Guidebook for Portland
Entertainment & Activities
The Kennedy School is an iconic Portland spot! Converted from a historical school, they have kept the spirit of the school alive, incorporating it into the art, decor, and layout. They provide their own in-house brews, movies (couches and food served in the theater), and music. It is also a hotel. Their menu offers all-day American pub fare, starting with brunch. You can order food from either of two outdoor seating areas with gorgeous gardens (dog-friendly), or the main restaurant or other indoor rooms (the "Boiler Room" or the "Detention Room"). Best of all, this is located a 3 min drive or 10-15 min walk from our home.
538 recommandé par les habitants
McMenamins Kennedy School
5736 NE 33rd AveThe Kennedy School is an iconic Portland spot! Converted from a historical school, they have kept the spirit of the school alive, incorporating it into the art, decor, and layout. They provide their own in-house brews, movies (couches and food served in the theater), and music. It is also a hotel. Their menu offers all-day American pub fare, starting with brunch. You can order food from either of two outdoor seating areas with gorgeous gardens (dog-friendly), or the main restaurant or other indoor rooms (the "Boiler Room" or the "Detention Room"). Best of all, this is located a 3 min drive or 10-15 min walk from our home.
This cinema across the street from the Lloyd Center mall is still going strong. Great indoor option for those rainy days!
38 recommandé par les habitants
Regal Lloyd Center & IMAX
1510 NE Multnomah StThis cinema across the street from the Lloyd Center mall is still going strong. Great indoor option for those rainy days!
Fun family outing, if you like zoos! Located in Portland's vast green space, the Washington Park, but easily accessed by public transport. The zoo features talks and activities by the animals' caretakers. There is a carousel, a "choo-choo" train, and many food options. Purchase tickets in advance - timed reservations only.
524 recommandé par les habitants
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon RdFun family outing, if you like zoos! Located in Portland's vast green space, the Washington Park, but easily accessed by public transport. The zoo features talks and activities by the animals' caretakers. There is a carousel, a "choo-choo" train, and many food options. Purchase tickets in advance - timed reservations only.
Features outstanding permanent exhibitions of Asian art, Native American art, Northwest art, European and American art. The temporary exhibitions are always a huge hit, too. Located on Portland's West side, in the "Park Blocks", easily accessed by public transport and walkable to food, other activities and attractions. Buy tickets at the door; free admission for children 17 and under!
785 recommandé par les habitants
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park AveFeatures outstanding permanent exhibitions of Asian art, Native American art, Northwest art, European and American art. The temporary exhibitions are always a huge hit, too. Located on Portland's West side, in the "Park Blocks", easily accessed by public transport and walkable to food, other activities and attractions. Buy tickets at the door; free admission for children 17 and under!
Nerdy fun for all ages! A Portland favorite, especially on rainy days. Go for the interactive learning exhibits (permanent as well as temporary features), the submarine tour, planetarium and cinema. "OMSI After Dark" events are great for grown-up outings and date nights - buy tickets in advance. OMSI is located close to the Tilikum Crossing Bridge, and easy to get to by MAX light rail.
646 recommandé par les habitants
OMSI
1945 SE Water AveNerdy fun for all ages! A Portland favorite, especially on rainy days. Go for the interactive learning exhibits (permanent as well as temporary features), the submarine tour, planetarium and cinema. "OMSI After Dark" events are great for grown-up outings and date nights - buy tickets in advance. OMSI is located close to the Tilikum Crossing Bridge, and easy to get to by MAX light rail.
Moda Center
1 N Center Ct StStadium concerts. Blazers games. Big events.
Food Scene
Short 10 min walk from our house. This is an East Coast–style pizzeria with creative toppings amid checkerboard tablecloths in a no-frills vibe. Window for takeout/pick-up orders too.
43 recommandé par les habitants
Pizza Jerk
5028 NE 42nd AveShort 10 min walk from our house. This is an East Coast–style pizzeria with creative toppings amid checkerboard tablecloths in a no-frills vibe. Window for takeout/pick-up orders too.
Great coffee, pastries, cakes and cookies, plus light breakfast or lunch food like quiche or breakfast burritos. Comfy furniture and atmosphere! A 10-15 minute walk from our house. Closes at 7 p.m. most days.
33 recommandé par les habitants
Miss Zumstein Bakery, Coffee Shop, Cakes & Desserts
5027 NE 42nd AveGreat coffee, pastries, cakes and cookies, plus light breakfast or lunch food like quiche or breakfast burritos. Comfy furniture and atmosphere! A 10-15 minute walk from our house. Closes at 7 p.m. most days.
Truly unique house-made ice cream. Raises ice cream to an art form! Located in the Alberta Arts District.
1078 recommandé par les habitants
Salt & Straw
2035 NE Alberta StTruly unique house-made ice cream. Raises ice cream to an art form! Located in the Alberta Arts District.
Southern Thai-style fried chicken, with delicious flavors of coriander and cumin seed in the crunchy, sweet, tangy exterior. Order Hat Yai with flat bread, sticky rice, and dipping sauce, and expect a glorious mess. They have outdoor seating.
156 recommandé par les habitants
Hat Yai
1605 NE Killingsworth StSouthern Thai-style fried chicken, with delicious flavors of coriander and cumin seed in the crunchy, sweet, tangy exterior. Order Hat Yai with flat bread, sticky rice, and dipping sauce, and expect a glorious mess. They have outdoor seating.
Delicious Mexican food, specializing in breakfast and brunch, but open all day including dinner. Warm, inviting place with friendly and attentive service in the heart of the Alberta neighborhood.
RJ Skillets
Delicious Mexican food, specializing in breakfast and brunch, but open all day including dinner. Warm, inviting place with friendly and attentive service in the heart of the Alberta neighborhood.
Casual, yummy Indian fare, specializing in street food. Decor is lively and colorful. In addition to indoor and patio seating, they also do takeout and delivery.
625 recommandé par les habitants
Bollywood Theater
2039 NE Alberta StCasual, yummy Indian fare, specializing in street food. Decor is lively and colorful. In addition to indoor and patio seating, they also do takeout and delivery.
Large, shaded outdoor patio, delicious Laotian food and drinks. Recommend for groups and families. Patio is also dog-friendly. There are also big screens inside if you want to watch a game.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Cully Central
4579 NE Cully BlvdLarge, shaded outdoor patio, delicious Laotian food and drinks. Recommend for groups and families. Patio is also dog-friendly. There are also big screens inside if you want to watch a game.
House made donut holes in unique flavor combos, featuring local ingredients, plus a selection of sweet chai - worth waiting in line!
219 recommandé par les habitants
Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai
4759 NE Fremont StHouse made donut holes in unique flavor combos, featuring local ingredients, plus a selection of sweet chai - worth waiting in line!
Friendly neighborhood spot with delicious Indian food. Just opened in 2023, but already getting 5 stars on a popular search engine (which Airbnb will not let us name). It offers a covered outdoor seating area. Ideal for vegetarians and vegans, but offers meat options as well.
Daawat a Ishq
Friendly neighborhood spot with delicious Indian food. Just opened in 2023, but already getting 5 stars on a popular search engine (which Airbnb will not let us name). It offers a covered outdoor seating area. Ideal for vegetarians and vegans, but offers meat options as well.
Parks & Nature
A 2-minute walk from our house! An expansive green space we're lucky to have in the neighborhood, has an off-leash dog park, running track, children's playground, ball field, tennis courts, horse shoe area, and more.
49 recommandé par les habitants
Fernhill Park
Fernhill Park A 2-minute walk from our house! An expansive green space we're lucky to have in the neighborhood, has an off-leash dog park, running track, children's playground, ball field, tennis courts, horse shoe area, and more.
This place is a gorgeous, contemplative space to walk around any time of year, but especially mid-to end-May and into summer months, when roses are blooming. Located within Washington Park, dogs are allowed on leash.
627 recommandé par les habitants
International Rose Test Garden
400 SW Kingston AveThis place is a gorgeous, contemplative space to walk around any time of year, but especially mid-to end-May and into summer months, when roses are blooming. Located within Washington Park, dogs are allowed on leash.
Hoyt Arboretum is a beautiful, serene space, entailing 190 acres of well maintained walking/running trails, and featuring both native plants and tree species from around the world. Located within Washington Park, in the West hills of Portland, not far from downtown. Accessible by public transport, but plenty of parking too. Great place to bring your dog - on leash.
145 recommandé par les habitants
Hoyt Arboretum
4000 SW Fairview BlvdHoyt Arboretum is a beautiful, serene space, entailing 190 acres of well maintained walking/running trails, and featuring both native plants and tree species from around the world. Located within Washington Park, in the West hills of Portland, not far from downtown. Accessible by public transport, but plenty of parking too. Great place to bring your dog - on leash.
Fresh air walk, hike, run or bike in one of Portland's favorite green spaces! Built on top of a small, extinct volcano, it has some paved roads for bikers, several well maintained trails that loop around and over the hill, and long flights of concrete stairs leading to the summit. The entire park is dog-friendly (on leash) and has an off-leash dog park in one corner. The park also works to help native plants flourish. Enjoy the view of Portland and bring a picnic!
420 recommandé par les habitants
Mount Tabor
Fresh air walk, hike, run or bike in one of Portland's favorite green spaces! Built on top of a small, extinct volcano, it has some paved roads for bikers, several well maintained trails that loop around and over the hill, and long flights of concrete stairs leading to the summit. The entire park is dog-friendly (on leash) and has an off-leash dog park in one corner. The park also works to help native plants flourish. Enjoy the view of Portland and bring a picnic!
Gorgeous place to wander in nature, any time of year, but especially in Spring. Built around a spring-fed lake, it's a great place to spot birds and water mammals. This 9.5-acre park features waterfalls, footbridges, and gentle walking trails. Maintained by a local non-profit, they charge a $5 admission. Children under 10 always enter free, and on Mondays they waive admission for everyone. Plan ahead and check their hours. Last we checked, it was open every day from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm (Wednesdays starting at 1 pm). Dogs allowed on leash.
195 recommandé par les habitants
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
5801 SE 28th AveGorgeous place to wander in nature, any time of year, but especially in Spring. Built around a spring-fed lake, it's a great place to spot birds and water mammals. This 9.5-acre park features waterfalls, footbridges, and gentle walking trails. Maintained by a local non-profit, they charge a $5 admission. Children under 10 always enter free, and on Mondays they waive admission for everyone. Plan ahead and check their hours. Last we checked, it was open every day from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm (Wednesdays starting at 1 pm). Dogs allowed on leash.
Portlanders go to the river to cool off on a hot day. Bring your kids, dog, picnic, beach blankets and drinks. Take a swim (not too far out - the mighty Columbia's current is strong!). Or take a long walk Eastward along the water in the sand. Or bike up to 10 miles out and back on a smooth, flat paved trail that follows the river. Kite surf. Kayak. Fly kites. Options are endless.
16 recommandé par les habitants
Broughton Beach Park
4141 NE Marine DrPortlanders go to the river to cool off on a hot day. Bring your kids, dog, picnic, beach blankets and drinks. Take a swim (not too far out - the mighty Columbia's current is strong!). Or take a long walk Eastward along the water in the sand. Or bike up to 10 miles out and back on a smooth, flat paved trail that follows the river. Kite surf. Kayak. Fly kites. Options are endless.
A gorgeous garden situated within Washington Park, near downtown. Well worth the visit at different times of year. Often have art displays as well. Keep in mind that pets are not allowed here.
1015 recommandé par les habitants
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston AveA gorgeous garden situated within Washington Park, near downtown. Well worth the visit at different times of year. Often have art displays as well. Keep in mind that pets are not allowed here.
Essentials
Portland's version of Whole Foods. It has a prepared food counter, bulk foods, quality produce, and drink selection. They also have a fun section of kitchenware, gifts, toys, and accessories, many that are Oregon-themed and/or locally-made.
1022 recommandé par les habitants
New Seasons Market
5320 NE 33rd AvePortland's version of Whole Foods. It has a prepared food counter, bulk foods, quality produce, and drink selection. They also have a fun section of kitchenware, gifts, toys, and accessories, many that are Oregon-themed and/or locally-made.
Shopping
Very "Portland" experience - a huge, weekly open-air arts and crafts market. Shop for art and handcrafted clothing and house goods. Nosh on a huge variety of international food. Enjoy live music and people-watching. Located at Skidmore Fountain MAX station.
425 recommandé par les habitants
Portland Saturday Market
2 SW Naito PkwyVery "Portland" experience - a huge, weekly open-air arts and crafts market. Shop for art and handcrafted clothing and house goods. Nosh on a huge variety of international food. Enjoy live music and people-watching. Located at Skidmore Fountain MAX station.
Local handcrafts, designers, boutiques, murals, galleries, and excellent food in this historical, quirky, though gentrified sector of Portland. This highly wander-able area spans NE Alberta Street from around 10th to 29th. If you're in town on the last Thursday of the month, check out Alberta's "Last Thursday" street fair, where you can enjoy outdoor art, food, and people watching.
205 recommandé par les habitants
Alberta Arts District
Local handcrafts, designers, boutiques, murals, galleries, and excellent food in this historical, quirky, though gentrified sector of Portland. This highly wander-able area spans NE Alberta Street from around 10th to 29th. If you're in town on the last Thursday of the month, check out Alberta's "Last Thursday" street fair, where you can enjoy outdoor art, food, and people watching.
Located in the "Alphabet District" not far from downtown, NW 23rd Street is a walkable place to shop and eat. Find local independent boutiques, as well as bigger brand-name shops, and upscale as well as down-to-earth restaurants.
21 recommandé par les habitants
Nob Hill
Located in the "Alphabet District" not far from downtown, NW 23rd Street is a walkable place to shop and eat. Find local independent boutiques, as well as bigger brand-name shops, and upscale as well as down-to-earth restaurants.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is our neighborhood pub, just a few blocks from our home. They offer tasty food and 20 beers on draft. There are also TVs where you can watch a game, and a covered outdoor dog-friendly patio.
61 recommandé par les habitants
Nepo 42
5403 NE 42nd AveThis is our neighborhood pub, just a few blocks from our home. They offer tasty food and 20 beers on draft. There are also TVs where you can watch a game, and a covered outdoor dog-friendly patio.
One of Portland's best local breweries! Also family-friendly, with outdoor seating in good weather. Patio is dog-friendly.
278 recommandé par les habitants
Breakside Brewery - DEKUM
820 NE Dekum StOne of Portland's best local breweries! Also family-friendly, with outdoor seating in good weather. Patio is dog-friendly.
A classic Portland brewery, with "upscale pub food" and a rotating menu. Patio is open in good weather, and it is dog-friendly.
138 recommandé par les habitants
Ecliptic Brewing
825 N Cook StA classic Portland brewery, with "upscale pub food" and a rotating menu. Patio is open in good weather, and it is dog-friendly.
Everything Else
Powell's City of Books
1005 W Burnside StBecause... of course.
Worth the 25-minute drive east of Portland. Spend the day lounging, exploring the vineyard on the beautiful location near the Columbia River. Sample their wine and beer made on-site. Stay the night at the hotel. Go see some live music!
203 recommandé par les habitants
McMenamins Edgefield Winery Tasting Room
2126 SW Halsey StWorth the 25-minute drive east of Portland. Spend the day lounging, exploring the vineyard on the beautiful location near the Columbia River. Sample their wine and beer made on-site. Stay the night at the hotel. Go see some live music!