The best neighbourhoods in Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city of neighbourhoods - here’s a breakdown of the best
If you’re visiting Portland soon but aren’t sure where to find the best things to see, we've collected all of Portland’s amazing micro-communities, along with information on what to do wherever you go while in Stumptown.
Pearl District
The Pearl District, a former industrial area east of Northwest, is the epitome of what Portland has become over the last decade or two. Some of Oregon's most expensive real-estate is now located in former warehouses that have been transformed into posh apartments. A stroll around the area will lead you to kooky clothes stores, hip restaurants and art galleries.
Nob Hill
‘Northwest’ in Portland is commonly understood to refer to the picturesque Nob Hill neighbourhood north of West Burnside Street. It's a lovely place to meander about with charming old apartment buildings and a great art-house movie. Shopping, dining and coffee shops abound in this region, just like the Pearl District. See Nob Hill and more of central Portland on a guided walking tour with a local expert to talk you through the sights, sounds and smells (mostly coffee).
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Downtown
Downtown Portland's small size and pedestrian-friendly layout make it easy to get to fantastic restaurants, green parks, cultural attractions and tax-free shopping. Check out the city's most diversified mix of retail brands, catch a show or tuck into a food cart snack or gourmet restaurant meal in Portland’s busiest neighbourhood.
Fancy trying something different in Portland? The underground donut tour is a quirky and delicious adventure to some of Portland’s best eateries where the locals go. Book your place and try not to think of the calories!
West End
In between West Burnside and Southwest Morrison St., from Southwest Broadway to SW 14th Street, lies the West End, a hidden gem of a neighbourhood. The Pearl District is on the other side of the neighbourhood, with Powell's City of Books in between.
This new neighbourhood is quickly becoming a fashion and design hotspot thanks to the influx of innovative businesses.
Northeast
Some of Portland's most ethnically varied neighbourhoods can be found in the Northeast. Alberta Street is the beating heart of the neighbourhood. In addition to a wide range of dining options, Alberta Street is home to a plethora of bars, galleries and boutiques. The Moda Center, where Portland's NBA franchise the Trail Blazers play their home games, is also nearby.
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Mississippi
There are dozens of independent stores, cafes and restaurants along N Mississippi Avenue, making it one of Portland’s must visit spots. The area is the hub of the Mississippi-Williams District, home to some of the best restaurants and pubs in town.
The Alberta Arts District is located northeast of Mississippi on NE Alberta Street, with even more pubs, cafes, boutiques and indie galleries. Alberta, despite its gentrification, still has much of its charm and is culturally diverse compared to other provinces. Spend at least a day in Mississippi to see everything.
Old Town & Chinatown
Historic Chinatown is commonly referred to as Old Town and includes attractions like the stunning Chinatown Gateway and Lan Su Chinese Garden. Portland's original downtown is a vibrant entertainment and streetwear shopping centre, with authentic Chinese restaurants, tea houses and boundless entertainment in the pubs and clubs serving local craft brews and fine wines from just down the road in California.
If beer if your thing, try a Portland brewery tour, with plenty of tasting opportunities and culture stop-offs along the way.
Goose Hollow
Goose Hollow is a popular destination for sports fans, theatre goers, and vegan foodies, mainly thanks to the excellent restaurants, Portland-style shopping and myriad activities available in this Southwest Portland neighbourhood. Fehrenbacher Hof, a coffee house on the first floor of a 1932 craftsman-style house, is the perfect place to start your day with great breakfast sandwiches and eccentric, gadget-forward décor.
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