The MAX Light Rail at the Portland Saturday Market. Portland’s MAX Light Rail system connects 97 station and 60 miles of track to the city, airport and Portland Region.

Credit: Justin Katigbak

Plan

Use these tools and resources to plan your perfect trip to Portland.

Updated Jan. 31, 2023 0 min read

Whether it’s your first time visiting Portland or you’re looking for something new to discover, there’s plenty of ways to explore the City of Roses. Scroll down for resources to help you plan your trip to Portland, then visit our events calendar to find even more things to do while you’re here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Trip to Portland

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, or sleep in a classroom (Portland has a hotel that used to be a primary school). Visit the Where to Stay page for a rundown of all the options.

Do I need to rent a car?

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 Mt. Hood, the Oregon Coast, the Willamette Valley, or other areas outside the city, you may want to rent a car. Don’t get caught off-guard: you are not allowed to pump your own gas at most gas stations in Western Oregon.

How much time should I spend in Portland?

You can see most of Portland’s most popular attractions in 2-3 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.

I’m planning my first trip to Portland, what should I do?

If you’re a first-time visitor to the City of Roses, check out our guide for a perfect first trip.

airport control tower with grey blue clouds and yellow grasses

Portland International Airport (PDX)

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

$Union Station set against the backdrop of Portland\'s skyline$

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.

two people next to an orange truck with a canoe strapped to the top

Driving in Portland

While Portland prides itself on being a city that’s easy to get around without a car, these tips will help you tour the city in four-wheeled fashion.

Portland Weather

Every season in Portland brings unique weather conditions and changes to the city's outdoor scenery. Plan your next trip with our guide, which includes average temperatures and rainfall.

Learn more

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

Downtown Hotels

This detailed list of downtown Portland hotels is designed for visitors looking to stay right in the middle of the action.

sunset distant landscape view of the oregon convention center and city lights

Lloyd Hotels

This central area, home to the Oregon Convention Center and attractions, is just minutes from downtown.

mural on side of building on a city street

Northwest Portland Hotels

A stay in Northwest Portland promises a taste of everything the city has to offer.

plane takes off with snowy Mount Hood in the distance and the reflection on the glass of the control tower at an airport

Airport Hotels

Stay near PDX and you'll be close to lots of other things, too.

A crow sits on a pole above a marina full of boats, with a snowcapped mountain in the distance

Jantzen Beach Hotels

This river district offers easy access to neighborhoods and regional destinations.

Five Favorite Vacation Rentals in Portland

Vacation rentals offer the chance to experience Portland like a local. For interesting accommodations, consider a stay at one of these exceptional vacation rentals in Portland.

Pet-Friendly Portland Hotels

These Portland hotels pamper pets as much as they do people, providing bedding, treats, room service and more.

People entering and exiting a TriMet bus downtown

Bus Service

The TriMet bus system, which covers the city and its suburbs, offers low fares, friendly drivers and full wheelchair accessibility.

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.

Digital Guides

Turn your smartphone into a local tour guide with apps that help you track train schedules, map food carts, explore public art and more.

Explore More

woman sitting on the ground in front of a pondwith a bicycle next to her

Bicycle Maps & Where to Ride

With bike lanes and paths throughout the city, Portland has great places to ride for cyclists of all abilities.

person on e-scooter passes mural reading Long Live the Wildcards, Misfits & Dabblers

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.

A person standing over an orange bike next to bike stands

Biketown Bike-Share in Portland

Introduced in 2016, Portland’s bike-share program brings 1,000 smart bicycles to the central city.

Tours & Itineraries

Discover things to do, places to visit and what to eat and drink in Portland.

Let's go!

Accessible Portland

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

Columbia River Gorge

Starting just 30 miles east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers amazing vistas, trails and more than 90 waterfalls.

Skyline view of a mountain with snow beyond large pine trees.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood offers scenic recreation ranging from camping, hiking and fishing to nearly year-round skiing.

rugged coastline and a sandy beach on a sunny day

Oregon Coast

From the historic city of Astoria to the tide pools of Yachats, the Oregon Coast is a rugged, unspoiled treasure that begins 90 minutes from Portland.

48 Hours in Portland

Only in Portland for the weekend? Here's how to make the most of your time here.

Two actors from the Fertile Ground Festival, dressed in cowboy hats, sit on a curb beneath a freeway overpass. She plays a small guitar as he looks on.

January Events

From folk music to dog shows, Portland kicks off the year with an eclectic assortment of events.

February Events

February in Portland is the perfect month to explore live music, dancing, cultural festivals and more.

People attending an outdoor market, Portland Saturday Market

March Events

Shop, eat, dance and cheer your way through the last of winter with these March events in Portland.

Pioneer Courthouse Square filled with event flags

April Events

Spring in Portland brings festivals dedicated to wine, tulips and tunes.

person buying fresh produce from a farmers market vendor

May Events

From farmers' markets to fiestas, there's plenty to do in Portland in May.

dragon boat with rowers in Wilamette River

June Events

Portland's "festival season" warms up every June with the Portland Rose Festival, Portland Pride Parade and Festival, plentiful outdoor concerts and celebrations of craft beer.

Aerial shot of an urban riverside park with festival tents and umbrellas

July Events

July in Portland is a busy time, with a variety of live music, beer fests and film events to take in.

a crowd of bikers riding across a bridge during Bridge Pedal

August Events

Biking across bridges and cheering on soapbox racers are two of many great August events in Portland.

September Events

As summer winds down, Portland ups the ante with performance art, live music and dining events throughout September.

October Events

October events in Portland include a giant pumpkin race, "can't miss" film festival, corn mazes, haunted houses and other autumn and Halloween-themed events.

Giant lit-up neon Portland Oregon Stag sign has an added red Rudolph nose for the winter season

November Events

Portland in November gets cozy with downtown’s holiday tree lighting, Willamette Valley wine tasting and a festival to help you find a great book.

holiday tree lit up in a large city square

December Events

Favorite December events in Portland include light displays, holiday shopping, seasonal traditions and a caroling competition.

Plan

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