Portland, Oregon is a giant metropolis with a small-town really feel that has lengthy been a haven for creators of every kind. It’s the place massive firms like Nike are primarily based, and a lot of artists and performers have referred to as Portland residence together with Gus Van Zandt, Holly Madison, Kaitlin Olson, and Clark Gable.
The town is the right mix of thrilling and provoking metropolis life and comforting pure magnificence.
It’s a spot brimming with parks, good espresso, donuts galore, and TONS of meals vehicles — making it a perfect solo feminine journey, a fast escape together with your love, a ladies’ journey…or perhaps even a mother-daughter weekend getaway!
This two-day Portland itinerary covers a few of the finest issues you are able to do on this Pacific Northwest metropolis.
Earlier than You Go
Though Portland’s repute as a wet place to be is well-earned, it may not be the kind of rain you’re used to. You’re extra prone to cope with drizzles and usually overcast and cloudy climate than full downpours, though the latter is thought to occur every so often!
Whereas town does see sunny days, simply just be sure you have some form of waterproof footwear and both an umbrella or rain jacket useful simply in case!
For extra details about which month is finest for a visit, take a look at this useful information on the perfect time to go to Portland.
This information to packing for chilly climate locations will enable you to when you’re unsure what to deliver in your Portland trip.
The place to Keep
Whereas there are various locations to remain in Portland, you’ll most likely need to keep in one of many downtown resorts.
Not solely are they beautiful and cozy, however they’re conveniently situated so that you’ll have the ability to stroll and make the most of Portland’s public transportation all through your journey.
*picture courtesy of Departure PDX
Your First Evening
A terrific place to spend your first evening in Portland is Departure Restaurant + Lounge, situated on prime of the Nines Resort.
There’s a implausible indoor eating room and a small rooftop bar space the place you possibly can soak in gorgeous views of downtown Portland whereas sipping on customized cocktails and sampling the Pan-Asian small plates.
*left picture courtesy of Waffle Window
Day 1
Seize Breakfast on the Waffle Window on Hawthorne
Portland is thought for being a foodie metropolis, so that you’ll have loads of choices in the case of nice meals.
When you’re on the lookout for an ideal breakfast possibility, think about heading to Waffle Window, an area favourite. They serve up freshly made liege waffles, that are made with a light-weight and candy batter that has sugar pearls folded in.
The waffles are scrumptious as is, however the Waffle Window at all times has a singular menu of toppings. The Three B’s waffle is among the finest, and the mix of bacon, brie, and basil on prime of the waffle and peach jam on the aspect makes for an unimaginable begin to your day.
Benefit from the Tom McCall Waterfront Park
One of many best Portland landmarks to see is the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the one-and-a-half-mile-long stretch of outside house that sits in between downtown Portland and the Willamette River.
Professional Tip: Attempt to plan your go to in the course of the spring so you possibly can see the attractive cherry blossom bushes and browse the long-lasting Portland Saturday Market.
The market is the most important repeatedly working open-air arts and crafts market within the nation and is a superb place to purchase something from handmade cutlery to Star Wars-based parody artwork.
In direction of the center of the park, between the Hawthorne and Morrison bridges, cross Naito Parkway at Taylor Road to see Mill’s Finish Park. It’s not on the opposite aspect of the highway such as you may anticipate — it’s really IN the highway.
Mill’s Finish Park is a tiny round house that’s well-known for being the world’s smallest park.
If you get to the northern finish of the park, you’ll have the ability to see the well-known Portland, Oregon White Stag signal.
When you can technically see it from the park, you must undoubtedly think about crossing the Burnside bridge to get the basic view of the signal with town within the background.
Get Your Sugar Rush on at Voodoo Doughnut
After spending a while on the Portland waterfront, head west to third Avenue and Ankeny Road the place you’ll discover Voodoo Doughnuts, considered one of Portland’s most well-known dessert retailers.
Whereas (in my humble opinion) they aren’t essentially the perfect donuts within the metropolis, ready in line at Voodoo Doughnuts is a Portland ceremony of passage.
Strive the Voodoo Doll, the Portland Cream, or the Bacon Maple Bar donut once you go to.
Discover Your Subsequent Favourite Novel at Powell’s Bookstore
Powell’s Bookstore is among the largest and coolest bookstores on this planet, and yow will discover it just a few blocks west on tenth and Burnside.
This major location for Powells, dubbed “Powell’s Metropolis of Books,” takes up a whole metropolis block and has hundreds of books all through its 4 flooring. You can even store for enjoyable domestically made trinkets all through the shop.
Have a Brew at One among Portland’s Many Breweries
End off your day by having fun with considered one of Portland’s many breweries! The town is definitely often called among the finest beer cities in all the world and it’s price visiting at the least one brewery even when you’re only a informal beer drinker.
My private favourite is Deschutes Public Home within the Pearl District. They’ve quite a lot of brews and a implausible menu of pub fare and your waiter or bartender will help you resolve which beer you need to strive.
When unsure, go together with the Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale — these are the 2 hottest beers that Deschutes Brewery creates.
Day 2
Get a Espresso on the Authentic Stumptown Espresso Roasters
Begin your second day in Portland with espresso and breakfast on the authentic Stumptown Espresso Roasters location.
Situated at 4525 SE Division Road, this flagship location opened in 1999 and serves up a number of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and occasional drinks. You may at all times get your espresso black, or there are some tasty espresso drinks to strive.
Pattern All of the Ice Cream at Salt & Straw
Spend a while exploring the eccentric retailers and cafes that line Portland’s twenty third Road, together with Salt & Straw. This fashionable Portland ice cream store affords up ice cream that’s most likely like nothing you’ve ever tasted earlier than.
Not solely is the bottom recipe scrumptious, however the flavors on the menu are mouthwateringly good. They’ve a typical providing of flavors like Honey Lavender and Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, however there’s additionally a number of flavors that rotate month-to-month.
Try this information to the perfect locations to eat in Portland for extra of town’s finest eateries!
Get your Zen on on the Portland Japanese Backyard
This 5.5-acre backyard is taken into account to be one of the crucial genuine Japanese gardens outdoors of Japan, and you may wander lovely walkways, serene gardens, and bridges that cross lakes and streams.
There’s even a tea home right here the place you possibly can sip on some refreshing tea and eat small bites like Adzuki cheesecake or Mochi ice cream.
Make sure you verify the admission occasions and charges upfront as they could change. You can even take a look at the close by Worldwide Rose Take a look at Backyard which is free to discover.
Dine at One among Portland’s 500+ Meals Vans
Yep, you learn that proper! Portland has over 500+ meals vehicles, so take your decide and discover your subsequent favourite meal.
There are a number of pods of meals vehicles all through Portland so that you’ll have the ability to discover one it doesn’t matter what a part of town you’re in. Prost Market is situated in North Portland and is residence to favorites like Fried Egg I’m In Love.
In Southeast Portland, yow will discover Cartlandia and Cartopia, two of the bigger meals truck pods within the metropolis. These two are each open late, with Cartopia particularly being a favourite post-bar or membership vacation spot.
You may strive so many several types of meals on the meals vehicles in Portland!
Have you ever been to Portland earlier than? What would you add to this itinerary? Let me know within the feedback under!
