Things to do in Portland | The Official Guide (2024)

FAQs

What is the hippest neighborhood in Portland? ›

Q: What is the coolest neighborhood in Portland? A: Nob Hill is the coolest Portland neighborhood on the west side of the river, thanks to its many trendy boutique shops, great restaurants and bars, and walkability. On the east side of the river, SE Hawthorne is generally considered the coolest or hip part of town.

In our classic quirky fashion, Portland's six main geographical sections (North, Northeast, Northwest, South, Southeast and Southwest) are referred to by residents as the city's “quadrants.” The city is divided into north and south by Burnside Street and into east and west by the Willamette River.

The Pearl District is the number one most walkable neighborhood in the city. Most residents don't need a car for day to day errands, and the densely populated area is full of crosswalks and stoplights.

You can see many of Portland's most popular attractions in two to three days if you stay in or near downtown. If you'd like to visit Mount Hood, hike in the Columbia Gorge, visit the Oregon Coast, or see how locals live by spending time in one of Portland's many neighborhoods, we recommend at least five days.

The most dangerous neighborhood in Portland is Sunderland. Located near Columbia Boulevard and Portland International Airport, Sunderland has more than its fair share of criminal incidents. With a population of just 760, the neighborhood's total crime rate is 259% above the national average.

RELATED PRACTICE: REDLINING The federal government's practice of redlining was used in Portland in the 1930s as a tool to reinforce racial segregation by restricting federal lending and private lending.

Currently there are hundreds of unsanctioned camps spread out across virtually every neighborhood of our city, over a massive 146 square mile area. The City of Portland evaluated an average of 115 locations per day for violations of safety and sanitary conditions.

If you're searching for Portland's best-known attributes — hip, artsy, quirky, foody — you may find yourself in Southeast Portland. It's home to some of the city's liveliest neighborhoods and popular areas for eating and imbibing, like the Hawthorne District, East Burnside Street and the Jade District.

Is Portland, Oregon, safe to visit? Portland is a safe place to visit, and crime rates are improving. In its most recent Violent Crime Survey, the Major Cities Chiefs Association found that total reports in the U.S. dropped about 2.6% in 2023 compared to 2022.

What is a good month to visit Portland? ›

The peak season runs from late-June to late-August when you can expect thicker crowds and higher accommodations rates. It's best to book a few months ahead if you plan to visit Portland around this time of the year. The best times to visit Portland are April–June and September–October.

This Portland to Seattle road trip is scenic and will take you past several beach towns, national parks and botanical gardens. And if you're into arts and culture you will find many places to stop along the way.

The Soul District: The Heart of the Black Community

The historic heart of Portland's Black community is the “Soul District” of inner North and Northeast Portland, deemed the “Soul of Portland” in the 1990s as much because of its courage to sustain as for its cultural vibrancy.