Jump To

For a sampling of some of the city’s best food, head to Cartopia food cart pod on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard.

Credit: Stuart Mullenberg

Culture

People flock to Portland for a piece of its vibrant culture. Whether it's for the food and beer, arts, cultural communities, festivals or nightlife, Portland wants you to be a part of it.

For a sampling of some of the city’s best food, head to Cartopia food cart pod on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard.

Credit: Stuart Mullenberg

Historically an affordable city for the arts, Portland has grown as the visibility of its deep culture has increased. Whether you’re a fan of theater, live music, craft beer, food carts, fine dining, or just enjoying the outdoors, Portland has something for you.

Visual Arts

a visitor looks at a large modern art painting in the Portland Art Museum — A visitor looks at Open Country (1968) by Larry Poons at the Portland Art Museum.

Portland has an exciting visual arts scene with everything from large museums to intimate galleries, independent cinemas, live theater and bookstores.

a person in a hat and leather jacket stands in-between towering stacks of books with a book in hand, reading

A Booklover’s Guide to Portland

From coffee houses with community libraries to writing workshops and a book festival, bookworms rejoice; this is for you.

Movies & Film

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

Portland Theater

Portland has a well-established network of venues and theater companies and an increasingly dynamic and diverse small theater scene.

Music & Nightlife

a person in a yellow leather-looking jacket singing in to a microphone in front of patrons in a bar — Established in 1947, making it one of the oldest tiki bars in the country, the Alibi Tiki Lounge also hosts karaoke seven days a week.

Portland is known for its music scene, from incredible live performances to its legendary karaoke, and there’s plenty to do at night, from late-night dining and dance clubs to a visit to a local arcade or board game bar.

Food & Drink

A chef chops squash in a restaurant kitchen — Chef Arthur Dulin preps vegetables in the kitchen at Gado Gado.

Portland is one of the world’s great food cities, boasting incredible food carts, farmers’ markets, specialist grocery stores and a bounty of James Beard Award-winning chefs.

tables full of diners enjoy a meal in a lively, warmly lit restaurant with a bar in the background

Portland Restaurants

Portland is a renowned culinary destination, and Portland restaurants run the gamut — no matter your budget, your location or the cuisine you crave, your next great meal awaits you in Portland.

people sit in chairs and on steps in front of food carts in a brick courtyard in the center of an urban downtown area

Food Cart Culture

Portland’s 500+ food carts and food trucks provide visitors and locals with an astonishing array of unforgettable dining options, making it one of the most attractive cities for meeting planners and attendees who seek unique culinary experiences.

man and woman behind counter preparing espresso at a coffee shop

Portland Coffee

Portland’s passion for fine ingredients and careful craft extends into coffee cups — our guide to the Portland coffee scene will help you find must-try independent roasters and cozy, locally owned coffee shops.

Beer, Wine, Craft Spirits & Cannabis

With options all over town — from chic cocktail bars to neighborhood watering holes, rowdy taprooms to tropical hideaways — Portland’s bars, wineries, distilleries and cannabis dispensaries are guaranteed to offer a variety of tastes.

people stand on a patio sipping wine with a view of the valley as the sun sets

Wineries Near Portland

Sample excellent wine at Willamette Valley wineries near Portland, where you can enjoy spectacular views, budget-friendly flights and more.

A bearded man smiles as he checks on a grape vine

Wine Tours Near Portland

Let someone else do the driving while you enjoy wine tasting and vineyard views.

several bartenders peruse shelves housing a vast collection of whiskey bottles

Portland Bars

With an abundance of excellent options, Portland bars are guaranteed to quench your thirst — find chic cocktail bars, neighborhood watering holes, tropical hideaways and more.

Craft Spirits

Portland’s Independent Spirit

a woman with tattoos and wearing a hat stands in front of a rack of clothing at Wildfang clothing store — Wildfang clothing store specializes in tomboy style and culture.

Portland is known for its independent spirit and myriad small businesses. With our guide to PDX makers, you can shop local for the best unique Portland souvenirs or engage in a little DIY yourself.

Biking & Outdoors

A family enjoys a bike tour of downtown Portland. — Portland offers plenty of clearly marked and wide bike lanes, perfect for families taking in the downtown sights.

Portlanders love the outdoors, from our amazing views of Mount Hood to the scenic hikes around town to our well-marked bike lanes.

Sports

a professional soccer player in a red and blue uniform slide tackles another player in white and green — The Portland Timbers take on teams from across the country at Providence Park in Goose Hollow, March–October.

From seeing a soccer match with the Timbers Army to rooting for Rip City and the Trail Blazers, Portland loves its sports.

Portland History

a sepia-toned photo of a historic building with a rounded facade and a banner that says "Phoenix Pharmacy" — Originally constructed in 1922, the distinctive Phoenix Pharmacy building was a cornerstone of the then-remote “streetcar suburb” of Foster-Powell — it was once one of the largest pharmacies in Oregon, and has had a long, colorful life since.

Take a look at Portland’s history by visiting its museums and historic homes, and learn about its deep heritage.

Cultural Communities

dancers on stage showcase traditional vibrant dresses while performing — The performances at the Jade International Night Market showcase the rich cultural traditions of the various communities represented.

Every inch of Portland has its own unique history, and every Portlander has their own story. People of every ethnicity and culture can find themselves in the independent and welcoming Rose City.

Keep Portland Weird

a dancer performs with fans and long pieces of cloth in front of a crowd — A mermaid dancer performs for the Portlandia Mermaid Parade.

In Portland, being dubbed “weird” is never an insult — diverse dining options, unique outdoor experiences and unexpected attractions make Portland one of a kind. Do as locals do and embrace the city’s quirky vibes using our guide to Portland’s weird culture.

Was this page helpful?