Best Things To Do in a Weekend in Portland
This vibrant city has unique cafes and boutiques, markets that make you feel like you’re in Europe, and countless microbreweries. I lived in Portland for a summer and completely fell in love with the city. Below was what I usually did in a typical weekend while I was in Portland. It is easy to explore Portland in one weekend because it is very walkable and has great public transportation. Follow this Portland weekend guide for a perfect taste of this exciting city.
Saturday
Try Local Food at Portland Farmers Market
This fun market has fresh, locally grown produce, food, and flowers. There are also a few food tents where you can usually get crepes or breakfast burritos. You can walk around the market and taste local honey, jam, fruit, and more.
Location
On Portland State University campus between SW College and Montgomery
Hours
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturdays (November- March)
8:30 AM to 2:00 PM Saturdays (April- October)
Walk Along the Willamette River
The Willamette river cuts through Portland, splitting the city into East and West Portland. Walk along the river to make your way up to the Portland Saturday Market.
Admire Art at Portland Saturday Market
This market has local food, art, and live band performances. There are many tents where you can purchase different handmade products including paintings, jewelry, and pet toys. My go-to was always the empañada stand which has a variety of flavors that change every week.
Location
Along the river, south of Burnside. Walk up along the Willamette river on the west side to get to this market from the farmers market. Search on google maps for Portland Saturday Market.
Hours
March – end of December
Saturdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sundays 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Take a Stroll Through the Northwest Neighborhood
23rd St, north of Burnside is my favorite street in Portland. Here you will find many boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Grab a cup of tea at Tea Chai Te, a tea cafe with a balcony overlooking the street, or get ice cream from the famous Salt & Straw. On 21st St north of Burnside you will find many restaurants and small bars.
Brewery Hop
Portland is known for its microbreweries: Deschutes, 10 Barrel, and Fat Head’s to name a few. Create your own brewery tour and try the endless options throughout the city.
Sunday
Eat Waffles for Breakfast
You can’t spend a weekend in Portland without eating waffles. Off the waffle and the waffle window (both in southeast) are both great options. Can’t decide between sweet or savory? They have both, and you could get both.
Get a Taste of Southeast Portland
Walk along Division/Clinton and Hawthorne streets and checkout the local Portland boutiques and restaurants. There is a Salt & Straw ice cream shop on Division and the line is usually shorter than the one in northwest.
Smell the Roses at International Rose Test Garden
This beautiful rose garden has the biggest and most colorful roses I have ever seen. The best part is, it’s free to enter! The rose garden is located at Washington Park and is open 7:30 am-9:00 pm.
Eat Lunch From a Food Truck
The largest selection of food trucks is downtown between 9th and 10th, Washington St and Adler St. This is a great option if you are traveling in a larger group so everyone can get what they want. You can choose from the large selection and take your food to Pioneer Courthouse Square or Director Park to sit and eat, which are both about a 5 minute walk away.
Explore the Pearl District
The Pearl District is a really nice area known for art galleries, great restaurants, and local boutiques.
Get Lost in Powell's City of Books
Powell’s City of Books, in the Pearl District, is the largest used and new bookstore in the world! Hours: 9 AM to 11 PM
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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