Where to Go and What to See in Portland, Oregon
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/portland-oregon-sign-2-e1597320274911.webp)
Powell’s City of Books and Voodoo Doughnut are just a couple of must-visit destinations in Oregon‘s largest city.
1. Downtown/Riverwalk Waterfront, for an introduction to the Rose City
Park
![Oregon Maritime Museum ship in the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Willamette River, Portland, Oregon, USA](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/oregon-maritime-museum-ship-in-the-tom-mccall-waterfront-park-portland.webp)
2. The city’s numerous breweries, for beer lovers
Pub, American
3. Powell’s City of Books, for a burgeoning bookworm
Bookstore
![Powells City of Books, This landmark, multi-level source for new & used books also houses a cafe & selection of gifts. Portland, Oregon](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/powells-city-of-books-portland.webp)
To many Portlanders, Powell’s City of Books is a second home. Its popularity is pervasive: visitors can be found lingering around the shelves or thumbing through new and used selections, rain or shine, any time of year. If you’re visiting for the first time, experiencing the color-coded floor plan and and 1.6 acres (0.64 hectares) of retail space in the downtown location might seem overwhelming at the start, but spend some time in each section, and you’ll understand why this is often the first location people point to as a must-see in Portland.
4. McMenamins Kennedy School, for a bit of Portland’s weirdness
Boutique Hotel
5. The Old Town Entertainment District, for quality nightlife
Historical Landmark
![Neon sign for Old Town, Portland, Oregon, US](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/old-town-portland-oregon.webp)
Whether you’re looking to cap off a full day of activity or you’re just in Rose City for one night, hit the town at the city’s most popular bars and nightclubs in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood in the central west side. Party with Portlanders at places such as The Barrel Room piano bar and historical gay bar CC Slaughters, or dance the night away at the Dirty Nightclub, which are all within a few blocks of one another.
6. Voodoo Doughnut, for a sweet retreat
Dessert Shop, Bakery, American, Dessert
![Voodoo Doughnuts store, Portland, Oregon, USA. Image shot 10/2012. Exact date unknown.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/voodoo-doughnuts-portland-oregon.webp)