Start your day with a visit to Powell's City of Books, located in downtown Portland. The largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, Powell's has over 1 million books, and it covers an entire city block. Spend some time browsing the books and grabbing a coffee at the in-store café.
After a leisurely morning, head to Lan Su Chinese Garden, located in the heart of Old Town Chinatown. Designed by Chinese artists and built with traditional techniques and materials, the garden is an oasis of tranquillity in the middle of the city. You can take a guided tour or wander the gardens at your own pace.
Portland is known for its food cart scene, with over 500 carts located throughout the city. Head to one of the many food cart pods, such as Cartopia or Pod 28, and enjoy a lunch of delicious street food. With so many options, you'll be sure to find something to suit your taste buds.
After lunch, head to the International Rose Test Garden, located in Washington Park. The garden has over 10,000 rose bushes of over 650 varieties, and it's free to visit. Stroll the paths and take in the sights and smells of the beautiful roses, or relax on a bench and enjoy the view of Portland and Mount Hood in the distance.
End your day with a visit to the Japanese Garden, located in Washington Park. The garden is a 5.5-acre oasis of tranquillity, featuring a traditional teahouse, meandering streams, and a stunning view of Mount Hood. You can take a guided tour or explore the garden on your own.
Portland is a walkable city, and most of the attractions on this itinerary are within a few miles of each other. If you're not up for walking, you can use public transportation or bike rentals. The TriMet MAX light rail and bus system is a convenient way to get around the city, and it costs $2.50 for a 2.5-hour ticket. Bike rentals are also available at many locations throughout the city.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry or the Portland Art Museum. If you have less time, you can skip the food carts and opt for a quicker lunch at a café or restaurant. Also, be sure to check the weather before your visit, and dress appropriately for rain or shine.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is located 9 miles northeast of downtown Portland. It's a hub for Alaska Airlines and a focus city for Delta Air Lines. The airport has nonstop flights to over 50 domestic and international destinations, including London, Tokyo, and Amsterdam.