Top Things To Do In Portland, Or

Portland has many nicknames: PDX, the airport designation; Stumptown, after the thousands of fir stumps left by 19th century developers; Puddletown because of the rain, which makes it an ideal climate for growing roses, so the list includes City of Roses. A city of about 500,000 Portland is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Willamette and Columbia and has a rich history of the pioneering spirit.

Neighborhoods

Portland was originally laid out in a 200 foot grid because the developers wanted more high-dollar corner lots. The resulting short city blocks created a city that is walkable with many vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own character and sense of place.To get a feel for the pulse of Portland, pick a neighborhood and wander around. For example the Pearl District is centrally located with great access to public transportation. This trendy area was once a warehouse district, but now it is very populated with restaurants and nightclubs. Powell's, the largest independent bookstore, is located in the Pearl District. Powell's is so big, you get a map when you arrive.

Sightseeing

The Willamette River transects Portland, so it is no surprise that the city has a lot of bridges. Because Portland is a deep water port, five of the downtown bridges are drawbridges that allow large ships through. You can take a walk on the oldest one, the Hawthorne Bridge, built in 1910. It's a safe walk because the bridge was expanded in 1998 to include a wide pedestrian and bike path. Or explore the Willamette Greenway, a 40 mile network of bike trails and pedestrian paths on both sides of the river.

Getting Around

Portland has one of the best public transportation systems in the country that includes buses, streetcars and a light rail system. The system is also bike friendly. If there is room, you can take your bike on the bus or streetcar. Many stations have bike parking and lockers. The city also publishes bike/walk maps with suggested pedestrian and bike routes.

Public Art

Portland has a city ordinance that requires capital construction projects to set aside 2 percent of construction costs for the creation of public art. The result is that there is art in all public buildings that is freely accessible, in all areas of the city. Start your tour at the Portland Building, designed by Michael Graves as the first public building in the postmodern style. You can pick up a Portland Walking Art Tour guide here, and continue the tour to the Federal Building, City Hall and the Justice Center. Or take the streetcar to the Pioneer Square to explore the blocks around the courthouse.

Public Markets

There is a long tradition of public markets in Portland. In 1930s the daily Yamhill Public Market covered five city blocks with fresh produce, meat and poultry brought into town from neighboring farms. Today the Portland Farmer's Market operates six markets in the city, on various days. These markets provide fresh, locally grown, organic food to the residents. But even if you are visiting and don't have a kitchen, the market is a great place to grab fresh baked goods or rich ice cream, as well as crisp apples, pears and other food that you can eat out of hand. If you are looking for a gift, try the the Portland Saturday Market in downtown. All items sold at the market must be produced by the person selling it.