Things to do in Portland
Portland Art Museum
Central to the city’s cultural district is one of the oldest art museums in the country, founded in 1892. Portland Art Museum spans two historic buildings, which are connected by a subterranean gallery. More than 45,000 artworks from ancient to contemporary periods – including Native American pieces from the Pacific Coast and the works of old European masters like Rembrandt – fill its galleries. There’s even a sculpture garden outside.
Oregon Zoo
A ten-minute drive west of Downtown and within Washington Park is Oregon Zoo. The oldest zoo in the country’s West opened in 1888, growing from a private collection to a home for more than 2,600 exotic creatures today. African and Asian elephants are the real stars of the show, with their giant enclosure and playful nature.
Pittock Mansion
Get a real sense of Portland’s boom over the last century in this mansion-turned museum overlooking the city at more than 1,000 feet above sea level. Around 15 minutes’ drive from Downtown, the French Renaissance-style mansion hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions displaying photographs, artifacts and art about life in Portland from the 19th century onwards.
Forest Park
Stretching over 5,200 acres to the west of central Portland, Forest Park lies among the Tualatin Mountains. Around 15 minutes from Downtown, park up and hike along one of the various trails. There are more than 80 miles of routes, each suiting different levels of ability among the luscious wooded area.
Powell’s City of Books
Only in a city as creative as Portland could a bookstore be a landmark. But Powell’s City of Books is something out of the ordinary. It’s the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, pretty much covering an entire city block. Browse new, used and rare reads, or use the Espresso Book Machine to publish your own piece of literature in the time it takes to brew a cup of coffee.
Top restaurants in Portland
Pok Pok
This is the original Pok Pok opened by American chef Andy Ricker in 2005, and the Thai restaurant in the Richmond neighborhood remains as popular as ever. The menu is full of flavor, from the Tam Khanun jackfruit salad to charcoal-grilled specialties.
Pine Street Market
Portland’s first food hall is located just north of Downtown (97204) in the historic Carriage and Baggage building. Nine restaurants run by some of Portland’s top chefs are collated under one roof, so you can mix and match what you eat in this upscale food court.
Higgins
For more than 25 years, the sophisticated Higgins has been serving up Pacific Northwest delicacies. Herb-encrusted sole, duck with brandied grapes, and aged cheddar polenta cake can be found on its eclectic menu, in this fantastic location around the corner from Portland Art Museum.
Best hotels in Portland
The Benson Hotel
Since it opened in 1913, the Presidential Suite at this iconic Downtown hotel has housed every sitting President. That provides an instant impression of the extravagance to expect, with the classic décor and opulent designs of the 287 rooms - plus its incredible Crystal Ballroom - a must-see for those looking to enjoy a luxury break in Portland.
The Heathman Hotel
This ten-story hotel was built in 1927 and has remained a landmark in the city ever since. Located next door to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, well-dressed doormen welcome you into the fashionable hotel. Tuck into afternoon tea in the downstairs tea court or hit the hotel gym – including a mini climbing wall.
Kimpton RiverPlace
Down by the water’s edge, Kimpton RiverPlace is a contemporary, family-friendly hotel with Willamette River on its doorstep. Enjoy fantastic river views with some of the deluxe suites or a more peaceful retreat in one of the Marina View cottages.