13 things to do in Downtown Portland “Keeping it Weird”

Downtown Portland, Oregon is a vibrant and eclectic urban hub that captivates locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, downtown Portland is famous for having a mix of new buildings and historic architecture.

There are also many beautiful parks and open areas and the roads are busy with Portlanders frequenting the local businesses. You can find stylish shops, places to see fantastic art, and my favorite part…delicious food.

Pacific Northwest Hidden Treasure

The Willamette River divides the area into two distinct parts, offering fantastic water views from either bank. The river is an absolute gem for snapping Instagram-worthy photos (or whatever your go-to social media is these days). What adds to the charm is the assortment of beautiful bridges that link both sides, making it a breeze to hop from one to the other.

Downtown Portland is all about being eco-friendly, super walkable, and having great public transportation. This really shows how the city mixes urban vibes with nature. Both locals and visitors absolutely love the setup of Downtown Portland. Check out the awesome downtown Portland itinerary I’ve put together for you. You’re gonna have a blast!

Here are 13 things to do in downtown Portland

1. Pioneer Courthouse Square

Pioneer Courthouse Square is the central hangout spot and one of the best things to do in downtown Portland. It’s often called “Portland’s Living Room” because it’s where people come together for various events, including concerts of all genres, art festivals, and even food trucks.

It gets its name from The Pioneer Courthouse, which has been next door since 1875.

The square has benches to enjoy the views, incredible art to admire, and plants that fill the air with a lovely aroma. They offer events all year long here, but the best time to check out the square is in the summertime. You can check out the full schedule here.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Pricing

Varies By Event

Business Hours

Varies By Event

2. Portland Oregon White Stag Sign

The White Stag sign in downtown Portland is a famous landmark that adds a touch of whimsy and history to the city’s skyline. This iconic sign, featuring a leaping white stag against a red background, symbolizes Portland’s character and charm. Perched atop the historic White Stag Building, the sign has a rich history dating back to the early 1940s when it served as a beacon for the White Stag Sportswear company.

Today, it is a beloved piece of nostalgia, illuminating the cityscape during the evening hours and reminding residents and visitors of the city’s unique heritage and creative spirit. If you’re lucky to visit during Christmas, the stag’s nose lights up in red, imitating Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. If you’re an avid photo taker or just want a cool keepsake to help you remember your trip, this is a top-notch photo op.

Pro Tip: You can get great pictures from the Burnside Bridge!

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

70 N.W. Couch St, Portland, OR 97209

Pricing

Free

Business Hours

24 Hours (public space) If you go at night, it’s better to go in a group. It’s not precisely unsafe, but you do need to be cautious.

3. Keep Portland Weird Sign

The “Keep Portland Weird” sign in downtown Portland is a famous symbol showing the city’s unique and strange personality. It’s a saying that encourages people to be themselves and not worry about fitting in. You’ll see this saying on different stores and places throughout the city. But the most iconic is the one on the back of Dante’s Sinferno Cabernet.

The sign captures the essence of Portland’s vibrant arts scene, street culture, and free-spirited attitude, encouraging residents and visitors to express themselves without hesitation. Terry Currier pioneered the slogan, or as locals call him, “the father of Portland’s weird movement.” You can find this quirky sign in old town off Burnside Street across from Voodoo Doughnuts.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

350 W Burnside St. Portland, OR 97209

Pricing

Free

Business Hours

24 Hours (public space) If you go at night, it’s better to go in a group. It’s not exactly unsafe, but you need to be cautious.

4. Lan Su Chinese Garden

The Lan Su Chinese Garden is a peaceful getaway in downtown Portland. This traditional Chinese garden has beautiful plants, fancy structures, and calming water. The name Lan Su translates to the “Garden of Awakening Orchids.” The garden reflects the deep connection between Portland and its sister city, Suzhou, in China, showcasing authentic Chinese gardening techniques, plants, and artistry. The garden teaches us about Chinese gardening and art. You can walk around, have tea ceremonies, and enjoy the pretty surroundings.

If you are a local or plan to visit frequently, they have a yearly membership save you some money. Besides the beautiful garden, you also get access to tons of programs such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, brush painting, calligraphy, and Chinese language activities.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209

Pricing

Free — Members

$14.00 — Adult (age 19-61)

$13.00 — Senior (age 62 & over) / Student (18+ with I.D.)

$11.00 — Youth (age 6-18)

Free — Child (5 and under)

Business Hours

Open Daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

5. Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum in downtown Portland offers many different art exhibits. You can find paintings, sculptures, old and new stuff all in one museum. When I visited the Portland Art Museum, they offered the Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio exhibit. Being a movie buff, I really enjoyed seeing the movie’s many set pieces and drawings.

Outside this exhibit, the museum showcased various art styles, everything from local Oregon pieces and other American art to Asian and African art.

The best part is that admission for all children under 17 is free! Making this an easy win for things to do in downtown Portland.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Pricing

Adults: $25

Seniors (62 – up): $22

College students (18 – up, with student I.D.): $22

Adult group visit (12 or more): $22

Museum members: Free

Children (17 – younger): Free

School group visit (by reservation): Free

Business Hours

Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

6. Portland Japanese Garden

For over 50 years, the Japanese Garden in Washington Park has been a calm and tranquil place that transports you to Japan. It’s a great spot to see peaceful, Japanese-style gardens without leaving the city. The park has lots of lovely plants, quiet water areas, and buildings that look like they were plucked straight out of Tokyo. You can stroll around, look at the ponds, and even try out Japanese tea ceremonies and learn about their unique way of making tea.

At a whopping 12 acres, the garden is huge. It offers eight kinds of garden styles, including a strolling pond, tea garden, and sand and stone garden. The location also allows excellent views of Mt. Hood. If you’re looking for a more extended trip or stroll, this is your place. I’d recommend visiting the Portland Japanese Garden over the Lan Su Chinese Garden that I mentioned before.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Pricing

Adult: $21.95

Senior (65+): $18.95

Student (with I.D.): $17.95

Youth (6-17): $15.95

Child (5 and under): Free

Members: Free

Business Hours

Wednesday-Monday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

7. Oregon Maritime Museum

The Oregon Maritime Museum in downtown Portland is an exciting place that dives into maritime history. This museum will take you back to a time when ships ruled the seas. This museum is about boats, ships, and everything related to the water. Here, you can explore authentic old-timey boats and see how people used to sail and work on them.

It’s a chance to learn about the vital role that the sea played in shaping Oregon’s history and economy.

Curious about ships and the stories they carry? In that case, the Oregon Maritime Museum is where you can discover the fascinating tales of the ocean and the people who navigated it.

The museum is located near the waterfront park and is only open on Fridays and Saturdays.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

198 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

Pricing

Adults $7.00

Senior (62 & older) $5.00

Students (13 – 18 w/id) $4.00

Youth (ages 6 – 12) $3.00

Child (under 6) FREE

Active Military (w/id) FREE

Business Hours

Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

8. Shanghai Tunnels

The Shanghai Tunnels in downtown Portland hold a mysterious and intriguing history beneath the city streets. Follow these secret pathways that go way back in time. Long ago, some people used these tunnels for crime, like tricking sailors and forcing them onto ships against their will. It’s a reminder of a darker side of the city’s past.

Sitting below old-town pizza and brewing, these tunnels are spooky and full of stories from a different era. Some even say the tunnels are haunted and are frequently visited by a ghost named Nina. Exploring the Shanghai Tunnels gives you a glimpse into a hidden chapter of Portland’s history. If you’re into old historical places or ghost stories, this is a fun time.

Need a little liquid courage to visit the haunted tunnels? No problem! The tour also includes a beer tasting.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

226 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209

Pricing

Adults 21+ $35

Children 20 and under $30

Business Hours

Wednesday – Sunday 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

9. Portland Saturday Market

The Portland Saturday Market in downtown Portland is a vibrant place where creativity comes to life. Every Saturday, it’s a huge fair filled with exciting things to see and buy. Artists, craftspeople, and makers from the area gather to show off their handmade creations. Jewelry, art, clothes — you name it, they’ve got it!

As someone who thoroughly enjoys art, it’s great to see the imagination and talent of the local artists at these markets. It’s a great place to pick up a cool souvenir to take home. I enjoy meeting the people who create these cool items.

They also have delicious food carts and live music performances, adding to the market’s atmosphere. The Portland Saturday Market is a great way to spend a weekend and support local artists.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

2 SW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97204

Pricing

Free.

Business Hours

Saturdays March – December 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

10. Tom McCall Waterfront Park Trail

The Waterfront Park Trail in downtown Portland offers a scenic escape along the beautiful Willamette River. This peaceful pathway runs alongside the water, allowing you to enjoy nature in the heart of the city. Walking, biking, or jogging along this trail is a refreshing way to unwind. Plus, there are tons of benches and areas to rest so you can enjoy the views.

There are lush trees and open spaces, and you can even catch a glimpse of some of Portland’s iconic bridges. The trail is a popular spot for locals and visitors love it. In fact, based on its location, it reminds me a lot of Central Park in New York City. Whether you’re looking for a stroll or a place to exercise, the Waterfront Park Trail is a cool spot that lets you experience Portland’s natural beauty without venturing far from downtown.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97204

Pricing

Free.

Business Hours

Monday-Sunday 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

11. Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo, located in downtown Portland, is a captivating place settled on 64 acres of forest where you can get up close to animals from around the world. This zoo is home to a diverse mix of 165 species of animals, from elephants and lions to penguins and red pandas. I have little expectation for zoos; living in southern California, the San Diego Zoo tends to be recognized as the crown jewel for zoos. But overall, I had a fun time. I love seeing animals, and it was relatively easy. Whether traveling alone or with family, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Oregon Zoo.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221

Pricing

Adult (12 and up): $24

Child (2–11): $19

Infant (under 2): Free

Business Hours

Monday-Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

12. International rose test garden

The International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park is a stunning haven where over 10,000 roses bloom in a dazzling array of colors. It’s a magical place where you can see roses from all around the world. Its primary purpose was a testing ground for new roses dating to pre-World War 1. The rose garden is now where experts test and display different types of roses to see how well they grow in the local climate. Walking through the garden feels like stepping into a fragrant paradise, with rows upon rows of roses in full bloom.

It’s a feast for the eyes and the senses, as the air is filled with the sweet scent of flowers. Whether you’re a rose enthusiast or just seeking a peaceful and beautiful escape, the International Rose Test Garden is a must-visit destination showcasing these iconic flowers’ exquisite beauty.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Pricing

Free.

Business Hours

Monday-Sunday 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

13. Voodoo doughnuts

Good things come in pink boxes! This Portland icon doughnut shop offers funky doughnuts and good vibes. There are several locations in the Portland area, but I decided to visit the original on 3rd Avenue. Voodoo Doughnuts has a wide selection of creative yet delicious doughnuts that are good at any time of the day. My favorites are the “Grape Ape” and a classic Portland creme. Whether you’re looking for breakfast or a late-night snack, you can’t go wrong with Voodoo Doughnuts.

Location, Pricing, and Business Hours

Location

22 S.W. 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Pricing

Doughnuts start at $1.00

Business Hours

Monday-Sunday 24 hours

Honorable Mentions

Oregon historical society, Oregon Museum, Arlene Schnitzer concert hall

Things to do in Downtown Portland FAQ

Q: Is downtown Portland safe?

A: Generally, Portland is safe. Yes, there are homeless, but you will essentially deal with this in any major city. To be safe, though, if you go out at night, it is best to drive (or take a rideshare) rather than walking. As a traveler, it’s always best to just be aware of your surroundings.

Q: What is the best way to get around downtown Portland?

A: As mentioned above, I recommend getting around by car at night. During the day, though, you can rent many options, such as bikes and electric scooters. They also have excellent public transportation, including buses and street cars. You can also walk if you are up for it!

Q: When is the best time to visit Portland?

A: Unless your a fan of the rain and cold, I recommend visiting Portland from May to October. This is when the weather tends to be the best, and most outdoor events or activities are usually happening.