2 Days in Portland: What to Do, See, and Eat in a Weekend in Portland, Oregon

Planning to spend 2 days in Portland and wondering what you should do, see, and eat? Keep reading to find out all the cool things to do in a weekend in Portland, Oregon!

Ah, Portland…it is every bit as weird (their slogan is “keep Portland weird, after all), wacky, and hipster as the show Portlandia portrays it to be, but it is also such a beautiful, vibrant city with a laid back PNW vibe. The city is known for coffee, its eccentric yet hip locals, beer, donuts, the greenery, and views of the Willamette River and surrounding mountains.

Because Portland is only a one hour flight away from San Francisco (aka my old home, and only two hours from my new home of Orange County/LA), it has become one of my favorite places for a weekend getaway (along with Seattle). Basically, I decided to write this post because I am itching to get back ASAP (currently stalking some cheap flights as we speak).

It also has a strong cafe/coffee culture, and is a foodie paradise (much like Seattle) – once you spend a weekend in Portland, you may just find yourself transformed into a food and coffee snob, going on about single origin beans and farm to table and all that good stuff.

Anyway, food and coffee are two things I love, especially when I travel, so of course Portland has become one of my favorite places to go!

What does one do when spending 2 days in Portland? Here are my picks for all the things you should do, see, and most importantly, eat in a weekend in Portland!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

When to Spend a Weekend in Portland

Portland has your classic Pacific Northwest weather – lots of rain 9 months out of the year, with perfectly pleasant summers. The good news is that when it rains, it never rains very hard – most of the time it is more like a misty drizzle.

June-August are definitely the best months to spend a weekend in Portland, with warm, sunny, and long days. Portland is a perfect city for being outdoors, and the summer is definitely the best time to take advantage of this – you can even take advantage of the sunshine to hang out at one of the many cool rooftop bars in Portland.

This is also when all the roses at the International Rose Test Garden are at their peak, and when the roses are in full bloom, it is a beautiful sight (scroll down to read a bit more about this).

In addition, there are also many outdoor festivals, concerts, and events during the summer months, making it a super fun time to visit!

The downside of being there in the summer is that it is Portland’s high season, and airfare and hotel rates tend to be at their highest.

Going during shoulder season is also a great time to spend a weekend in Portland – the city is beautiful when all the flowers are in full bloom in the springtime, and it becomes transformed with all the foliage in the autumn.

It may be gloomy and dreary if you go in the winter, but even then, temperatures are mild compared to many other cities in the winter – average highs are in the 40s-50s. It does occasionally snow in the winter, but significant snow is a rare event.

How to Get to Portland

Portland is served by Portland International Airport (PDX), which sits about 10 miles outside the city and has flights to many destinations all over the United States, along with several international cities.

PDX was actually named the best domestic airport by Travel and Leisure magazine, praised for its easy navigation, efficient security lines, and notable dining options. Did you also know that in Oregon, it is apparently illegal to jack up prices just because you’re at an airport, so there are no $4 bottles of water here? Yeah, I can definitely get behind that.

It is super easy to get into city center from PDX – just follow the signs out of the terminal to get on the MAX Red Line light rail, and you will be dropped off in downtown Portland in 40 minutes. A one-way fare is $2.50, which also makes it a cost-effective option for getting to city center.

Portland is also served by Amtrak, which provides train service to Seattle and Vancouver to the north via its Cascades route, and as far as Los Angeles to the south via its Coast Starlight line. It is about 3 1/2 hours to Seattle and 8 hours to Vancouver via train, and 31 hours to go all the way to LA. I hear the scenery along the train route is pretty spectacular, and it is something that is on my bucket list.

Portland is also connected to Seattle via Bolt Bus – this takes about 4 hours, and can cost as little as $1 each way, if you book as soon as fares go on sale.

You can also plan a Portland road trip, either driving up from Los Angeles in the south, or from Seattle or Vancouver in the north!

How to Get Around During Your 2 days in Portland

Portland is divided up into four quadrants, so it is super easy to navigate just by looking at the address. The city is split into north and south by Burnside Street, and east and west by the Willamette River.

Portland’s downtown is relatively small and easily walkable. The city is also full of green spaces, which makes walking around super pleasant and enjoyable. Strolling through some of the quirky and unique neighborhoods in the city is also fun (i.e. Alberta, Pearl District, SE Division St., SE Hawthorne, etc.), and there are many shops and cafes you can wander through.

Biking is also a popular way to get around during your weekend in Portland, and the city has over 350 miles of bike lanes and paths that are designated as “bicycle boulevards.” There is even a free bike tour of the city offered by Portland by Cycle.  Many of the boutique hotels in the city offer complimentary bike rentals for their guests. There is also a citywide bike share program called Biketown, which offers over 1000 bicycles for rent at 20 kiosks throughout the city. Rates are about $2.50 for 30 minutes of use, and you can use a kiosk, the Biketown website, or smartphone app to reserve a bike.

Also check out: Bike Portland: Bridges, Doughnuts, Parks and Roses

Portland has a relatively easy-to-use public transportation system, and the city highly encourages the use of it. The MAX light rail system is clean and efficient, and can connect you to many of the city’s points of interest. The MAX runs every 15 minutes at most hours of the day. Fares are $2.50, and you must purchase a ticket before you get on board. The ticket is good for 2 hours, and are also valid for transfer onto the Portland Streetcar and buses. You can also purchase a day pass for $5 (also can be used on buses and streetcars).

You can also take the Portland Streetcar for locations in the Pearl District and near PSU. For other locations, there are numerous bus lines that connect you to many points in the city.

Portland is also served by Uber and Lyft. Cars are readily available, and this is also an easy way to get around the city.

If you want to hit up locations outside of the city (Columbia Gorge, mountains, waterfalls, etc.), it is a good idea to rent a car.

Sales Tax in Portland

Oregon has no state sales tax, so take advantage of it and shop away!

What to Pack for Your 2 Days in Portland

– A  jacket: Portland and the Pacific Northwest region has the reputation for being rainy – and most of the time, that means that it’s a bit misty and drizzly. To be prepared, I’d pack a lightweight, packable jacket that you can roll it up and keep in your bag! I would recommend something like this one for women, and this one for men.

The summer months are warm and sunny, with breezy evenings, so a cute cardigan like this or this, or a denim jacket would be ideal!

It can get chilly and definitely is rainy in the winter, so a packable down jacket is a must for your 2 days in Portland! I love this jacket for women, and this one for men.

An umbrella: And, speaking of the rain – be prepared with a collapsible travel umbrella like this one!

Comfortable shoes or boots: You will want to wear comfortable shoes during your 2 days in Portland because you will probably be doing lots of walking! Definitely get a pair of comfortable flats like these or these – they are stylish but won’t slow you down as you explore the city!

In the winter, you’ll want boots that keep you warm and dry. I wear these boots almost every day in the winter, both at home and when I’m traveling – they will help your feet stay comfy, dry, and warm as you walk around the city all day!

A power bank + adapter: You’ll want to stay connected during your 2 days in Portland and this power bank will help ensure that your phone never runs out of juice! I never leave home without mine, and it is a MUST on every single trip that I take – both in the US and internationally! If you’re from abroad, you may also need a power adapter to charge your devices – I always travel with this one.

Where to Stay During Your Weekend in Portland

Accommodation options for your weekend in Portland include everything from chain hotels, funky boutique hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs. Portland is the home of the popular Ace Hotel, which is known for their signature hipster chic digs.

I have yet to stay at this specific Ace location (but am a fan of the Seattle and Palm Springs properties), but I always pop into here on every trip to grab a coffee at Stumptown next door, check out the cool lobby and people watch, and hop into the photo booth (yes, it’s one of the old school ones!), and would love to stay here on my next trip to Portland.

A boutique hotel that I really enjoyed staying at is Hotel Rose, which is conveniently located downtown right next to the waterfront. The property was remodeled a few years ago, and has reinvented itself into a stylish, modern boutique hotel.

Hotel Rose has bikes available for rent, which is a great option for getting around and seeing the city. They also have an afternoon reception, coffee, tea, and snacks, featuring their signature pineapple cupcakes – these are the best (and I definitely had multiples)!

The vast majority of the hotels in Portland are clustered in the downtown area, along the waterfront, and near Portland State University. Portland is known for their unique, vibrant neighborhoods, so to take advantage of this and to get a more local experience, I would recommend staying in an Airbnb, which are also super affordable.

I found that many of the restaurants, cafes, and shops on my list are in these neighborhoods, so it was great to be able to immerse myself into them, and there is always easy access to downtown to check out the main attractions there.

Personally, I loved staying in the Southeast part of the city, near SE Division and SE Hawthorne Streets – this put me super close to some of my most favorite restaurants in the city.

Things to Do and See On Your 2 Days in Portland

International Rose Test Garden

Portland is known as the “City of Roses,” and it is home to the International Rose Test Garden, which boasts over 7000 rose bushes. Located in Washington Park, is free, spans 4.5 acres, and is the oldest continually running rose garden in the United States (it opened in 1917).

The roses are here are in bloom from April through October, and are at their best in the summer months. Wandering through the gardens and taking in that luscious smell of the roses is definitely a must-do in Portland if you are in the city during these months. It really puts other rose gardens to shame – I have never seen so many roses in my life!

Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Hours: 5am-10pm, daily
Admission: free!

You might also like: The Best of Portland Morning City Tour

Portland Japanese Garden

After visiting the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, head across the street to the Portland Japanese Garden. The 5.5 acre space is known as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan – having been to Japan many times over the years, I can say that wandering through the grounds here really reminded me of wandering through the gardens in Kyoto.

You will definitely get a sense of tranquility and zen while wandering through the stone walkways here. The garden is covered in leafy trees and greenery, with a gorgeous waterfall, pond, bridge, and pavilion. 

The landscape here is meant to highlight the changing of the seasons. The Stone Garden is also perfect for a moment of meditation and self-reflection. There is also an authentic tea house, and on a clear day, you can see Mt. Hood in the distance. Definitely a great spot to stop by for some peace and quiet in between exploring the city on your weekend in Portland.

Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Hours:
Winter hours: Monday Noon-4pm; Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm
Summer hours: Monday Noon-7pm; Tuesday-Sunday 10am-7pm
Admission: $16.95, buy tickets here

Pittock Mansion

Pittock Mansion is one of Portland’s architectural wonder and tells the story of one of Portland’s oldest and most influential families.

What I came for are the views – the mansion sits over 1000 feet above the city, and there are spectacular views of downtown and beyond On a clear day, you can spot Mt. Hood – you can see it right under the cloud on the left in my photo above. Definitely worth stopping by to check it out on your weekend in Portland, especially if you’re a sucker for a good view, like I am.

Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210
Hours:
Feb.-May: 10am-4pm Daily
June-Labor Day: 10am-5pm Daily
Sept.-Dec.: 10am-4pm Daily
Closed in the month of January
Admission: $12, buy skip-the-line tickets here

Portland Saturday Market

If you spend a weekend in Portland, you should definitely stop by the Portland Saturday Market, which has been in operation since 1974 and is the largest open-air arts and crafts market in the country.

The Market is located in Waterfront Park and features over 250 artisans and small businesses  selling various handicrafts locally made in the Pacific Northwest region. It is a great spot for some souvenir shopping. The Saturday Market is open every Saturday AND Sunday from March through Christmas Eve.

Address: 2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
Hours: Saturdays 10:00am-5:00pm; Sundays 11:00am-4:30pm, March-Christmas Ever

You might also like: The Ultimate Urban Portland City Tour

Powell’s City of Books

My first time in Portland, I allotted myself 30 minutes to check out Powell’s. Two hours later, I walked out after purchasing 5 books. Taking over an entire city block, Powell’s is a must for any book lover (like me!).

Even if you aren’t much of a book person, it is worth checking out on your weekend in Portland to see just how massive it is – so much so that they have store maps. Seriously, there’s nothing like it. Plan to spend at least an hour here, but don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer – I could seriously spend all day here!

Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
Hours: 9am-10pm, daily

Brewery Tour

Portland is home to the most breweries than any other city in the world, with over 75 within city limits. It is also credited as being a pioneer of the craft beer movement since the 1980s.

So, drinking beer here is a must on your weekend in Portland – you can learn more about Portland’s most notable breweries here. If you want to take it a step further, and learn more about the craft beer movement and brewing process (and you definitely do), you should also take a brewery tour.

I did the Widmer tour – the tour is free, and you get an insight into the brewing process, the ingredients they use (one of the most memorable parts of the tour was learning more about IPAs and seeing and smelling hops), the history of Widmer, and best of all – they give you free beer at the end. The brewery offers tours every day at 3pm. You must reserve a spot online here.

Want to check out more breweries on your 2 days in Portland? You definitely should, since the city has so many of them! Definitely check out this 5 hour microbrewery tour or this Portland Eastside craft brewery tour! You can also tour the best breweries by bike – combing two iconic Portland things!

Portland Aerial Tram

The Portland Aerial Tram connects the south waterfront to the Oregon Health Sciences University campus. It climbs 3300 linear feet at a speed of 22 miles per hour – the trip takes about 4 minutes. Over 20,000 people ride the tram every day to visit the OHSU campus.

From the top, you can take in a spectacular view of downtown Portland, and the Willamette River (and all the bridges that cross it). On a clear day, you can also see Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. The tram runs Monday-Saturday (except holidays). A round-trip fare is $5.10. For more information about hours and fares, see here.

Address: 3303 SW Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239
Hours:
Weekdays: 5:30am to 9:30pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
closed Sunday

You might also like: Portland Aerial Tour

Portland Food Tour

Portland is definitely a city and eating is definitely a must-do activity here – so why not go on a food tour during your weekend in Portland? Food tours are my favorite because not only do you get to see the city, you also get to try the best of the local cuisine!

Since they are led by locals, you also may get to check out places that are off the radar to give you a truly unique experience. Since Portland is a city that is serious about its food, doing a food tour here is definitely a must!

There are many options available for food tours, but these were the ones that I loved:
Portland Walking Tour: The Epicurean Edition
Portland 2-hour Street Food Tour
Portland Art District Food Tour
Portland Neighborhoods and Food Cart Tour
Portland Foodie Field Trip by Bike

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Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, with more than 2 million visitors stopping by every year. It is also only 30 minutes outside of the city, making it a super easy way to escape into nature during your 2 days in Portland.

I desperately wanted to visit Multnomah Falls during my last Portland trip (when it was summer and would’ve been the perfect time to visit!), but unfortunately, the falls were closed because of damage from wildfires that had happened recently.

Fortunately, the restoration work in the area has been completed, and the falls are open again – so I would definitely recommend stopping by if you could (I am definitely going to make a stop the next time I go to Portland)!

If you don’t rent a car during your 2 days in Portland, you can easily get to the falls on a guided tour – there are several options available to suit your time constraints and interests! Check out this 3-hour small group tour or afternoon half-day tour if you are limited on time. If you have more time and want to explore more Oregon highlights, you may also want to check out this tour that combines Multnomah Falls with Mount Hood, or this tour that combines it with wine country!

You might also like:
Portland Afternoon City Highlights Tour

What to Eat and Drink on Your 2 Days in Portland

Eating is my favorite activity while traveling, and there is a LOT of good food in Portland – it’s hands down my favorite thing about the city.

The below food list is super long and there is no way that you will get through all of them on just one weekend in Portland, but I had to include them all because, hello, I believe one can never have too many options!

I’ve included everything from cheap eats to splurge meals, to everything in between, so there’s something for everyone. You can even take a epicurean tour, or a chocolate tour if you wish., And now without further ado, my favorite spots to eat in Portland –

Pok Pok

(note: Sadly, as of 2021, Pok Pok is no longer in operation)

Yes, Pok Pok is hyped, and yes, there’s a long wait – and yes, you should definitely go there on your weekend in Portland. This is one of those places I have to go to every time I’m in Portland – those fish sauce wings are the best, perfectly crispy, with the optimal balance of sweet, savory, and with the slightest bit of sprice.

Pok Pok’s specialty is Thai street and drinking food, and the stuffed hen, papaya salad, and pork belly are also some of my favorites on the menu. Be sure to get an order of sticky rice on the side.

The cocktails here are also legit – the Mango Alexander is my favorite. It was described to me once as “a vacation in a cocktail,” and that’s kinda the perfect way to describe it. Also, Pok Pok owns Whiskey Soda across the street – you can go here to kill time during the wait (they will call over once your table is ready), or if all you want are the famous fish sauce wings, you can grab them here instead.

Address: 3226 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

You might also like: Portland Drunk History Tour

Pine State Biscuits

My first time in Portland, I squeezed in Pine State Biscuits on the way to the airport after eating 2 other breakfasts because I head it was THAT good and I really wanted to try it – and it really was THAT good (I am shocked that I didn’t explore afterwards, though). The biscuit sandwiches here are on point – try the Reggie, which has fried chicken, bacon, cheese and gravy. And yes, you should definitely get ready for the food coma afterwards, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Southeast location: 1100 SE Division St #100, Portland, OR 97202
Alberta Location: 2204 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211

Apizza Scholls

My old boss, who was a pizza snob, once declared this the best “pie” (he was also a native New Yorker) in America. Yes, they definitely have one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had in my life. Apizza Scholls serves up Neopolitan style pizzas, but what really makes them is the crust.

They make the dough in limited quantities, and once they’re out they’re out, so be sure to come early. There is also usually a wait here – if you need a place to kill time while you wait for a table, check out the Sapphire Hotel down the street for a cocktail.

Address: 4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215

Por Que No

Having lived in California all my life, I am basically a Mexican food snob, so when someone recommended Por Que No to me, I immediately scoffed. I finally gave it a chance though, and I was pleasantly surprised – the tacos here are actually pretty good! (although not as good as the tacos in California, obvi. Because I’m a snob).

There is a good variety of tacos here, and they all use fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients. Their sangrias and margaritas are tasty as well, and this is a perfect spot for lunch in the summer. The food is reasonably priced, and the vibe here is laid-back and fun, and I love the eclectic decor as well.

NE Location: 3524 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
SE Location: 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215

Stumptown Coffee

Stumptown may have expanded all over the country, but it all started in Portland – and it still makes a damn good latte. Stumptown’s focus is on flavor profiles and direct trade. The baristas here also aren’t pretentious assholes like they sometimes are at hipster coffee shops – one of them even gave me recommendations for other great coffee spots in the city.

My first stop in Portland usually ends up being here, to fuel me for a full day of exploring the city. There are locations all over the city, but the one inside the Ace Hotel is my favorite – I like to take my latte into the lobby to sit and people watch.

Tasty n Sons/Tasty n Alder

This is one of Portland’s most popular brunch spots. Tasty n Son is known for its inventive “new American diner” cuisine, and puts a Pacific Northwest spin on classic breakfast fare. Be prepared to wait – but it’s worth it (and compared to the 2 hours brunch waits in San Francisco, the wait here is nothing).

They have a mix of small and large plates, but it is tapas inspired (and you will want to eat ALL THE THINGS on the menu), so sharing is more fun! You can also check out their sister restaurant, Tasty n Alder, which has a similar menu – however, Tasty n Alder is more known for their dinner menu.

Address: 3808 N Williams Ave C, Portland, OR 97227

Heart Coffee

This was one of the places suggested to me by the Stumptown barista mentioned above, and it was a good one. Heart Coffee‘s focus is on light roast beans from Africa and Central America. Light roast doesn’t mean boring, though – the lattes are still full of flavor and perfectly roasty.

If you’re into AeroPress coffee, apparently the owner of Heart won the international AeroPress competition in 2013 so you’re probably in for some good stuff. There are 3 locations in the city, but the one on Burnside has a  cool, sleek, minimalist vibe, which I dig.

Address: 2211 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Food cart pods

Did you know that there are over 600 food carts in Portland? Most of them are grouped into pods all over the city – the one on 9th & Alder is one of the largest (and conveniently located in downtown and near Powell’s). This pod has carts that serve almost anything and everything that you can think of, but my absolute favorite and the reason I keep going to this pod is Nong’s Khao Man Gai, which serves up a classic Thai chicken and rice dish that has the most amazingly addictive soy and ginger sauce.

They’ve opened up a bunch of khao man gai places at home in San Francisco to try to replicate this, but I still haven’t had one that’s as good as Nong’s. (PS: if you want to sit down and eat your khao man gai, they’ve also opened an actual storefront on Burnside).

Other popular pods to check out during a weekend in Portland include Cartopia (this one is open late so it’s great for a late-night snack – I’ve stopped by here after a show), PSU pod, Cartlandia, and pods on Third Avenue and Fifth Avenue. Check out this list for more. There is also a street food tour available.

Cheese and Crack

As soon as I saw photos of Cheese and Crack‘s super cute cheese platters all over the interwebs, I knew I would have to make a trip there. Oh my goodness y’all, aren’t these platters just the cutest? Like, it’s begging to be Instagrammed. Luckily, the items on them are as good as they look.

You choose which two cheeses you want on your plate – I highly recommend the cheddar and brie brulee (with the perfectly caramelized outside – yummm) – and each platter comes with crackers, bread, a cookie, cornichons, olives, dijon mustard, honey, and chocolate ganache.

You can add more cheeses, as well as meat and/or pate, to your plate if you wish. Cheese and crack also serves beer and wine, so it’s a perfect spot to hang out for a pre-dinner snack and beverage. Yes, yes, and more yes!

Address: 22 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Beast

Beast has had a reputation for being one of the best restaurants in Portland since its opening in 2007, and James Beard award winning chef Naomi Pomeroy is a local legend. Beast has an intimate dining room and only seats 24, with 2 dinner seatings Wednesday-Saturday at 6pm and 8:45pm, along with 2 brunch seatings every Sunday at 10am and 12pm.

Seating is communal here, so get ready to get to know your neighbors (it’s a bit awkward if you go solo, as I did). Beast has a menu that changes weekly based on what Pomeroy finds in the local markets, and has a meat focus (hence, the name “Beast”) – if you are vegetarian or have any dietary restrictions, you must let them know ahead of time.

Dinner is expensive, but brunch is a manageable $40 (including gratuity). Each of the 3 courses was absolutely delightful, and it was such a uniquely Portland dining experience. One of the best meals in Portland!

Address: 5425 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211

Blue Star Donuts

Okay, so Voodoo may be the most famous of Portland’s donut spots, but it is touristy AF and well, they just aren’t  very good. Blue Star, on the other hand, is VERY good. The donuts here come in some really fun and unique flavors, such at PB&J, blueberry bourbon basil, passion fruit cocoa nibs, along with other seasonal flavors. These are made using local ingredients, and are always super fresh. Sooooo good. Seriously. Have one, or maybe like 3 during your 2 days in Portland. There are several locations throughout the city, including one at PDX in case you wanted to grab one on the way out.

Also check out: Portland Underground Donut Tour

Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw may have expanded outside of Portland these days (hell, we have two of them here in San Francisco now), but it is a Portland favorite, and the ice cream is soooo good. Salt & Straw’s flavor list boats some delicious creations such as pear & blue cheese, Arbequina olive oil, and cinnamon snickerdoodle, along with some creative seasonal selections – at the time of writing, they currently listed Pots of Gold & Rainbows, chocolate caramel potato chip cupcake, and sweet corn & waffle.

The sea salt with caramel ribbons is always a classic. I highly recommend ordering a flight, even if you think it’s waaaay too much ice cream, because I guarantee that you won’t be able to narrow it down to 1 or 2 flavors. So much yum here.

Clyde Common

Located inside the Ace Hotel, Clyde Common describes itself as serving “domestic and foreign” cooking, and at its core, is a gastropub serving local fare. Clyde Common is cocktail-focused with a hipster vibe, and offers a quintessential Portland dining experience.

The dining room is communal style, like at many restaurants in the city. The food is tasty, and so are the cocktails – the negroni is their specialty. If you don’t come for dinner, it’s worth making a stop for happy hour.

Address: 1014 SW Stark St, Portland, OR 97205

Le Pigeon

Le Pigeon is a bit spendy, but it is worth EVERY. SINGLE. PENNY. You should definitely consider getting the tasting menu here – every course is perfection, and it is sooooo worth it.

A five-course dinner is $85 here, and considering that the entrees all average about $30, it is definitely a good deal, especially when you compare it to a tasting menu of a similar caliber in another major city (i.e. San Francisco or NYC). Keep in mind that Le Pigeon is one of the restaurants joining in on the trend of bundling gratuity into the menu price, AND there’s no sales tax in Oregon, so what you see is what you pay. 

Le Pigeon puts a modern, seasonally-focused, and creative PNW spin on classic French cuisine, and it is upscale without being pretentious. Chef Gaberiel Rucker is a two-time James Beard award winner, and one taste of the food here and it’s easy to see why. Trust me, you should definitely treat yo’ self here on your weekend in Portland. You’ll thank me later.

Address: 738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Doug Fir Lounge

Portland is known for its live music scene, and the Doug Fir is one of my favorite venues, maybe ever. It’s got a cool futuristic log cabin vibe, and plays host to a lot of emerging and indie musical acts.

Check the calendar to see if there are any shows while you spend a weekend in Portland – and if there are, you should definitely go (even if you’ve never heard of the band – I’ve done this)! It’s a fun spot to hang out after dinner, grab some drinks, and take in some live music.

Address: 830 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Cacao

You are definitely coming to Cacao on your weekend in Portland for their rich, decadent drinking chocolate, and yes, you should get a flight. Cacao also sells a selection of gourmet artisanal chocolates, and there is a great selection of single-origin bars, and truffles from a selection of chocolatiers from the Pacific Northwest region. Definitely stop by for a treat!

Address: 414 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Also check out: Portland Chocolate Decadence Walking Tour

Have you ever been to Portland? What would you do with 2 days in Portland?

Read more about the Pacific Northwest…
2 Days in Seattle Itinerary
Seattle Bucket List
Best Places to Eat in Seattle
Most Instagrammable Places in Seattle
12 Best Things to Do in Seattle
2 Perfect Days in Vancouver

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