Travel

#Portland, OR Travel Guide

Credit.

João Canziani

Whether you call it PDX, P-town, Stumptown, the City of Roses, Bridge City, or simply Portland, you’ll want to visit this vibrant city in the Pacific Northwest for its eccentric locals, its vibrant downtown – resplendent with microbreweries, coffee shops, brunch spots and bookstores – and the sweeping natural scenery that surrounds the city, like sparkling Willamette River and majestic Mount Hood. Ultra-liberal eco-warriors shouldn’t pass up a chance to travel to Portland for some of the greenest urban policies in the United States, while food and drink connoisseurs will flock to Portland for the best local microbrews and ultra-hip eateries tucked into charming urban pockets throughout the city.

Things Not to Miss in Portland

• Portland’s many festivals, including the Portland Rose Festival, Oregon Brewers Festival, MusicfestNW, Time-Based Art Festival and Feast Portland

• Browsing the shelves at Powell’s City of Books

• Joining the city’s cycling scene with Portland Bicycle Tours

• Sampling delicious dishes from a food truck or farmer’s market

• Hiking Mount Hood or Forest Park

When to Go to Portland

Portland’s climate is mild year-round, but winters bring cloudy weather and lots of rain. Make your Portland travel plans in the spring to see rhododendrons, azaleas, cherry trees and roses come into full bloom amid occasional spring showers, or visit in summer to experience long, dry days and warm temperatures, with plenty of outdoor festivals to keep you busy. Visit Portland in the fall if you’re looking for slightly cooler weather, or to experience the city’s many cultural offerings, including musicals, opera, ballet, and the Portland symphony.

DON'T MISS

Sampling from the fabulous food carts—serving Thai, Lebanese, Italian, and Japanese snacks, among others—on Southwest Alder Street between 9th and 10th avenues, and Southwest 5th Avenue between Oak and Stark streets.

A sunny afternoon stroll among the lakeside paths of the Portland Classical Chinese Garden ; or a rainy afternoon browse through the endless stacks of Powell’s Books .

An afternoon or evening walk along the roughly six-block, gallery-and-café-dotted stretch of the Mississippi Avenue Arts District (from about Northeast Fremont to Northeast Skidmore).

RECOMMENDED LINKS

• For more restaurants in Portland, visit NileGuide