Visiting Portland Oregon

Welcome to Portland, Oregon, the city famous for coffee, roses, beer, green-living, nationally lauded as one of cycling capitals of the United States, owner of a heart-stopping and simply breathtaking cityscape, fiercely loyal and intensely independent citizens and more-- and more. 

If you're visiting Portland Oregon, you will be happy to learn than Portland is an amazing, dynamic city unlike any other.  You're no doubt in agreement, since you've found our Visiting Portland page which stands as a tribute to all Portland has to offer as well as a comprehensive overview of the many services and activities that will make your visit to Portland pleasant and entertaining. 

• While visiting Portland, check out our Portland Hotels summary to find the best hotel in Portland for your stay.

• Read the Portland Hostel reviews, maps and travel tips- a very popular way to spend a few days in Portland.

• Pour over the Portland local news to get a feel for the city.

• You cannot afford to miss a visit to some of our amazingly eclectic Portland neighborhoods. Portland has nearly one hundred urban neighborhoods, each possesssing a distinct personality and variety of independent, locally owned dining and shopping options.

• Learn all about Portland and learn to speak like a local. Visit the Portland Oregon Trivia page.

• Stay connected during your Portland trip with this list of free wireless access points in Portland.

• A thorough list of Portland off-leash dog parks ensures your four-legged buddy will have a great time here, too.

Portland Entertainment

• The Portland Japanese Garden is a stunning masterpiece, offering incredible views of downtown Portland and Mt. Hood.

• The Classical Chinese Garden is located in downtown Portland in the Old Town China Town neighborhood. This authentic Suzhou-style garden is simply breathtaking.

• The Oregon Historical Society is an excellent way to learn the rich history of the Pacific Northwest. Permanent exhibits include: Battleship Oregon: Bulldog of the Navy, Oregon Art and Oregon My Oregon.

• Oregon Coast Travel Guide Well, you've come this far-- just head a few hours west and you will experience the gorgeous Oregon coastline.

• Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort For snowboarding, skiing, tubing, snowshoeing (and more)...Current weather conditions on Mt. Hood, as well as lift information and passes.

• The Portland Farmers Market is located in downtown Portland and simply cannot be missed. Pick up local organic produce, dairy products, fresh baked breads, honey and much, much more.

• Located in Portland's Old Town China Town, the Portland Saturday Market is a must-see . Peruse the dozens of booths of handmade crafts, enjoy the amazing local foods and embrace the real Portland. Despite the name, Saturday Market is open on Sunday's, too.

• Nestled right above downtown Portland, the Oregon Zoo is an easy trip via the Max light rail. Delightful old-style trains are a favorite zoo-transport option offering amazing views and relief for your tired feet. We love the elephants, the African rainforest and well, all of it! The kids (big and small) will be in heaven.

• Don't miss the Portland Arts and Culture Art galleries in Portland, the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society, NW Film Center, shopping in the Pearl District, Alberta Arts District and more...

• The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) features a planetarium, laser shows, submarine and the OMNIMAX Dome Theater. OMSI is an excellent choice for family entertainment in Portland.

• Rose Quarter Sports and Entertainment Want tickets for the Portland Trail Blazers or the Portland Winter Hawks? You can also see some fantastic live music here as well.

• The largest used and new bookstore in the world, Powell's City of Books has been wowing locals and visitors alike since 1971. This store spans an entire city block, guaranteeing it will take you hours to traverse the nooks and crannies and color coded sections but we know you will love every minute of it!

Portland Transportation

• Portland Oregon Map pinpoints major freeways, highways, universities and colleges in Portland. Pay close to attention the Willamette River which is used as a dividing line between NW, SW and NE and SE Portland.

• Portland International Airport offers free wireless internet as well as excellent dining and shopping options.

• Portland Amtrak is an excellent and inexpensive way to travel and is certainly one of the best ways to see and experience the Pacific Northwest.

• TriMet is Portland's mass transit system famous for environmentally friendly and convenient transportation via the MAX light rail, buses, and the Portland Street Car. Enjoy 'fareless square' rides when your trip begins and ends in downtown Portland or the Lloyd District .

• Parking in Portland is easy with SmartPark. Many local businesses validate parking, so be sure to have your parking stub handy as you dine and shop.

• Navigate Portland the smart way by using online resources to find up to date information on road conditions, traffic cams, live traffic feeds and incident reporting.

• Rent a car by the hour or by the day using Portland Zipcars .