There will be plenty of witches and witchy activities to entertain the crowds at the Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens.

Credit: City of St. Helens

Things to Do in Portland

Like the city itself, Portland's attractions are a little unexpected and always inspiring.

There will be plenty of witches and witchy activities to entertain the crowds at the Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens.

Credit: City of St. Helens

It’s safe to say a visitor will never experience the same Portland twice. The city’s top attractions are constantly evolving, creating exciting pop-ups, debuting new works and hosting events that attract both locals and visitors alike. Read on for our favorite things to do, see and experience in Portland, then check out our events calendar to help you plan your trip.

Questions About Things to Do in Portland

What are the must-see attractions in Portland?

The answer truly depends on your interests; Portland caters to most. If you still can’t decide after perusing this page, check out this article about where to go if it’s your first visit to Portland. Been here a few times? Try our fourth-timers guide.

How can I spend three days in Portland?

This guide to spending 48 hours in Portland includes many of the top attractions in the central city. Use your extra day to visit one of Portland’s many beautiful parks or gardens and explore a Portland neighborhood.

You can also let fate be your guide. Check out our events page to find out what’s going on in Portland when you’re in town or if you’re still planning your trip you can browse events by month. If you want someone else to show you around, make sure your travel plans include a walking tour or biking tour and learn about Portland history, coffee or beer.

What are the best things to eat and drink in Portland?

What are you in the mood for? Portland’s local food scene includes hundreds of food carts representing cuisines from around the world, James Beard award-winning restaurants and plenty of options for diners with dietary restrictions.

As for beverages, Portland is well known for its coffee, but there are also teahouses scattered throughout the city. Most people know Portland’s reputation for craft beer but may not know Oregon is one of the top wine-producing states. There’s also a growing craft distillery scene.

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.

three people standing near a food cart carrying books

The Portland Book Festival

Portland Book Festival (formerly “Wordstock”) returns every November with an impressive (and extensive) lineup of local and national authors.

people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.

a giant pumpkin sculpture is lit on the inside sitting in front of a town hall building

The Spirit of Halloweentown

The historic town of St. Helens, located 45 minutes from Portland, celebrates Halloween all month long with haunted tours, costume contests and more.

Fall in Portland

As the trees change color and the weather cools, Portland’s calendar fills with cultural, wine and autumnal events.

A couple sits viewing a serene flat rock garden surrounded by trees and shrubs.

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden offers visitors year-round serenity at a woodland sanctuary in Northwest Portland, spanning 12 acres of botanical gardens inspired by the flora and fauna of Japan.

Portland Saturday Market

Open every weekend from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.

people at books shelves in a books store

Powell’s City of Books

Covering an entire city block, Powell’s City of Books is more than a great bookstore: It’s a microcosm of Portland, packed with smart and eclectic books, gifting options, and passionate people. And, like Portland, it’s open 365 days a year.

A large stone mansion with red roof surrounded by trees

Pittock Mansion

High in the West Hills, the Pittock Mansion offers picture-perfect views of the city and interesting insights into Portland's history.

Forest Park

Escape the city without leaving Portland; with 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike and supporting more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species.

A woman holds a camera to her eyes in a traditional Chinese garden with a pond, pavilion and trees.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

This year-round wonder houses an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden built by Suzhou artisans, offering a peaceful escape in Portland's historic Chinatown.

Portland Art Museum

Spend a day strolling among sculptures, sketching modern art and soaking in the artistic ambiance at one of the nation’s best art museums.

people amble through a rose garden in full bloom

Visiting the Portland International Rose Test Garden

Since 1924, the International Rose Test Garden has grown beautiful roses from around the world. Today, over 10,000 bushes, representing over 600 varieties, dazzle with colorful blooms in Washington Park, just west of downtown Portland.

a red panda walks on a tree limb, surrounded by leaves

Oregon Zoo

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, including elephants, polar bears, rare condors and more.

people stand in a lobby decorated with art, colors, and menus on the wall

Voodoo Doughnut

Since 2003, Portland's Voodoo Doughnut has sold millions of wacky, sugary snacks — and the downtown landmark still attracts lines at all hours of the day.

Accessible Portland

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

Editor's Pick

Nov. 1–27, 2024

Celebration of the Chrysanthemum

Lan Su Chinese Garden $0 – $16

Join Lan Su Chinese Garden in celebrating chrysanthemums' vibrant beauty and cultural significance, perfectly timed…

Editor's Pick

Art & Design, Cultural Communities

Editor's Pick

Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Keller Auditorium $35 – $75

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and…

Editor's Pick

Performing Arts

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Portland Ghosts: Poltergeists and Psychopaths

Harlow Hotel $26 +

Take a spooky tour of Portland's most haunted places and hear freakish tales of the city’s terrible past. Join…

Editor's Pick

Guided Tour, Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Karaoke From Hell

Various Locations Cost Varies

The Northwest's original live karaoke band, Karaoke From Hell, has been rocking Portland for over 25 years and…

Editor's Pick

Music, Nightlife

a shop display featuring apparel, fabric and homewares

A Local’s Guide to Buying Portland Gifts

These local shops offer consistently cool made-in-Portland gifts and products, from fashionable apparel and accessories to leather goods and tempting treats.

a woman looks at a sweater at Artifact PDX

Vintage Shopping in Portland

Browse costume jewelry, tailored suits and racks upon racks of dresses at Portland's nearly 50 vintage shopping destinations.

A man browses bins of records in a vintage record store

Portland Record Stores

From vintage wax to new European imports, those rare releases you’ve been searching for are surely waiting at one of these rockin’ local vinyl stores.

Hammer and Jacks is located in Southeast Foster in Portland, OR. You can find a wide range of toys and books for every age. Hammer and Jack also have Story Time every Friday in their store.

Portland Toy Stores

Whether you’re a parent looking for an educational game or a collector on the hunt for a vintage action figure, Portland’s toy stores deliver.

a person in a black shirt that reads “wild feminist” folds a shirt in a modern clothing store

Portland Streetwear Shops

Portland’s laidback-yet-chic aesthetic makes it an ideal home for streetwear shops — browse small boutiques, world-famous brands, online stores and more.

Portland Shoe and Sportswear Brands

Portland is the athletic gear capital of America. Here's where to shop for the best designed-in-Portland shoes and sportswear.

stairs up a hillside covered in bright blooms of flowers and fresh spring growth on trees

Leach Botanical Garden

Walk through verdant treetops and breathe in the scent of a four-season pollinator garden in this urban oasis in SE Portland.

tall bridge with circular bracing above a pond with ducks amid a forested park

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Round out your floral explorations of the Rose City with a visit to Southeast Portland’s lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The park boasts more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, with blooms from late February -June.

The Grotto

This serene woodland sanctuary in Northeast Portland features 62 acres (25 hectares) of lush botanical gardens. No matter what time of year you visit, the Grotto offers calm, peace and introspection, transcending boundaries.

Museums & Historical Sights

Portland is full of landmarks and attractions where you can learn about the city’s history and culture.

a server pours wine for a couple in an atmospheric bistro

Date Night Ideas in Portland

Planning a romantic evening in Portland? We have date night ideas, activities and adventures for couples who love sports, the arts, the outdoors and more.

a crowd of people eat, drink and converse on an expansive, warmly lit patio at night

Outdoor Dining in Portland: The Best Bar and Restaurant Patios

Many Portland bars and restaurants offer outdoor dining on scenic rooftops and spacious patios — find top spots where the view’s as good as what’s on the table.

a server in an atmospheric restaurant prepares a cocktail for a man in a red suit seated at a table

Portland’s Signature Cocktails

Portland is home to expert mixologists and one of America’s most vibrant craft cocktail scenes — sip your way through the city’s signature drinks.

Cartopia Food Cart Pod

The Cartopia pod is home to a wide variety of food carts and a covered, heated seating area. Most carts are lively late into the night, staying open until midnight Tuesday to Thursday and even later on the weekends.
Portland State University Food Cart Pod

Located on the south end of the Portland State University campus, this food cart pod offers cuisines from around the world. For seating, head to the shady, tree-lined South Park Blocks nearby.
Rose City Food Park

Rose City Food Park is a food cart pod that features covered, heated seating; a family-friendly, dog-friendly, bike-friendly atmosphere; a beer garden and more.
Third Avenue Food Cart Pod

With plentiful riverfront seating at nearby Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, these longtime downtown food carts are a lunchtime favorite, offering cuisine from Mexico, Egypt, Thailand, Vietnam and more.
Prost Marketplace

This long-standing food cart pod is adjacent to Prost! and beloved by everyone from locals to Condé Nast writers.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

With its huge exhibit halls, interactive science labs, multiple auditoriums, “After Dark” events and more, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) lures visitors of all ages.

Oregon Zoo

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, including elephants, polar bears, rare condors and more.

an airplane with tubes coming out of the sides

Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions

Trips outside the city promise all-ages entertainment. Here are four must-see attractions within two hours of downtown Portland.

Arts

Art gallery wanderers, theater lovers and those with a curious eye will find something to marvel at in this creative city.

man sits facing Fremont Bridge next to pink roses in front of a big grassy field

Biking

One of the best ways to explore the Rose City is on two wheels.

Beer

Portland is the craft beer capital and home to 70+ breweries. (No wonder we call it “Beervana!”)

Craft Spirits

Black students dancing together in a room with wooden floors and walls

Cultural Communities

Learn more about Portland, Oregon's many cultural communities, and discover places and ways to find community while on a trip to The Rose City.

Movies & Film

Portland is the home of acclaimed directors Gus Van Sant and Todd Haynes and boasts many movie theaters and film festivals.

Food

“Food” in Portland can mean so many things, and there’s always more delicious exploring to be done — from food carts to farmers’ markets (and award-winning restaurants, of course), the Portland food scene is an eclectic culinary haven.

a wall display of ceramic arts and other crafts inside a ceramics studio.

Makers

Portland is a hub for artists, entrepreneurs and creators alike, with community studios, warehouses and makerspaces that let you DIY your way around town.

Music

Portland’s musical offerings are diverse as the city itself, with options including indie rock, jazz, classical, pop and more.

a person follows a trail through towering evergreens

Outdoors

The perfect launchpad for outdoor activities and adventure with snow-capped mountains, the Pacific Ocean, countless rivers, forested hikes and beautiful urban gardens, Portland has something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

two people look through outdoor racks of clothing on a sunny day

Shopping in Portland

A local’s comprehensive guide to finding all the best Portland stuff. You'll find it all tax-free, from handmade items and vintage stores to designer goods.

a packed crowd watches a soccer game at Providence Park stadium

Sports

From the Timbers to the Trail Blazers, Portland loves its sports: discover local teams, places to catch a game and opportunities to play both indoors and outdoors.

Wine

With wine country in its backyard, Portland overflows with wine bars and urban wineries, offering special varietals from around the world.

Keepin' It Weird

A round-up of Portland’s eccentric events and attractions.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Pioneer Place

This shopping center occupies four city blocks in the heart of downtown Portland, offering tax-free shopping at over 100 stores, an expansive food court, bars and a movie theater.
Powell’s City of Books

From humble storefront beginnings in 1971, Powell’s has grown into an iconic Portland destination. Occupying an entire city block, the world’s largest new and used bookstore offers frequent author talks, a rare book room and a coffee shop.
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)

OMSI’s five enormous halls bring science to life with hundreds of interactive exhibits and displays. You can experience live lab demonstrations, see a movie on a four-story-tall screen, explore the stars in a planetarium and even tour a submarine.
Portland Art Museum

The renowned Portland Art Museum is the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest. Located in the heart of downtown’s Cultural District, the museum’s campus includes an outdoor sculpture court, permanent galleries and special exhibitions.
Cinema 21

Originally a single-screen theater and now a three-screen multiplex, Cinema 21 specializes in art-house, foreign and classic films and serves beer, wine and pizza along with concessions classics.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Portland

Some of the best things to do in Portland are totally free. Connect with nature, discover local artists or learn something new.

Cheap Thrills