Location: Downtown
Top Things to do in Downtown
Top 10 Things to do in Downtown, Oregon (OR)
You’ll wonder why you don’t live in Portland after you’ve visited this laid-back and friendly city. With a reputation for manicured parks, eclectic nightlife, fine micro-breweries and distilleries, and nature that cuts right into the city, Portland’s a Pacific Northwest must-visit. Don’t miss the famous Japanese Garden, one of the largest and most beautiful of its kind outside of Japan.
Restaurants in Portland
1. Old Church
2. Portland Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,150 reviews
One of the oldest art museums on the west coast with an impressive collection of Native American and Asian art, plus a large modern and contemporary wing. Rotating special exhibitions bring the best of the art world to Portland.
Reviewed By MikeMcKenzie - Portland, United States
Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month, so I try to go. The museum is more densely populated when admission is free, which is an interesting change from the sparse midweek crowds I might generally encounter here. This is a beautiful and modern museum packed with permanent collection art and interesting traveling exhibits.
3. Oregon Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Explore Oregon’s past at the Oregon Historical Society! Located on the historic South Park Blocks in downtown Portland, the Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open seven days a week and features original and traveling exhibitions that tell stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon and American history. In February 2019, the Oregon Historical Society unveiled a brand permanent exhibit, Experience Oregon, that chronicles the state’s complex history through rare artifacts, hands-on interactives, and digital displays. The Society’s world-class research library is open Tuesday through Saturday and is the perfect place to research a historic home or find a long-lost pioneer relative. Don’t forget to stop by the museum store for a uniquely Oregon souvenir!
Reviewed By PilatesPDX - Portland, United States
Totally awesome and gives you a feel for that 1964 epic tour! Did I mention that it is free as well?
4. Travel Portland Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
At the Travel Portland Visitor Center you'll find brochures, maps and expert advice for your stay in the greater Portland region - all in the heart of downtown at Director Park. Within easy walking distance of downtown hotels and served by MAX light rail, the square also houses TriMet, where you can buy transit tickets. HOURS: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday (May-October only) 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
5. Multnomah County Central Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By mostly_happy_camper
Magnificant place, worth a visit even if you do not want to use the library. The staircase from the first to the second floor alone is worth a stop (Central Library on the streetcar). If you actually want to go to a library, you can't do much better than this one. It has loads of periodicals, computer stations on all three floors, an excellent children's reading room, and a choice staff, all of whom seem to me to be happy employees, and they are more than willing and totally competent to help you out. Not as iconic as the famous New York City library on 42nd Street, but a landmark building in its own right.
6. Rebecca at the Well Shemanski Fountain
7. Pioneer Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By CarlR880
Right across the street from pioneer square is the old courthouse. It is chock full of Oregon history. Don’t miss this. You need to pass through the metal detector , like in the airport, but once inside you are free to roam. And yes you can even climb into the cupola at the top for a great view of the freak parade going on across the street.
8. Keller Auditorium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
We call the Keller our ‘workhorse’ venue because it hosts such a wide range of performances. The spacious theater, built in 1917 and originally known as the Civic Auditorium, stages Broadway productions, ballet, operas, family events and much more.
Reviewed By X1388XEpaulo
Opening night in Portland was great! The cast gave a stellar performance with both leads over the top wonderful. We enjoyed the musical direction and live orchestra for the real Broadway feel of the show.
9. First Congregational Church
10. First Presbyterian Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
