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Amy Lam
Amy Lam is a writer and editor based in Portland. Read More
Perfect Itinerary for Portland Indoor Activities
Whether you’re seeking refuge from the weather or want to experience Portland’s dynamic cultural scene, here’s a guide to a great day of indoor activities.
Amy Lam
Amy Lam is a writer and editor based in Portland. Read More
While the Pacific Northwest is renowned for its breathtaking outdoor landscapes — which locals love to explore all year — Portland’s rainy weather cultivates a solid indoor culture. Visitors seeking refuge from a drizzly Portland day (or a balmy summer afternoon) will find endless indoor spaces to enjoy. From comfy cafés and art institutions to classic arcade games and comedy, here are some of the best of Portland’s indoor wonders in a day filled with culture, creativity and a touch of the city’s unique charm.
Credit: Justin Katigbak
Coffee and Culture in the Morning
Wherever you’re staying, start your day with a fresh cup of coffee at one of the local coffee chains like Fresh Pot, Albina Press, or Stumptown. If you’re in the mood for a heartier breakfast or brunch, drop into one of the locations of Screen Door or Pine State Biscuits for Southern-fried goodness. Get a bowl of comforting congee from Kenny’s Noodle’s House or noodle soup from James Beard Award-nominated Ha VL — both of which sell out daily. Can’t choose where to go? Pull up the Near Me Now app on your phone for a curated list of recommendations near you.
After fueling up, head downtown for some culture! Located in the Park Blocks, the Portland Art Museum features modern and contemporary art focusing on local, Native and Pacific Northwest works. Visitors can spend hours taking in their permanent collections and special exhibitions, often featuring world-class artists.
It’s a short ride from the museum on the Portland Streetcar to the must-visit Powell’s City of Books on Burnside Avenue. Booklovers will get lost between the aisles and aisles of this bookstore that takes up an entire city block. Just across the street, go on a mini shopping spree at Union Way Shopping Arcade, which has shops like Portland’s classic boot brand, Danner. Tender Loving Empire and Crafty Wonderland are just a few blocks away and feature an abundance of delightful wares from local artisans.
An Afternoon at Food Halls and Arcades
If you’re sticking to the downtown area, head to Pine Street Market, a bustling food hall with vendors doling out everything from dumplings and doughnuts to fried chicken and Costa Rican comfort food. After, mosey on to Ground Kontrol Arcade, where classic arcade games and pinball machines have been going strong since 1999. If you’re a serious gamer, check their calendar and see if there’s a tournament you might want to enter and impress all your friends with your 8-bit prowess.
Credit: Nick Mendez Photography
In Southeast, get your fill at The Zipper, a smaller food court featuring four distinct offerings, including vegan, gluten-free pizza and Korean food. Who says you can only play mini-golf outdoors? Putt off your meal at Birdie Time Pub, where you can also find a state-of-the-art Golf and Sports Simulator. The unique sports bar is family-friendly; it’s all ages until 7 p.m., so bring your little ones and putt-putt away.
A Night Out (or In)
Absolutely nothing beats the energy of a live performance. Whether it’s live music, comedy, or theater, Portland has venues and artists performing their hearts out across town. First things first; drop in for cocktails at Teardrop Lounge or beer at Deschutes, then cozy up to dinner at Farmhouse Thai or Janken, a pan-Asian fine dining restaurant (reservations recommended).
In the Pearl District, Portland Center Stage features plays and musicals from local playwrights and touring national shows with two stages and not a bad seat in the house. Opt for a casual dinner at Old Town Pizza & Brewing, then score a show at Darcelle XV for Vegas-style cabaret and drag. Music lovers should check out Star Theater nearby, an intimate, renovated historic building featuring acts like The Sadies and K-pop group PURPLE KISS.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling like a cozy (or chill) night in at your hotel or Airbnb, order from CCC PDX, which delivers meals from many local restaurants by bike.
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