The Best Independent Bookstores In Portland Oregon

Home to a treasure trove of poets, writers, and literary greats (dead and alive), Portland, Oregon, still retains its bookish reputation as a city that loves to read. A literary town in every sense of the word, with among the highest literacy rates in the U.S. (along with the greenest!), Portland is a perfect place to think and be creative, so it should come as no surprise that the city is home to many wonderful independent bookshops, large and small. Here’s a list of what not to miss if you happen to love the smell and sight of books.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Powell’s City of Books

Bookstore, Park, Store
This list might as well start with Powell’s since no list of Portland bookstores would be complete without the literary institution. The West Coast’s counterpart to New York City’s celebrated 18 miles of books that is the Strand Bookstore, Powell’s City of Books opened its doors in 1971, and it now claims to be the largest independent bookstore in the world. With seemingly never-ending shelves and aisles of new, used, rare and out-of-print titles, Powell’s continues to delight local readers and traveling bookworms visiting from around the world.

Broadway Books

Bookstore
Sitting proudly on Irvington’s NE Broadway since 1992, Broadway Books is a local favorite, delivering all kinds of titles to all kinds of readers, but a few years ago, it looked like the shop’s end was near. Founder Roberta Dyer’s son Aaron Durand had something of a social media presence and decided to take matters into his own hands. With what started as a single tweet, Broadway Books went on to experience its most profitable holiday season, and business has been thriving ever since.

Annie Bloom’s Books

Tucked away in the Southwest Portland neighborhood of Multnomah, one finds Annie Bloom’s Books, a small bookshop with a lot of charm. Locals love it for its handpicked selection of titles, local author section, customer service, and its great assortment of greeting cards—as well as the resident cat, Mollie Bloom, of course.

Longfellow’s Books & Music

Known for its unique array of rare and antiquarian volumes, as well as periodicals, posters, maps, and vintage ephemera, Longfellow’s Books & Music on Southeast Division is one of Portland’s more niche literary destinations. With over 7,000 titles in its inventory and limited hours (1–5pm, Monday through Saturday—sometimes), this family-run business is best contacted directly, especially if you’re interested in browsing in person or selling that very special tome.

Mother Foucault’s Bookshop

Bookstore
A literary heaven for serious bibliophiles, Mother Foucault’s Bookshop manages not to be too intimidating (though perhaps a bit pretentious, according to some). Others believe it to be one of the best bookstores in the United States, curated to feature stunning selections of poetry and high-brow literature—“like the library of a very educated, very wealthy person,” according to one fan.

In Other Words Feminist Community Center

Bookstore, Shop
Reaching national fame thanks to a little television show called Portlandia(which the shop does not hold in very high regard, at all), the In Other Words Feminist Community Center is a beloved independent bookstore operating in the Piedmont area of Northeast Portland. In Other Words is a perfect place (and a safe space) to find all sorts of books, as well as zines and gifts such as knitted goods, handmade jewelry, and empowerment-focused artwork. Its only drawback? “Due to the patriarchy,” they require a $5 minimum on credit and debit card purchases.

Green Bean Books

Bookstore
Sitting in the Alberta Arts District, Green Bean Books offers a literary haven for the kiddies. Children’s books and educational toys, along with events and story hours, make it a family favorite across the city. Portland parents come from near and far to expose their kids to the joy of reading and wonder of stories. A lovely patio makes for a perfect storytime setting on warmer days, and the store is worth a look even if you don’t have kids.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.