Visitors look at Madonna and Child with Two Angels (1495) by Francesco Granacci at the Portland Art Museum.

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 an indoor itinerary for a great day of indoor activities.

Updated Feb. 9, 2025 4 min read

Amy Lam

Amy Lam is a writer and editor based in Portland. Read More

Wondering how to spend a rainy day in Portland? 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, including family-friendly options. From comfy cafés and art institutions to classic arcade games and comedy, here are some of the best things to do on a rainy day in Portland, a city filled with culture, creativity and charm.

barista pours a shot into a cup behind the bar at a coffee shop — Stumptown Coffee is a Portland-based coffee shop and roaster that offers a wide variety of coffees grown all over the world.

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, the dog-friendly Tin Shed Garden Cafe 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 Travel Portland’s Near Me Now app on your phone for a curated list of recommendations near you.

two people sit at a window in a coffee shop — Discover one of Portland's original great coffee roasters at Stumptown's cafe on Southeast Division Street.

native American artworks in a brightly-lit museum gallery, including traditional and contemporary robes and art — The Joe and Shelley Voboril Gallery highlights Plains regional works from the Portland Art Museum's collection of Native American art.

a person in a hat and leather jacket stands in-between towering stacks of books with a book in hand, reading — Powell's City of Books occupies an entire city block in the Pearl District and houses more than a million new and used volumes.

cityscape view with buildings and blue sky in the background and a passage way with small shops in view — Since 2013, Union Way has connected West Burnside Street with Southwest Harvey Milk Street in downtown Portland's West End via an indoor shopping arcade housing retailers and eateries.

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. Book lovers will get happily lost amidst the aisles and aisles of this bookstore that takes up an entire city block. And 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 and Wailua Shave Ice. Tender Loving Empire and Crafty Wonderland are just a few blocks away and feature an abundance of delightful wares from local artisans — so stop by for a souvenir of your city visit.

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. Afterward, mosey on over 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.

people playing pinball machines — People gather around pinball machines and other arcade games at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade.

In Southeast Portland, 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).

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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 Showplace 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.