If you’re planning a Portland travel trip, I want you to be able to experience the city the way I do if you want. Think slow, cozy, creative, and a little bit magical. These are places I personally love or consistently hear great things about. Whether you want quiet moments, sensory-friendly experiences, or something a little adventurous, this list covers it.
My Favorite Places in Portland
Portland Aerial Tram
This is one of the best views in the city for a very low cost. It’s peaceful, quick, and genuinely beautiful. If you want an easy, low-effort experience with a big payoff, this is worth it.
Powell’s City of Books
You can lose hours here. It looks unassuming outside, but inside it’s massive. It’s one of the largest independent bookstores in the world. The curated sections, staff picks, and little surprises make it feel personal rather than overwhelming.
Portland Saturday Market
This is a great place to wander. You’ll find handmade art, jewelry, soaps, flowers, and food. It’s busy, but it still feels creative and community-driven.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
This is fun even as an adult. The puzzles and riddles are challenging and entertaining to try to tackle. There are a lot of kid-focused exhibits, but the interactive elements make it worth it. The planetarium is a highlight.
Tilikum Crossing
A walk-only bridge that feels calm and open. It’s especially beautiful at night when the city lights reflect off the water. A good option if you want something quiet and grounding.
Oregon Zoo
A well-kept zoo with thoughtful exhibits. It’s an easy, low-stress outing, and the gift shop is genuinely cute.
Hopscotch Portland
An interactive art experience with immersive light installations. It’s visually stunning and very photo-friendly, but also just fun to move through.
Portland Spirit River Cruises
This is a great company for a Willamette dinner cruise. It feels intimate and calm, with good food and a beautiful way to see the city from the water.
Bottle & Bottega Portland
A relaxed paint-and-sip experience. The instruction is clear, and it’s beginner-friendly. Good if you want something creative without pressure.
Places I’ve Heard Great Things About
These are still on my list, but come highly recommended:
- Smash PDX Rage Room: Break dishes, smash TVs… let out your pent-up rage
- DIY Bar: Crafting space with lots of project options
- Hot Tub Boat Portland: Floating hot tubs on the river
- Government Camp: Mountain town near Mt. Hood, the ski bowl has an alpine slide and other fun activities during the summer
- The Candle Creation Bar: Make your own custom candles
- Artemisia Collage: Make your own nature-based perfumes and find your scent
- Mount Hood Railroad: Scenic train ride through the Gorge
- Creo Chocolate: Make your own chocolate bar
- Wicked Axe Throwing: Structured, guided axe throwing
- Portland Escape Rooms
- Bagby Hot Springs: Natural hot springs, go on a little drive + hike! Check access conditions before going
Restaurants I Personally Like
- Si Señor – Fantastic drinks and chips & salsa, with a huge menu with a large selection of delicious food
- Oswego Grill – Nice vibes, not expensive, great caesar salad, drinks, and quality food options
- The Matador – Late hours, solid Mexican food, close to Tattoo Kiss
Fun Facts About Portland
Look for the cat art around the city
Keep an eye out for small cat art installations hidden throughout Portland. They’re easy to miss, which makes spotting them feel a little special.
Portland has one of the smallest parks in the world
Mill Ends Park is only a couple feet wide. It’s tiny, a little absurd, and very Portland.
It also has one of the largest urban forests in the U.S.
Forest Park stretches for miles within the city. You can hike, wander, and feel completely removed from everything without ever leaving Portland. (Other parks I recommend: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Cathedral Park, and International Rose Test Garden)
It’s a city that really supports local artists
From markets to small shops to pop-up events, Portland consistently centers handmade, small-batch, and independent work. That’s part of why it feels so personal. You’ll find murals all over the city and almost no chain restaurants. The food here is all locally owned. 🙂
A Quick Note From Me
If you’re visiting Portland, I hope you find spaces that feel safe, calm, and inspiring. That’s the same energy I try to create at Tattoo Kiss. If you’re planning a tattoo while you’re here, I’d love to be part of your experience.
Planning a visit? Explore more or request a tattoo at Tattoo Kiss.