Where to Stay in Portland
United States
|Pop. 653K
|4 neighborhoods covered
Portland at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Portland
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Visit Powell's City of Books. It's the world's largest independent bookstore and covers an entire city block, offering a maze of new and used books across multiple floors. You can easily spend hours here.
Getting Around
Purchase a Hop Fastpass card or use the Hop app for easy fare payment on TriMet services; it's cheaper than paying cash and allows for seamless transfers.
Watch Out For
The 'compassionate' panhandler asking for money for a specific need (bus ticket, food) often re-solicits the same story.
Solo Female Travel
Portland is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas late at night.
Hidden Gems in Portland
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Peninsula Park Rose Garden
FREEThis is Portland's oldest rose garden, a beautiful and less crowded alternative to the International Rose Test Garden. It features a stunning collection of roses in a serene, historic setting.
Cartopia
A vibrant late-night food cart pod offering diverse and delicious options from local vendors. It's a popular spot for locals looking for a quick, tasty bite after exploring the city.
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
Dive into the strange and unusual at this quirky museum and shop. It's filled with oddities, conspiracy theories, and a unique sense of humor that's a true Portland experience.
Stark's Vacant Lot
FREEThis unassuming vacant lot offers surprisingly expansive and beautiful views of the downtown Portland skyline and the Willamette River. It's a quiet spot favored by locals for a peaceful moment.
Portland Saturday Market
FREEWhile known, it's often overlooked by tourists rushing to other attractions. This market is one of the largest and oldest continuously operated outdoor arts and crafts markets in the country, featuring local artisans and food vendors.
Mississippi Studios
A beloved local venue that combines a fantastic bar with intimate live music performances. It's known for its great atmosphere and supporting emerging and established artists.
What It Costs in Portland
Daily budget per person in USD
💡40% cheaper than New York
USD 120/day
USD 250/day
USD 500/day
Where to Stay in Portland
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Pearl District15 min
- Chinatown10 min
- Waterfront Park5 min
Pros
- +Central location with easy access to attractions
- +Abundant dining and shopping options
- +Good public transport links
Cons
- -Can feel crowded and noisy
- -Some areas can be less welcoming after dark
Top stays in Downtown
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland
$$$Elegant hotel with a rooftop bar offering city views.
Hotel Eastlund
$$Modern hotel with a focus on local art and design.
Ace Hotel Portland
$$Trendy boutique hotel with a minimalist aesthetic and great common spaces.
Jupiter NEXT
$$Stylish hotel adjacent to a popular music venue, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
Best for
Walk to
- Downtown15 min
- Nob Hill20 min
- Waterfront Park10 min
Pros
- +Vibrant arts scene
- +Excellent dining and shopping
- +Pleasant atmosphere for strolling
Cons
- -Can be expensive
- -Limited public transport within the immediate area
Top stays in Pearl District
Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District
$$Modern hotel with a rooftop bar and easy access to galleries.
The Bidwell Marriott Portland
$$Comfortable hotel in a prime location, close to attractions and dining.
The Hoxton, Portland
$$Stylish hotel with a buzzy lobby and multiple dining options.
Best for
Walk to
- Alphabet District5 min
- Wallace Park10 min
- Pearl District20 min
Pros
- +Eclectic mix of shops and eateries
- +Beautiful historic architecture
- +Lively and walkable street
Cons
- -Can get very crowded on weekends
- -Parking can be challenging
Best for
Walk to
- Belmont10 min
- Mount Tabor Park30 min
- Sellwood-Moreland40 min
Pros
- +Unique shopping experiences
- +Affordable and diverse food options
- +Laid-back, alternative atmosphere
Cons
- -Less central for major tourist attractions
- -Can feel a bit gritty in places
Areas to be cautious
- Some parts of the Burnside Bridge area and surrounding blocks south of Burnside.: This area can have a higher concentration of visible homelessness and associated issues, which can make some visitors feel uncomfortable, especially at night. While not inherently dangerous, it requires heightened awareness.
- Certain industrial or less-trafficked areas further from the city center.: These areas lack tourist amenities and can feel isolated, particularly after dark. Stick to established neighborhoods with good lighting and foot traffic.
Insider tip: Visit Powell's City of Books. It's the world's largest independent bookstore and covers an entire city block, offering a maze of new and used books across multiple floors. You can easily spend hours here.
Safety in Portland
SafeSolo Female Travel
Portland is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas late at night.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially in downtown. Be mindful of increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Some districts become quieter and less inviting after dark.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1The 'compassionate' panhandler asking for money for a specific need (bus ticket, food) often re-solicits the same story.
- 2Overpriced 'local' souvenirs or 'deals' offered by street vendors.
- 3Distraction thefts, where someone bumps into you or asks for directions while an accomplice attempts to pickpocket.
Getting Around Portland
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
MAX Light Rail Red Line: approx. 40 mins, $2.50 single fare; Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): approx. 25-35 mins, $40-$60.
🎫
Day Pass
$5 (adult, 24-hour pass)
Single: $2.50 (adult, 2.5-hour fare)
🚶
Walkability
Very WalkableUber, Lyft
📶
WiFi
Good50-100 Mbps
Public Transport
MAX Light Rail (light rail), Streetcar (streetcar), and Bus (bus) operated by TriMet. Key lines for tourists include MAX Red Line (airport), MAX Blue/Green/Yellow Lines (downtown and eastside), and Streetcar lines connecting Pearl District and SE Portland.
Ride-share
Uber and Lyft are readily available; typical rides within the city center range from $10-$25.
Transport Tip
Purchase a Hop Fastpass card or use the Hop app for easy fare payment on TriMet services; it's cheaper than paying cash and allows for seamless transfers.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes (e.g., Stumptown Coffee, Starbucks), public libraries, some public parks, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
Numerous options available, including WeWork ($30+/day), Centrl Office ($35+/day), and various smaller co-working spaces with daily or weekly passes.
Hotels & Accommodation in Portland
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Who Is Portland Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-Time Visitors
Offers a central base with easy access to major attractions, public transport, and a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Couples Seeking Charm and Dining
Combines beautiful historic architecture with a vibrant street filled with independent boutiques, cafes, and excellent restaurants.
Budget Backpackers
Known for its bohemian vibe, vintage shops, diverse and affordable food scene, and more budget-friendly accommodation options.
Culture Enthusiasts
Boasts a high concentration of art galleries, studios, and unique boutiques in a stylish, walkable urban setting.
Foodies
Offers an eclectic and diverse range of culinary experiences, from food carts to independent eateries, reflecting Portland's unique food culture.
About Portland
Portland most commonly refers to: Portland, Oregon, the most populous city in the U.S. state of Oregon Portland, Maine, the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maine Isle of Portland, a tied island in the English Channel Portland may also refer to: .
Frequently Asked Questions About Portland
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Portland Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel