Portland

No sales tax and 500 food carts to spend the savings on

Set along the Willamette River, this laid-back Pacific Northwest city has 500+ food carts, tax-free shopping, and a 5,000-acre urban forest with 80+ miles of hiking trails.

3.8
out of 5

Portland, Oregon's largest city, is known for its food carts, tax-free shopping, and many parks. You can explore the International Rose Test Garden, wander through the active Pearl District, or hike in Forest Park. Portland's relaxed atmosphere and unique character make it stand out in the Pacific Northwest. As you sample craft beers at local breweries or browse the city's many bookstores, you'll experience what makes Portland special.

Portland's Culinary Scene

Portland has over 500 food carts scattered throughout the city. These mobile eateries serve a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional American fare to international dishes. You can use the Food Cart Finder to locate a meal that suits your taste. The city also has many restaurants, cafes, and eateries catering to various dietary preferences. For example, you might try vegan ice cream at Salt & Straw or sample innovative dishes at Le Pigeon.

Shopping Without Sales Tax

When you shop in Portland, you don't pay sales tax. You can browse through a wide range of stores, from boutique shops selling handmade and vintage items to high-end retailers offering designer clothes and jewelry. Downtown Portland and the Pearl District are popular shopping areas. In downtown, you'll find major department stores like Nordstrom, while the Pearl District houses unique shops like Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore.

Green Spaces and Parks

Portland has over 14 square miles of parkland, including the 5,000-acre Forest Park. You can hike on more than 80 miles of trails in Forest Park or visit the International Rose Test Garden, which has over 7,000 rose plants of approximately 550 varieties. Washington Park, near downtown, includes the Portland Japanese Garden and the Oregon Zoo. For a quick break from the city, you can relax in one of the many smaller parks scattered throughout Portland's neighborhoods.

Distinctive Neighborhoods

Portland is divided into six areas, each with its own character. North Portland, known as the "Fifth Quadrant," includes the historic St. Johns neighborhood with its iconic St. Johns Bridge. Northwest Portland has the Pearl District, known for its art galleries and upscale restaurants. In Northeast Portland, you'll find the Alberta Arts District, home to the monthly Last Thursday art walk. Southeast Portland is known for its food scene, with popular spots like Pok Pok and Apizza Scholls. Exploring these areas gives you a comprehensive Portland experience.

Craft Beer and Wine

Portland has earned a reputation for its craft beer. The city has over 75 breweries, more than any other city in the world. You can visit breweries like Deschutes Brewery or Cascade Brewing to taste local beers. For wine enthusiasts, the Willamette Valley is about an hour's drive from Portland. This region is known for its Pinot Noir and offers opportunities for wine tasting at over 500 wineries.

Getting Around

The MAX light rail has five lines connecting downtown to surrounding areas. Streetcars serve the central city, and buses cover a wide area. Portland is also very bike-friendly, with over 385 miles of bikeways. You can rent a bike from shops like Cycle Portland or use the BIKETOWN bike-share program to explore the city on two wheels.

Cultural Events

The annual Rose Festival in June includes parades, carnival rides, and dragon boat races. In July, the Oregon Brewers Festival brings together craft brewers from around the country. The Portland Jazz Festival in February features local and international jazz musicians. For art lovers, the First Thursday Gallery Walk in the Pearl District allows you to explore art galleries and meet local artists.

Average temperatures during the day in Portland.
November
11°
Dec
8°
Jan
7°
Feb
10°
Mar
13°
Apr
16°
May
19°
Jun
23°
Jul
26°
Aug
27°
Sep
24°
Oct
18°

What people say about Portland

3.8
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
4
Safety
3

Articles about United States

Image of The best national parks in USA
Image of The best national parks in USA

The best national parks in USA

January 2024,
This is a carefully selected guide to the most breathtaking and unique national parks in the United States. With over 60 national parks, some among the best national parks in the world, each offers it
Image of National parks in California
Image of National parks in California

National parks in California

January 2024,
This article will dive into each of these eight wonders, how to get there, tips for each season, and essential sustainability practices to ensure these treasures continue to inspire for generations to
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

November 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Image of The most beautiful national parks in the world
Image of The most beautiful national parks in the world

The most beautiful national parks in the world

November 2024,
National parks are unique in several ways, about 15% of all land and 8% of all water in the world is protected. National parks are protected pockets of nature that offers a unique opportunity for bot
Image of Mighty 5 - The best national parks i Utah
Image of Mighty 5 - The best national parks i Utah

Mighty 5 - The best national parks i Utah

January 2024,
Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks are a quintessential American adventure, offering landscapes that are both otherworldly and deeply rooted in the earth's ancient history. Each park, with its unique ge
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

October 2023,
Are you an avid hiker looking for a challenge? Look no further than some of the world's most incredible trails! From the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Torres del Paine in Chile's Patagonia to
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world

The 30 best food cities in the world

November 2024,
This is a list of the top food destinations in the world based on the opinions of travelers from more than 100 countries. If you travel to eat, this is for you! It doesn’t matter if you are a foodie o
Image of The best places to visit in February
Image of The best places to visit in February

The best places to visit in February

April 2024,
When February comes off the calendar, you can’t blame everyone for wanting to go all-in on some of the most exotic travel experiences on offer anywhere in the world. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, steams wit
Image of The 10 most expensive cities in the world
Image of The 10 most expensive cities in the world

The 10 most expensive cities in the world

November 2024,
Money talks, and in these ten cities, it speaks the loudest. So which is the most expensive city in the world? According to the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2023 by Julius Bär, the top ten prici
Image of The 20 happiest cities in the world
Image of The 20 happiest cities in the world

The 20 happiest cities in the world

November 2024,
This is a list of the top 20 happiest cities in the world according the World Happiness Report which is based on data from 160+ countries. The Nordics and Oceania are heavily over-represented, but the
Image of Where to see the Northern Lights: The ultimate guide
Image of Where to see the Northern Lights: The ultimate guide

Where to see the Northern Lights: The ultimate guide

October 2023,
Humbling experience Traveling to see the Northern Lights is worth every mile, every hour on the road or in the air. Imagine standing under the dark sky, surrounded by silence, when suddenly the black
Image of Top places to visit in Cambodia
Image of Top places to visit in Cambodia

Top places to visit in Cambodia

January 2024,
While Cambodia might not be the first destination to spring to mind when considering a Southeast Asian adventure, it certainly holds its own in terms of rich history, cultural heritage, and natural be
Image of The best places to visit in May
Image of The best places to visit in May

The best places to visit in May

April 2024,
May is the month of blooming gardens and frolics in the northern hemisphere, but it also allows travelers to explore new horizons. This is a series of pointers on what to do in May: in Europe, one can
Popular on Humbo right now
Humboâ„¢AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms