I’ve been given conflicting opinions about Portland over the years. With some noting the unfortunate issues with the unhoused population, while others highlighted the great brewery and street food scene. Back in March 2024 I found myself up in Seattle for a work trip with a weekend off, so I decided to get a bus down to Portland for a day trip to see the city for myself.
Portland, Oregon is the second largest city in the Pacific Northwest region with a population of around 650,000. The city is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and green spaces, with the Willamette River winding through the centre and out into the Pacific Ocean. Arriving in Portland, you are greeted by the various industries in and around the city’s waterways. I arrived at Union Station on a cold and wet Sunday, so the downtown area was a bit quiet and lacked the typical hustle and bustle one would expect from a city of its size.
Sights & Attractions
I hung out mainly around the Downtown and Central Eastside neighbourhoods, and there was plenty to do and see here. After a short walk form Union Station I arrived at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This narrow park follows the Willamette River from the Steel Bridge all the way down to the Marquam Bridge, crossing under 3 other bridges along the way. The Portland Market is held here on Saturdays and its a popular with joggers. This park makes for a nice spot for a picnic or to park off for a coffee with a view of the river and bridges.
Walking around Portland it was evident that the city has a good art scene. I stumbled across many sculptures and interesting street art murals, from a robot sculpture with a heart to a realistic T-Rex dinosaur. If I get the chance to come back in the summer, I’ll definitely try find a walking street art tour!
Some other highlights include:
- Viewing the USS Blueback submarine from the jetty behind OMSI.
- Seeing Mill Ends Park which is said to be the smallest in world.
- Head up to the Pittock Mansion for great city skyline views.
- Head out to Forest Park to see the Witch’s Castle.
Activities & Experiences
It’s not hard to find things to do in Portland. I had a great time just wondering around the downtown areas and popping in to browse random stores or looking at the city’s architecture.
With a view of the courthouse and some of the older buildings downtown, the Pioneer Courthouse Square is a good place to start. A couple blocks behind the square is the Multnomah County Central Library which is a nice place to grab a souvenir for the trip. On Southwest Broadway are a few concert halls and theatres. No events were on the day I was in town, but this is a cool street to walk down. The Southwest Parks are situated around the corner opposite the Oregon Historical Society. These parks are home to various interesting sculptures and make for a fun walk.
If you’re a sports fanatic like I am, you have to go see the Providence Park stadium. Home of the Portland Timbers, the stadium has a unique architecture with ivy growing up the entrance walls. Unfortunately, the Timbers weren’t playing this weekend, but I always enjoy seeing the local sports venues nontheless.
I stopped in at The Cheerful Bullpen across the road from the stadium. With sports memorabilia covering the wall, this cosy dive bar was a good pit-stop before heading up the hill to Washington Park. On the way to the park you walk through a residential area with some beautiful Redwood trees. I went up to the Vista Bridge as well to see the Downtown skyline. Although its a pity the views are somewhat obstructed by the safety fence.
I entered Washington Park at the entrance at the top of Southwest Park Place. As you enter the park you pass the Lewis and Clark Column with the Sacajawea Statute just behind it. The park was empty when I got there so it was nice and peaceful. A bit further into the park is the amphitheatre, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Unfortunately the rose garden was being landscaped when I was there, but the walk around the area and the other garden were worth the trek up from downtown.
After strolling around the park, I decided to walk back down into Goose Hollow to get a bus back down to the Willamette River. I hopped off just before the Hawthorne Bridge to walk over bridge to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). This museum houses various industrial artefacts and has rotating exhibits. I didn’t go for the full admission as the the turbine hall was free to view. On your way out, walk around to the back of the building see the USS Blueback submarine and get a beautiful view of the Marquam and Tilikum Crossing bridges.
After the museum I walked across the tram tracks to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. This center houses a couple antique and vintage locomotives that used to be in operation in the Pacific Northwest as well as an old workshop used to maintain them. The center is volunteer run with a small souvenir shop to raise funds. At the time I visited there was no admission fee, so I bought a fridge magnet on the way out to give thanks.
Here are some other ideas for things to do in Portland:
- Make a wish at the Wishing Tree on NE 7th Ave.
- Explore the historic underground Shanghai tunnels. The tours are a bit pricey though.
- Head up to Mount Tabor park for great views of the city.
- Browse through the books at the Iconic Powell’s City of Books.
- Explore the Hoyt Arboretum visit the Redwood Observation Deck.
- Wonder around some of the other green spaces such as the Lu San Chinese Garden.
- Visit the Oregon Zoo.
Food & Drink
Portland is known for its street food, food trucks, and brewery scene. Just stumbling around the Central Eastside and Buckman neighbourhoods you’re bound to find some delicious food and good beer. There is also a good coffee scene, with lovely cafes and coffee shops all over the city.
My first stop was for a bite to eat at Nong’s Khao Man Gai. I had heard about this Thai resaurant before coming to Portland so had to stop in and try the Khao Man Gai Piset chicken and rice dish. To this day I still think about how good this meal was. Perfectly tender chicken and rice, with flavourful and fresh dips, what’s not to love? The next time you’re in Portland make sure to add this to your itinerary!
There are many breweries and dive bars on the east side of the Willamette river. I really enjoyed B-Side Tavern for its laid back dive bar vibe and tasty beers. Walking down East Burnside, Southeast Stark, and Southeast 6th streets are good places to start. Most of the breweries and bars have nice outside seating, perfect for a lazy summer day!
Food and drink ideas:
- Tour the city for the best doughnuts. Don’t forget to stop in at the famous Voodoo Doughnut shop.
- Take one of the many brewery tours.
- Grab a drink at the Huber’s Cafe, the oldest bar in Portland.
- Check out some of the other dive bars, such as Billy Ray’s Dive, Speakeasy Tavern, or My Father’s Place.
- Do your own food truck tasting tour.
Transport & Accommodation
I took a FlixBus to Portland from Seattle and back for a day trip. The bus dropped off and picked up around the corner from Portland Union Station and was cheap and clean. I don’t think a metro pass is needed for a short trip, as the downtown areas of Portland are very walkable. I took one trip on the metro bus and the light trail tram, and would use the public transport again for getting around the city when I’m not feeling walking.
I didn’t stay over in Portland, but the west coast, unlike the east coast, is known to have a couple of good hostels. You should be able to find a good hostel for under $50 a night.
Final Thoughts
I was pleasantly surprised by my trip to Portland. The city often gets a bad wrap, but I think this is a bit unfair. Albeit short and a bit cold and rainy, I had a fun time. The city boast a bunch of cool breweries, street food spots, and quirky neighbourhoods. Situated on the confluence of two major rivers and surrounded by the Pacific Northwest forests, Portland is also great city to visit to explore the nature in the area. Keen to make it back to Portland in the near future!
Highlighted spots for your trip to Portland!
Stingy Sightseeing 
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