Best Attractions in Portland (2025)

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 on 2025.09.06
12 Places
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A research-backed mix of icons and indie culture—gardens, museums, markets, theaters, and makers—verified open in 2025. Use this list to feel Portland’s spirit in a day or two, or stretch it into a long weekend.

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.

https://www.travelportland.com/attractions/powells/
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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.

https://japanesegarden.org/hours-admission/
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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.

https://www.lansugarden.org/visit/hours-admission/
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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.

https://omsi.edu/visit-omsi/
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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.

https://portlandartmuseum.org/blog/transformed-campus-opening-november-20-2025/

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.

https://hollywoodtheatre.org/about/mission-history/
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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.

https://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/faq
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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.

https://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/our-markets/psu/
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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.

https://www.pcs.org/shows/upcoming
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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.

https://groundkontrol.com/
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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.

https://pittockmansion.org/visit/
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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.

https://help.westwardwhiskey.com/en-US/articles/visiting-westward-23647
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