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Portland, OR in 48 hours: A Weekend Guide

Updated: Feb 5

Welcome to Portland, Oregon—a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic food culture, and stunning natural beauty. If you're short on time but want to make the most of your visit, here are my top recommendations for an unforgettable two-day adventure in Portland.

Photo of Portland, OR.  Credit: Elena Kuchko on Unsplash
Photo of Portland, OR. Credit: Elena Kuchko on Unsplash

Powell’s City of Books

Kick off your Portland experience at Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. Spanning an entire city block, this literary haven houses over a million books, both new and used. Wander through its color-coded rooms, get lost among the towering shelves, and discover hidden literary treasures. Whether you’re a casual reader or a bibliophile, Powell’s is a must-visit, offering a full day’s worth of exploration.



Multnomah Falls

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Portland, Multnomah Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder. This iconic waterfall is best viewed during winter and spring when the water flow is at its peak.



Enjoy the majestic sight from the base, which is easily accessible and has amenities like a restaurant, restrooms, an ice cream shop, and a gift shop. With parking conveniently located across the road, this free picturesque spot is perfect for a quick and beautiful getaway.

Multnomah Falls. Photo credit: Peter Thomas on Unsplash
Multnomah Falls. Photo credit: Peter Thomas on Unsplash


Portland Japanese Garden

Immerse yourself in tranquility at the Portland Japanese Garden, considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Open Wednesday through Monday, this serene retreat features a variety of landscapes including a koi pond, tea garden, and bonsai terrace. For a complete experience, visit the Umami Café for a delightful meal and check out the gift shop, which offers unique cultural items. A visit typically takes about an hour, making it a perfect afternoon activity.



Lan Su Chinese Garden

Nestled in the heart of the city, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is a peaceful oasis crafted by artisans from Suzhou, China. This authentic garden showcases a rich collection of Chinese plants and offers a tranquil tea experience in its café. Don’t miss the in-house museum, where you might catch a live calligraphy demonstration. At just $14 for entry, this wheelchair-accessible garden is a delightful and educational stop.



Here is our Puer Tea experience!



Portland Saturday Market

Experience the local culture at the Portland Saturday Market, the largest continuously operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the U.S. From March through December, the Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood transforms every Saturday into a bustling market with over 150 booths. Here, local artisans showcase their handcrafted goods, providing a unique shopping experience that captures the creative spirit of Portland.



Oregon’s Willamette Valley produces a significant portion of the nation’s hazelnuts. Take a short trip to Ken & June’s Hazelnuts Melcher Family Farm, about 30 minutes from Portland, to learn about hazelnut farming. This family-run farm, operational since 1957, offers a fascinating insight into agricultural practices. Don’t forget to try their delicious hazelnut shakes and explore their peach farm nearby.




Savor Portland’s Culinary Delights

Portland’s food scene is diverse and vibrant, with food trucks being a quintessential part of the experience.


Tamales & Food Trucks

Try the vegetarian tamales at Casa de Tamales, a delightful spot known for its homemade feel.




For a broader taste, visit Cartopia, a popular food truck pod offering a variety of cuisines.



Wine Tasting

Celebrate Oregon’s renowned Pinot Noir with a wine tasting tour. Visit Adelsheim in the Willamette Valley for a guided tasting experience of their exquisite wines.



If you venture much further south, don’t miss Dancin Winery in Medford.



Back in Portland, consider the Red Lily Vineyards Red Blanket Tempranillo 2016 from Jacksonville, Rogue Valley which is wonderful with its bold, dark fruit flavors and the award-winning and organically grown Willamette Valley Heritage Reserve Pinot from Coeur de Terre (CDT)


Want to know more about Oregon wines? Click here.



Craft Breweries

Portland’s craft beer scene is a must-explore.  Breakside Brewery offers a great selection of beers, a vibrant atmosphere, and delicious food. Sample the Black Butter Porter from Deschutes Brewery or beers from Pelican Brewing Company for a taste of Oregon’s finest brews.



Local Coffee

For coffee aficionados, Portland is a paradise. Start with Coava Coffee’s flagship store for an exceptional pour-over, then head to Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a local favorite. Dutch Bros, known for its simple coffee offerings is best for pick-up!



Voodoo Doughnut

No trip to Portland is complete without a stop at Voodoo Doughnut. Famous for its quirky atmosphere and delicious doughnuts, this spot often has long lines, so plan to arrive early to avoid the wait.



 

Credits: While I am busy taking videos, my family helps in so many ways! Thank you, PJ for the photos, Mauli for planning all the food excursions, PK for driving and Anya for forever keeping us young!



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