How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Portland, Oregon, United States

All Topics about Portland All Cities in United States

1. Powell's City of Books

America's largest independent new and used bookstore. Avoid the gift shop prices by buying books from other sections.

Local Prices: Check for local prices instead of overpriced tourist traps.
Used Books Section: Explore the vast selection of used books for great deals.
Cafe for Relaxation: Relax in the cafe, enjoy a coffee while browsing the store.

Famous for eccentric doughnuts and long lines. Visit early in the morning or off-peak hours.

Early Visit: Arrive before 8 am to avoid long lines.
Off-Peak Hours: Visit later in the evening or weekdays for shorter lines.
Portland Doughnut Scene: Try other local doughnut shops for a more authentic experience.

Popular open-air market with unique vendors. Research and compare prices before buying.

Research Prices: Check online for average prices of items to avoid overpaying.
Talk to Vendors: Negotiate with vendors for a better deal, many are open to haggling.
Local Food Trucks: Enjoy local food trucks for lunch instead of overpriced market food.

Popular brewery tour with stops at multiple popular breweries. Visit smaller, lesser-known breweries instead.

Smaller Breweries: Seek out smaller, independent breweries for a more authentic experience.
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Ask locals for recommendations to discover hidden gems.
Happy Hour Deals: Check for happy hour deals at breweries for discounted tastings.

Upscale neighborhood with trendy restaurants and shops. Explore nearby areas like Hawthorne or Mississippi for more local experiences.

Explore Nearby Neighborhoods: Check out other Portland neighborhoods for a mix of food, shops, and culture.
Happy Hour Specials: Take advantage of happy hour specials to save money on meals.
Local Food Trucks: Try local food trucks for a more authentic dining experience.

Northwest's oldest and one of the largest art museums in the country. Visit on free admission days or with a library card.

Free Admission Days: Check the museum website for days offering free admission.
Library Card Benefits: Use your library card from any Multnomah County Library to get free admission.
Local Art Scene: Visit galleries and studios in the Alberta Arts District for a more immersive art experience.

Home to over 200 species and one of the oldest zoos in America. Visit during the off-season or early in the morning.

Off-Season Visits: Visit during the off-peak seasons (winter or shoulder season) for smaller crowds.
Early Morning Arrival: Arrive early in the morning to see animals active and beat the crowds.
Public Transit: Take public transit to save money on parking fees.

Regional science museum with various exhibits, planetarium, and theater. Visit during free days or afternoons.

Free Days: Check the OMSI website for days offering free admission.
Afternoon Visits: Visit in the afternoon to avoid morning crowds and save on tickets.
Local Science Scene: Check out local science centers and museums for more interactive experiences.

One of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in North America. Visit during off-peak hours or on a weekday.

Weekday Visits: Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
Early Morning Arrival: Arrive early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
Local Gardens: Visit other gardens in Portland for a more varied gardening experience.

One of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. Visit during off-peak hours or on a weekday.

Weekday Visits: Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
Early Morning Arrival: Arrive early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
Local Gardens: Visit other gardens in Portland for a more varied gardening experience.

Popular scenic area with hiking trails and waterfalls. Start early to avoid traffic and congestion.

Early Start: Start your day early to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
Less Popular Trails: Research less popular trails for a more authentic experience.
Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide for insider knowledge and tips.

Iconic waterfall in Columbia River Gorge. Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

Early or Late Visit: Visit early or late in the day to beat the crowds.
Less Popular Trails: Explore less crowded trails around the area for a more authentic experience.
Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide for insider knowledge and tips.

Portland is famous for its food trucks. Seek out hidden gems instead of popular ones.

Hidden Gems: Ask locals for recommendations to find hidden food truck treasures.
Food Cart Pods: Visit food cart pods like pod2gourmet or Grassa for a variety of options.
Street Food Apps: Use street food apps to find the best food trucks in Portland.

Portland has an extensive public transportation system. Use it to save money and see more of the city.

Saving Money: Save on parking fees by using public transit.
City Exploration: Explore different neighborhoods easily with public transit.
Flexibility: Use the system to get around without worrying about parking or driving.

Portland locals are friendly and knowledgeable. Ask for recommendations to avoid tourist traps.

Authentic Experiences: Get insider tips for hidden gems and local favorites.
Save Money: Find cheaper options for dining, shopping, and activities.
Enjoy Portland Culture: Discover the unique culture and spirit of Portland.