Things to do in Portland

Activities, attractions and tours

Steel Bridge which includes a bridge and a river or creek
Alphabet Historic District which includes street scenes as well as a small group of people
Hawthorne Bridge which includes a city, night scenes and a bridge
Portland featuring landscape views, views and mountains
Portland Japanese Garden which includes a park and forests
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Top places to visit

1. Moda Center

Watch top sporting action, family shows and concerts by national and international artists at the Moda Center, a multi-purpose arena with a capacity for nearly 20,000 spectators. This popular venue is used for ice shows, rodeos, hockey games, conventions and more. The arena is also the home of the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team and the Portland Winterhawks, a junior ice hockey team.
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Moda Center showing modern architecture

2. Oregon Zoo

In Washington Park, located in the West Hills not too far from Portland, visitors will find a 26-hectare zoo housing animals of all shapes and sizes. It is home to more than 1,955 animals, including 22 endangered species and 37 threatened species. It is the perfect way to spend a rainy day around Portland, as most of the exhibits offer shelter of some sort.
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The California Condor was a common sight along the Columbia River in Lewis and Clark's day. By the early 1980's, there were only twenty-two left on the face of the planet, all in California. Today, thanks to a massive effort to re-populate the species via in-captivity pairing, there are some two-hundred members. But their recovery is far from assured. The Oregon Zoo has undertaken its own recovery effort whose ultimate goal is the re-introduction of the species into the protected wilderness area around the Columbia River Gorge. In short, to bring them home. For now, they live out their days in a vast, outdoor aviary designed specifically to mimic their habitat in the wild. If you have never seen one up close before, I urge you to come take a look. They are larger than any flying bird you will ever see, unless you go to Peru. And though black and white practically from head to toe, their plumage shines and reflects the light like dark, polished metal. If that doesn't suit your fancy, I will tell you that, as with all big birds, if you wait around long enough, they will do something so awe-inspiring that it will take your breath away, and something so goofy that you will laugh out loud. Either way, you won't be bored for a second. http://www.oregonzoo.org/discover/new-zoo/condors-columbia

3. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Locals and tourists alike are drawn to Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Stroll along the Willamette River in a serene green space just minutes away from busy downtown Portland. Natives call it simply Waterfront Park, and many of the Rose Festival events take place here. The wide, tree-lined paths burst with colour and flank a well-manicured walkway that cyclists, joggers, and dog walkers all enjoy all year round.
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Tom McCall Waterfront Park which includes a river or creek, bird life and a garden

4. Powell's City of Books

People around the world have heard of Powell’s City of Books in downtown Portland. Initially established in 1971, the store now covers a city block and may be the world’s largest new and used bookstore, with a million volumes. Come to purchase a specific book, wander through its many sections or meet a visiting author.
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Powell\'s City of Books which includes interior views

5. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a scientific, educational, and cultural resource centre dedicated to improving the public's understanding of science and technology. The museum is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Set aside a few hours so you have adequate time to discover all that the OMSI has to offer.
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Exploration of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon

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What to do in Portland

Popular places to visit

Moda Center

Moda Center

See sporting teams do battle and rock out to musical legends at one of Portland’s major venues for sports and big-ticket entertainment events.

Moda Center
Aerial View of Portland Cityscape with Solar Panels and Highway

Oregon Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Oregon Convention Center during your trip to Portland. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Oregon Convention Center
Oregon Zoo featuring zoo animals and landscape views as well as a large group of people

Oregon Zoo

View native creatures and endangered species during every month of the year at one of the oldest zoos in the United States.

Oregon Zoo
PSU Plaza in Downtown Portland, OR

Portland State University

Walk around the campus at Portland State University during your stay in Portland. Discover the acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area or seek out the cycling trails.

Portland State University
Tom McCall Waterfront Park which includes a river or creek, bird life and a garden

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Whether you want to relax and soak up some beauty or enjoy one of Portland's many festivals, spare at least one afternoon to enjoy this wonderful waterfront park.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Powell\'s City of Books which includes interior views

Powell's City of Books

Perfect for a rainy-day visit, this famous bookstore is a wonderful spot to visit any day. Browse for hours amid its 1 million books.

Powell's City of Books
Winter sunrise from the OHSU observation deck in Portland, OR #sunrise #portlandoregon #pnw #cellphoneography #samsunggalaxys8plus #mthood

Oregon Health and Science University

Walk around the campus at Oregon Health and Science University during your stay in Portland. Discover the area's shops or seek out its cycling trails.

Oregon Health and Science University
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry showing signage and skyline

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Unique interactive exhibits will have all members of the family playing scientist or engineer while learning about how our world works.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Portland Expo Center

Learn about the events happening in Portland Expo Center during your trip to Portland. Discover the area's shops or seek out its cycling trails.

Portland Expo Center

Areas of Portland

Downtown Portland which includes a bay or harbour, picnicking and boating

Downtown Portland

4/5(42 area reviews)

Find it all—food, shopping, events, and nature—right in the heart of the city.

Downtown Portland
The Portland skyline on a crisp clear winter night. The Eastbank Esplanade is an ideal stroll the see this beautiful city at any hour of the day. #Oregon #Portland #skyline #night #Eastbankesplanade

Northeast Portland

While you're in Northeast Portland, take in top sights like Colwood National Golf Course or The Grotto, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center or NE 82nd Avenue Station.

Northeast Portland
H2FWK3 USA, Oregon, Portland, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Rhododendrons bloom near waterfall and Crystal Springs Lake.. Image shot 2016. Exact date unknown.

Southeast Portland

Travellers choose Southeast Portland for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at SE Powell Boulevard Station or SE Holgate Boulevard Station and check out top sights like Mall 205.

Southeast Portland
Pearl District which includes outdoor art

Pearl District

4/5(4 area reviews)

Stay in a hotel here as a base to enjoy this fascinating neighborhood’s offerings, from morning coffee to late-night arts.

Pearl District
Sunrise from the upper tram terminal at Oregon Health Science University. Timing is everything in photography. I have waited a year to get the right timing and weather for this shot. For those fortunate enough to ride the tram daily this is a common sight. Mount Hood in the background.

Southwest Portland

Southwest Portland is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Sellwood Bridge and Portland Aerial Tram. See more of Portland by jumping on the metro at Bancroft St Stop or S Lowell & Bond Stop.

Southwest Portland
sunny morning on the Portland skyline

Buckman

If you're spending time in Buckman, check out sights like Grand Central or Belmont and hop on the metro to see more of the city at SE Grand & Belmont Stop or SE Grand & Stark Stop.

Buckman

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Commonwealth Lake Park

Beaverton

Aerial view of lush green farmland and rolling hills under a clear sky with scattered clouds, Hillsboro, Oregon, United States.

Hillsboro

Kayaking down the tualatin river. Simple float not much current, easy for first timers and can do an out and back as short or as long as you want. #tualatin #kayak

Tualatin

Hazy Vineyard Sunset

Aloha

Happy Valley Residential Area in Fall Panorama

Happy Valley

Frequently asked questions

Is Portland worth visiting?
Famous for its distilleries and craft breweries and cycling, discovering fun things to do in Portland is easy. Be sure to add Oregon Zoo to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Portland?
Oregon Zoo and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry are two great places to start your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Portland while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portland?
Oregon Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Portland and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Portland?
You can easily visit top attractions like Oregon Zoo, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and Keller Auditorium with a three-day getaway in Portland. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Vancouver.
Is Portland a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Portland is a good place to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Oregon Zoo and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Then take a stroll around Downtown Portland, located 0.16 kilometres from downtown, and Lloyd District, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Portland with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Portland with kids.

What to do in Portland for adults?
Oswego Hills Vineyard and Winery and Rogue Distillery and Public House are just two of the things to do in Portland. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Portland?
From enjoying parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Portland. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Lindbergh's Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.