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.
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland
Address: 525 Southwest Morrison
1.5 km (1.0 mi) from OMSI
2. Sip on the Portland's staple Stumptown Coffee
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
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
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
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
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)
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)
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
8. Relax in the Kennedy Soaking Pool
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
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
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.
General Admission Portland Japanese Garden
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
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.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Google ×