Portland

Day 1: Washington Park, Nob Hill and the Pearl Begin with Portland’s green heart before easing into its tax‑free shopping and design culture. Use the MAX Red/Blue Line to Washington Park (deepest station in North America) and ride the free shuttle; later, walk or hop the Streetcar between compact neighbourhoods.

• Morning: Wander the Portland Japanese Garden, then the International Rose Test Garden (best bloom June–September; quieter early). If it’s misty, swap in Hoyt Arboretum for atmospheric conifers and autumn colour.
• Midday: Ride the shuttle back and continue to NW 23rd Avenue (Nob Hill) for lunch at a sidewalk café and a browse of independent boutiques and the Birkenstock flagship. Parking is tight—arrive by Streetcar or Biketown and bring a reusable tote (paper bags cost).
• Afternoon: Explore the Pearl District: lose an hour (or three) at Powell’s City of Books, then browse galleries and Portland‑made goods at MadeHere PDX. If it’s First Thursday, galleries stay open late with a festive street vibe.
• Evening: Drift through the Union Way arcade and Woonwinkel in the West End, then dine downtown or graze at Midtown Beer Garden (covered food cart pod, lively after work). Tip: the price on the tag is the price you pay—there’s no sales tax.

Day 2: Eastside vintage, makers and neighbourhood streets Today is all about Portland’s maker ethos and second‑hand treasures, stitched together with short bus/bike hops. Keep it car‑free if you can; these districts are best on foot.

• Morning: Start with a leg‑stretcher up Mount Tabor (extinct volcano) for city views, then head to Hawthorne for coffee and vintage hunting at House of Vintage and Crossroads Music. Chat with shop staff—stories behind finds are half the fun.
• Midday: Continue to Sellwood‑Moreland’s Antique Row for Stars Antique Mall and Sellwood Antique Mall; break for a cosy lunch nearby. Never leave purchases visible in a parked car—break‑ins are a known issue.

By Air

• Portland International Airport (PDX) – main gateway, 20–30 minutes by car to the city centre; MAX Red Line light rail runs every 15 minutes to downtown (about 38–45 minutes).
• Alternatives (often used for cheaper fares or specific routes):
  • Seattle–Tacoma (SEA) – around 3 hours’ drive to Portland; frequent train/coach links to Portland via Seattle.
  • Eugene (EUG) – about 2 hours’ drive south of Portland; limited commercial flights.
  • Redmond/Bend (RDM) – roughly 3–3.5 hours’ drive (mountain passes; check winter conditions).

By Train

• Portland Union Station (Amtrak code: PDX) – central hub with MAX light rail (Union Station/NW 6th & Hoyt) and Portland Streetcar connections.
  • Amtrak Cascades: Eugene – Salem – Portland – Tacoma – Seattle – Vancouver, BC. Typical times: Seattle 3.5–4 hours; Eugene ~2.5 hours; Vancouver, BC ~8 hours.
  • Coast Starlight (daily): Los Angeles – Sacramento/Oakland (Emeryville) – Portland – Seattle. Example times: Seattle ~3.5 hours; Emeryville ~17 hours; Los Angeles ~30 hours.
  • Empire Builder (daily, Portland section): Chicago – Spokane – Portland. Approximate times: Spokane ~8 hours; Chicago ~46–50 hours.

By Coach/Bus

Creative, green and tax-free, Portland delivers big-city experiences without big-city crowds.

• Atmosphere: Indie-first, maker-led city where “Keep Portland Weird” is everyday life; browse Powell’s City of Books, the mural-lined Alberta Arts District and Hawthorne’s vintage dens without the selfie-stick scrum.
• Green escapes: Forest Park’s rainforest trails, Washington Park’s roses and the Portland Japanese Garden offer tranquil, world-class nature minutes from the centre—no long transfers or ticketed time slots.
• Food & culture: Pod-style food carts, craft coffee and breweries, and the Portland Saturday Market keep things local, affordable and delicious—big flavours, small queues, and creators happy to chat about their craft.
• Easy value: Walkable neighbourhoods like Mississippi Avenue, NW 23rd and the Pearl make casual browsing a pleasure; Oregon’s no sales tax means better value on outdoor gear and design pieces from Nike, Columbia, Danner and local makers.

Curious, creative travellers who like their city breaks with a side of nature will love Portland. It blends maker-led, tax‑free shopping and an inventive food scene with one of America’s finest urban park systems. Come for neighbourhood character and stay for forests, gardens and markets that feel uniquely Portland.

• History lovers: Trace retail legends at Meier & Frank, stroll Olmsted‑inspired park blocks, and see how a riverside motorway became Tom McCall Waterfront Park—an urban planning win as bold as any in the US.
• Scenery seekers: Wander the Portland Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden, then soak up skyline-and-mountain views from Council Crest and Pittock Mansion, all minutes from central Portland.
• Active travellers: Hike Forest Park’s 80+ miles of trails (one of the largest urban forests in the US), cycle greenways, or do the 4T loop—Trail, Tram, Trolley, Train—in a single adventurous day.
• Foodies: Graze through food cart pods offering global flavours (with 600+ carts—more than many cities’ entire street‑food scenes), plus standout coffee, chocolate and farmers’ markets.
• Shoppers: Enjoy no sales tax on everything from Nike and Columbia to vintage on Hawthorne and maker goods in Alberta, Mississippi and the Pearl—perfect for big‑ticket buys and meaningful souvenirs.
• City‑breakers: Mix gallery‑hopping in the Pearl, Powell’s City of Books and night markets with easy MAX/Streetcar hops between compact, walkable districts and leafy parks.

From tax-free shopping to world-class green spaces, these are Portland’s unmissable highlights. Use this shortlist to experience the city’s soul—creative, sustainable, and delightfully independent.

• Walk the stacks at Powell’s City of Books and browse tax-free treasures across the Pearl District’s design boutiques and MadeHere PDX.
• Explore Washington Park’s crown jewels—the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, and Hoyt Arboretum—in one scenic loop via the free shuttle.
• Visit the Hawthorne District and Alberta Arts for vintage finds, indie makers, street art, and the vibrant Last Thursday when in season.
• Take the MAX/Streetcar between Pioneer Place luxury brands and Union Way’s niche retailers, savouring food-cart pods for quick, top-notch bites.
• Hike Forest Park’s Wildwood Trail for a true urban rainforest escape, then catch skyline views from Pittock Mansion or Council Crest.

From tax-free shopping to world-class green spaces, these are Portland’s unmissable highlights. Use this shortlist to experience the city’s soul—creative, sustainable, and delightfully independent.

• Walk the stacks at Powell’s City of Books and browse tax-free treasures across the Pearl District’s design boutiques and MadeHere PDX.
• Explore Washington Park’s crown jewels—the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, and Hoyt Arboretum—in one scenic loop via the free shuttle.
• Visit the Hawthorne District and Alberta Arts for vintage finds, indie makers, street art, and the vibrant Last Thursday when in season.
• Take the MAX/Streetcar between Pioneer Place luxury brands and Union Way’s niche retailers, savouring food-cart pods for quick, top-notch bites.
• Hike Forest Park’s Wildwood Trail for a true urban rainforest escape, then catch skyline views from Pittock Mansion or Council Crest.

Portland’s food culture is creative, community-minded and proudly local. Expect tax-free bites, maker-driven flavours and a city that treats street food and craft beverages like art. From lively food cart pods to farmers’ markets, it’s all about quality without the fuss.

• Food cart pods – Global street food from 600+ carts, with inventive, affordable plates and plenty of veggie options. Atmosphere: lively outdoor pods with shared seating and music in downtown and neighbourhood hubs.
• Craft beer – Hop-forward IPAs, crisp lagers and barrel-aged specials from renowned local brewers. Atmosphere: relaxed taprooms and beer gardens; perfect for a post-shop pint.
• Third‑wave coffee – Single-origin pours and expert espresso, often roasted in-house with a focus on sustainability. Atmosphere: minimalist, plant-filled cafés ideal for slow mornings.
• Farmers’ & night markets – Peak-season produce, artisan snacks and small-batch treats at PSU Farmers Market, Saturday Market and the Portland Night Market. Atmosphere: bustling stalls and street vibes, great for grazing as you browse.

Choosing where to stay in Portland is about the neighbourhood, not the hotel. Each area offers a distinct vibe, access, and pace—pick the base that matches your plans. Here are reliable picks for first‑timers and return visitors alike.

• Downtown & The Pearl — Walkable, transit‑rich core with museums, Powell’s and tax‑free luxury shopping; best for first‑timers, shoppers and night owls, though it’s busy and pricier.
• NW 23rd (Nob Hill) — Leafy, Victorian streets with boutiques and cafés; ideal for design lovers and walkers seeking a calmer base near Washington Park and Forest Park trails.
• Hawthorne & Division (SE) — Bohemian strip of vintage shops, record stores and indie eateries; suits thrifters, budget‑minded foodies and nightlife fans, with fewer large hotels.
• Sellwood–Moreland — Quiet, villagey feel with Antique Row, river paths and parks; great for families, runners and those wanting a slower pace, but farther from the centre.

Choosing where to stay in Portland is about the neighbourhood, not the hotel. Each area offers a distinct vibe, access, and pace—pick the base that matches your plans. Here are reliable picks for first‑timers and return visitors alike.

• Downtown & The Pearl — Walkable, transit‑rich core with museums, Powell’s and tax‑free luxury shopping; best for first‑timers, shoppers and night owls, though it’s busy and pricier.
• NW 23rd (Nob Hill) — Leafy, Victorian streets with boutiques and cafés; ideal for design lovers and walkers seeking a calmer base near Washington Park and Forest Park trails.
• Hawthorne & Division (SE) — Bohemian strip of vintage shops, record stores and indie eateries; suits thrifters, budget‑minded foodies and nightlife fans, with fewer large hotels.
• Sellwood–Moreland — Quiet, villagey feel with Antique Row, river paths and parks; great for families, runners and those wanting a slower pace, but farther from the centre.

Portland is straightforward to visit: compact neighbourhood hubs, reliable public transport, and an easy airport link keep logistics simple. A few local quirks—tax‑free shopping, bike culture, and rainy spells—are worth knowing to plan smoothly.

• Affordability: Expect coffee £3–4, craft beer £5–7, casual mains £12–20 (mid-range dinner for two £60–90), and hotels roughly £80–120 budget, £130–220 mid-range, £250+ upscale; tax-free shopping helps on big purchases.
• Transport: Neighbourhoods are walkable and bike-friendly, with MAX light rail, buses and streetcar covering the city (including a 40‑minute airport link), while a car is most convenient for day trips to the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood or the Coast, and Amtrak connects to Salem, Eugene and Seattle.
• Language: English is the main language and universally understood in visitor settings, with Spanish also common.
• Safety & comfort: Generally safe and relaxed for families and solo travellers, but use normal city sense—keep valuables out of cars (break-ins happen), be aware of visible homelessness downtown at night, and pack rain-ready layers rather than an umbrella.
• Crowds: Peak season is June–September (sunny weather, festivals like the Rose Festival), spring and autumn are pleasant shoulder months, and winter is quietest with shorter days and lower hotel rates.

Portland is straightforward to visit: compact neighbourhood hubs, reliable public transport, and an easy airport link keep logistics simple. A few local quirks—tax‑free shopping, bike culture, and rainy spells—are worth knowing to plan smoothly.

• Affordability: Expect coffee £3–4, craft beer £5–7, casual mains £12–20 (mid-range dinner for two £60–90), and hotels roughly £80–120 budget, £130–220 mid-range, £250+ upscale; tax-free shopping helps on big purchases.
• Transport: Neighbourhoods are walkable and bike-friendly, with MAX light rail, buses and streetcar covering the city (including a 40‑minute airport link), while a car is most convenient for day trips to the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood or the Coast, and Amtrak connects to Salem, Eugene and Seattle.
• Language: English is the main language and universally understood in visitor settings, with Spanish also common.
• Safety & comfort: Generally safe and relaxed for families and solo travellers, but use normal city sense—keep valuables out of cars (break-ins happen), be aware of visible homelessness downtown at night, and pack rain-ready layers rather than an umbrella.
• Crowds: Peak season is June–September (sunny weather, festivals like the Rose Festival), spring and autumn are pleasant shoulder months, and winter is quietest with shorter days and lower hotel rates.

Portland has a four-season rhythm: wet, mild winters; blossom-filled springs; warm, dry summers; and crisp, colourful autumns. Festivals and rose season swell crowds in late spring–summer, while winter is quieter and great value for tax‑free shopping and cosy indoor culture.

• Shoulder Season (Spring & Autumn): Mild and changeable (10–20°C in spring; 8–18°C in autumn), manageable crowds; cherry blossoms (Mar–Apr) and vivid foliage (Oct) with a relaxed, local vibe.
• High Summer: Warm–hot, mostly dry (24–32°C) with long daylight; busiest and priciest time; parks, festivals and food cart pods buzzing; occasional late‑summer wildfire smoke.
• Winter: Cool, wet and quieter (3–10°C); thinnest crowds and best rates; mellow, cosy atmosphere ideal for museums, cafés, vintage/indie shopping, and holiday craft markets.

Portland has a four-season rhythm: wet, mild winters; blossom-filled springs; warm, dry summers; and crisp, colourful autumns. Festivals and rose season swell crowds in late spring–summer, while winter is quieter and great value for tax‑free shopping and cosy indoor culture.

• Shoulder Season (Spring & Autumn): Mild and changeable (10–20°C in spring; 8–18°C in autumn), manageable crowds; cherry blossoms (Mar–Apr) and vivid foliage (Oct) with a relaxed, local vibe.
• High Summer: Warm–hot, mostly dry (24–32°C) with long daylight; busiest and priciest time; parks, festivals and food cart pods buzzing; occasional late‑summer wildfire smoke.
• Winter: Cool, wet and quieter (3–10°C); thinnest crowds and best rates; mellow, cosy atmosphere ideal for museums, cafés, vintage/indie shopping, and holiday craft markets.

Day 3: Waterfront, Old Town serenity and an urban forest escape Blend riverfront strolling, a tranquil garden, and a proper forest walk minutes from town. Dress for changeable weather—locals favour waterproof jackets over umbrellas.

• Morning: Walk Tom McCall Waterfront Park; in late March the cherry blossoms are glorious. If it’s a weekend March–Christmas Eve, browse Portland Saturday Market; otherwise, find calm at Lan Su Chinese Garden right when it opens.
• Midday: Taxi/bus to Lower Macleay Trail for a Forest Park ramble along Balch Creek to the mossy “Witch’s Castle” (allow 60–90 minutes out‑and‑back). Trails can be muddy; carry water, a map/app, and mind the poison oak off‑trail.
• Afternoon: If it’s Saturday, swing by the year‑round PSU Farmers Market for seasonal bites; on other days, roam the Central Eastside and get delightfully lost in Cargo’s global imports. Pop into a café for Portland’s small‑batch coffee culture.
• Evening: Catch sunset views at Council Crest or the Pittock Mansion overlook, then finish with food carts at the Cart Blocks or Midtown Beer Garden. Film lovers can detour to the Hollywood Theatre for a screening and distinctive merch.

• Main operators: FlixBus, Greyhound (and partners), Amtrak Thruway, Oregon POINT (statewide network).
• Common boarding points: near Union Station (NW 6th & Irving/Hoyt) and Portland State University downtown.
• Frequent links to Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Eugene, Salem, Bend, Hood River, Astoria and Oregon Coast towns.

By Car

• Primary routes:
  • I‑5 (north–south): Seattle to Portland ~170 miles/275 km (3–3.5 hours); Eugene to Portland ~110 miles/180 km (~2 hours).
  • I‑84 (east): through the Columbia River Gorge (Hood River ~1 hour; Boise 6–7 hours).
  • US‑26: west to the Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach/Seaside 1.5–2 hours) and east to Mount Hood (1.5–2 hours). I‑205 provides an eastern bypass of the city.
• Notes: Winter traction requirements can apply on mountain routes (US‑26/OR‑35). Downtown parking is metered; garages are widely available. No state motorway tolls in Oregon.

Curious, creative travellers who like their city breaks with a side of nature will love Portland. It blends maker-led, tax‑free shopping and an inventive food scene with one of America’s finest urban park systems. Come for neighbourhood character and stay for forests, gardens and markets that feel uniquely Portland.

• History lovers: Trace retail legends at Meier & Frank, stroll Olmsted‑inspired park blocks, and see how a riverside motorway became Tom McCall Waterfront Park—an urban planning win as bold as any in the US.
• Scenery seekers: Wander the Portland Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden, then soak up skyline-and-mountain views from Council Crest and Pittock Mansion, all minutes from central Portland.
• Active travellers: Hike Forest Park’s 80+ miles of trails (one of the largest urban forests in the US), cycle greenways, or do the 4T loop—Trail, Tram, Trolley, Train—in a single adventurous day.
• Foodies: Graze through food cart pods offering global flavours (with 600+ carts—more than many cities’ entire street‑food scenes), plus standout coffee, chocolate and farmers’ markets.
• Shoppers: Enjoy no sales tax on everything from Nike and Columbia to vintage on Hawthorne and maker goods in Alberta, Mississippi and the Pearl—perfect for big‑ticket buys and meaningful souvenirs.
• City‑breakers: Mix gallery‑hopping in the Pearl, Powell’s City of Books and night markets with easy MAX/Streetcar hops between compact, walkable districts and leafy parks.

Portland’s food culture is creative, community-minded and proudly local. Expect tax-free bites, maker-driven flavours and a city that treats street food and craft beverages like art. From lively food cart pods to farmers’ markets, it’s all about quality without the fuss.

• Food cart pods – Global street food from 600+ carts, with inventive, affordable plates and plenty of veggie options. Atmosphere: lively outdoor pods with shared seating and music in downtown and neighbourhood hubs.
• Craft beer – Hop-forward IPAs, crisp lagers and barrel-aged specials from renowned local brewers. Atmosphere: relaxed taprooms and beer gardens; perfect for a post-shop pint.
• Third‑wave coffee – Single-origin pours and expert espresso, often roasted in-house with a focus on sustainability. Atmosphere: minimalist, plant-filled cafés ideal for slow mornings.
• Farmers’ & night markets – Peak-season produce, artisan snacks and small-batch treats at PSU Farmers Market, Saturday Market and the Portland Night Market. Atmosphere: bustling stalls and street vibes, great for grazing as you browse.