7 Steps to the Perfect Day in Portland, OR: Building the Ideal Itinerary

• Discover Portland’s diverse array of eateries and attractions.
• Sketch out the ideal day that’s tailored to your interests, including a stop at the famous Pittock Mansion or a tour of Portland’s food courts. 
• Experience the beauty of Portland’s natural landscape.

So, you have just one day to explore Portland and want to make the most of it? You're in the right place! Whether you're here for vacation, considering renting an apartment in Portland, renting a house, or even thinking about buying a home in Portland, ApartmentGuide is here to help you craft the perfect day.

Here's how it works: Below, you'll find a curated list of restaurants, activities, and parks recommended by locals. Pick one option from each category, and you’ll have an ideal one-day itinerary in Portland. Of course, you can choose more than one if you’d like — think of it as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” for experiencing the city and deciding if Portland is a good place to live for you.

Step one:

Experience something new

You’re only in PDX for a day, so it’s time to make the most of your one day in Portland and experience things you can only experience in the City of Roses. Check below for a list of shops to visit and landmarks to check out, ranging from the Portland Art Museum to the beloved Pittock Mansion.

Montavilla Farmers Market: “Running year-round, I’d recommend the Montavilla Farmers Market on Sundays. Pick up some pastries and snacks and make your way up to Mount Tabor Park for a picnic overlooking the city from the top.” – Eric Wood, owner of Ranch Pizza, a Sicilian-style pizza shop in Portland.

Portland Pickles: “Catching a Portland Pickles baseball game at Walker Stadium is a must for a fun, quirky, and affordable night out. The local minor league team brings the community together with a lively atmosphere, and their mascot, Dillon, adds a playful touch to the experience. Plus, nothing beats enjoying a cold beer and a hot dog while cheering with the crowd on a summer evening.” – Mark Eastwood of MidCity SmashedBurger, a local eatery offering quality burgers with locally sourced meat.

Morning Ceramics Studio: “Morning Ceramics Studio is a beautiful, bright, clean, and welcoming community clay studio in SE Portland. It's the perfect place to try pottery for the first time, or, if you know what you're doing and need access to equipment and firing, you can use the studio 24/7 with a membership. Their 101 workshops are a perfect 2-3 hour get-out-of-the-house activity, perfect for people looking to try something new, or a cute date idea that will put you both on a level (and messy) playing field! The studio is like a home away from home, and a wonderful place to be in community with other people in a gorgeous space.” – Alexa of Morning Ceramics Studio.

Goodies Snack Shop: “For fun and unique snacks, drinks and gifts, check out Goodies Snack Shop. Owners Joyce and Terence have brought their love of travel, snacks and fun all into one storefront. Find Japanese candies, Korean chips, or even buy some plants!” – Jessie Burke of Old Town Community Association.

Portland Art Museum: “A sight you can’t miss out on when in Portland is the art museum in the southwest area of downtown. They consistently have some of the most beautiful installations and programming; just recently they had an exhibit dedicated to the step-by-step design of sneakers, and just before that they had Black Artists of Oregon which showcased floor upon floor of Black art from all mediums. Tickets are only $25 on a regular but, they also have free admission on the first Thursday of every month!” – Vanessa Gomez from Flow in the City, a yoga studio where wellness meets culture in Portland.

The Shaky Grounds Cafe: “This unique escape room experience stands out not only as one of the best in the Pacific Northwest but also as the world’s only escape room that teaches real-life emergency preparedness skills! Set inside a post-disaster coffee shop, you'll have a blast solving over 20 immersive puzzles designed to sharpen your preparedness skills as you search for the most essential survival item of all — coffee! The Shaky Grounds Cafe is a pop-up mobile escape room but can be found most weekends at Oaks Amusement Park in the Sellwood neighborhood.” – Tyler Robinson of Side Quest Escape Games.

The Kennedy School: “It’s a lil spooky, a lotta fun, and one of my must-do's in PDX. I mean – it’s an elementary school from 1915 that was abandoned in the 90’s then restored and renovated into a hotel! Go take it all in, grab a drink in detention (it’s a bar now!) and finish with a dip in the saltwater soaking tub that’s open to the public!” – Mia of Mia Moves Me.

Pittock Mansion: “This is a must-see while visiting PDX. This isn’t just any mansion – it’s a 16,000 square feet French Renaissance home built in 1914 that became a beloved landmark. Portlanders helped save this house from demolition back in 1964, and it's a real reminder that they don’t make ‘em like they used to! You’ll see what I mean when you walk through the 23 period correct rooms packed with astonishing craftsmanship and character. And the mansion sits 1000 feet above the Portland skyline so you get a postcard view of downtown. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mount Hood in all its glory, a mountain which Henry Pittock was one of the first people to climb!” – Dan the Handiest Man, one of the top handymen in Portland specializing in a wide variety of fix-it jobs and fun home upgrades.

Mississippi Studios: “Mississippi Studios is my favorite music venue in the city. Some great indie bands play here. The excellent acoustics and sound engineers matched with a vibrant ambiance which includes the balcony that wraps the stage all make for a good show experience. There’s also a restaurant serving delicious burgers with a spacious patio, fire pit, and outdoor seating. It’s a great way to end your night!” – Noah of Portland Home Painting, a home painting service based in Portland.  

Plants on Broadway: “Plants on Broadway is the sister store to Pets on Broadway, with the two stores conveniently located across from one another. We strive to make a unique shopping experience by offering a gorgeous and extensive selection of hand-curated plants and pottery. At Plants on Broadway, we also highlight which plants are non-toxic to pets (Pet-Friendly) and have them separated by light level for your convenience so you can make optimal choices when picking out your next stationary photosynthesizing friend. Over the years, our selection of plants has become more specialized. In addition to plants, we have all the products you need to help you along your plant care journey. From grow lights to specific soil amendments and pottery, we will help you craft the perfect environment for your plants.” – the team at Plants on Broadway.

Escapism Portland: “Escapism Portland is Portland's longest running escape room company, celebrating its 10th anniversary this Fall. With 6 different themed rooms in 3 Portland locations, Escapism is a unique activity for anyone who enjoys solving mysteries. I especially love the Alien Zoo room, a high-tech immersive adventure with no typical padlocks, set aboard an alien spaceship.” – Kimberly Daeschel of Escapism Portland.

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium: “This is a classic stop that really embodies the ‘Keep Portland Weird’ motto. This is a museum, gallery and gift shop of all things weird, including a focus on cryptids, sci-fi, and other oddities. Wear a good costume and you can even get in for free!” – Kimberly Daeschel of Escapism Portland.

Bob Stacey Pedestrian and Bike Bridge: Located in the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood of Portland, this bridge spans tracks for the Union Pacific Railroad and the MAX Light Rail. "This bridge is special to me because it's named after my husband, metro councilor, Bob Stacey." – Adrienne Stacey of Adrienne Stacey Watercolor.

Attend one of Portland’s festivals: “Festivals in Portland happen all year round. A few of my favorites are The St. Johns Winter Beer Festival, Portland Craft Beer Festival, Brewstillery Festival, Fuji to Hood, and the Mississippi Street Fair.” – Dan Malech of Stormbreaker Brewing, a local brewery in Portland.

Check out local farms: “The rural areas surrounding Portland are home to some of the best farms in the Pacific Northwest, if not the country. Many of these farms are relatively close to the city and depending on the time of year you might find yourself picking berries, apples, pears, or navigating corn mazes while enjoying local beer and wine. Some favorites would include Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island, Hoffman Family Farms, and Roloff Farms.” – the team at Scotch Lodge, a local cocktail bar focusing on whiskey-based drinks.

Go shopping in the industrial area: “Wander the southeast industrial area and pop into one or more of the many vintage malls and shops on Hawthorne and Division. Have a beer midday at BeerMongers or Baerlic and argue over which Mid-century bookcase fits best next to the coffee bar you just built.” – Eric Wood, owner of Ranch Pizza, a Sicilian-style pizza shop in Portland.

Step two:

Get active with one of Portland’s fitness classes

Portland is a very active and movement-centered place with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities, from running and cycling to hiking in the nearby forests and mountains. The city also fosters a growing scene of fitness enthusiasts, including yoga, CrossFit, and recreational sports leagues, promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. Check out the options below for a fitness class you can take while in town. 

Flow in the City: “Portland is also a very wellness and movement-centered city. There are tons of outdoor activities like run clubs, hikes, and beautiful parks that are spread out in almost every neighborhood. It also boasts a great selection of fitness studios depending on what you’re looking for from yoga, pilates, HIIT, meditation, etc. Flow in the City is a vinyasa-based yoga studio and art gallery located In North Portland that creatively connects community to wellness in a culture-forward space so you can be yourself, feel at home, and bask in color, art, and authenticity. We offer a variety of classes for all levels of experience that are taught by the most culturally diverse group of instructors in the city.” – Vanessa Gomez from Flow in the City

Mia Moves Me: “Mia Moves Me is a fun dance workout that is sure to channel your inner teen while you sweat out all your cares! I host classes weekly in the North Tabor neighborhood. All dance/fitness levels are welcome!” – Mia of Mia Moves Me.

Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink: “Step back in time at Oaks Park Roller Rink, America’s oldest and largest roller skating rink, built in 1905. Skate under the historic Wurlitzer pipe organ, which plays live on Thursday and Sunday nights, or visit during one of the popular theme nights, including ‘Gay Skate’ on the 1st and 3rd Mondays. For an extra challenge, don’t miss the unique ‘Wavy Practice Floor’ at the back of the rink!” – Tyler Robinson of Side Quest Escape Games.

Yoga with Perumal: “On Mondays, I hold group yoga classes at Yoga on Yamhill in downtown Portland. These classes are designed for all levels and focus on core development, detoxification, and alignment. It's a great way to kick off your week with physical and mental clarity. For those looking to deepen their practice while exploring more of Oregon, I offer retreats that provide a blend of nature, yoga, and holistic well-being.” – Perumal Koshy of Yoga with Perumal.

Step three: 

Dine on the local food

Portland's local food scene is renowned for its farm-to-table focus, with many restaurants sourcing ingredients from nearby farms. The city is also famous for its food carts, offering a wide range of global cuisines, from Thai to Middle Eastern, all in one vibrant area. Below are just a couple of options for you to choose from:

TokyoSando: “I'd recommend food cart culture here in Portland. Food carts are not full-sized restaurants and space is very limited, so they focus on a few items to put on the menu: very unique and delicious food that features local ingredients. I highly recommend TokyoSando located in downtown Portland. The Miso Katus sando and Naka sando (marinated with soy vinegar sauce) are amazing and huge! Japanese shokupan bread makes it even better. It looks very simple but all the flavor mixes well together.” – Yoshi’s Sushi, a traditionally inspired and forward-thinking food cart in Portland.

Hey Love: “Located in the heart of Portland’s Central Eastside, Hey Love is a vibrant tropical oasis with lush decor and a menu of craft cocktails and plant-forward dishes. Its lively atmosphere, paired with the welcoming ambiance, makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors alike. Perfect for a casual evening with friends or a solo night out.” – Mark Eastwood of MidCity SmashedBurger, a local eatery offering quality burgers with locally sourced meat.

Dos Hermanos: “This is the place that I go when I want to treat myself to one of Portland's most delicious sandwiches. The bread is freshly made in-house (warm, and complete with heavenly smell) and ingredients are chopped up, allowing their flavors to start melding before you even take your first, delicious bite. This is an absolute must for a hard day, a little treat, and for showing any visitors just how much good food Portland has to offer.” – Alexa of Morning Ceramics Studio.

Prost Bar & Food Truck Pod: “Prost offers a fantastic selection of German beers served in authentic steins, creating an inviting, communal experience. Right next door, you'll find a diverse food truck pod where you can sample Portland’s famous street food, making it the ultimate pairing for a laid-back night of eating and drinking outdoors.” – Mark Eastwood of MidCity SmashedBurger, a local eatery offering quality burgers with locally sourced meat.

Kasbah Moroccan Cafe: “For food, I'd go to Kasbah Moroccan Cafe. Owner, Naji, used to be the chef for the King of Morocco, and has traveled as chef with professional sports teams and even Lady Gaga.” – Jessie Burke of Old Town Community Association. 

Check out Portland’s food trucks: “Now one thing about Portland, it’s food truck heaven! They are literally all over the city. And if you’re like me – who loves some Latin flavor – some of my favorites are in front of the Portland Mercado off of SE Foster and SE 72nd Ave. You can find Colombian food, Cuban food, Mexican, Peruvian – just pure deliciousness.” – Vanessa Gomez from Flow in the City, a yoga studio where wellness meets culture in Portland.

Explore SE Clinton: “For great food and drinks, I love going out in the SE Clinton area.  I never knew how good oysters could be until I had them at Jacqueline (happy hour $1 oysters!).  Broder Cafe has great Scandinavian fair and amazing Aquavit cocktails and finally getting a craft cocktail and dessert at Libre is a must.” – Stephen Hopkins of The Aimsir Distilling Company, a local Portland distillery. 

Step four:

Get fueled up at a coffee shop

Portland and Seattle are both known as beacons for coffee lovers. One of the incredible things about Portland is how unique each coffee shop is, offering special experiences in addition to delicious coffee drinks. Below are just three options locals love.

Red E Cafe: “A hidden gem in Northeast Portland, this cafe offers great coffee and a calm atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a yoga session. It’s one of my favorite spots to grab a cup of coffee and take some time for myself.” – Perumal Koshy of Yoga with Perumal.

Park Avenue Cafe: “Located in downtown Portland, this cozy spot is great for a relaxed coffee break or to get some work done. Afterward, I recommend taking a stroll along the Park Avenue South Blocks, where you can enjoy the peaceful tree-lined pathways and fountains. It’s a perfect way to soak in some calm before or after your yoga practice.” – Perumal Koshy of Yoga with Perumal.

Rimsky-Korsakoffee House: “In keeping with the theme of all things strange and unusual, this coffee shop is a must see for visitors. They have great coffee and desserts served in an uniquely creepy atmosphere – a house from the early 1900's that is apparently haunted. Be sure to check out the bathroom!” – Kimberly Daeschel of Escapism Portland.

 

Step five:

Stroll around Portland’s parks and neighborhoods

The Pacific Northwest’s outdoor landscape is stunning, and Portland has plenty of parks and walking trails to satisfy any nature lover. The city is so beautiful that even strolling through a neighborhood feels like walking in a park. Pick one or more of the parks below to explore.

Forest Park: “My favorite experience in Portland is always Forest Park.  I love going jogging on the trails either solo or with a small group and I take my kids out for a nice hike almost every weekend.  I typically like to go more north out of town and pick up either the Germantown trailhead or Newberry trailhead.  When I'm with my kids, we usually head over to St. John's afterwards and get tacos at Beto's Taqueria.” – Stephen Hopkins of The Aimsir Distilling Company, a local Portland distillery. 

Tom McCall Waterfront Park: “Especially beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, this park along the Willamette River is a perfect spot for a relaxing walk or meditation. It’s a great place to connect with nature right in the heart of downtown Portland.” – Perumal Koshy of Yoga with Perumal.

Mill Ends Park: “Pay a visit to the world’s smallest park! Located in the median strip of SW Naito Parkway and SW Taylor Street, it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it photo opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked. Look for the little tree and the official city park sign for Mill Ends Park, which was designated in 1976 as ‘the only leprechaun colony west of Ireland.’" – Tyler Robinson of Side Quest Escape Games.

Kelley Point Park: “This is one of my favorite spots to visit in the summer. The park is at the northern tip of Portland where you see the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia River. The beach is an excellent spot to take a swim, walk your dog, go fishing for sturgeon, or simply relax and take in the beauty.” – Noah of Portland Home Painting, a home painting service based in Portland.  

Hoyt Arboretum: “For the nature enthusiasts, Hoyt Arboretum will have you immersed in the lush beauty of the Pacific Northwest without having to travel too far outside of the city. There are so many trails to choose from, which makes this area ideal for those who are looking for an easy stroll as well as those who prefer more of a challenge. Gorgeous year-round, but another beautiful spot to see the changing colors in the fall. Don’t miss the Redwood Observation Deck!” – McKenna Olson of Kilnfolk Clay Studio.

Peninsula Park Rose Garden: “A hidden gem that's perfect for a laid-back afternoon, especially in the summer. While the International Rose Test Garden draws most visitors, Peninsula Park’s formal gardens are equally stunning on a smaller scale. The park also features a large playground, sports courts, wooded walking paths, and a community pool open in summer. Nearby Mississippi Ave. is another great, walkable neighborhood to explore.” – McKenna Olson of Kilnfolk Clay Studio.

Oxbow Park and Trillium Lake: “I love going to the campsite called Oxbow Park. It only takes 40 mins from downtown Portland and is located right next to Sandy River. Within only 40 mins, you will be in lush green nature! From the park, drive southeast about 1 hour and you will get to Trillium Lake where you can see all of Mt. Hood. In the summertime, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the day on the lake.” – Yoshi’s Sushi, a traditionally inspired and forward-thinking food cart in Portland.

Go for a stroll around NW 23rd/Nob Hill/NW 21st: “A quintessential Portland neighborhood perfect for a stroll and people-watching! You’ll find unique local boutiques, an array of fantastic dining spots (including dessert!), and plenty of charm. It’s especially magical in the fall when the leaves change — grab a hot coffee and wander down the tree-lined streets to soak it all in.” – McKenna Olson of Kilnfolk Clay Studio.

Step six:

Enjoy a drink

If you’re looking for craft cocktails in a unique locale, Portland has plenty of incredible places to choose from. Visit one of the options below, or take a tour of a few throughout the city.

The Society Hotel: “For cocktails, head to The Society Hotel. Enjoy your cocktails in the beautiful lobby, or head to the rooftop deck and enjoy the view of Portland's original downtown. Added bonus: Visit the only authentic Chinese gardens in the United States, Lan Su Chinese Gardens. Using our sister city, Suzhou, as a model, enjoy a peaceful day in one of Portland's most important landmarks.” – Jessie Burke of Old Town Community Association.

Sapphire Hotel: “Established in an early 1900s shady hotel and brothel, this cozy Southeast spot now serves excellent craft cocktails and delicious small plates. It’s the perfect night out for couples looking for a charming place to eat, drink, and kiss. For a fun cocktail suggestion, try ‘The Most Popular Drink,’ which includes a side of pop rocks!” – Tyler Robinson of Side Quest Escape Games.

Oakshire Brewing: “Our favorite place for a night out with the family is Oakshire Brewing in NE Portland. They serve delicious pizza and salads and the beer is great! They have a large outdoor patio area that they share with two of our favorite food carts: Sure Shot that serves yummy smash burgers and Sorbu Paninoteca which has the best sandwiches on fresh house-baked bread.” – Micki Skurdlarczyk of Owl and Bee Clay Co.

Slims Restaurant & Lounge: “This bar is the heartbeat of the St John’s neighborhood. I never thought I would be raving about an ahi tuna salad from a dive bar, but the food constantly surprises me here, and the daily specials are on point.” – Noah of Portland Home Painting, a home painting service based in Portland.  

Take a tour of some cocktail bars: “While we are biased and love our cocktails at Scotch Lodge, we love supporting the other talented bartenders within our community. Some of our favorite spots to visit are Too Soon, Rum Club, Pacific Standard, Palomar, and – of course – the legendary Teardrop Lounge. Creativity and casual approachability are perhaps the hallmarks of these noteworthy bars.” – the team at Scotch Lodge, a local cocktail bar focusing on whiskey-based drinks.

Step seven:

Don’t want to plan? Try a premade itinerary

Maybe picking out your own itinerary is challenging. Not to worry, Eric Wood of Ranch Pizza have created two separate pre-made itineraries for the perfect one day in Portland.

“Start your morning with brunch at Jam on Hawthorne voted Portland's Best Brunch for 6 years in a row in the Willamette Week Best of Portland Reader's Poll!  After that, head over to the Alberta Arts District and explore the locally owned shops and galleries. Grab a cone or cup of the best small batch ice cream featuring local flavors at the Salt & Straw flagship store  which is also located in the heart of this vibrant community. If you're still hungry, don't miss the most phenomenal Thai style fried chicken and roti from Hat Yai on NE Killingsworth Street just a few blocks away. After that, make sure to visit the historic McMenamins Kennedy School where you'll find multiple bars, a movie theater, a saltwater soaking pool, a restaurant, brewery and even hotel rooms if you need a place to stay the night.” – Andrea Allen .

“Start by exploring NW Portland near Slabtown and NW 23rd. Grab a slice at Ranch Pizza on NW 21st, coffee at Barista, or noodle soup at Phuket. Then, wander up through the West Hills for an urban hike to Pittock Mansion. On a clear day you can see Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, Mount Saint Helens, and Mount Adams.” – Eric Wood, owner of Ranch Pizza, a Sicilian-style pizza shop in Portland.