. Marvel at the opulent, baroque staircase during the 22-room tour, then stroll the rhododendron-lined gardens and savor knockout vistas of downtown’s skyline and snowy Mount Hood.

Looking for a vampire-killing kit, an interactive alien autopsy or maybe a live magic show? Enter the one-of-a-kind Peculiarium, part museum, part art gallery, part ice cream parlor and 100 percent fun.

The Great Outdoors

The aptly named Forest Park puts wilderness within minutes of Nob Hill. For easy access, take the Lower Macleay Trail in the adjacent Macleay Park. This eight-mile-long “forest in the city” supports more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species and contains 70 miles of trails popular with runners, equestrians, hikers and cyclists alike. Within the park you’ll also find Washington Park which includes the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Audubon Society.

Every evening in September, crowds of spectators enjoy picnics on the lawn while observing the swifts at Chapman Elementary School. Thousands of migratory Vaux’s Swifts — small, swallow-like birds — pour into the chimney at Chapman Elementary School during this community ritual known as the Swift Watch. Portland Audubon Society volunteers are on hand to answer questions about the birds.

Shopping

As more national brands move in, local makers can still be found around Northwest Portland; from jewelers and Portland boutique betsy & iya to champions of Portland’s DIY-scene Tender Loving Empire. For precious treats and sweets check out The Meadow, or visit the oldest metaphysical book store in Portland, New Renaissance Bookshop.

The Arts

The Pearl District isn’t the only place to find fine art. Russo Lee Gallery on NW 21st Ave features the best artists in the Pacific Northwest, and Lane Gallery features the works of Gila Lane and other local and international artists.

For art house movies, look no further than the historic Cinema 21, which features American independent, foreign language, documentary, and classic movies accompanied by microbrews and wine, while McMenamins Mission Theater, another favorite “brew ‘n’ view” cinema, is also located in Northwest.

Learn More

From Northwest/Nob Hill

This neighborhood is just the beginning for these activities.

Film

Portland, the home of acclaimed directors Gus Van Sant and Todd Haynes, boasts many movie houses and year round film festivals and events.

Children’s Theater

Portland's children's theater companies introduce kids to live theater and teaches them people in costumes are fun, not scary.

Portland Karaoke Bars and Nights

Choose from private suites, pop-up events, tiki drinks and Chinese food as you select your ideal Portland karaoke venue from among the city’s top spots.

Portland’s wildly imaginative — and often hilarious — BodyVox dance troupe performs in a 150-seat studio at its dance center, which opened in 2009. Younger patrons of the arts will enjoy Northwest Children’s Theater, which produces five major shows a year; recent kid-pleasing hits have included Annie, Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland.

For a little fun, prepare your karaoke songs for a private room with friends at Voicebox. But if taking the stage causes you stress, step into Kiva Tea Cafe and Spa for spa treatments, including facials, acupuncture, and massage.