56 Quirky And Fun Things to do in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon has become famous for its unique culture and great food. I moved to Oregon in 1989, and things have changed a lot since then, but Portland’s core atmosphere has remained the same. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or have lived here for as long as I have, there are a never-ending amount things to do in Portland. Here are 56 ideas to get you started, from must-see tourist destinations to lesser-known local hotspots:

56 things to do in Portland

1. Get a famous doughnut from the delicious Voodoo Doughnut!
2. While you’re eating your doughnut, snap a photo of the “Keep Portland Weird” mural on the Dante’s building across the street.
3. Let out your inner rock star and perform karaoke backed by a live band with “Karaoke From Hell” every Monday at Dante’s.
4. If all that singing worked up an appetite, grab a bite after karaoke at one of the food trucks on SW 4th avenue.
5. Catch a concert at the Roselandor Star Theater.
6. Explore Old Town Chinatown.
7. Pay a visit to Lan Su Chinese Garden.
8. Shop ’til you drop at Lloyd Center Mall.
9. Have a drink at Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House.
10. Visit Cathedral Parkfor gorgeous photo opportunities of the St. Johns Bridge.
11. Pick up a literary treasure at Powell’s City of Books, the largest bookstore in the world.
12. Have a slice of pie at Pacific Pie Company.
13. Look at the Portlandia statue above the Portland Building.
14. Do some shopping at the Portland Saturday Market.
15. Take a photo of the carpet at Portland International Airport. (Then ask a local what they think about the new design!)
16. Go to Tom McCall Waterfront Parkand walk along the Willamette River.
17. Learn about the Shanghai Tunnelsby taking the Portland Underground Tour.
18. Sit on the bricks at at Pioneer Courthouse Squareand snap a selfie!
19. While you’re at the Square, drop in to the Visitor Information Center and Travel Portland to get information, recommendations, maps and travel guides.
20. Local TV channel KGW has a “Studio on the Square” where it broadcasts its newscasts from Pioneer Courthouse Square at 12PM, 4PM and 7PM, so keep your eyes peeled for reporters – you might just be able to wave to the camera and see yourself on TV!
21. Have brunch at Por Que No?.
22. Take the Big Pink Sightseeing Trolley Tour.
23. Visit the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Halland snap a photo of the iconic “Portland” sign outside.
24. Make a wish at the Skidmore Fountain.
25. Also, keep an eye out for street performers around Skidmore Fountain on weekends!
26. Enjoy a Rogue Aleat one of their Meeting Halls.
27. If you’re a fan of the TV show Grimm, you can explore some of the show’s filming locations.
28. Take a photo of the White Stag sign.
29. Grab an ice cream at Salt & Straw.
30. Have some nostalgic fun by playing old school games like Frogger and Pac-Man at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade– it also has a full-service bar and food!
31. Don your best 1980s outfit and go dancing with 80s Video Dance Attack! Bust a move to your favorite retro music videos, broadcast on 10 foot screens with an accompanying light show.
32. Visit the Portland Art Museum.
33. Check out one of the many McMenaminsestablishments in Portland and take a brewery tour, grab a pint at one of Portland’s oldest bars, take an Edgefield walking tour, or stay the night at The Crystal Hotel.
34. Take a peaceful walk through the stunning Portland Japanese Garden.
35. Ride the MAX Light Rail– it’s a great way to get around.
36. Pay a visit to Forest Park.
37. Sip on some Burnside Bourbon at Eastside Distilling.
38. Book a night at The Heathman Hotel, which was famously featured in 50 Shades of Grey.
39. Take a “Secrets of Portlandia”walking tour and see some of the spots where the IFC show films.
40. Show your team pride and pick up Oregon Ducks merchandise at one of their Portland stores.
41. Grab a cup of Stumptown Coffee.
42. Take a train from historic Union Station, built in 1893 – or just grab a bite to eat at Wilfs Restaurant & Bar, located at the station.
43. Experience the Portland Rose Festival.
44. Pay a visit to OMSI.
45. Take a walk through the Oregon Zooand watch one of their Summer concerts.
46. Watch a movie at Laurelhurst Theater & Pub.
47. See what events are happening at the Oregon Convention Center.
48. Have a picnic at Sellwood Park.
49. View the Pod sculpture.
50. Want to go for a bike ride? Head to the People’s Bike Library of Portlandon Sunday nights and borrow a bike from the “Zoobomb Pyle” – or just take a picture of the sculpture!
51. Brunch is the most important meal of the day in Portland, so consider brunching at Milk Glass Mrkt, a cozy spot whose food has earned recommendations by both locals and Bon Appetit Magazine.
52. Visit Excalibur Comics, the oldest comic store in Portland.
53. Play glow-in-the-dark pirate-themed mini golf at Glowing Greens!
54. Shop for vintage clothes at Xtabay.
55. Get a Smaaken waffle sandwich at one of their food carts.
56. Visit Purringtons Cat Lounge, a “Cat cafe” that offers visits with kitties, drinks & small plates, and even a cat yoga class.