3-Day Portland City Experience

  • Day 1: Pearl District and Downtown
    15 minutes (1.5 miles) from Portland International Airport

    Start your Portland adventure with a visit to Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. Next, explore the beautiful Pearl District and enjoy coffee at Barista or pastry at Blue Star Donuts. For lunch, visit Grassa pasta for delicious handmade pasta, and then head to Portland Art Museum to see their incredible collection. End the day strolling in Pioneer Courthouse Square, nicknamed Portland's "living room".

  • Day 2: Alberta Arts District and Hawthorne Boulevard
    25 minutes (3.2 miles) from Downtown Portland

    Start your day at the Alberta Arts District where you'll find unique art galleries, shops, and eateries. Check out Tin Shed Garden Cafe for their famous breakfast and The Observatory for creative cocktails. Stop by the Portland Farmer's Market for local produce and handmade crafts. Next, head to Hawthorne Boulevard for vintage shopping and independent stores, with a mandatory stop at Voodoo Doughnuts. End the day with fresh seafood at Portland City Grill for stunning views of the city at night.

  • Day 3: Portland Bridges and Waterfront
    20 minutes (2.5 miles) from Hawthorne Boulevard

    Start your day by exploring the unique architecture of St. John's Bridge, followed by a scenic drive along the Waterfront. Stop by Lan Su Chinese Garden for a serene experience and Pine Street Market for lunch. For the perfect end to your trip, take a cruise along the Willamette River and enjoy the mesmerizing views of Portland's bridges.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Powell's City of Books (1-2 hours, free)
  • Barista (30 minutes, $3-5)
  • Blue Star Donuts (30 minutes, $2-4)
  • Grassa pasta (1 hour, $10-20)
  • Portland Art Museum (2 hours, $20)
  • Pioneer Courthouse Square (1-2 hours, free)
  • Tin Shed Garden Cafe (1 hour, $10-20)
  • The Observatory (1 hour, $10-20)
  • Portland Farmer's Market (1 hour, free)
  • Hawthorne Boulevard shopping (2-3 hours, varies)
  • Voodoo Doughnuts (30 minutes, $2-5)
  • Portland City Grill (1-2 hours, $40-60)
  • St. John's Bridge (30 minutes, free)
  • Lan Su Chinese Garden (1-2 hours, $10-15)
  • Pine Street Market (1-2 hours, $10-20)
  • Willamette River Cruise (2 hours, $30-50)
  • Total estimated costs: $148-237

Transportation

Portland is a very walkable city, and its downtown core is easy to navigate on foot. Renting a bike or taking public transportation are also great options, with a day pass for the transit system starting at $5. Uber and Lyft services are available for additional transportation options, with fares ranging from $10-20 for short distances.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the International Rose Test Garden or taking a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge. If you have less time, consider combining Days 1 and 2 for a more condensed experience of Portland's highlights.

Airports

Portland International Airport (PDX) is located roughly 15 minutes from Downtown Portland. It services major airlines such as American, Delta, and Southwest and has several dining and shopping options for travelers. Parking at the airport ranges from $10-30 per day, and several shuttle services and taxis are available for transportation to and from the city center.

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