When you think about the city of Portland, a couple of things probably come to mind: beer, coffee, donuts, and all things "Weird". This 26th most populated city in the US is also known for its beautiful gardens and bike-friendly roads (it's actually considered the 2nd most bike-friendly city in the country). Here's a guide to Portland and part of its surrounding areas!
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Accommodation
Mark Spencer Hotel
For my 4-day, 5-night stay in Portland I chose the reputable Mark Spencer Hotel. The property itself has a mix of historic architecture with more modern decor, and this is displayed throughout the hallways and rooms as well. Their bigger rooms also come with a kitchenette! The hotel staff were both very friendly and accommodating to any needs I had, while still keeping true to the COVID protocols of the city. My main reason for staying here? The great location and complimentary wine service they provide every evening at 6pm. A note: It's also pet-friendly!
Price: $565 total/$141 per night (this included a 15% tax)
Transportation
MAX Light Rail
Lyft/Uber
Portland has a great metro system that can be used throughout your trip! The MAX Light Rail's Red Line in particular can take you from PDX Airport into the City Center (Downtown Portland) for as low as $2.50! If you want to just go ahead and get a day pass, it's only $5 and includes usage of the Trimet busses that run throughout the city. This is a great way to bypass paying for a Lyft or Uber every time you need to make your way around the city, but I ended up using a mix of both options, for time/convenience.
Things To Do
1. Go Chase Some Waterfalls!
I know, I know. TLC made a whole song telling us specifically NOT to do this, but hear me out: it was entirely worth it. The most well-known waterfall is one right outside of Portland, called Multnomah Falls, and is actually one of several waterfalls that are scattered across a scenic highway route on the Columbia River Gorge. My personal favorite was Latourell Falls, but others to note are Horsetail, Wahkeena, and Bridal Veil Falls. You can even catch a local Sasquatch Shuttle for $10, where you can hop on and off at any of the fall entrances. I chose to book a hiking tour through Airbnb Experiences called Multnomah Zen, A Gorge Waterfall Hike and it was amazing! I learned so much about each of the different falls and the city of Portland.
2. Lookout from Vista House
Continuing along the historical scenic highway route is an amazing viewpoint known as Vista House on Crown Point. This is a gorgeous lookout over the River Gorge, that was originally built in 1918 as a rest stop observatory. It ended up becoming a much more glamorous stop than anticipated, and although the inside is currently closed due to COVID, you can still drive up and park to get some fantastic views.
3. Visit Breath-taking Gardens
If it's one thing that Portland truly does right, its shown within their various parks and gardens. There are so many to choose from, and they're all equally memorable and beautiful (Click on the names of each garden to check for any ticket entry prices and for operating hours). The gardens that I recommend as must visits are the International Rose Test Garden, which hosts over 10,000 roses of over 650 varieties, and the Portland Japanese Garden that are both located in Washington Park. Another must visit is the Lan Su Chinese Garden that is located in Downtown Portland's Chinatown.
4. Go Shopping
Not only does Portland have some great shopping at centers like Pioneer Place and within Downtown Portland (especially if you're looking to buy from brands that are focused on outdoor needs and activities), but Oregon doesn't have any sales tax! You can definitely take advantage of this while picking up some goodies to take back home.
5. Chill at the Park
You can choose from a host of activities when you visit Tom McCall Waterfront Park; whether that be going for a run, taking a leisurely stroll, sitting out by the waterfront and relaxing, or enjoying a nice dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants! You could even take food on yourself and have a picnic, or make a visit to the Oregon Maritime Museum.
6. Visit the Largest Independent Bookstore in the World!
Powell's Books is very well-known and boasts as the largest independent bookstore in the world! It takes up an entire city block and is 4-stories tall, each floor filled with thousands of different books, magazines, comics and manga separated into different rooms. You can buy (supporting independent bookstores is important!) and sell books (currently online only) there as well, or just pick up whatever catches your eye and get lost in its pages.
Honorable Mentions (things I plan to do on my next visit!): Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, The lookout at Rocky Butte, A ride on the Aerial Tram (currently closed for public use due to COVID), and, the Oregon Zoo and The Grotto Botanical Gardens
Where to Eat & Drink
1. Deschutes Brewery - This pub has 26 different beers on tap that are developed and brewed on site that you can come through and taste! Not one with a taste for beer? Their Chicken & Waffles plate is a favorite among customers, and their chicken wings?! Unreal.
2. Coava - Known for having some of the best coffee in the city! I'm not much of a coffee person, but their Cappuccino was smooth and smoky. I definitely recommend.
3. Afuri Izakaya - Amazing Japanese small plates, sushi, and ramen! I recommend trying out their Bao (not only does it taste amazing, but its also engraved with the restaurant's namesake), Spicy Karaage Rice Bowl, and their pork Gyoza. 10/10 would recommend.
4. Voodoo Doughnuts - If you didn't make a visit to Voodoo Doughnuts, did you even really visit Portland? So many types to choose from, and none will disappoint!
5. The Cookie Dough Cafe - A variety of edible cookie dough flavors that you can top with ice cream and other sweet treats. Cookie dough is one of my favorite sweet treats, so a definite 10/10 from me!
6. Pips Original Doughnuts & Chai - Get here early! There will most definitely be a line for these delectable bite-sized donuts. Also, try out their homemade chai; the "Japanese Garden" was my absolute favorite.
7. Thai Peacock - This restaurant serves delicious Thai cuisine, I was very full and happy after this meal. Try out their Garlic Fried Rice, Spring Rolls, or Pad Thai. So so GOOD.
8. Buranko Cafe & Bar - One of my favorite meals in the city! Buranko serves food that is a modern take on asian fusion comfort food. The atmosphere of this place is to die for, and is a great spot to grab drinks with friends. The gyoza and spring rolls were so hot and fresh, on top of their special ramen; it was just the warmth I needed on a chilly day in Portland. Another winner was their Spicy Tamarind Margarita! I had to go for seconds on that one.
9. Jake's Famous Crawfish - A bit on the pricier side because of course, fresh seafood, but very much worth it! The ambiance gave me upscale Irish pub vibes, and both the Traditional Bouillabaisse and Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Fettuccini were mouth-wateringly good.
10. Zeus Cafe - I ate here during their Brunch hours, and their French Toast was so flavorful and not too soggy (I hate soggy French Toast). They also have the option for mimosas and other cocktails!
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