The 17 best things to do in Portland right now

What is it? A network of scenic bike paths around the city.

Why go? There are plenty of ways to see Portland, but the arguable best is via bicycle. Whether you travel to the city with your own bike in tow, rent an e-bike or join a bike tour, (Pedal Bike Tours and Portland Bicycle Tours are two great options) you’ll see Portland at the perfect pace. Follow the Eastbank Esplanade bike path south, which runs parallel to the Willamette River, and eventually turns into the Springwater Corridor, ending in Southeast’s Sellwood neighborhood. Another option is biking up Willamette Boulevard to the charming St. Johns neighborhood, at the far north end of the city.

Don’t miss: If you do find yourself in St. Johns, grab tacos at Tienda Santa Cruz and enjoy them in Cathedral Park, under the beautiful turquoise St. Johns Bridge. In Sellwood, try a classic like Kay’s Bar (open since 1934!) or Bertie Lou’s diner. 

What is it? The Pacific Northwest’s oldest art museum, founded in 1892.

Why go? With more than 45,000 works on display—contemporary, modern and ancient—there is enough to keep you busy for an entire day. Peep some stunning Native American art and one of the world’s most robust collections of English silver. Its two buildings in Portland’s cultural district are connected via a subterranean gallery, with a sculpture garden to explore outdoors.

Don’t miss: The towering Roy Lichtenstein outdoor painted sculpture, Brushstrokes. While you’re in the neighborhood, the homegoods, design and toiletry shop Canoe is worth a browse. 

What is it? Though likely recommended on every guide to Portland out there (alongside touristy staples like Voodoo Doughnut and Multnomah Whiskey Library), Powell’s stands out for being truly worth a visit. The largest independent bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books is home to more than a million new, used and rare books.

Why go? The staff does a brilliant job curating recommendations for all kinds of readers, often with personalized, hand-written suggestions along the shelves. 

Don’t miss: The Rare Book Room has many special finds and signed volumes if you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift, or enjoy a cup of coffee from in-store coffee shop Guilder. If you need a quick bite while downtown, I love the adorable French bistro Maurice for lunch, as well as browsing one of the city’s best high-end clothing stores, Frances May, nearby.

What is it? One of only six test gardens for the American Rose Society and the oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States.

Why go? It’s a perfect place to wander, snap some photos and enjoy a staggering range of colors, varieties and scents. More than 10,000 rose bushes bloom here with around 650 varieties of roses

Don’t miss: Peak bloom, which is usually in June, though you can enjoy roses from April to October.

What is it? The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Why go? OMSI has to be one of the coolest educational facilities on the planet. With rotating exhibits, a planetarium and a multitude of events like OMSI After Dark and Community Science Nights, OMSI offers fun, engaging activities for everyone, regardless of age. 

Don’t miss: The museum sits right on the Willamette, offering beautiful views of the river and Portland’s city center.

What is it? Portland has a wide range of performing arts options, from the wonderful Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (a.k.a. the “Schnitz”) to the Oregon Ballet Theater. But the most dramatic setting is undoubtedly the Gerding Theater in the city’s old armory. 

Why go? On the National Register of Historic Places, the building has attracted lavish praise from the architectural world for its intelligent renovation. The reviews are equally glowing for the theater’s resident company, Portland Center Stage.

Don’t miss: Check their events and show calendar pages on their website for info about upcoming shows, classes, live music, BIPOC nights and art exhibits.

What is it? An iconic 113,500-square-foot brick school on Stark Street that was extensively renovated before starting a new life as a music venue in 2015. 

Why go? Revolution Hall hosts shows from local legends like Ural Thomas and now-Portland-based Modest Mouse, touring bands like Dawes and the Magnetic Fields, live podcast recordings and comedy nights. 

Don’t miss: The building features multiple bars and restaurants to visit before or after a show—the rooftop bar and its outstanding city views shouldn’t be missed. 

What is it? A French Renaissance–style mansion-turned-city-owned museum perched high in the West Hills, originally built for The Oregonian’s wealthy publisher, Henry Pittock, in 1909.

Why go? The museum tells the story of Portland’s growth over the last century through the eyes (and belongings) of the prominent Pittock family. At more than 1,000 feet above sea level, the mansion also commands some of the finest views over the city, making its lawns a popular picnic spot. 

Don’t miss: Grab some local produce, Cowbell Creamery cheese (their inner Southeast store houses my favorite selection) and a baguette (Little T, Cafe Olli and Tabor Bread are a few bakery highlights) to enjoy on the lawn.

What is it? At a whopping 5,200 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest forested natural areas within city limits in the entire United States—and a mere 10-minute drive from downtown, with multiple entry points.

Why go? Situated among the Tualatin Mountains, the verdant idyll boasts 80 miles of accessible trails and beautiful views of the Willamette River—no wonder the reserve is a haven for hikers and wildlife alike. Take a slow stroll or gear up for a trail run and enjoy the seemingly never-ending woods.

Don’t miss: If you find yourself craving a chai or sweet treat after, swing into the cozy Dragonfly Coffee House. Want lunch? I’d recommend Top Burmese on Northwest 21st Avenue.

What is it? A year-round farmer’s market on Portland State University’s campus, and an absolute Saturday morning must-do (our preference over the popular Portland Saturday Market). 

Why go? The market is filled to the brim, particularly in the summer months, with the best produce you can find (think Mt. Hood strawberries in June, crisp Kiyokawa Farm apples in September and sungold tomatoes all summer long). For some of the best pastries in Portland, visit Maxines and order the focaccia adorned with seasonal herbs and veggies. Native Candy is another staple, known for their expertly made smoked salmon. 

Don’t miss: If you need a morning meal, try Black Girl Veggies’ vegan fried chicken or an Enchanted Sun breakfast burrito (I always order extra salsa verde).