How To Spend One Day In Portland: Nature, Coffee, Food

Don’t you just love cities with the perfect combination of nature, coffee, and food? If you’re looking to spend one day in Portland, Oregon – here’s an itinerary that’s perfect for first time visitors.

I went to Portland for a travel conference and was looking for ways to maximize my time in the city. Since I had several to explore Portland, I got some recommendations from several locals including the Travel Portland tourism board.

Even if you’re just looking for a way to pass the time, there are lots of things to do within one day in Portland. In this article, I share my suggested one day itinerary as well as alternative activities so you can customize it to your liking.

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Suggested One Day Itinerary In Portland

If I had to pick and choose activities to fit into one day in Portland, this is how I’d plan it.

🚴‍♀️ Morning: Columbia River Gorge waterfall tour – book tour here!

📚 Afternoon: OMSI and Powell’s City of Books

☕ Coffee break: Sterling Coffee Roasters

🍜 Dinner: Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen

However, there’s so much more to do in Portland and I want you to be able to decide which activities are best for you. Hence, I’ll give you many more options on things to do at each time of day.

Where to stay for the optimal day in Portland

First, let’s see which districts or neighborhoods we want to stay in.

District	Where to stay	Best for..	How much?
Northwest	Northwest Portland Hostel	Affordability and community	$ Check price
Northwest	Inn at Northrup Station	Comfort and free parking	$$ Check price
Eastside	Hotel Eastlund	Being close to the airport	$$ Check price
Downtown	The Royal Sonesta	Being in the heart of the city	$$ Check price

Northwest Portland – for the most comfortable neighborhood

Northwest Portland is the most pleasant neighborhood to stay in as it’s mostly a residential area. The streets are lined with trees, and is overall quiet at night.

I stayed in Northwest Portland Hostel which has dorms and private rooms. They also host lots of community events, such as beer and wine tasting, open mic performances, trivia night, free walking tours, and more.

Alternatively the Inn at Northrup Station offers more privacy than the hostel and is in the heart of Nob Hill. There are lots of food options nearby and not to mention free parking.

Eastside Portland – for the closest proximity to the airport

If most of your chosen activities are on the Eastside, consider staying at Hotel Eastlund. The MAX train station will be a short walk away, making it a breeze for you to get to and from the airport. It also has a bus stop one block away.

Downtown Portland – for being in the heart of the city

Why stay in Downtown Portland? You rarely get a chance to stay in a 4-star hotel for just over $100, so why not take the chance to stay in this whimsical hotel – The Royal Sonesta. The lobby is so nice that you’ll actually feel like royalty when you step in. You’ll also be a short walk from lots of food and coffee places downtown.

Is one day enough in Portland?

One day is not enough for first time visitors to Portland, because you won’t be able to fully appreciaite the diverse food and coffee scene. In addition, you’ll want to make extra time to experience the scenic parts of the city too.

Hence, I recommend two days as the sweet spot so that you can see both the waterfalls and the famous Portland Japanese Garden without having to rush. If you have more time, you can even go out to the Oregon Coast for a day trip.

However, if you don’t intend to get out of the city at all, one day could be enough for a taste of Portland.

Map and locations

You can find all of this article’s attractions, food, coffee spots etc. in this map. Save it for easy reference to help you plan your day in Portland.

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Morning: Head out and embrace nature

If you’re visiting from Spring through Fall, you’ll have lots of daylight to make the most of the day. Let’s start the day bright and early by going on some nature adventures. Some of these places close at around 5pm, so it’s best to visit in the morning rather than after lunch.

For a trip out of the city, I recommend joining a half-day tour so that you don’t need to rent a car or bring your own equipment along.

Option #1 – Hike and bike tour to Columbia River Gorge waterfalls

The number one thing to do in my list of Portland activities is to see the waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge. I’ve heard so much about the gorgeous Hood River scenery that’s less than an hour away from the city.

I was really excited when I first signed up for this half-day tour by Around Portland Tours. Overall, it is a fairly easy bike ride downhill along the winding road, and you’ll just get picked up by the minivan at the end.

Starting from the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, you’ll cycle to the Vista House which is an oddly luxurious bathroom facility. After that, the road goes through a few bends and descends towards Latourell Falls. We hiked in to view the falls and stopped for a picnic lunch.

The rest of the bike ride is mostly straight and we biked to Wahkeena Falls, and finally to the iconic Multnomah Falls. You might even get to stop at either Shepperd’s Dell Falls or Bridal Veil Falls depending on how much time you have left.

• Tour cost: $98.95
• Duration: approximately 4.5 hours (8:30am to 1pm)
• Meeting point: 833 SE Main St #124, Portland, OR 97214

Option #2 – Visit the Portland Japanese Garden

If you’re looking for something relaxing within the city, I highly recommend starting your day with a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden. It is located within Washington Park and you can easily hop on an uber to get here. I took the bus and walked a little bit through the park which was really nice too.

The Portland Japanese Garden is said to be the most beautiful and authentic one outside of Japan itself, according to the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States.

You can also enjoy some tea sets at the Umami Cafe inside the Japanese Garden. There are limited seats but you can put your name down on the waiting list while you explore the rest of the garden.

As you’ll be on the hilltop, some parts of the Japanese Garden overlook the city and the surrounding mountains. I recommend taking it slow here, and checking out the gift store and art exhibits (if available).

• Entrance fee: $21.95
• Time to spend here: 2 hours
• Opening hours: 10am to 6pm daily (closed on Tuesdays)

Option #3 – Go on a Wine Country tour

Even though I live in California, I went wine tasting for the first time during my half-day tour wine country tour to Willamette Valley. First impressions matter so much – and I can happily say I was blown away. I do enjoy wine, so this was truly a treat.

If you want to skip the city for the whole day, you can check out this top-rated tour that takes you to 3 different wineries. You’ll get try varieties of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Note that tasting fees are not included, but lunch will be.

The one I went to was to Archery Summit and Abbey Road Farm, and I had a great time!

• Tour cost: $230
• Duration: approximately 7.5 hours (9am to 4:30pm)
• Pick up from your accommodation included

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Lunch: Enjoying Portland’s diverse food scene

Portland is known to be a foodie’s city. There are a ton of dining options, such that you practically can’t go wrong picking any restaurant here. Here are some places that I enjoyed and recommend for your lunch break.

Grassa

You can find fresh hand-made pasta dishes in Grassa, with the option to customize your ingredients. The restaurant has a high ceiling and lots of natural light, making you want to stay inside for a long time. I tried their aglio olio and added on pork belly – which was surprisingly tasty.

• Opening hours: 11am to 10pm
• Address: 1205 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205

Nong’s Khao Man Gai

Have you tried Thai Chicken Rice? Nong’s Khao Man Gai is famous for their chicken rice, so as a Singaporean I knew I had to try it. I ordered the chicken breast which was a little tough to chew, so I’d recommend choosing thigh meat instead. They also have their own unique sauce and chili to go with the chicken, and the rice is super fragrant.

• Opening hours: 10am to 9pm
• Address: 609 SE Ankeny St C, Portland, OR 97214

Ling Garden

If you’re looking for a home-cooked style of Chinese food, head to Ling Garden and order from their lunch menu. It comes with your choice of soup and a tasty crab puff. I ordered the Szechwan Beef which is a stir-fried dish that’s not spicy. Overall, it’s a no-frills restaurant where you can relax and enjoy your meal slowly.

• Opening hours: 11am to 2:30pm, 4pm to 8:30pm (closed on Tuesday)
• Address: 931 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Join a food cart tour

Another key aspect of Portland’s food culture is the food cart scene. If you’re clueless about where to start your culinary journey in Portland, this food cart tour is what I recommend.

Not only does this support the food cart businesses, you’ll also get an insider’s scoop on the local food scene. This tour costs $99, includes food and drinks at 5 to 7 food carts in addition to a brewery.

You’ll get to explore the Cartopia Food Carts, Hawthorne Asylum Food Cart Pod, and then get to a brewery. It’s a pretty good deal if you ask me!

• Tour cost: $99
• Duration: approximately 3 hours (1:30pm to 4:30pm)
• Meeting point: Cartopia Food Carts – 1207 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

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Afternoon: Experience something local

Now that we’ve regained some fuel after lunch, it’s time to explore more of Portland’s local attractions. Some of them close quite early, so it’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case you experience delays from the morning.

Option #1 – Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

I don’t usually go to museums, but when I do, I like to be taught scientific things like I’m a 5 year old. So that’s what I got when I went to OMSI – interactive and fun exhibits that even a grown adult can enjoy. If you think you’re young at heart, you might like it here.

If you have more time, you can also add on a tour of the USS Blueback submarine which is not included in the general admission ticket. I would skip it if you don’t like being in small rooms.

My favorite exhibition was actually the Life Science room because I got to see so many cool creatures. There were 2 live snakes, some stick and leaf insects, a gorgeous bright green gecko, and the dragon-like Axolotl. Another exhibit I enjoyed was the plasma tube in the Physics room that was so pretty to play with.

• Entrance fee: $21.95
• Time to spend here: 1.5 hours
• Opening hours: 9:30am to 5:30pm (closed on Monday)
• Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Option #2 – Shop at the Saturday Market

If you happen to visit on a Saturday, head over to the Portland Saturday Market that’s located along the river. There are lots of craft and specialty shop stands, people basking, making speeches, and even protesting.

You can also smell the food prepared from the food carts, which can be a great mid-day snack. Even if you’re not into shopping, consider dropping by for 30 minutes if you’re in the area.

• Opening hours: 10am to 5pm on Saturday
• Address: Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Option #3 – See Mount Hood from Pittock Mansion

One of the coolest things about Portland is that you can see Mount Hood from the city. Depending on when you visit, there might still be snow on the peak. On top of the amazing view, you’ll also see this 23-room mansion that dates back to 1914.

Pittock Mansion is located on the West Hills above Northwest Portland, and a tour here will give you an insight into Portland’s history. It costs $14.50 per person to go on the tour, but there’s no fee required for exploring outside the Pittock Mansion.

You can either hike up to Pittock Mansion via the Wildwood Trail, or take public transportation and walk uphill for 0.5 mile. Nearby, you’ll also have the Witch’s Castle which is another key attraction in Portland.

• Entrance fee: $14.50 (free for outside the mansion)
• Time to spend here: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Opening hours: 10am to 4pm (November to Apri) or 5pm (May to October), late opening on Tuesdays at 12pm
• Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210

Option #4 – Powell’s City of Books

The world’s largest independent bookstore is located in Portland – Powell’s City of Books. I was surprised by how big the bookstore is – and that they have such a wide collection of books.

It was a lot of fun roaming around and getting lost in the isles of books. You could even pick up some souvenirs while you’re there.

• Time to spend here: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Opening hours: 10am to 9pm
• Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

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Coffee Break: Grab your afternoon pick-me-up

It’s time for a coffee break! Portland is a great place to be to explore various types of coffee roasts.

According to a local guide, the Central East Industrial District is one of the neighborhoods that has the densest concentration of coffee roasters (and shops) globally. I’ve not verified that, but they’re probably right about that.

Whether you’re in Northwest, Downtown, or across the river on the East side of Portland, here are some cafe and snack recommendations.

Guilder Cafe at Powell’s

If you’re coming from Powell’s City of Books, you can buy a drink or snack from the Guilder Cafe. This allows you to take a seat at the spacious cafe beside the bookstore, where you can continue your reading.

I also heard that one reason why Portland loves their books and coffee so much is because it keeps them company on rainy winter days. It sounds super romantic, and I really like the idea of curling up with a read and a hot drink when it’s dark outside.

• Opening hours: 10am to 8pm
• Address: 1035 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Portland has a nickname – and it’s called Stumptown. This coffee roaster is one the largest establishments in Portland, with several locations all around the city. Although I could not really sense anything unique about their coffee, it was still worth visiting one of Portland’s early trend setters.

• Opening hours: 7am to 5pm
• Address: 128 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Sterling Coffee Roasters

I told myself that I’ll definitely come back to Sterling Coffee Roasters again during my next trip to Portland. Maybe I’m superficial, but I really loved the way the interior looked. There were a ton of green house plants and they even had a tree growing towards the skylight at the back of the cafe.

The staff were really friendly too and I felt very comfortable hanging out in that cafe by myself. There were also other people doing work at the cafe, and overall it had a very relaxing vibe. The coffee was enjoyable and I highly recommend coming here if you’re near Northwest Portland.

• Opening hours: 6:30am to 5pm
• Address: 518 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Coava Coffee

Coava Coffee is another notable coffee roaster that has paved the way for Portland’s coffee scene. They also have multiple locations, with their distinct rustic interior and vibe.

You can see the huge coffee roasting machines in the shop, which makes the experience feel that much more special. If you are looking for a gift for a fellow coffee lover, consider purchasing some beans or equipment.

• Opening hours: 7am to 6pm
• Address: 1300 SE Grand Ave a, Portland, OR 97214

Voodoo Doughnut

Some say this is a tourist trap – but heck, Voodoo Doughnut is popular for a reason, right? There’s something so fascinating about colorful and fun donuts.

With more than 50 flavors, picking a donut is an experience in itself. If you try the Bacon Maple Bar, will you let me know if it’s good?

• Opening hours: 5am to 3am
• Address: 1300 SE Grand Ave a, Portland, OR 97214

Blue Star Donuts

Many people recommend Blue Star Donuts as an alternative to Voodoo Doughnut. This has been a longstanding rivalry since both places are well loved.

If you forget to buy them in the city, you can also find them at the PDX airport. I saw my friend having the Lemon Poppy Buttermilk cake donut and a glazed brioche donut, which gave me major food envy.

• Opening hours: 7am to 5pm
• Address: 1701 SW Jefferson St, Portland, OR 97201

By the way, if you can’t get enough of coffee and donuts, here’s a really cool tour that will show you all the best spots. It covers around 4 to 5 local shops that’ll make you dizzy with excitement.

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Evening: More of Portland’s amazing food

The best way to end the perfect day in Portland is with some more food. If you’re feeling tired, I’d suggest heading back to rest for an hour or so before heading out again for dinner. You could also uber to and from dinner, so let’s seize the last bit of the day!

Pine Street Market

If you’re traveling with a group or meeting up with friends, it’s a good idea to eat at Pine Street Market because there are so many options there. It is a food hall concept with a variety of stalls, including Japanese ramen, Thai food, Costa Rican food, and more. Even if you’re not too hungry, you could get some local beer and mini donuts as a snack.

• Opening hours: 11am to 9pm
• Address: 126 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen

One of the top places people recommend to eat in Portland is Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen. The interior is decked out in retro-style menu boards and funky lighting with a Vietnamese twist. You need to try their Beef Train Pho which includes all their beef cuts, including round steak, lean brisket, meat balls, tendon, and tripe.

• Opening hours: 11am to 2:30pm, 4pm to 11pm
• Address: 835 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Midtown Beer Garden

If you haven’t tried ordering from a food cart, Midtown Beer Garden is a popular place for that in Downtown Portland. On some days you can also enjoy live music as you eat. I tried Colombian food for the first time here and had some piping hot empanadas. The food options are so diverse here, and I wish I had the stomach for Tokyo Sando too.

• Opening hours: 9am to 10pm
• Address: 431 SW Harvey Milk St, Portland, OR 97204

Guero

Make a reservation at Guero if you’re down for some amazing Mexican food. One of their specialties is the Tortas, which is a type of Mexican sandwich. The restaurant interior is also very welcoming and fun, which makes you want to stay there for a long time. You’ll also be happy to know that they have vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.

• Opening hours: 11am to 10pm (9pm on Sunday)
• Address: 200 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

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FAQs about spending one day in Portland

Do you still have some burning questions about Portland? Here are some additional tips based on frequently asked questions.

What to wear

Rain jacket: The weather in Portland can be quite unpredictable and it’s within the Pacific Northwest region that’s known for its rainy climate. Summer is usually drier, but it’s best to always be prepared for wet weather.

Waterproof shoes: If your hiking boots are waterproof, it could be a versatile item to bring along if you’re planning to hike as well. You can also check out this article for my tips on hiking gear for beginners.

How to get to Portland from the airport (PDX)

You can take the public transit from PDX to Downtown Portland. The most convenient way is via the MAX Light Rail which only costs $2.80 per trip and takes 40 minutes to 1 hour depending on where your destination is.

There are many signs at the airport pointing you to the train station, and staff available to help you with ticketing.

You can actually just use your mobile wallet to tap at the scanner before you board the MAX Light Rail and don’t need to purchase any tickets.

If you take public transit again during the day, you won’t need to pay extra beyond $5.60. That makes it very affordable to get to and around the city.

Is Portland still worth visiting?

Yes, based on my positive experience, I think Portland is still worth visiting.

Perhaps you are wondering if it’s worth visiting because of the homelessness (mostly downtown), or because some business have moved away/closed down over the past few years.

That’s because I’ve learnt that there’s places I can avoid if I feel uncomfortable, primarily the Chinatown area in Old Town. It’s also worth doing the extra research to choose where to stay so that I can feel good about the trip.

There’s also the option of Uber/Lyft too if you’re worried.

Is it safe to go to downtown Portland

As a Singaporean who recently got acquainted with cities in the US, I find it safe to be in downtown Portland. Sure, 1 or 2 people might ask you for some money, but they sure aren’t holding a weapon against you or trying to grab your phone.

Downtown Portland is actually quite touristy, and you’ll find many 3 or 4-star hotels there. That’s also where you’ll find many of the city’s best restaurants, rooftop bars, and coffee shops.

The time I felt a little nervous was probably when I couldn’t find my bus stop and was pacing around under the Burnside Bridge. That was pretty much bordering the Old Town area, and people seemed a bit more agitated at one another. I ended up taking an Uber back to my accommodation because I gave up trying to save money.

Walking along West Burnside Street required me to be a little more alert as well, but I felt that it was safe.

Is Portland a walkable city? Tips for getting around

Yes, Portland is very walkable. I took the bus pretty much everywhere in the city, and the MAX Light Rail to and from the airport. The only time I took ride share was when it was late and I didn’t want to bother with public transit.

Here are some quick tips for getting around:

• Use your mobile wallet (e.g. Apple Pay) to tap on and off the bus
• MAX Light Rail requires you to tap on a post at the station before boarding
• Once you spend $5.60 for the day, you won’t be charged for future rides
• Each tap costs $2.80 but it is valid for 2.5 hours
• Bus drivers sometimes step off for a long time – maybe for a toilet break?
• Not all buses arrive in frequent intervals, make sure to keep track of time

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There you have it – Now enjoy your day in Portland

Overall, Portland was way better than I expected. I wanted nature, coffee, and food, and I got it.

My favourites were probably the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls half-day tour, and the Portland Japanese Garden. The next time I come back, I would also make sure to get many donuts and dedicate a whole day to visit various coffee roasters.

I hope this article brought you many ideas for how to spend the perfect day in Portland. Go with an open mind and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what the city brings.