Downtown Portland - Portland, OR Area Guide

The Downtown Portland area has been inhabited for centuries, first by two tribes of Upper Chinook Indians. The modern city got its start in 1843, when William Overton and Asa Lovejoy filed a claim for the land. In the ensuing years, Portland's ideal location next to the deep waters of the Willamette River made it an appealing option for trade. In the 1990s, the dot-com boom brought an increase in young professionals, followed by an influx of artists and creative workers.

Today Downtown Portland serves as a haven for the arts. The neighborhood houses art galleries, performance art spaces, theaters and independent crafts stores. Residents live a short walk from the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Maritime Museum. Each year, Downtown Portland comes alive with events, including a tree-lighting ceremony, Tuba Christmas concert and the Portland Jazz Festival.

Downtown Portland teems with eateries serving both American and international cuisine. Restaurants are scattered all around the neighborhood, with a higher concentration north of Salmon Street. Between Southwest Alder Street and Southwest Washington Street, nearly two blocks of food carts serve to-go cuisine. For some of the city's best Asian cuisine, stop by Nong's Khao Man Gai at lunchtime for the cart's signature chicken and rice dish with ginger sauce. A few blocks away, join the locals at the Chez Dodo cart for an African-fusion feast of grass-fed lamb over pan-fried noodles with a side of samosas drenched in chili chutney. Ask the friendly chef for a spice recommendation, and bring a friend to share the generous portions.

When only a truly authentic Portland experience will do, Veritable Quandary delivers. A mainstay of the local dining and social scene for nearly half a century, this romantic venue welcomes guests inside or on the patio for lunch and dinner and also serves brunch every weekend. Feast on house-cured wild king salmon gravlax or duck confit spring rolls with wasabi ginger sauce. From the lemon meringue pie to the chocolate truffles, desserts here may be the closest a diner gets to heaven on earth.

Near Downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park, Three Degrees comes alive with the bold flavors of Pacific Northwest land and sea with breathtaking views of the Willamette providing a beautiful backdrop to your meal. Try some shrimp ceviche with fried housemade pickles or one of the daily fixed-price specials. Amazing desserts and after-dinner drinks include espresso custard and 12-, 15- or 18-year-old Scotch whisky. Happy hour brings extra specials ranging from wings to oysters, all served on the wraparound porch as well as in the bar.

After dinner, take advantage of Downtown Portland's eclectic nightlife scene. Whether you're into clown troupes or cocktail bars, you'll find a spot to suit your tastes. See and be seen at the ultra-chic Pepe le Moko, where the bartenders are known for their expertly crafted grasshoppers and espresso martinis. Locals love the industrial style and conversation-friendly atmosphere, so be prepared to stand in line on Friday and Saturday nights. When in the mood for fun, join Portland's younger crowd at Lola's Room at the Crystal Ballroom for '80s Video Dance Attack, and dance all night while music videos from the '80s play across the big-screen TVs scattered around the room. For live music, check out Al's Den in the basement of the Crystal Hotel for intimate and relaxed performances from up-and-coming Portland bands.

Whether you prefer to walk or ride, getting around downtown Portland is a breeze. Many residents walk to work and when running daily errands, take advantage of the well-marked streets and wide sidewalks. Portland's well-known status as a cyclist's paradise extends to the downtown area, where safe bike lanes and bike paths are plentiful. You'll see bikers year-round in all types of weather.

Downtown Portland provides numerous public transportation links, making for convenient trips across town or out to the airport. The Green, Yellow, Red and Blue lines of the MAX light rail run through the neighborhood, along with multiple bus lines. Hail a cab on the street in minutes near busy areas such as Pioneer Square, or call ahead if you're coming from the edges of the neighborhood. Keep in mind that Uber is not currently available in Portland.

Metered street parking can be difficult to find during business hours in Downtown Portland, so many residents opt for parking structures. If you own a car, expect to pay approximately $15 for daily parking or $200 for monthly parking. Interstates 5, 405 and 84 lie within 2 miles of downtown Portland, allowing you to get on the road quickly.

Staying true to its status as an active-lifestyle mecca, Downtown Portland provides residents with easy access to the great outdoors. Small, fee-free neighborhood parks such as Chapman Square, Lownsdale Square and Terry Shrunck Plaza provide pleasant walks and a shady spot for lunch. Locals frequent the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a long stretch of green space that extends nearly all the way along the eastern edge of the neighborhood. The park's long riverfront trail attracts cyclists, runners and walkers throughout the year. It also hosts events including the Rock 'N Roll Portland Half Marathon, the Oregon Brewers Festival and numerous Rose Festival gatherings.

If you have children, head to nearby Washington Park to enjoy the outdoor play structure. When you need a break from city life, pop over to the wooded trails at Forest Park, the largest urban forest in the country. The nearest off-leash dog area lies in Couch Park to the northwest.

With its desirable central location, the cost of living in Downtown Portland sits a little higher than the citywide average. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $1,600, a considerable increase from other neighborhoods in the city. A pint at a neighborhood brewery runs approximately $6.

Transportation prices in Downtown Portland compare favorably with other American city centers. If you want to take a bus or the MAX light rail around Downtown Portland, expect to pay $2.50 for a two-hour ticket. Gas prices in the neighborhood hover 12 percent higher than the national average.

Downtown Portland houses a variety of unique independent boutiques, many of which carry merchandise from local artists. Stores line streets throughout the neighborhood, but you'll find the highest concentration northwest of Southwest Taylor Street and Southwest Broadway. For clothing stores, high-end shopping and national chains, visit the Pioneer Place mall and the surrounding area.

Locals and tourists love Powell's Books, a Portland institution. The three-story store covers an entire block and offers books for almost any taste. Sip a coffee from the in-store coffee shop while you browse. Nearby, the unique Fat Fancy boutique sells plus-sized clothing for men and women. Browse the consignment and vintage sections on your own, or ask the friendly owner for tips. If you're looking for locally made products, head straight to Tender Loving Empire on 10th Avenue. From screen-printed totes made in house to handmade jewelry from Portland artists, you'll find DIY-style items for every budget. Between March and December, head to the river for the Portland Saturday Market to buy everything from wall art to Christmas ornaments directly from the artists.

Grocery shopping options can be difficult to find in Downtown Portland, but many residents stock their kitchens at the sizable Safeway on Jefferson Street. For a larger selection of prepared foods and organic options, head to the Whole Foods on NW Couch Street. Downtown Grocery on SW 4th Avenue supplies residents with cold beverages and quick snacks. Be sure to head to the Portland Farmers' Market at Portland State University, which opens on Saturdays all year long, and enjoy a breakfast burrito while you find fresh produce and flowers from local producers.