Perfect Downtown Portland Day

Our Local Expert Says:

Café Umbria is an absolute must-try for any visitor to Portland. Experience Portland's authentic coffee culture and order the best cappuccino you'll ever taste.

Description:

At Café Umbria, located in the heart of the Pearl District, taste for the first time three generations of practice in the coffee biz. Enjoy the casual dining style while you taste authentic Italian coffee so great, you'll swear you're in Perugia, Italy, where the family first started roasting. For those truly hooked on Cafe Umbria, purchase their ground beans and make their coffee at home as well. Not to be missed- their variations of mixed hot chocolate and coffee. If you're ambitious, catch their Italian movie nights.

Description:

Powell's Books in Downtown Portland is a great way to spend an entire day in Portland when the weather is not ideal.  With four entire floors of books, Powell's is literally the largest bookstore in the United States. In addition to the sheer size, Powell's Books also specializes in unique and rare books.  Visit the Rare Book room on the top floor, which houses historically famous antique books. If they don't have a book you want, they will make the effort to find it at another location. Make sure to leave lots of time to explore this immense palace of books- it is one of the top attractions in all of Oregon!

Description:

Dimly lit, with aquariums and red tablecloths, this downtown restaurant is like the one that Mom treated you to for special family dinners. For two decades, the restaurant has served traditional Chinese dishes with an American flavor. The entrance, which can be elusive, is actually up some stairs on Southwest Park Avenue. Enjoy a cocktail from the full bar before your meal arrives. Try the T'ung T'ing Shrimp—large, shelled prawns sauteed in wine sauce with broccolli, water chestnuts and mushrooms.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering in and out of galleries and boutiques.

Description:

Portland's Pearl District is home to fine art galleries, trendy city dwellers, and upscale dining. The art galleries and cobble stone streets alone make this a worth-while stop on any trip. On the first Thursday of each month, these galleries are open to the public well into the night, making it a trendy nighttime destination.

Our Local Expert Says:

Although the Classical Chinese Garden is in the most run-down section of Downtown Portland, upon entering this Garden you'll feel you've stepped into an oasis. It is truly worth a look.

Description:

The Classical Chinese Garden is one of the more interesting spots in Downtown Portland. It is located in the heard of Chinatown, and was originally an effort to beautify this struggling section of Portland. Although the area still has its demons, the Classical Chinese Garden is a city oasis. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5.50 for students with children under 5 free.

Our Local Expert Says:

The roses here stay in bloom until the beginning of December. Not to be missed!

Description:

Although Portland's roses peak in June, these roses are in bloom almost all year. The International Rose Test Garden is completely free, and not to be missed by anyone. Wander from flower to flower, sniffing and enjoying these little perfume factories.

Description:

Wildwood is a spacious yet cozy restaurant and bar serving delicious Northwest cuisine. The menu focuses on fresh, local, seasonal ingredients with tantalizing results. The interior is lux without being snooty or pretentious. The waitstaff are attentive but not overbearing. Peruse the 250 varieties of wine on the well-organized menu, or ask your server to suggest the Oregon Pinot that goes best with your meal.

Description:

It is difficult to obtain a table here at the last minute, so call for reservations to witness firsthand the city's most elite in this elegant Northwest Portland environment. For dinner, try the Pasta Verdura, the carbo-lover's delight. Be sure to sample one of their famous desserts, such as the berry tart. Enjoy a cup of steaming coffee or a drink from the full-service bar. Feel free to enjoy a lighter meal in the adjacent Jo Bar and Rotisserie. Visit the Eastside location at 5829 Southeast Milwaukie (+1 503 232 9440).

Description:

This theater is an historical relic of Portland, well placed in the northwest heart of the city. The old-fashioned theater appeals to an arty crowd and features many unique movies. From foreign art films to controversial documentaries, diversity is emphasized here and the crowd is often as entertaining as the feature itself. After the show, take a stroll down Northwest 21st Avenue to one of the many local eateries. Admission: USD3 for seniors, children and matinees; USD6 general; USD5 for students.

Our Local Expert Says:

The interior is posh but unassuming, and the delicious fried ravioli make a great accompaniment to their extensive wines and beers.

Description:

Relatively new on the local restaurant scene, chef and owner Lisa Schroeder has taken the experience gained at the likes of Le Cirque to create wonderfully fresh, bistro-style food in the light and airy ambiance of this old Irish bank building. Prices are more than reasonable. Breakfast and lunch menus offer standard fare prepared to the highest standards. There is more variation in the dinner menu—enjoy everything from salads to pot roast and vegetable couscous. The excellent wine list offers choices by the bottle or glass.

Description:

This downtown restaurant is known for its local cuisine—all the ingredients are harvested here in Oregon. The small, split-level setup is cozy, but it can get noisy. Northwest seafood, local mushrooms and other veggies make up an array of uniquely Oregon dishes. The razor clams and salmon are considered specialties. The pastrami sandwich is a good choice for lunch. This restaurant also claims to have the largest wine and beer list in the city, but you cannot get a Budweiser.

Description:

Piazza Italia is the place to pig it out, with friends or solo. Close tables may be a tad too close for comfort, but once the food arrives no one minds anything. So what's on the plate? Salads, pastas, Italian meats, delicious tiramisu and gelato, and lots of Barberesco and Borolo. To brush up on your Italian skills reserve a table in the evening. For gift cards and catering call the restaurant.