Portland’s downtown area showcases its many bridges and expansive waterfront park.

Credit: NASHCO Photo

Neighborhoods

You haven’t truly been to Portland until you’ve connected with our diverse communities.

Updated June 17, 2024

Illustration by Subin Yang

A City of Neighborhoods

In our classic quirky fashion, Portland’s six main geographical sections (North, Northeast, Northwest, South, Southeast and Southwest) are referred to by residents as the city’s “quadrants.” The city is divided into north and south by Burnside Street and into east and west by the Willamette River.

Portland actually has more than 90 formally recognized neighborhoods with distinct boundaries. Our highlighted neighborhood and street guides highlight some of the best places to explore as a visitor to the city, where many restaurants and shops are consolidated.

Southwest Portland

Best known for lively downtown Portland, this quadrant is also home to Washington Park’s numerous attractions, Goose Hollow’s blend of historic and modern, the small-town charm of Multnomah Village and more.

Southeast Portland

Southeast Portland embodies many of Portland’s best-known attributes: hip, artsy, quirky, foody. It’s home to popular neighborhoods, lively food-and-drink districts, peaceful parks and more.

Northwest Portland

Northwest Portland is a study in contrasts, from swank shops and restaurants in the central city to the natural beauty of Forest Park — and everything in between.

Northeast Portland

For shows, sports and big events, Northeast Portland is hard to beat. It’s also home to many popular neighborhoods, noteworthy sights and attractions, and top-notch restaurants and bars.

North Portland

From the beautiful blooms of Peninsula Park to the bustle of North Mississippi Avenue, there’s more to explore in North Portland. The so-called “Fifth Quadrant” is home to charming neighborhoods, striking landmarks and unique attractions.

South Portland

South Portland is a slim strip of land on the west side of the Willamette River. This laid-back river community is a perfect 10 for water recreation, low-key urban green spaces and lots of spots to eat, drink & shop.

Downtown

Portland’s compact, walkable downtown offers easy access to great food, green spaces, cultural offerings and tax-free shopping. Browse the city’s most diverse mix of retail brands, see a show and grab a bite at a food cart or fine restaurant.

portland oregon old town neon sign with white stag in twilight sky

Old Town Chinatown

Today, Portland’s original downtown is a bustling entertainment district, home to Portland's famous Saturday Market, Chinatown Museum and Lan Su Chinese Garden.

person sitting on the ground in front of a pond with a bicycle with cityscape in front and a blue sky with white clouds overhead

Pearl District

The chic Pearl District features galleries and cultural institutions, as well as stylish shops and acclaimed eateries on loading docks with cobblestone streets, which hint at this former warehouse district’s past.

groups of people and couples walking on busy tree-lined street filled with storefronts in old Victorian homes

Northwest / Nob Hill

Old Portland charm lives through the repurposed Victorian homes, now boutiques and restaurants which line the streets of Portland's Northwest district with sophisticated shopping, dining, an urban forest and breathtaking views of the city.

Alberta Arts District

Spend the day exploring Alberta Street’s eclectic shops, numerous art galleries, lively bars and seemingly never-ending food options.

row of colorful shops on southeast division street

Division/Clinton

Division is now one of Portland’s most dynamic and stylish neighborhoods. Spend a day wandering its many blocks, stopping along the way to snack, sip and shop at its many must see— and must-eat — destinations.

North Portland

Sometimes called the “Fifth Quadrant,” North Portland encompasses a range of neighborhoods and commercial districts, including Cathedral Park, Mississippi/Williams, Kenton and Hayden Island. Attractions include the St. Johns Bridge, Portland International Raceway and Smith & Bybee Wetlands Natural Area.

two people browse products inside a shop

Mississippi

Enjoy live music, local shops and popular restaurants and bars on this historic North Portland street.

St. Johns

Discover a lesser-known side of Portland in St. Johns, home to one of Bridgetown’s most gorgeous spans and most beloved parks.

two bartenders make drinks while customers sit at bar looking at a menu

Williams

Steps away from bustling Mississippi Avenue, this vibrant North Portland street offers stellar shopping, dining and activities.

people cross the street in front of a 31-foot-tall (9.5 m) statue of Paul Bunyan

Kenton

Kenton is a charming North Portland neighborhood that offers plenty of ways to play — from accessible parks to public art and golf courses — plus a historic business district, local restaurants, popular shops, public parks and more.

mother and child walking through a field of wildflowers

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island, the Manhattan-size isle is one of the largest river islands in the country just north of Portland, is where families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures with swimming, hiking, birding and local farms.

women pose in front of a wall of white roses

Peninsula Park & Rose Garden

Discover outdoor fun for the whole family — plus thousands of blooms — at Oregon’s oldest public rose garden.

two people looking at artwork in a gallery

Oregon Contemporary

In North Portland find visual art installations and performance art to collaborations with bands, chefs and mixologists, with international curators and partnerships with Oregon art makers, Oregon Contemporary is the cutting edge of visual arts.

Portland International Raceway

Portland International Raceway hosts a spectrum of exciting events, including cycling, drag racing and motocross, auto shows and obstacle course events.

Northeast Portland

This quadrant contains many popular neighborhoods, including Lloyd, the Alberta Arts District and Hollywood. The Moda Center and Rose Quarter play host to NBA games and major concerts in what used to be the historically Black Albina neighborhood. The Oregon Convention Center is centrally located in Northeast Portland, with local arts gems like Hollywood Theater and Alberta Street Gallery found in their namesake neighborhoods.

Alberta Arts District

Spend the day exploring Alberta Street’s eclectic shops, numerous art galleries, lively bars and seemingly never-ending food options.

a white person with long hair on one side and a shaved head on the other side, sips from a coffee mug in a warmly lit bakery.

Beaumont

Home to bakeries, coffee shops and yoga studios galore, Portland's largely residential Beaumont neighborhood is an excellent place to start your day.

Cully

This family-friendly Northeast Portland community brims with historic architecture and great eateries.

A historic movie theater with an ornate facade

Hollywood

This historic corner of Northeast Portland is home to an array of treasured Old Portland gems.

sunset distant landscape view of the oregon convention center and city lights

Lloyd

Just across the river from downtown, the Lloyd neighborhood in Northeast Portland caters to convention attendees, sports fans and shoppers.

A woman spoons the whipped cream from the top of a milkshake at a pharmacy soda fountain

Roseway

Roseway is a thriving, family-friendly community brimming with nonprofits, historic architecture and some great places to nosh. This family-friendly Northeast Portland community brims with historic architecture and great eateries.

people walking on the sidewalk under a vintage Hollywood Theater sign

Sandy Boulevard

Sandy Boulevard, stretching diagonally across the east side of the city, was once a stretch of auto shops and warehouses but is now a destination for dining, drinking and entertainment on Portland's east side.

a cyclists walks through piles of autumn leaves beneath a very large tree with more yellow leaves, in autumn

42nd Avenue

Urban farms and foodies define this Northeast Portland strip, once home to one of the earliest dairies in East Portland. 42nd Ave is one of the most charming areas for eating, dancing, recreation and immersing yourself in the local community.

comic book store front showing shelves, books and t-shirts inside

Local Businesses Revive Lloyd Center Mall

Lloyd Center mall embodies the off-kilter, counterculture spirit of Portland — learn more about its unique homegrown retailers and only-in-Portland events.

a person sits on a stool in front of an audience with colorful clothing strewn about the stage

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA)

Portland Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA) brings internationally and locally renowned performances, installations and artists to their warehouse space in Northeast Portland.

Portland’s Hollywood Theatre

Northeast Portland's historical Hollywood Theatre is one of the most famous landmarks in Portland. The cinema hosts festivals, local events and game nights and has another location inside Portland International Airport.

a man enjoying a warm water, outdoor pool

McMenamins Kennedy School

Recess never ends at this stay-and-play hotel and entertainment complex in Northeast Portland.

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.

Northwest Portland

Home to a neighborhood that shares its name with the quadrant (Northwest Portland, also called Nob Hill), this quadrant boasts sophisticated shopping and dining, as well as Forest Park’s urban wilderness and sweeping city views from historic Pittock Mansion.

Northwest / Nob Hill

a group of four around a wooden table enjoy draft beers and pub food

Slabtown

Northwest Portland's trendy Slabtown neighborhood boasts walkable streets, plentiful shopping, coffee, restaurants and art galleries -everything you need can be found in this lively, friendly neighborhood.

Pearl District

Old Town Chinatown

Today, Portland’s original downtown is a bustling entertainment district, home to Portland's famous Saturday Market, Chinatown Museum and Lan Su Chinese Garden.

mural on side of building on a city street

Northwest Portland Hotels

A stay in Northwest Portland promises a taste of everything the city has to offer.

Portland Saturday Market

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

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.

street view of museum entrance with city reflections on the windows

The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education

In times of social upheaval and political uncertainty, museums like OJMCHE are more relevant than ever. Explore the rich history and ongoing resiliency of Oregon’s diverse Jewish community with interactive exhibits and experiences for all ages.

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.

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.

sunrise through trees with grassy field on waterfront park

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Hugging the Willamette River in downtown Portland, this once bustling highway now offers a strollable, bikeable and dog-walkable public park with historical and cultural monuments, and kid-friendly fun.

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.

Southeast Portland

East of the Willamette River and south of Burnside Street, this large quadrant is home to many favorite neighborhoods and business districts, as well as the dormant volcano at Mount Tabor Park and delectable Asian food in the Jade District.

person walking through a cannabis dispensary

Belmont

Located a few blocks from Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard, Belmont, a once sleepy residential street boasts its own mix of vintage and indie shops, coffee houses, bars and food carts.

city streetscape with streetcar and colorful, contemporary building

Central Eastside

Criss-crossed with train tracks and lined with old industrial factories, some of Portland's favorite restaurants, microbreweries, boutiques and events call the Central Eastside home.

Division/Clinton

Square pizzas and beer samplers on a table

Foster-Powell

This bike- and pedestrian-friendly Southeast Portland neighborhood (affectionately known as "FoPo") has a character all its own. FoPo is home to unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else in the city.

Jade District

This Southeast Portland neighborhood is a bustling cultural hub, home to a population largely composed of immigrants and people of color. Eat and explore in one of the city's most diverse communities.

Patrons of all ages shop at a famrers market in an urban parking lot

Lents

Discover diverse sights and flavors in this East Portland neighborhood.

a blue theater with a car parked out front

Montavilla

Follow our guide to eat and explore the best that Montavilla has to offer, only an easy 6-mile journey from downtown Portland.

Sellwood-Moreland

History — from a vintage amusement park to antique goods — and stunning views of the city along the river dominates this Southeast Portland area.

Woodstock

This Southeast gem is a microcosm of many things associated with Portland: beautiful historic homes; good coffee and food; vintage shopping; and a walkable main strip.

Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor Park, a century-old public space, is known for its open-air reservoirs, forested hiking trails, sunset picnics, epic city views, its annual Adult Soapbox Derby, and, yes, its volcanic cinder cone.

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.

a crowd of people walking down the midway in an amusement park full of rides

Oaks Amusement Park

Offering carnival rides, midway games, a miniature golf course, a historic roller rink and more, Oaks Amusement Park has provided family fun since 1905.

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.

people enjoy a picnic at sunset looking out over a reservoir

Exploring Portland’s Extinct Volcanoes

Portland is home to four extinct volcanoes — some dating back millions of years. Here’s how to enjoy hiking, shooting hoops, picnicking and more on these natural wonders.

Southwest Portland

Downtown Portland anchors the Southwest Portland quadrant, which extends into and beyond the West Hills to include attraction-packed Washington Park and neighborhoods like Multnomah Village, with its small-town charm.

Downtown

Old Town Chinatown

Today, Portland’s original downtown is a bustling entertainment district, home to Portland's famous Saturday Market, Chinatown Museum and Lan Su Chinese Garden.

Goose Hollow

With great eateries, Portland-style shopping and an abundance of things to do in Goose Hollow, sports fans, theater lovers and vegan foodies flock to this Southwest Portland district.

Wood-fired seasonal pizzas being prepared at Tastebud.

Multnomah Village

Known as “the village in the heart of Portland,” historic Multnomah Village delivers small town charm mere minutes from the city center.

A view of city skyline with its trees a fiery autumn orange with a snow-capped mountain in the background.

Downtown Hotels

This detailed list of downtown Portland hotels is designed for visitors looking to stay right in the middle of the action.

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 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 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.

person walking through a museum exhibition of different trees

World Forestry Center Discovery Museum

Tree- and forest-lovers of all ages can learn about the importance of sustainability and experience a Portland icon at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, with exhibits on local and global forests.

people sitting, walking in brick plaza with white columns

Pioneer Courthouse Square

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, the city’s “living room” is close to shopping, restaurants, and hotels, and hosts hundreds of events each year.

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.

a museum exhibit featuring a wooden canoe

Oregon Historical Society

The Oregon Historical Society collection includes thousands of historic artifacts (including the “Portland Penny") that shaped the land now known as Oregon, with permanent and rotating exhibits and an extensive research library.

South Portland

South Portland is a slim strip of land on the west side of the Willamette River—and Portland’s newest “quadrant,” gaining official recognition in 2020. This area offers water recreation, low-key urban green spaces and dining and shopping in the South Waterfront district.

aerial tram car above South Waterfront with view of bridges over the Willamette River, houses and treetops

Portland Aerial Tram

If you’re looking for epic views and a unique perspective, look no further than the Portland Aerial Tram.

a small group of adults and children walk down a path in a forest

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Spend a day walking a lush, flower-filled canyon in Oregon’s only urban state park.

Two people sitting on a dock on the river alongside a kayak

Water Activities

With a major river smack-dab in the center of the city, it’s no surprise that Portland and the surrounding region offer an abundance of water-centric fun, from whitewater rafting and swimming to fishing and windsurfing.

Portland Central City Map

An overview of the central city and Washington Park

Portland Overview Map

Outside of Central City perimeter map view

Portland Region Map

A beyond-Portland map view

Convention Center Area Parking

A map of parking locations around OCC.

Portland Visitors Map & Guide

Our map and guide to Portland can help you plan the perfect trip.

A light rail train passes in front of a modern, glass-encased retail store

MAX Light Rail

Portland's efficient light rail system connects the metro area and downtown core. Learn how to ride and where to go on MAX.

$A streetcar passes by a large, red sculpture in front of a building with a neon sign reading, \"Go By Streetcar.\"$

Portland Streetcar

The City of Roses built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar in 2001: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar.

A person standing over an orange bike next to bike stands

Biketown Bike-Share in Portland

Introduced in 2016, Portland’s bike-share program brings 1,000 smart bicycles to the central city.

person with phone in hand stands with three electric scooters in front of a storefront

Electric Scooters (E-Scooters) in Portland

E-scooter sharing lets users rent vehicles via an app for one-way trips. Before boarding, check out our dos and don’ts for riding e-scooters in Portland.

the exterior of a large urban shopping mall with vehicles and a light rail train out front

Parking in Portland

From city-run parking garages to private lots to an app for on-street parking, Portland offers reliable options for parking during your visit.

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