Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Downtown Portland
- Where is Downtown?
- What is the main street in Downtown?
- How to Get to Downtown?
- Best Time to Go to Downtown
- What to Do and See in Downtown
- Walk around the Tom McCall Waterfront Park
- Learn about the city’s history at Portland Art Museum
- Attend a show at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Where to Eat and Drink in Downtown
- Portland City Grill
- Huber’s Cafe
- Lúc Lắc Vietnamese Kitchen
- Pine Street Market
- Where to Shop in Downtown?
- Pioneer Place
- MadeHere
- Tender Loving Empire
- Where to Stay in Downtown?
- Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
- The Paramount Hotel Portland
- Hotel Rose - A Staypineapple Hotel
- FAQ
Downtown Portland is the vibrant heart of the city, known for its diverse mix of retail brands, cultural offerings, and tax-free shopping. The compact downtown area offers easy access to great food, green spaces, and entertainment.
At the center of everything is the Pioneer Courthouse Square, often dubbed “Portland’s living room.” From here, you can easily check out top attractions, quirky gift shops, and tasty eateries.
Whether you’re into shows, food carts, or fine dining, downtown’s got it all. With its central location and endless activities, it’s a must-see in Portland.
Where is Downtown?
Downtown Portland is situated on the western banks of the Willamette River in Oregon. It’s bordered by Interstate 405 to the west and extends south to Portland State University.
What is the main street in Downtown?
SW Morrison and SW Yamhill are the main streets to explore in downtown Portland. These streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions, making them popular with both locals and visitors.
How to Get to Downtown?
Closest transit stop: To get to downtown Portland, you can take the MAX Red Line light rail from Portland International Airport (PDX). This goes directly to downtown.
Alternatively, if you’re already in the city, you can catch a bus or light rail at stops like SW Alder & 6th or SW 6th & Alder. Both of these are just a short walk away from the heart of downtown.
Best Time to Go to Downtown
The ideal time to visit downtown is around May to July because of the fun festivals happening in the area.
The Portland Rose Festival runs from late May to early June, featuring parades and floral displays. Over the Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes place and offers blues music by the waterfront.
What to Do and See in Downtown
1. Walk around the Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Media from: travelportland
Address: 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Phone: +1 503-823-7529
Pricing: Free
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 5 AM – 12 AM
Website
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a go-to spot for jogging, biking, and walking, making it perfect for both exercise and getting around the city.
The park features cool spots like Salmon Street Springs and a family-friendly fountain area. It also hosts popular festivals, such as the Waterfront Blues Festival and the Oregon Brewers Festival.
With its green lawns, great views, and lively vibe, the park is a central hangout for locals and visitors alike. It showcases Portland’s love for green spaces and community fun.
2. Learn about the city’s history at Portland Art Museum
Media from: portlandartmuseum
Address: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Phone: +1 503-226-2811
Pricing:
- Museum members: Free
- Children (ages 17 and younger): Free
- College students (with ID): $22
- Seniors (ages 62 and older): $22
- Adults: $25
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
The Portland Art Museum (PAM) is the oldest art museum in Portland and a major spot for visual arts in the area.
With a collection of over 50,000 pieces, it covers everything from Pacific Northwest and Native art to post-WWII American photography. It also has a huge collection of prints, drawings, and posters from the past 500 years, showcasing the region’s culture and landscape.
In addition to these, PAM regularly features a variety of exhibitions and programs that celebrate art in all its forms.
3. Attend a show at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Media from: jakeande
Address: 1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Phone: +1 503-384-2511
Pricing: Prices depend on the specific show and ticket type
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3 PM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – Midnight
- Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
The McMenamins Crystal Ballroom is a historic music venue with a cool vibe and a floating dance floor that makes concerts even more fun.
It hosts all kinds of live performances, from local bands to big-name artists. The place is mostly standing-room only, but there’s some mezzanine seating available if you get there early.
Besides the music, the Crystal Ballroom has a lively atmosphere with a bar and dining option, making it a great spot for a night out. It’s part of the McMenamins chain, which is known for unique and artsy spots across the Pacific Northwest.
4. Lan Su Chinese Garden
Media from: lansuchinesegarden
Address: 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Phone: +1 503-228-8131
Pricing:
- Children (ages 5 and below): Free
- Students (ages 6 – 18 with ID): $11
- Adults (ages 18 – 61): $14
- Seniors (ages 62 and above): $13
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Lan Su Chinese Garden, a stunning Ming Dynasty-style garden, showcases 2,000 years of Chinese tradition.
Visitors can relax by Lake Zither with its koi, explore the Scholar’s Pavilions, and enjoy scenic walkways and bridges. The garden also hosts over 500 events yearly, including workshops and tea ceremonies.
With its accessible paths and serene teahouse, Lan Su offers a peaceful retreat and a deep cultural experience.
Where to Eat and Drink in Downtown
1. Portland City Grill
Media from: pcitygrill
Address: 111 SW 5th Ave 30th Floor, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Phone: +1 503-450-0030
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Good to know: Has a great view
Website
Portland City Grill is a standout spot on the 30th floor of the U.S. Bancorp Tower, known for its amazing views of the city and the Cascade Mountains.
The menu is diverse, focusing on seafood, steaks, and sushi with a mix of Northwest and Asian flavors. The vibe is casual yet classy, and you can enjoy live music in the lounge from Monday to Friday.
2. Huber’s Cafe
Address: 411 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Phone: +1 503-228-5686
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Good to know: Suitable for both casual dining and special occasions
Website
Huber’s Cafe is Portland’s oldest restaurant and is packed with charm. It features stained-glass skylights and classic mahogany paneling.
It’s well-known for its roast turkey dinner and its impressive tableside Spanish coffee, which has made it the biggest independent buyer of Kahlúa in the U.S. The menu also includes turkey sandwiches, seafood, and pasta, all made with top-notch ingredients.
3. Lúc Lắc Vietnamese Kitchen
Media from: arthursappetite
Address: 835 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Phone: +1 503-222-0047
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 4 PM – 11 PM
Good to know: Good for late-night dining
Website
Lúc Lắc Vietnamese Kitchen is a cozy spot known for its tasty Vietnamese dishes and its casual counter service.
The menu features favorites like crispy rolls, pho, steak rolls, and sugarcane shrimp. Their Sassy Sour cocktail is a hit, while the Ca Phe Cola is another must-try.
The place has a baroque decor with its bright teal oval bar, a cool mural of Chinese dragon heads, and pink parasols hanging from the ceiling.
4. Pine Street Market
Media from: pinestreetmarketpdx
Address: 126 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Phone: +1 971-347-3166
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Good to know: Has a variety of dining options
Website
Pine Street Market is a top-notch food hall that opened in 2016. It brings together some of the city’s best chefs and vendors in an open space, offering a variety of dining options, craft beers, and signature cocktails.
The 10,000-square-foot market features an impressive lineup of vendors:
- Brass Bar offers a selection of coffees and teas.
- Common Law serves European-Asian fusion food and drinks.
- Kinboshi Ramen specializes in Japanese ramen.
- OP Wurst is known for its frankfurters from Olympia Provisions.
- Pleasure Burger features delicious burgers.
- Pollo Bravo offers tapas and rotisserie chicken.
- Shanghai’s Best provides authentic Chinese dishes.
- Shalom Y’all serves Israeli-inspired street food.
- Tita’s Juice Bar has a range of fresh juices.
- Trifecta Annex focuses on toast, bread, and pizza.
- Wiz Bang Bar features ice cream by Salt & Straw.
The market’s casual vibe includes community tables in the center and bar seating at each vendor. The historic building, originally used for horse-drawn carriages, has been modernized while keeping its old-world charm.
Where to Shop in Downtown?
1. Pioneer Place
Media from: pioneerplace
Address: 700 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Phone: +1 503-228-5800
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Pioneer Place is a fancy shopping mall right in downtown Portland. It covers four city blocks and has a mix of retail stores, dining spots, and entertainment options—all connected by skywalks and underground paths.
You’ll find well-known brands and a Regal Cinemas theater, making it a go-to place for shopping and hanging out.
2. MadeHere
Media from: oregonbark
Address: 40 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Phone: +1 503-224-0122
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Website
MadeHere is a cool shop that highlights and sells locally designed and handcrafted products.
Here, you’ll find a mix of fashion items, home decor, and artisanal foods made by local artists and makers. The store is all about quality and supporting local talent, making it a great spot for unique gifts or personal finds.
If you’re into distinctive and high-quality stuff with a local twist, MadeHere is definitely worth checking out.
3. Tender Loving Empire
Media from: tenderlovingempire
Address: 412 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Phone: +1 503-548-2925
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Tender Loving Empire is a blend of a unique retail experience and indie record label. This vibrant spot supports over 700 local artists and small businesses, making it a key player in the city’s creative community.
You’ll find an exciting mix of handmade jewelry, clothing, and gifts from independent makers. It’s all about top-notch craftsmanship and celebrating local talent.
Plus, Tender Loving Empire doubles as a record label, producing music and championing local musicians.
Where to Stay in Downtown?
1. Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
Media from: mrs.hitthespot
Address: 1401 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97201, United States
Phone: +1 503-226-7600
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours: Opens 24 hours
Website
The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront is a top spot right along the scenic Willamette River. It’s got a sleek, modern vibe and awesome views of the river and city skyline.
You’re in a great location here, close to cool attractions like the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Portland Art Museum, and plenty of parks and shops. The hotel also has great meeting and event spaces, so it’s perfect for both work and play.
With a fitness center, valet parking, and easy access to public transit, it’s a comfy and convenient choice for anyone visiting Portland.
2. The Paramount Hotel Portland
Media from: paramount_pdx
Address: 808 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Phone: +1 503-223-9900
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Opens 24 hours
Website
The Paramount Hotel is a charming boutique spot with a European vibe, cool artwork, and a friendly atmosphere.
It has 152 rooms and two suites, many with great views of Director Park or the West Hills. You’re just steps away from top cultural spots, museums, and restaurants. The hotel also has dining options like Taylor Street Tavern and Swine Moonshine + Whiskey Bar.
With its affordable rates, modern amenities, and prime downtown location, The Paramount is a great pick for both business and leisure travelers in Portland.
3. Hotel Rose – A Staypineapple Hotel
Media from: tiffanyish
Address: 50 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Phone: +1 503-221-0711
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Opens 24 hours
Website
Hotel Rose – A Staypineapple Hotel is a lively boutique spot right in downtown Portland, across Tom McCall Waterfront Park and along the Willamette River. It’s known for its funky, colorful decor and a fun, welcoming vibe.
The hotel has 140 stylish rooms with comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, and playful pineapple-themed touches. You’ll also find complimentary snacks like pineapple water and cookies. There’s also a fitness center and an on-site restaurant serving up tasty meals and drinks.
With its vibrant atmosphere and focus on making every stay memorable, Hotel Rose is a great choice in the heart of Portland.
