Search Getting Your Bearings
In our classic quirky fashion, Portland’s six main geographical sections (North, Northeast, Northwest, South, Southeast and Southwest) are referred to by residents as the city’s “quadrants.” The city is divided into north and south by Burnside Street and into east and west by the Willamette River.
Portland has more than 90 formally recognized neighborhoods with distinct boundaries. Our highlighted neighborhood and street guides feature some of the best places to explore as a visitor to the city, where many restaurants and shops are consolidated.
The Central City
Portland's central city includes several distinct districts on both the west and east sides of the Willamette River. On the west side is Downtown, where you'll find arts, retail, restaurants and the highest concentration of hotels; Old Town Chinatown, a historic district now home to streetwear shops and Chinese and Japanese cultural destinations; the Pearl District, with its galleries, restaurants and stores; Goose Hollow, offering Major League Soccer at Providence Park; and South Portland, where the South Waterfront district offers river access.
On the east side, Lloyd is home to the Oregon Convention Center and Moda Center, which hosts NBA games and concerts; while the Central Eastside includes many restaurants and shops, as well as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).