Discover the charm and culture of Oregon’s largest city

Why visit Portland?

Portland is a vibrant and diverse city that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for art, music, food, nature, or history, you will find it in Portland. Portland is known as the City of Roses, because of its many rose gardens and festivals. It is also called the City of Bridges, because of its 12 bridges that span the Willamette River. Portland is a green and eco-friendly city, with many parks, bike lanes, and public transportation options. Portland is also a hub of creativity and innovation, with a thriving tech scene, a rich literary heritage, and a quirky and independent spirit.

What to do in Portland?

Portland has a lot of attractions and activities to suit any taste and budget. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Explore the downtown area, where you can see the iconic Portlandia statue, the largest copper repoussé sculpture in the US, visit the Portland Art Museum, the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, or shop at the famous Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world.
• Enjoy the natural beauty of Portland, by visiting one of its many parks and gardens, such as the International Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Lan Su Chinese Garden, or the Forest Park, the largest urban forest in the US. You can also take a scenic drive along the Columbia River Gorge, where you can see the stunning Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon.
• Taste the culinary delights of Portland, by sampling its diverse and delicious food scene. You can find everything from farm-to-table restaurants, to food carts, to craft breweries, to coffee roasters, to donut shops, in Portland. Some of the local specialties include the Voodoo Doughnut, the Portlandia chocolate bar, the Stumptown coffee, and the Salt & Straw ice cream.
• Experience the culture and entertainment of Portland, by catching a show at one of its many theaters, music venues, or comedy clubs. You can also visit some of the museums and galleries that showcase the history and art of Portland, such as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Oregon Historical Society, the Portland Children’s Museum, or the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art.

When to visit Portland?

Portland has a mild and temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit Portland depends on what you want to see and do. Here are some general guidelines:

• If you want to see the roses in bloom, visit Portland in June or July, when the Rose Festival takes place. You can enjoy the Grand Floral Parade, the Dragon Boat Races, the CityFair, and the fireworks show.
• If you want to enjoy the fall colors, visit Portland in October or November, when the leaves change their hues. You can also attend some of the seasonal events, such as the Portland Film Festival, the Portland Book Festival, or the Portland Marathon.
• If you want to experience the winter wonderland, visit Portland in December or January, when the city is decorated with lights and festive displays. You can also join some of the holiday celebrations, such as the ZooLights, the Christmas Ship Parade, the Winter Wonderland, or the New Year’s Eve at the Waterfront.
• If you want to welcome the spring, visit Portland in March or April, when the cherry blossoms and tulips brighten up the city. You can also participate in some of the spring festivals, such as the Portland International Film Festival, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, or the Portland Farmers Market.