Portland, Oregon, USA-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Portland

Morning

  • Start the day with breakfast at Voodoo Doughnut: A quirky Portland institution famous for its creative doughnuts. Try the iconic Voodoo Doll or Bacon Maple Bar.
  • Visit Pioneer Courthouse Square (Pioneer’s Plaza): The heart of downtown Portland, this public square hosts various events and is a popular spot for people-watching.

Afternoon

  • Walk through the historic Old Town: Explore the charming streets lined with boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Don’t miss the iconic Skidmore Fountain.
  • Visit the Portland Art Museum (PAM): The oldest art museum in the United States, featuring a diverse collection of over 42,000 works.

Evening

  • Dinner at Grassa: Savor Italian cuisine with a focus on house-made pastas and wood-fired cooking. Try their famous pasta dishes or creative salads.
  • Explore the nightlife scene in the Pearl District: This trendy neighborhood offers a variety of bars, clubs, and lounges to choose from.

Day 2: Nature and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Japanese Garden: A serene oasis in the heart of Portland, featuring beautifully manicured gardens, water features, and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Walk through Forest Park: One of the largest urban forests in the United States, offering hiking trails, scenic views, and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Pittock Mansion: A stunning French Renaissance-style chateau that offers panoramic views of Portland and the surrounding mountains. Learn about the city’s history and architecture.
  • Explore the Washington Park neighborhood: This charming area features beautiful homes, gardens, and parks, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.

Evening

  • Dinner at Lardo: Enjoy creative, farm-to-table American cuisine with a focus on house-made sausages. Try their famous “lardos” (sausages) or seasonal small plates.
  • Catch a show or performance in the Pearl District: The Portland Center for Performing Arts hosts various events, including theater productions, concerts, and dance performances.

Day 3: Food, Drink, and Markets

Morning

  • Visit the Saturday Market (year-round): A vibrant marketplace featuring local artisans selling handmade goods, crafts, and street food.
  • Explore the Portland Farmers’ Market: Visit one of the many weekly farmers’ markets to sample local produce, meats, dairy products, and baked goods.

Afternoon

  • Tour a brewery or winery: Portland is famous for its craft beer scene. Visit breweries like Widmer Brothers Brewing or 10 Barrel Brewing. Alternatively, visit a local winery like Argyle Winery.
  • Visit the City’s Best Food Cart Pod: The city’s best food cart pod offers a variety of cuisine, from traditional street food to gourmet eats.

Evening

  • Dinner at Le Pigeon: Enjoy creative, farm-to-table French-inspired cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and house-made pastries.
  • Explore the nightlife scene in Hawthorne: This eclectic neighborhood features a mix of bars, clubs, and lounges to choose from.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel deLuxe: A luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Portland.
  • Ace Hotel & Swim Club: A trendy hotel featuring a rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar.
  • The Jupiter Hotel: A stylish hotel with a focus on art, music, and community.

Getting Around

  • Public Transportation (Tri-Counties Transit): The city’s public transportation system includes buses, light rail, and streetcar lines.
  • Street Parking: Be aware that parking fees and restrictions apply in many areas of the city.
  • Walking and Cycling: Portland is a pedestrian-friendly city with bike lanes and walking paths throughout.

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Portland’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers for variable temperatures and rain showers.
  • Tipping: Tipping 15-20% is standard in the service industry, including restaurants and bars.
  • Safety: As with any city, take necessary precautions to stay safe at night and when walking alone.

Other Things of Interest

  • Visit the famous Powell’s City of Books: A massive independent bookstore featuring a vast selection of new and used books.
  • Explore the city’s many street art murals: Portland is known for its vibrant street art scene, with numerous public murals throughout the city.
  • Attend one of the many festivals and events: Portland hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Rose Festival, Oregon Brewers Festival, and Portland Pride.