Traveling to Portland? Here are 4 Places You Cannot Miss

From must-visit attractions to hidden gems, Portland’s top attractions continuously evolve to attract visitors and locals alike. It’s safe to assume that you will never have the same experience in Portland twice.

Nestled beside the Willamette River, Portland is the largest city in Oregon and one of the most desirable places to live and settle in the United States. Due to its unique city attractions and vibrant creative culture, tourists flock to experience the lifestyle of ‘The City of Roses.’

Another reason that contributes to Portland’s popularity is its proximity to other Pacific Northwest destinations. Whether you want to drive down to the Columbia River Gorge or the Oregon Coast, a fantastic adventure awaits you in less than two hours of driving in any direction.

If you’re all set to take your epic road trip to the culture-rich city of Portland, we have curated a list of four attractions you absolutely cannot miss during your visit.

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Washington Park

Washington Park boasts several notable tourist attractions, including the renowned Rose Test Garden, museums, and a zoo. You can spend the whole day exploring these attractions or taking a stroll through the eccentric gardens. From the Hoyt Arboretum to the Portland Children’s Museum, there’s plenty to see at Washington Park.

Explore Washington Park has excellent maps online to guide you through your visit.

Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden

Launched in 2000, the Lan Su Chinese Garden highlights the history and culture of China in Portland, marking the city’s relationship with Suzhou, China.

Upon entering the garden, you’ll be enchanted by the tranquility of plants, rocks, trees, and a lake of about 40,000 square feet. The artisans of Suzhou constructed the traditional walkways and buildings. What completes the garden is its exotic tea house, where you can attend special events, such as tai chi, mahjong, and tea tastings, for cultural exchange.

Click here for directions for your visit to the Portland Lan Su Gardens.

Powell’s City of Books

For all the bibliophiles out there, this legendary used bookstore gives you the chance to browse over a million books. A roomy coffeehouse with a spacious infrastructure allows you to sit and read your picks during the day.

Directions to Portland’s Powell’s Books locations and hours of operation can be found here.

Portland Saturday Market

Founded in 1974, the Portland Saturday Market has become one of the city’s most popular open-air art markets, attracting over a million visitors each year. From the beginning of March till Christmas Eve, at least 250 vendors set up shop every Saturday morning in Old Town Chinatown. From jewelry and illustrations to home décor, you can explore a wide range of arts and crafts products at the market. You can also purchase packaged foods at these stores, including organic teas. What adds an element of charm is the live music that plays throughout the entire market.

For directions and hours of operation for Portland Saturday Market, click here.

Where to stay in Portland

There are many great locations to stay in the city of Portland. For example, you can find plenty of budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels near downtown, where you’ll remain close to most tourist attractions, trendy boutiques, and popular restaurants. To help with your planning, click the links below to search for accommodations and vacation rentals in the Portland area. Be sure to compare each site carefully, as not all options are available on both platforms. Always read recent reviews carefully before booking.

It is important to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.

When is the best time to visit Portland

There is no wrong time of year to visit Portland, as there is always something to see, taste, and experience in The Rose City. With the abundance of public gardens in the fall, you can enjoy the changing colors; in the spring, there are lovely blooms, and in the summer, there are magnificent rose gardens. There are also many winter festivals, summer beer and food festivals, cultural celebrations, and outdoor adventures to be enjoyed by all ages. Love biking? Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States. Add to that year-round, tax-free shopping, theater debuts, live concerts, award-winning culinary experiences, and more await you. Check out Travel Portland’s events calendar to discover more things to do and help you plan your next visit.

Weather-wise, Portland experiences four distinct seasons. Fortunately, the region generally avoids extreme conditions, making it an ideal destination year-round. In summer, average daytime temperatures typically reach the 70s, while in winter, it’s rare for temperatures to fall below freezing. Although the Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy weather, showers in Portland are usually light and short-lived. As a result, locals rarely let the rain interfere with enjoying all the city has to offer.

Wrapping Up

It’s best to plan your stay for a couple of days to get the complete Portland experience of fun and sightseeing. There is plenty to do and see here for people of all ages. You will find a unique energy and vibe in Portland.

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