Top 10 Things To Do Over The Weekend In Portland, Oregon - Updated 2024

Mich
Mich 
Updated
| 4 min read

The largest city in Oregon, Portland, is famous for its beautiful parks, stunning bridges, bicycle-friendly paths as well as for its being eco-friendly. You’ll also find here lots of microbreweries and coffee shops like the Stumptown Coffee. Another great attraction here is the iconic Washington Park that features, a garden, museum, zoo, forestry, and more. This city has more to offer than what it lets you see; all you have to do is explore. In case you’re still looking for activities to try over the weekends, read on, and discover our list of the best things to do over the weekend in Portland, Oregon.

1. Splurge at the Nines (from USD 229)

If you’re done with the sightseeing, walking tours, and restaurant hopping in Oregon, why not try staying at one of the luxurious hotels in the city. The Nines is a five-star hotel that offers quality service and excellent amenities, which will make any modern traveler happy and contented. It features two on-site restaurants, a fitness center, business center, billiard room, and more. Also, each room here is well-equipped with a 42-inch TV with a DVD player and in-room movies. Another great service from the hotel is its in-room massage treatment which will relax you after a day of walking around town.

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The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 525 Southwest Morrison
1.5 km (1.0 mi) from OMSI

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

2. Sip on the Portland's staple Stumptown Coffee

Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pouregon used under CC BY 2.0

A lot of people says that a visit to Portland won’t be complete without having a taste of Stumptown Coffee. Truly, this is one of the best coffee shops in the area that serves house-roasted direct-trade coffee. Aside from coffee, you’ll find the interior of the shop refreshing to the eyes because of its cozy vibe and laid back ambiance. Also, the artworks here changes every month. Moreover, don’t forget to partner your coffee with one of the delectable pastries they offer.

Stumptown Coffee

Address: 128 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA

Website: Stumptown Coffee

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 7pm

Price: 25 USD

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3. Dine at Portland's classic Pok Pok


Do you want a taste of Thailand in Portland? If you answer yes, then you have to visit Pok Pok. It is a traditional Thai restaurant that started as a food cart business. Thanks to owner-chef Andy Ricker, the world knows about it now. Here, they served authentic Thai cuisine starting from pad thai, spicy papaya pok pok salad up to its bestseller fish-sauce wings.

Pok Pok

Address: 3226 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202, USA

Website: Pok Pok

Opening hours: 11:30am – 10pm (daily)

Price: 11 - 30 USD

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4. Enjoy a breakfast at Mother's Bistro

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


A restaurant that cooks from the heart just like your mom, Mother’s Bistro is a chic and spacious restaurant that has a homey vibe, beautiful chandeliers, and fancy decors. This cafe and bar offer American comfort food favorites that are cooked through classical techniques. The best time to go here is during brunch, and you have to make sure you order their salmon hash. Also, if you don’t want to wait in line, then you have to make reservations ahead of time for this restaurant is always fully booked.

Mother's Bistro

Address: 121 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA

Website: Mother’s Bistro

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 11pm

Price: 11 - 30 USD

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5. Unleash the bookworm in you at Powell’s City of Books


If you’re a bookworm and have downtime during your vacation to Portland and wondering what to do, then you must visit Powell’s City of Books. It is a multi-level bookshop where you can buy brand new books as well as second-hand books at a very low price. It is a great hangout place for the whole family, for aside from being a bookstore, it also has a coffee shop and a gift shop, where you can buy quirky items and sip your coffee while reading your newly bought book.

Powell’s City of Books

Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

Website: Powell’s City of Books

Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)

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6. Shop till you drop at Union Way


Portland is known for its diverse cultures, so expect to be mind blown by the things you’ll see here, like the Union Way. This modern arcade resembles a Paris alleyway but with Scandinavian architecture. You’ll find here numerous local shops, quirky stores, restaurants, and more. It is said to be a hotspot in Portland where lots of locals and tourists flocks during the weekend.

Union Way

Address: 1022 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

Website: Union Way

Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)

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7. Experience the International Rose Test Garden


If you’re looking for something different but very relaxing thing to do in Portland, then why not be with the company of a thousand full-bloom roses. The International Rose Test Garden features over 10,000 rose bushes in over 650 varieties. Join the free tour every 1 pm daily to know more about this beautiful thing. Make sure to take a lot of photos while you’re here, for it deserves a spot on your Instagram feed.

International Rose Test Garden

Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA

Website: International Rose Test Garden

Opening hours: 7:30am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

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8. Relax in the Kennedy Soaking Pool

Kennedy School - Portland Oregon
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Werewombat used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If its relaxation you’re after on your weekend it Portland, then you have to try soaking at Kennedy Soaking Pool. Come and bring your family with you for soaking, in a ceramic pool with salt water in it, is a relaxing family affair. Enjoy the scenic setting without worrying about the cost for it is very affordable just like a cup of your favorite latte. Aside from the soaking pool, you’ll also find here a restaurant, bars and movie theater. This establishment is located in a 1915 historic building. It was once a school which was later turned into a hotel.

McMenamins Kennedy School Hotel

Address: Pool, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211, USA

Website: McMenamins Kennedy School Hotel

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD

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9. Play 10-pin bowling at Punch Bowl Social Portland


If you’re looking for a family activity that will surely be enjoyed by every member, then you need to visit the Punch Bowl Social Portland. It is a spacious amusement facility that has everything you need for an afternoon of pure fun and games. It features a giant bar that serves New American favorites and bowls of punch, an arcade with lots of games, and a 10-pin bowling facility.

Punch Bowl Social Portland

Address: 340 SW Morrison St #4305, Portland, OR 97204, USA

Website: Punch Bowl Social Portland

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri: 11am - 1am; Sat: 10am - 1am; Sun: 10am - 11pm

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10. Wander across the Japanese Gardens (from USD 18.0)

If you’re wondering what a Japanese garden looks like in a western country, then you have to visit the Portland Japanese Garden to know that you’ll be transported to Japan the moment you step in. This crafted garden has an authentic Japanese vibe and features koi ponds, stone figures, manicured landscapes, and more. It also has a gift shop and a coffee shop in case you need somewhere to chill and buy souvenirs to give your loved ones back home.

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General Admission Portland Japanese Garden

Duration: 1 to 3 hours

2 reviews

A weekend in Portland

Make sure you have lots of energy when you visit Portland for it has many things in store for you starting from beautiful parks up to museums and historical landmarks. Also, you shouldn’t forget to visit the many microbreweries and coffee houses to have a taste of the city’s culture. Check out our list of the best weekend activities in Portland, Oregon, and have a wonderful holiday ahead.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Michelle, a devoted writer and travel enthusiast, endeavors to make a living through her love for words. Her objective is to explore the world, connect with diverse individuals, and motivate others...Read more

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