Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is renowned for its captivating natural beauty, distinctive culinary culture, and vibrant arts scene. In just 3 days, you can fully explore the most compelling destinations in the “City of Roses.” Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) as we plan an unforgettable journey where you won’t just visit Portland, but truly live and experience it!
Day 1: Discovering Downtown Portland and Natural Beauty
Start your morning in Portland by enjoying breakfast at Mother’s Bistro, a family-style diner famous for its traditional American breakfast dishes. After fueling up, begin your exploration of downtown.
Your first stop is the International Rose Test Garden, a lush green oasis in the heart of Portland. It’s not only the oldest continuously operating rose test garden in the United States but also a testing ground for new rose varieties from around the world. Strolling among thousands of blooming rose bushes, you’ll be enveloped in the sweet fragrance and vibrant beauty of countless different flowers.
Rows of blooming roses at the International Rose Test Garden in Portland
After immersing yourself in floral beauty, continue your journey to Washington Park, where the International Rose Test Garden is located. This expansive park also houses many other attractions, such as the Portland Japanese Garden, the Oregon Zoo, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). If you have time, you can choose to visit a few more spots depending on your interests.
For lunch, experience Portland’s culinary scene at the famous food carts. The Alder Street Food Cart Pod is an excellent choice with countless enticing street food options from around the globe. You can easily find dishes from Thailand, Mexico, Vietnam, and many other countries.
In the afternoon, spend time exploring the Pearl District, an area once filled with industrial warehouses that has been transformed into one of Portland’s trendiest neighborhoods. It’s home to numerous art galleries, unique boutique shops, stylish cafes, and upscale restaurants. Wander along the brick-paved streets, admire the unique architecture, and shop for special souvenirs.
End your day of exploration with dinner at Le Pigeon, known for its modern French cuisine and cozy atmosphere. After dinner, you can choose to relax at a bar in the Pearl District or enjoy a live music performance at one of Portland’s many music venues.
Day 2: Culture, Cuisine, and Unique Shopping
On your second day in Portland, dedicate time to discovering the city’s distinctive cultural and culinary aspects. Start your day by visiting the Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University (PSU) (open on Saturdays only). This bustling market is where you can find fresh produce from local farms, seasonal fruits, artisan bread, artisan cheeses, and many other local products. It’s also a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of local life and enjoy a light breakfast with street food snacks.
After browsing the market, explore Powell’s City of Books, a massive independent bookstore occupying an entire city block. With millions of new and used books across multiple floors, Powell’s City of Books is known as “book city” and is a paradise for book lovers. You can easily get lost in the maze of books and find rare editions or the latest releases.
The towering shelves and aisles inside Powell's City of Books in Portland
For lunch, savor Portland’s famous sandwiches at Bunk Sandwiches. This eatery is known for its creative and flavorful sandwiches using fresh, local ingredients.
In the afternoon, spend time exploring the Alberta Arts District, a vibrant arts hub with many galleries, art studios, craft shops, and unique cafes. This neighborhood is famous for “Last Thursday,” an event held on the last Thursday evening of each month, when galleries open late, street artists perform, and the neighborhood becomes incredibly lively. Even on regular days, the Alberta Arts District is still an interesting destination to explore local arts and culture.
To conclude your second day, experience fine dining at Ox Restaurant, renowned for its Argentinian cuisine cooked over a wood-fired grill. This restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and a diverse menu, from premium grilled meats to fresh seafood.
Day 3: Exploring the Outskirts and Local Experiences
On the final day of your 3-day Portland itinerary, venture away from the city center to discover magnificent natural beauty and unique local experiences. In the morning, rent a car and drive along the Columbia River Highway, a stunning scenic route built in the early 20th century.
A must-see first stop is Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the United States. The majestic waterfall cascades from a height of over 180 meters into a deep ravine, creating a breathtaking natural scene. You can walk up to the Benson Bridge spanning across the falls for a panoramic view from above or explore the hiking trails around the waterfall area.
Multnomah Falls cascading down mossy cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge
Continuing along the Columbia River Highway, you’ll encounter many other beautiful waterfalls such as Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls, and Shepperd’s Dell Falls. Each waterfall has its own unique beauty and is worth stopping to admire. Don’t forget to visit Vista House at Crown Point, a historic landmark on the highway, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge from above.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at one of the riverside restaurants in the town of Hood River. This town is famous for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, and also has many restaurants and cafes with scenic river views.
In the afternoon, on your way back to Portland, visit Pittock Mansion, a historic mansion on the West Hills. Built in 1914 in the French Renaissance style, the mansion offers a luxurious setting and stunning panoramic views of Portland. You can tour the exhibition rooms inside the mansion to learn about its history and architecture, or simply relax in the garden and admire the city view from above.
Panoramic view of Portland city skyline from the grounds of Pittock Mansion
Conclude your 3-day Portland journey with a farewell dinner at Pok Pok, famous for its flavorful and authentic Thai street food. This eatery offers a simple setting, but the food is exceptionally distinctive and loved by many diners.
Conclusion
This 3-day Portland itinerary is just a small suggestion to get you started on exploring this beautiful City of Roses. Portland has so much more to offer, from lush green parks and unique museums to vibrant arts and cultural events and a diverse culinary scene. Come and experience Portland in your own way, and you’re sure to have unforgettable memories in this city.
If you want to explore more exciting destinations in the Pacific Northwest, visit the “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) website to learn more about tours and detailed itineraries. We are always ready to accompany you on every journey of exploring the world!