Portland’s MAX Light Rail system connects the city, airport and Portland region via 97 stations and 60 miles (96.6 km) of track.

Credit: Justin Katigbak

Plan

Plan a trip to Portland, Oregon.

Portland’s MAX Light Rail system connects the city, airport and Portland region via 97 stations and 60 miles (96.6 km) of track.

Credit: Justin Katigbak

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Portland, there’s always something new to see, do, taste and experience in the Rose City. Explore the changing colors of fall, the gorgeous spring blooms, musical winter festivals and an abundance of summer outdoor adventures. Year-round, tax-free shopping, thrilling theater debuts, live music, award-winning culinary experiences and more await any visitor. So, whether it’s your first time visiting Portland, you’re only here for the weekend, or you’re a pro looking for something new to discover, we have the resources to help you plan your trip to Portland.

Portland Visitor Center

Our friendly and knowledgeable travel experts are excited to help visitors plan their trip and make local activity and event recommendations.

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 in Portland, Oregon.

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.

What is life like in Portland, Oregon?

Portland is known for having the amenities of a major city (such as an international airport, an efficient public transit system, major league sports teams and many museums and art galleries) and the charms of a small city (such as plentiful arts and crafts fairs, independent bookstores and local traditions like the annual Rose Festival Parade and the World Naked Bike Ride).

It’s typical to spend a day in Portland strolling through one of the city’s many unique neighborhoods, visiting locally owned businesses, restaurants, public green spaces and cultural attractions. Perhaps because of our abundant rainfall, Portland’s culture of coziness encourages people to spend time indoors honing their crafts, making art, enjoying delicious food, seeing live music, browsing bookstores, and sipping tea, beer, wine, cocktails and coffee.

Rain or shine, you can take advantage of the city’s sustainability focus and proximity to nature by playing in the Willamette River, wandering through lush public parks and gardens, biking the city’s 162 miles (261 km) of bike lanes and hiking trails both within city limits and in the nearby Columbia River Gorge.

calm river water reflects the buildings in a downtown area that are catching the sunrise on a clear day

Portland Hotels

Looking for a Portland hotel for your upcoming visit to Portland, Oregon? Portland has more than 100 hotels, and our guide can help you narrow down the right hotel for your visit to Portland.

couch in front of a fireplace with the view of a dinning room in a bed and breakfast

Portland Bed & Breakfasts

From cozy garden rooms to historic wine-cellar suites, one of these Portland bed and breakfast spots is sure suit your travel style.

four people illuminated by campfire at a dimly lit campsite, backed by a serene lake and a large mountain obscured by mist

Camping Near Portland

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, you can spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites — from rustic tent camping to cabins and yurts — all located within an easy drive from the city.

Book Now With Expedia

Portland International Airport (PDX)

Portland International Airport (PDX) boasts an easy light rail connection to downtown, local food and drink, free Wi-Fi, tax-free shopping with no markups — and 500 flights daily.

train station surrounded by snow-covered streets and shrubs

Amtrak / Union Station

Union Station, with its elegant architecture and iconic “Go By Train” neon sign connects passengers with the city by bus, car and of course by train.

a black and red passenger bus at rest on a downtown street

FlixBus and Greyhound

Travel to and from Portland with ease on FlixBus and Greyhound buses — both affordable services connect Portland with regional destinations near and far.

A light rail train passes in front of a modern, glass-encased retail store

MAX Light Rail

Portland's efficient light rail system connects the metro area and downtown core. Learn how to ride and where to go on MAX.

$A streetcar passes by a large, red sculpture in front of a building with a neon sign reading, \"Go By Streetcar.\"$

Portland Streetcar

The City of Roses built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar in 2001: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar.

Biking

One of the best ways to explore the Rose City is on two wheels.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24_Hour_Party_People

a smiling man wearing a helmet rides a Biketown scooter on a leafy city street

Electric Scooters (E-Scooters) in Portland

E-scooter sharing lets users rent vehicles via an app for one-way trips. Before boarding, check out our dos and don’ts for riding e-scooters in Portland.

the exterior of a large urban shopping mall with vehicles and a light rail train out front

Parking in Portland

From city-run parking garages to private lots to an app for on-street parking, Portland offers reliable options for parking during your visit.

Southwest Portland

Best known for lively downtown Portland, this quadrant is also home to Washington Park’s numerous attractions, Goose Hollow’s blend of historic and modern, the small-town charm of Multnomah Village and more.

Southeast Portland

Southeast Portland embodies many of Portland’s best-known attributes: hip, artsy, quirky, foody. It’s home to popular neighborhoods, lively food-and-drink districts, peaceful parks and more.

Northwest Portland

Northwest Portland is a study in contrasts, from swank shops and restaurants in the central city to the natural beauty of Forest Park — and everything in between.

Northeast Portland

For shows, sports and big events, Northeast Portland is hard to beat. It’s also home to many popular neighborhoods, noteworthy sights and attractions, and top-notch restaurants and bars.

North Portland

From the beautiful blooms of Peninsula Park to the bustle of North Mississippi Avenue, there’s more to explore in North Portland. The so-called “Fifth Quadrant” is home to charming neighborhoods, striking landmarks and unique attractions.

South Portland

South Portland is a slim strip of land on the west side of the Willamette River. This laid-back river community is a perfect 10 for water recreation, low-key urban green spaces and lots of spots to eat, drink & shop.

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.

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 person sitting at a drum kit in front of a crowd

Summer Concert Round-Up

Portland brings the heat with a packed outdoor concert schedule that makes the most of summer's long days and warm nights.

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.

Fall Hikes Near Portland

These fall hikes near Portland prove that autumn is an ideal time to explore Oregon wilderness, admire seasonal flora and fauna, and visit nearby farms.

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.

a large tree decorated with lights in front of a statue of a person holding an umbrella

Portland Holiday Events

Like an Advent calendar loaded with sugary treats, the days leading up to Christmas in Portland hold an abundance of sweet memories.

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.

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.

a woman drinking a draft beer on a patio with a pug sitting beside her

Pet-Friendly Portland

Discover the most pet-friendly places to eat, drink and stay in Portland.

Near Me Now

Use Near Me Now to find events, food carts, restaurants, bars, attractions, stores and more. Carefully curated by professional Portland fans, this map-based guide lets you explore like a local.

Eastward view of Portland through some tree branches, with Mount Hood rising in the background.

Safety in Portland

These resources will help you plan a safe visit to Portland.

two people talking in the lobby of a cannabis shop with another person behind the counter

Portland Cannabis and Dispensaries

Learn all about legal cannabis in Portland: rules for cannabis consumption, where to find top dispensaries, places to try CBD and more.

people seated at picnic tables talk and eat with food carts in the background

Food Cart Pods

Portland is one of the world’s great street food cities — explore international flavors and unique new food concepts (without the wait of a sit-down restaurant) at Portland’s many food cart pods.

pale pink and purple sky reflect on a river surface with a bridge off to the side and a view of downtown in the background

Resources for International Visitors

From currency exchange to where to do laundry, these helpful resources help international visitors explore Portland in comfort.

Key Considerations For Your Visit

How much time should I spend in Portland?

You can see many of Portland’s most popular attractions in two to three days if you stay in or near downtown. If you’d like to visit Mount Hood, hike in the Columbia Gorge, visit the Oregon Coast, or see how locals live by spending time in one of Portland’s many neighborhoods, we recommend at least five days. Check out our collection of itineraries to plan based on the length of your stay and which part of the city or region you’d like to explore.

How “weird” is Portland?

Beyond the oft-repeated “Keep Portland Weird” slogan, Portland’s unique flavor shows up in many ways. From annual events like the World Naked Bike Ride and the Adult Soapbox Derby, to strange places like the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and the world’s smallest park, the city’s thriving and ever-expanding community of artists, designers and makers helps foster Portland’s culture of embracing individuality and creative expression.

You can find the city’s iconic black and yellow “KEEP PORTLAND WEIRD” mural at 22 SW Third Ave., behind Dante’s and across the street from Voodoo Doughnut.

What is there to see and do in Portland?

Portland’s calendar is packed year-round with events, live music and performances, meaning there’s never a shortage of things to do. (Use our events calendar to explore upcoming Portland events based on their dates and your interests.)

For first-time visitors, we recommend checking out our list of top sights and things to do in Portland, which highlights popular attractions like Powell’s City of Books, Portland Japanese Garden, Portland Saturday Market, Forest Park and more.

For a deeper dive into things to see and do in Portland, check out our culture collection where you can explore dozens of ways to enjoy the city’s music, art, bike culture, food, beer, outdoors, makers, cultural communities, nightlife, sports, cannabis, weirdness and more.

What food should I plan on trying?

Portland is a renowned culinary destination — broadly speaking, it’s a city famous for fresh food featuring local ingredients. You’ll find everything from some of the finest seafood in the world to truly delectable doughnuts. Portland is also known as perhaps the greatest city for food carts. And if you’re looking for outdoor dining, you’re in luck: The number of patio options in Portland is truly impressive.

While Portland doesn’t necessarily have a single iconic food, it does have a number of must-taste specialties. The Maple Bacon Bar at Voodoo Doughnut, the white curry (with brisket burnt ends) at Eem and khao man gai at Nong’s are a few you won’t want to miss. And don’t forget about the beverages for which Portland is most famous: coffee and craft beer. (We’re no slouches when it comes to wine and tea, either.)

Where should I stay?

Portland has a variety of lodging options, including traditional hotels and short-term rentals. You can also stay in a tiny house, a bunk bed at a modern hostel, or a boutique hotel.

Visit Where to Stay for a rundown of all the options.

Do I need to rent a car in Portland?

Most of Portland’s major attractions are easily accessible by public transportation. You can ride MAX Light Rail from the airport straight into downtown. Neighborhoods have frequent bus service, and many have bike-sharing and electric scooters available. Like most cities, Portland is served by local taxi companies and ride-sharing services.

If you want to explore Mount Hood, the Oregon Coast, the Willamette Valley, or other areas outside the city, you may want to rent a car. And if you do, read up on where to park it.

What Portland apps should I download for my visit?

Near Me Now
Travel Portland’s own map-based guide highlights some of our favorite restaurants, attractions, shops, bars and more to give you a local’s perspective on this dynamic, delicious city. We also share historical insights, public art and fun facts, as well as today’s events at venues all over town. Free on iTunes and Google Play

Public Art PDX
Let this interactive map, complete with photos, be your guide to more than 400 works of art in Portland’s central city. The app was last updated in 2018 but remains mostly accurate. Free on iTunes

Portland by Streetcar
This free app provides an interactive tour of landmarks, historical sites and points of interest within walking distance of the three lines of the Portland Streetcar system. Free on Google Play

PDX Bus
Plan trips around Portland and access live arrival times with this guide to light rail, streetcar and bus services. Free on iTunes

Parking Kitty
Pay for your metered street parking all over Portland from the convenience of your phone with this easy-to-use app. Free on iTunes and Google Play

Portland Maps

Use these Portland maps to plan and create your own city experience. This guide provides everything from Portland city and region maps to guided tours, neighborhood information and more.

Explore the Maps

Plan

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