Going to Portland for two days, what is the number one thing to do in the city, besides beach or mountains?

Question

Rest Suggestions? Hotel Suggestions? In downtown area.

Answer 1

Any of the fine old hotels (Governor, Heathman, Benson, 5th Ave Suites) would be a fabulous way to experience Portland in all her glory.

Public transportation is great here too.

I would see Saturday Mkt on Sat/ Sunday under the Burnside Bridge. It's an eclectic gathering of the most random people.

Don't miss Powell's bookstore on Burnside either!! Bring a compass and a GPS hehe - it's HUGE.

Waterfront park, the Portland Rose Garden are all fun and free and pretty.

Portland also has incredible architecture - you could walk and wander downtown and never get tired of it if you like that kind of thing.

Rock Bottom (downtown) is a fun place to eat ($1.95 Happy Hour) or for a more spendy affair go to the Paragon (Pearl District - behind Powells books). It's a lot of fun and tasty too.
I usually go to Nicholas Lebanese on Grand (check city search) or Le Bistro Montage (under the Morrison Bridge...yes it looks scary..BUT YUMMMMM!!).

Best wake up in the whole world? Stumptown Coffee - local roaster - baristas who care...conveniently located in downtown by Kel's Irish Pub who also conveniently has yummy breakfast fare.

Two days just isn't enough time!




Have fun and WELCOME! :)

Answer 2

G'day David P,

Thanks for your question. According to Yahoo! Travel visitors, the top 10 attractions in Portland are:

1. Washington Park Attractions
2. Waterfront Park Attractions
3. Classical Chinese Garden Attractions
4. Macleay Trailhead Day Trips
5. Saturday Market Attractions
6. Pioneer Courthouse Attractions
7. Ira Keller / Forecourt Fountain Attractions
8. Mount Tabor Park Attractions
9. International Rose Test Garden Zoos, Farms
10. Wallace Park Parks, Gardens

The top 10 hotels are:

1. Fifth Avenue Suites $165
2. The Heathman Hotel $195
3. The Benson Hotel, a Coast Hotel $159
4. Hotel Vintage Plaza $165
5. The Governor Hotel $195
6. Embassy Suites $99
7. Residence Inn by Marriott $59
8. McMenamins Kennedy School Bed & ... $84
9. RiverPlace Hotel $159
10. Fairfield Inn by Marriott $44

You can sort the hotels out by location and price.

Good luck with your trip.

Regards

Answer 3

To answer your question... my favorite place in the city (I was actually born and raised here): shanghai tunnel tour. It's fantastic and you get to learn a lot about the city's history. Plus you have your choice of tours. There are a couple of different locations to pick up the tour but I would suggest starting at Hobo's (they have great food too!). Old Town has a lot of charm and after wards you can hit the second best place in the city, the Chinese gardens.
As for a place to stay, the White House Bed & Breakfast is quite charming and within walking distance of Washington Park and shopping on 23rd. Remember, Portland has great public transportation, so nearly everything is accessable by streetcar, Max or bus. Have a great stay!

Answer 4

If books are your thing, try Powell's. I believe it's the largest independent book retailer in the nation, taking up multiple floors on a full city block. They have tens of thousands of new and used books.

Try breakfast or lunch at Utopia at 3320 SE Belmont. Unfortunately, they are not open for dinner.

For dessert or coffee, try Rimsky-Korsakoffee at 707 SE 12th.

Answer 5

It may not be a #1 attraction, but the Portland Beavers Triple-A baseball team is fun - nice stadium and great atmosphere...if you like sports.

Answer 6

Eat at Jake's Seafood Restaurant -- within walking distance of downtown.

Answer 7

I stay about an hour from the coastline and about 5 hours from the mountains. for sure i opt to bypass to the mountains, when you consider that i visit bypass and are available from the coastline in an afternoon person-friendly.

Answer 8

Eat at The Montage!

Answer 9

www.tripadvisor.com is a great place to get ideas as well....