A Newcomers Guide to Portland

Over the last century Portland, Oregon has grown into a progressive metropolis on the West Coast. A visit to Portland is a highly recommended road trip vacation for those located along the coast. Portland has a unique atmosphere to it. There is a lot to see in a city as big as Portland. Tripio has created this guided list of activities for first time visitors to add to their custom itinerary that they create on the Tripio App. These activities are Tripio’s personal favorites in Portland and activities that we think give the best look on the city. A city full of diverse culture, history and an abundance of ‘Portland Weird” local life. Let’s get started! 

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Powell’s Book Store Portland

Photo by Cole Keister on Unsplash

Powell’s Books is one of those ‘unique to city’ attractions. Powell’s is one of the largest bookstores along the West Coast. With a rustic atmosphere and just about every book you can ever think of, these activities drive locals and tourists in droves to visit every day. Seriously, it is impressive if you come to see the store for yourself and don’t find a line to get in. Multiple stories and corridors entirely filled with books. Books books books books books! Powell’s is simply put, one of best attractions in downtown and a personal favorite of Tripio.

Voodoo Doughnut Portland

Photo by Matthew Knotek, Tripio Guru

At number two Tripio selected Voodoo Doughnut. Now I know what you might be thinking, “what’s so special about a doughnut shop?”. The rebuttal to that is don’t knock it till you try it! Voodoo Doughnut is a spiritual experience so those with a hungry sweet tooth. Voodoo Doughnuts opened in 2003 and has become a local legend for Portland. I cannot stress this enough. People drive all the way down from Seattle just to feed their cravings for this place! Voodoo specializes in quirky art styles and flavors that just add such a character to the experience. Don’t forget to take a picture with the famous “Keep Portland Weird” street art just across the street!

 Now you are really starting to embrace the local life of Portland, Oregon. 

Photo by Janne Simoes on Unsplash

Portlandia Statue Portland

Photo by Matthew Knotek, Tripio Guru

Now can you really say that you have been to Portland without first handedly witnessing the giant Portlandia statue reaching down upon you? Tripio says no you can’t! The statue of Portlandia is a popular tourist attraction on Main Street in Portland, OR. The sculpture was originally done by Raymond Kaskey in 1985. It is the second largest copper repousse in America. It stands boldly and charms the street below. A unique part of Portland that makes for a great photo opportunity. Don’t forget to pay a visit to this landmark by adding it to your custom travel itinerary on the Tripio App.

Portland Art Museum 

Photo by Wesley McLachlan on Unsplash

The Portland Art Museum has become a staple in the everlasting art scene of the city. Portland is a very artistic city. A visit to the Portland Art Museum, more colloquially known as PAM, always a global entry into the history and preservation of art. The Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest museums in the United States and is the oldest one on the West Coast. PAM keeps a positive flow of new exhibits and some that have remained stationery for a long time. For those who travel to Portland in search of artistic retreat or inspiration, look no further than PAM. Be sure to give this a chance on your personal custom itinerary as you prepare to vacation in the city.  

Multnomah Falls

Photo by Jaredd Craig on Unsplash

Though technically not located within the city limits of Portland, this is one attraction that Tripio could not pass upon mentioning in our first-timers guide to the city. Everybody craves a little sense of adventure when trapped in a concrete jungle. Multnomah Falls, located just East of Portland is a magical two-tier waterfall that attracts the peoples from all around the PNW (Pacific Northwest). This double drop waterfall is nearly 620′ tall. The 2.4 mile trail lets you get up and close and personal with the waterfall. A wet and wild adventure meant for those adventure enthusiasts seeking thrill on their vacation to Portland. A great way to spice up your trip to Portland by adding this to your travel itinerary. 

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Photo by Matthew Knotek, Tripio Guru

The Lan Su Gardens in Portland’s Chinatown district is an incredible recreation of an authentic Chinese botanical garden. Explore a tranquil adventure stroll through Chinese culture. Surrounded by koi ponds, ancient Chinese architecture and art forms. The Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Tripio’s favorite activities in the city. Vacationing in a city means fast pace, whereas at the Lan Su Chinese Garden one can relax and shut the brain off for a bit. Oh how can I forget to mention the fantastic authentic Chinese tea shop with an incredible selection of teas! 

Pittock Mansion

Photo by Tim Muangkeo on Unsplash

To conclude the first-timers guide to Portland we will go with another Tripio favorite, the Pittock Mansion. The Pittock family are local lore of Portland, Oregon. The most famous Pioneering family of Northern Oregon. The family mansion consists of 23 bedrooms, library studies, nooks, dining halls and more. The mansion was constructed in a French renaissance architectural style atop a hillside overlooking the PNW landscape. The Pittock Mansion is one of Portland’s most fascinating cultural museums and makes a great trip within the city. Guided tours are included with the price of admissions.

This should have you geared up and ready to start creating your very own Tripio custom travel itinerary! 

All of these activities and more can be discovered on the Tripio App.

Looking for more adventure, check out: Pacific Northwest: Top 10

-Matthew Knotek, Tripio Guru

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