Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Portland
THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Portland
Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Portland
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Northwest District
Parks • Hiking Trails
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Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Northwest District
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Neighbourhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Northwest District
Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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What travellers are saying
- Jocelyn32 contributionsWhile visiting Portland for my wife's bday, we visited here. All I will say is that it is amazingly beautiful and you can feel all the historical culture as soon as you enter. I don't want to ruin the trip by telling you all everything. Go see for yourself!!!Written 12 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NeoWasHereFrederick, MD3,937 contributionsMy main reason for going to this area in the first place was to visit the Portland Japanese Garden. After waiting forever to find an available parking spot in Washington Park, I then had quite a hike ahead of me to get to the Japanese Garden. This International Rose Test Garden was in my walking route. I didn't know it was there beforehand. Since it was the middle of June, the roses were in full bloom so I stayed awhile here distracted by their beauty. As printed on the brochure, the roses are in bloom from late May through October. Also noted, a $500 fine can be imposed by Portland City Code if anyone tries to pick or remove roses or rose plants so don't even think about it.Written 16 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael B7 contributionsThis place is breathtaking, I was not too sure what to expect but my girlfriend made me come here when we visit Portland and my god it has to be the place that made my Portland experience. The paying extra few bucks to go on top is worth it. Get to see very beautiful statues and alters. The view is to Amazing in the meditation room. Please be quite when in there because when I was there there was people talking and someone chewing with their mouth open like common be quiet and close that damn mouth 10/10 place
They also take Military Discount hereWritten 4 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Minnie M1 contributionA history buff, I was in heaven. My interactive experience led me through rooms arranged with colorful period furniture--bedsteads, wood & marble cabinets, sofas--and a sewing machine and sitting room overlooking both the garden and a vista of Portland. As visitors are guided (self tour) throughout the house, history boards and period photos incrementally tell the ongoing story of the mansion, late nineteenth/early 20 century Portland, and its citizens. Through the Pittock family’s personal story, my physical walk through the house sparked my thoughts to imagine what it might have actually been like to live during that time.
A small but pertinent point introduced the Pittocks as people I could relate to: much of the furniture currently arranged is not what the Pittocks brought to the mansion. They brought plain, simple, unadorned beds, tables, chairs from the small house they moved from. The furniture was not ornate. Just plain folks, but growing with the community.
(Other furniture there does represent the times and the history of other early families that also reflect Portland establishing itself in our state, nation, and globally. These contribute to a wider view on Portland, which I did enjoy.)
Spend time walking, observing, reading, imagining in this place.Written 10 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jen PPortland, Oregon, United States7 contributionsThis beautiful garden has something to offer in every season. Much of the area has covered walkways so even if it’s raining you will be comfortable. You can gaze at the koi, relax and take in the view, or even read a book in the many different tucked away places. The BEST part of the garden though is the tea house! The staff are kind and knowledgeable l, the menu is full of tasty options, and I’ve never felt rushed out. Truly a respite and gem in the cityWritten 24 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NeoWasHereFrederick, MD3,937 contributionsParking is a nightmare at this park. What is supposed to be a 6 minute drive from where we started, it took about an hour to get to and find a place to park. Drivers grind to a halt on SW Kingston Avenue where you will eventually pass perfectly good parking lots that are all full, then more parking spots all full, pass public restrooms that you need to use but can't because there is nowhere to park, playgrounds for kids but you can't use since you can't park, and then right before a monstrosity of a construction site of some reservoir, you may be able to find a parking spot like we did. After contributing $4.60 to the City of Portland through something called Parking Kitty, the long hiking journey began uphill and eventually on a trail that led to an empty amphitheater. More restrooms were found, but those ones were closed for some reason. Lovely. You can just hold it and like it.
After all, there's beautiful roses in high bloom since it was June. Ooh, pretty! That'll keep your mind off of things. Then, if you can somehow manage to get through the wall of tennis courts, eventually one may finally find the Portland Japanese Garden. I don't know who designed this park, but those tennis courts are just in the way. Maybe, move them further away and provide more parking next to the attractions people come here to see would be a good idea. Is there any common sense left in the world?!
Anyways, the roses were beautiful and the garden peaceful. I love the sound of nature and waterfalls. Nature's beauty far surpass any of these other nuisances.Written 17 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lyn T23 contributionsWe went to the Portland zoo right after Thanksgiving. We were amazed at how imaginative the zoo was. We were able to see the animals up close and very personal! Beavers and otters in their dens. Penguins swimming. Bald eagles are very close to being natural. Very reasonably priced. We only got to see about half of the zoo. We will go longer next time!!!Written 29 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BvROregon168 contributionsOMSI is always a family favorite- so many great exhibits and the submarine CANNOT be missed! Kids love the gift ship of course.Written 5 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrew T324 contributionsThis is an incredibly beautiful forest to walk around in. If you have the time you can easily spend the whole day there. Lots of undulation so if that’s a difficulty walking need to be considerate of that. But the walking trails are really well paved. Overall rating 9.7Written 16 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Thomas VOakland, CA18,915 contributionsThis is the cool part of town and we kept coming back here on our city visit. Lots of places to eat here, emphasis on breweries, craft beer. Some pleasant architecture, lots of good shopping. And lots of coffee.Written 30 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sara G.Saint Louis, MO964 contributionsThe Redwood Observation Deck in Portland, Oregon, is unpopular short hike that you wouldn’t know about. The journey to the deck is enchanting. The trail winds through lush greens and towering redwoods. Their immense trunks and lofty canopies are unmatched by anything I’ve ever seen before. The air is cool and crisp with the heavy scent of pine and earth. As you approach the observation deck, the trail opens up to a panoramic view. Definitely take this short hike if you have 30 minutes.Written 16 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kerry JKenner, LA91 contributionsWe had a great time walking around and looking at the local artist’s work. I even got a cool bracelet! I saw some reviews saying it was in a bad area. We felt unsafe. We parked in a parking garage about 2 blocks away for only $3.Written 17 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dorcas KSunnyvale, California206 contributionsA delightful park / garden. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I walked all around and soaked in the beauty, calm, peace and quiet. A very sweet place and I’ll visit again.Written 24 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BvROregon168 contributionsBeautiful building and moving artwork. This place offers such a great experience for families. Even better it’s bookable for events as well.Written 5 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Daphna B3 contributionsvery nice but very short, nice views, good if you need a short outing but not a long outing, also quite hot in the car because no windowsWritten 1 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
