Start your Portland adventure by exploring Downtown Portland. This bustling area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and landmarks. Don't miss the Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as the "living room of Portland," which hosts events year-round. Check out Powell's City of Books, one of the world's largest independent bookstores, the Portland Art Museum, or the famous Voodoo Doughnut shop, known for its quirky and delicious doughnuts.
No visit to Portland would be complete without a trip to Multnomah Falls. This stunning waterfall stands at 620 feet tall and is surrounded by beautiful greenery. Take the short hike to the Benson Bridge for a breathtaking view of the falls. On your way back to Portland, stop by the Columbia River Gorge for another glimpse of the natural beauty of Oregon.
The Pearl District is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and some of Portland's best restaurants. Start your day with a pastry from Ken's Artisan Bakery, then wander the area's galleries before stopping in at a brew pub like Deschutes Brewery and Public House. After lunch, head to Washington Park to explore the lush greenery and variety of gardens, including the International Rose Test Garden and the Japanese Garden.
No trip to Portland would be complete without experiencing its famous food scene. Start the morning with a stop at Blue Star Donuts for some gourmet doughnuts. Take a walk to NW 23rd Avenue, where the street is lined with restaurants and bars - try the beers at McMenamins Blue Moon Tavern & Grill or indulge in some Italian at Piazza Italia. In the evening head to the eclectic Hawthorne District to visit hot spots like the Apex Bar for craft beer or the famous Screen Door for soul food before calling it a night.
Portland has an excellent public transportation network with buses, light rail, and streetcar lines operated by TriMet. A one-way ticket costs $2.50, while a day pass is $5. If you plan on visiting places outside city limits, it may be worth renting a car. Local car rental companies offer daily rentals from $30-$40.
If you have more time, check out some of Portland's famous breweries and coffee shops, like Stumptown Coffee Roasters or Barista. Portland's food scene is always changing, so check out Eater Portland for the latest restaurant recommendations. If you have less time, cut down on the number of neighborhoods you visit, or combine days two and three to include Washington Park and Multnomah Falls.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is located approximately 7 miles northeast of Downtown Portland. It is the largest airport in Oregon and is served by major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.