Plan | The Official Guide to Portland (2024)

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Portland’s MAX Light Rail system connects the city, airport and Portland region via 97 stations and 60 miles (96.6 km) of track.

Credit: Justin Katigbak

Plan a trip to Portland, Oregon.

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Portland’s MAX Light Rail system connects the city, airport and Portland region via 97 stations and 60 miles (96.6 km) of track.

Credit: Justin Katigbak

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Portland, there’s always something new to see, do, taste and experience in The Rose City. Explore the changing colors of fall, the gorgeous spring blooms, musical winter festivals and an abundance of summer outdoor adventures. Year-round,tax-free shopping, thrilling theater debuts,live music,award-winning culinary experiencesand more await any visitor. So, whether it’s your first time visiting Portland or you’re looking for something new to discover, we have the resources to help you plan your trip to Portland.

Planning Your Trip 101

Portland Visitor Center

Our friendly and knowledgeable travel experts are excited to help visitors plan their trip and make local activity and event recommendations.

Accessible Portland

Discover wheelchair-accessible and sensory-friendly attractions and activities in Portland, Oregon.

Portland Weather

Every season in Portland brings unique weather conditions and changes to the city's outdoor scenery. Use our guide to weather in Portland (including average temperatures and rainfall) to help you plan your next trip.

Seasonal Events

At any time of year, Portland is bursting with exciting seasonal fun.

Explore Events

Spring in PortlandSpringtime in Portland brings plenty of showers and new growth, along with only-in-Portland activities and celebrations of beer, food, fiestas and flowers.
Best Spots for Spring FlowersFind your favorite blooms, from roses to rhododendrons and tulips to trilliums, with our guide to spring flowers in Portland.
Summer in PortlandIn the summertime, Portland pulls out all the stops, with festivals celebrating craft beer, music, contemporary art and the city’s culinary scene.
Summer Concert Round-UpPortlanders' pent-up desire for sun may explain our skill at making the most of summer's long days and warm nights with outdoor concerts.
Fall in PortlandAs the trees change color and the weather cools, Portland’s calendar fills with cultural, wine and autumnal events.
Fall Hikes Near PortlandThese fall hikes near Portland prove that autumn is an ideal time to explore Oregon wilderness, admire seasonal flora and fauna, and visit nearby farms.
Winter in PortlandSkip the hibernation and visit the City of Roses this winter instead for gorgeous hikes, aromatic fireside hot chocolate, an abundance of holiday lights, and perhaps even a rare snowy park sledding moment.
Portland Holiday EventsLike an Advent calendar loaded with sugary treats, the days leading up to Christmas in Portland hold an abundance of sweet memories.

Where to Stay in Portland

Use these guides to find the perfect home base for your trip to the Rose City.

Where To Stay

Portland Hotels

Looking for a Portland hotel for your upcoming visit to Portland, Oregon? Portland has more than 100 hotels, and Travel Portland has the complete guide to choosing a hotel in Portland.

From cozy garden rooms to historic wine-cellar suites, one of these Portland bed and breakfast spots is sure suit your travel style.

Camping Near Portland

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, you can spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites — from rustic tent camping to cabins and yurts — all located within an easy drive from the city.

Getting To and Around Portland

Whether you're flying into PDX or arriving by train, traveling to and around Portland is a breeze.

Portland International Airport (PDX)Portland International Airport (PDX) boasts an easy light rail connection to downtown, local food and drink, free Wi-Fi, tax-free shopping with no markups — and 500 flights daily.
Amtrak / Union StationUnion Station, with its elegant architecture and iconic “Go By Train” neon sign connects passengers with the city by bus, car and of course by train.
FlixBus and GreyhoundTravel to and from Portland with ease on FlixBus and Greyhound buses — both affordable services connect Portland with regional destinations near and far.
MAX Light RailPortland's efficient light rail system connects the metro area and downtown core. Learn how to ride and where to go on MAX.
Portland StreetcarThe City of Roses built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar in 2001: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar.
BikingOne of the best ways to explore the Rose City is on two wheels.
Electric Scooters (E-Scooters) in PortlandE-scooter sharing lets users rent vehicles via an app for one-way trips. Before boarding, check out our dos and don’ts for riding e-scooters in Portland.
Parking in PortlandFrom city-run parking garages to private lots to an app for on-street parking, Portland offers reliable options for parking during your visit.

Portland Itineraries

Explore these guides for a quick weekend trip to celebration, explore, or a work trip.

A Car-Free Itinerary in Portland

Skip the car rental and explore Portland the local way. From urban forests to downtown dining, find it all through public transit.

Family Friendly

Discover the best things to do in Portland with toddlers, tweens, and every age in between.

Pet-Friendly Portland

Discover the most pet-friendly places to eat, drink and stay in Portland.

Portland’s Quadrants

Explore the six “quadrants” (yes — there are six of them!) that make up the City of Roses.

Go To Neighborhoods

Southwest PortlandBest known for lively downtown Portland, this quadrant is also home to Washington Park’s numerous attractions, Goose Hollow’s blend of historic and modern, the small-town charm of Multnomah Village and more.
Southeast PortlandSoutheast Portland embodies many of Portland’s best-known attributes: hip, artsy, quirky, foody. It’s home to popular neighborhoods, lively food-and-drink districts, peaceful parks and more.
Northwest PortlandNorthwest Portland is a study in contrasts, from swank shops and restaurants in the central city to the natural beauty of Forest Park — and everything in between.
Northeast PortlandFor shows, sports and big events, Northeast Portland is hard to beat. It’s also home to many popular neighborhoods, noteworthy sights and attractions, and top-notch restaurants and bars.
North PortlandFrom the beautiful blooms of Peninsula Park to the bustle of North Mississippi Avenue, there’s always more to explore in North Portland. The so-called “Fifth Quadrant” is home to charming neighborhoods, striking landmarks and unique attractions.

Know Before You Go

Near Me NowUse Near Me Now to find events, food carts, restaurants, bars, attractions, stores and more. Carefully curated by professional Portland fans, this map-based guide lets you explore like a local.
Safety in Portland: Frequently Asked QuestionsPortland is a safe place to visit. We understand that visitors have questions about what’s going on in Portland; we have answers.
CannabisLearn all about cannabis in Portland including: where you can and can't smoke weed, stores to stock up on edibles, booking a cannabis tour, and more.
Food Cart PodsPortland is one of the world’s great street food cities — explore international flavors and unique new food concepts (without the wait of a sit-down restaurant) at Portland’s many food cart pods.
Resources for International VisitorsFrom currency exchange to where to do laundry, these helpful resources help international visitors explore Portland in comfort.

Planning a Trip to Portland FAQ

Where should I stay?

Portland has a variety of lodging options, including traditional hotels and short-term rentals. You can also stay in a tiny house, a bunk bed at a modern hostel, or a boutique hotel.

Visit Where to Stay for a rundown of all the options.

Do I need to rent a car?

Most of Portland’s major attractions are easily accessible by public transportation. You can ride MAX Light Rail from the airport straight into downtown. Neighborhoods have frequent bus service, and many have bike-sharing and electric scooters available. Like most cities, Portland is served by local taxi companies and ride-sharing services.

If you want to explore Mount Hood, the Oregon Coast, the Willamette Valley, or other areas outside the city, you may want to rent a car. And if you do, read up on where to park it.

How much time should I spend in Portland?

You can see many of Portland’s most popular attractions in two to three days if you stay in or near downtown. If you’d like to visit Mount Hood, hike in the Columbia Gorge, visit the Oregon Coast, or see how locals live by spending time in one of Portland’s many neighborhoods, we recommend at least five days.

What Portland apps should I download for my visit?

Near Me Now
Travel Portland’s own map-based guide highlights some of our favorite restaurants, attractions, shops, bars and more to give you a local’s perspective on this dynamic, delicious city. We also share historical insights, public art and fun facts, as well as today’s events at venues all over town. Free on iTunes andGoogle Play

Public Art PDX
Let this interactive map, complete with photos, be your guide to more than 400 works of art in Portland’s central city. The app was last updated in 2018 but remains mostly accurate. Free oniTunes

Portland by Streetcar
This free appprovides an interactive tour of landmarks, historical sites and points of interest within walking distance of the three lines of thePortland Streetcarsystem. Free oniTunesandGoogle Play

PDX Bus
Plan trips around Portland and access live arrival times with this guide to light rail, streetcar and bus services. Free oniTunes

Parking Kitty
Pay for your metered street parking all over Portland from the convenience of your phone with this easy-to-use app. Free oniTunesandGoogle Play

Plan

Portland Maps

Use these Portland maps to plan and create your own city experience. This guide provides everything from Portland city and region maps to guided tours, neighborhood information and more.

Explore the Maps

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