Best Attractions in Portland (2025)
Powell's City of Books
Book store · Pearl
An entire city block of new, used, and rare books with author events and staff-curated rooms. Frequently recommended by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel Portland, it remains a living room for Portland readers and visiting writers alike.
Portland Japanese Garden
Garden · Arlington Heights
A masterwork of craftsmanship and calm, with seasonal exhibitions, public tours, and the Umami Café. Highlighted by The New York Times for family-friendly trips; the official schedule confirms robust 2025 programming and member hours.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Cultural landmark · Chinatown
An authentic Suzhou-style scholar’s garden built by artisans, with tea service and festivals that reflect Portland–Suzhou ties. Praised by local critics and garden writers; open daily with clearly posted 2025 hours.
OMSI
Museum · Hosford-Abernathy
Hands-on halls, Kendall Planetarium, and the USS Blueback submarine keep all ages engaged, while OMSI After Dark adds adults-only nights. The museum’s calendar confirms active 2025 exhibits and events.
Portland Art Museum
Art museum · Downtown
A cornerstone of the arts downtown with exhibitions ongoing in 2025 and a transformed campus—featuring the Mark Rothko Pavilion—opening November 20, 2025. Announced by the museum and covered by Axios and Willamette Week.
Hollywood Theatre
Movie theater · Hollywood
A 1926 nonprofit movie palace with 70mm screenings, inventive series, and film festivals. Celebrated by Willamette Week and film writers, its 2025 schedule and restoration milestones underscore a thriving community hub.
Portland Saturday Market
Market · Chinatown
Since 1974, this artist-run market has showcased handmade goods and live music on the riverfront. Recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition and listed by Travel Portland; in 2025 it operates every Saturday, March–December.
Portland Farmers Market at PSU
Farmers' market · Downtown
The city’s flagship farmers market fills the South Park Blocks with peak produce, artisan foods, and chef sightings. Frequently cited by travel editors, it runs year-round on Saturdays with rotating vendors and demos.
Portland Center Stage
Performing arts theater · Pearl
Portland’s leading theater company stages bold new work and classics in a beautifully restored, LEED-Platinum armory. Despite fundraising challenges reported by arts outlets, its 2025–26 season is on sale and active.
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar
Video arcade · Chinatown
An independently owned arcade-bar with pristine pinball, classic cabinets, DJ nights, and tournaments. Frequently praised by local media and guidebooks; its 2025 event calendar confirms late-night buzz.
Pittock Mansion
Local history museum · Hillside
A hilltop historic house museum with sweeping city views and exhibits on early Portland. Featured by local travel guides; the official site lists daily hours and rotating programming throughout 2025.
Westward Whiskey
Restaurant · Buckman
Tour a working single-malt distillery and taste Oregon’s grain-to-glass craft. Highlighted by Travel Oregon and drinks writers, Westward’s 2025 schedule shows ongoing tours, tastings, and classes in SE Portland.