Best Things To Do in Portland, Oregon

The perfect getaway for your next holiday is in Portland, Oregon's largest city and home to a wide range of entertainment. It's famous for its love of sports and food scene that includes doughnut trails, haute cuisine and street food options. Another reason I like this destination is because of its accessibility, as it can be explored by bike, boat or cable car.

Additionally, the region is surrounded by sandstone, which creates a pleasant climate at any time of year and allows for outdoor activities. If you still need a push to convince you, read on.

Portland is the kind of destination you escape to when you want to relax, so an enriching cruise on the Willamette River is a must. From this vantage point, the views of the skyline are a real spectacle, especially at sunset. For about two and a half hours you can put your worries aside and enjoy the views from another perspective.

In general, this type of experience highlights the beauty of the Hawthorne Bridge, the oldest bridge in the city, as well as the opulence of the Marquam Bridge, which is its more modern sibling. You'll also see the reflection in the water at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, which offers exciting shows that I highly recommend you attend.

On board you'll be accompanied by the gentle melodies of live piano, local history narration and traditional food tastings. You can usually find boat trips from €121.

To feel like a local, you've got to immerse yourself in the passion of basketball. It's one of the region's most popular sports, and its games offer an exciting, high-energy experience. Specifically, people burn their throats every time the Trail Blazers, the local team that plays in tournaments at the Moda Center arena, play.

The atmosphere is electric and competitive and buying tickets to see the Portland Trail Blazers is a must while you're planning your itinerary, as they sell out very quickly. Every second is filled with local culture: at off times the players interact with the fans and there are cheerleading shows, contests and live music. Games are also accompanied by craft beers and, of course, the unbeatable sensation of popcorn butter between your toes.

Another must-see attraction on your itinerary is the Portland Aerial Tram, which is known for offering the best panoramic views of the city. Many tourists are unaware of its existence and miss out on one of the most rewarding and fun experiences in the city.

You'll fly over the South Waterfront and the Willamette River to the main campus of Oregon Health & Science University, as well as see various landmarks for about three minutes. It's a shame the trip is so short, but it's enough time to marvel at Portland's arteries and capture postcard-perfect photos. In general, a return ticket costs around €4 and it's advisable to avoid rush hour for a more pleasant journey.

Each cabin has four seats but more people can stand up, so it can be an interesting activity if you plan to visit Portland with children, family or a group of friends. At the lower terminal you'll see exhibits about the vehicles and their history, the emerging life of the neighbourhood and the farmers' market at Elizabeth Caruthers Park. Upstairs there's self-guided hiking and views of Mt Hood.

Portland is known for its award-winning doughnuts that resonate globally, so it would be a shame to visit and not take the famous trail that takes you on a tour of the most exquisite creations. It has an interesting history dating back to the 17th century, when the first recipes arrived in the country. Later, the locals created unique formulas that made a difference in terms of dough, texture, fillings, smells and flavours.

If you want to stimulate serotonin (your happiness hormone), you can't miss the opportunity to visit the best shops in this picturesque city and discover the most in-demand proposals. And if you have any doubts about this plan, I'll confess that Portland's concoctions rival those of big cities like New York and Los Angeles.

My recommendation is to join the best guided tours in Portland, some of which can give you the sweetest two hours of your life, as they can include a doughnut tasting experience. This way, you'll also get to see underrated shops and immerse yourself in the secrets of baking and decorating techniques. These types of experiences can be found from €62 and allow you to choose vegan and gluten-free options.

A French corner in the heart of Portland, the Pittock Mansion is an iconic stop on your itinerary. Built in 1909, it was for years the private Renaissance-style château residence of Henry Pittock, the publisher of The Oregonian newspaper. It was later purchased by the local government and became one of the most important museums on the perimeter.

A guided tour allows you to explore the architecture and browse the interior, where more than 46 charming rooms are hidden away. Among the permanent exhibits are period furniture, family heirlooms such as a family writing desk, porcelain sets, preserved dresses, original pieces including a grand piano and Henry Pittock's Masonic sword.

In addition, the temporary exhibitions are fascinating and are reinvented each year with original proposals. This place is enchanting and living proof of the transformation of the city as well as the legacy of the Pittocks. Buy tickets from €16 and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of the mansion.

Another way to get to know Portland is on a bike, in fact it's an eco-friendly city where cycling routes are promoted to avoid traffic and reach the most important sights in a short time. The most relevant place to visit is Clinton Street, where you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant life and see the Clinton Street Theatre, an old building popular for its weekly horror movie screenings.

Also, if you go in July, you can catch the Clinton Street Parade. Or, you can let the pedals take you to:

• The iconic Ladd's Addition maze.
• The vintage shops and food offerings in the quaint Hawthorne neighbourhood.
• The architectural wonders of the Solterra Building.
• The cool breeze of Poet's Beach, where you can sink your toes into the sand.

You can rent a bike on your own from €30 per day, but you'll be adrift in an unfamiliar city. Joining a guided tour, on the other hand, guarantees you the peace of mind of having an itinerary through the best places and experiences. Plus, not only will you have an expert guide, but you'll also have the opportunity to stop for a delicious Portland doughnut to recharge your batteries.

The International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park is a magical location with more than 10,000 rose bushes that grace the city, especially in the May-October season.

The garden's displays are impressive and many people come to see the famous Shakespeare Garden, where you can learn about the biodiversity of flowers named after the writer's works. It's a multi-sensory experience where you'll be captivated by fresh smells, vibrant rose bushes and colourful mazes. In the spring there are guided tours and the crowds increase as it exhibits beauty at its best.

One reason I love this garden? Admission is completely free and it offers a variety of events throughout the year.

Nob Hill and Pearl District undoubtedly top Portland's most iconic neighbourhoods for their entertainment offerings. Day and night, these places are packed with locals and tourists who refuse to miss a second of fun.

The two locations are only 15 minutes apart, so you could spend a whole afternoon or even longer if you plan to spend at least 3 days in Portland Here's a little guide to the highlights of these two locations.

Nob Hill

• Explore the industrial facades and cobblestone houses and immortalise the best memories of your trip.
• Take advantage of gallery nights on the first Thursday of the month. These art spaces are usually closed for the night, but on this day they extend their hours with special exhibits, dining experiences and live entertainment.
• Visit the 1888 Wallace House, which is surrounded by Victorian and Edwardian houses that serve as theatres, shops and other entertainment venues.

Pearl District

• Admire The Cosmopolitan in The Fields Park, one of the tallest buildings surrounded by craft breweries and old warehouses.
• Join the monthly art trail, which opens all the area's galleries to the public such as the Augen Gallery founded in 1979.
• Enjoy the Portland bike rides that take place in this area.

Want to get away from civilisation and breathe in the fresh air, or would you like to experience a haunted tale in a picturesque castle? Then you've got to visit Portland and enjoy all the offerings of the city's wooded areas.

Here's a guide to what you can enjoy in these places

Forest Park

Forest Park is an urban park within walking distance of Portland, which you can reach using the Portland TriMet line 16. It's ideal for hiking trails of varying intensities, enjoying a dip in the waterfalls and admiring the wildlife. Admission is free and it features rustic overlooks on the hills, as well as a connection to the Audubon Society Sanctuary and Pittock Mansion.

Witch's Castle

The Castillo de la Bruja is accessible by bus number 20 and allows you to see an old stone building that is abandoned and has generated legends, theories and testimonies of ghosts. Its beauty lies in its quirky moss and graffiti decoration and you don't have to pay to see it.

Portland is a city with an interesting and intense history that is reflected in different points throughout the city. So here's a set of activities to get to know the city that go beyond the typical museums and exhibitions. In fact, many of them are outdoors.

The Grotto

A must-see in Portland is the religious sanctuary The Grotto, which features botanical gardens, sacred chapel and relaxation spaces. Here you can witness a medieval labyrinth and participate in meditation rituals. Also, if you plan to visit the city at Christmas time, you can take advantage of the Festival of Lights or attend the annual Blessing of the Animals in July.

Additionally, this place offers free concerts and seasonal events. Note that the lower level is free, but to go up to the gardens you have to pay an entrance fee of around €8.

The Drawing Room

Portland' s Pioneer Courthouse Square is a space dedicated to cultural festivals and free concerts where you're sure to have a great time. You can look at the first section of this park, which was built in the 1980s, or sit in the chairs and admire the spaces. In general, it is a good option to visit with the family and relax between attractions.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Another must-see is the classical Chinese garden, better known as Lan Su Chinese Garden. Here you will find a conglomeration of Asian culture, as it is home to 2,000 years of history that can be explored through its art, architecture, design and cuisine.

Of course, you'll find native Chinese plants and lunar festivals at different times of the year. During your visit, don't miss the calligraphy, painting and handicraft workshops, as well as tea tastings and Tai Chi and Qi Gong activities. Admission is from €13, but inside you can find attractions at extra cost.

Portland Japanese Garden

If you liked the Chinese Garden, you'll probably want to check out its other half. This is the Portland Japanese Garden, which is easily accessible via the 15 and 20 bus lines. It opened in 1967 and is tucked away in the vastness of Washington Park. Here you can view temporary art collections, watch musical instrument demonstrations, attend bonsai classes and immerse yourself in Japanese traditions.

You can also see a collection of netsuke, which are miniature carved Japanese deities and mythological characters, or take part in textile workshops, join guided tours, participate in tea ceremonies or admire the terraces and pavilions.

It's a pleasant tour and can be completed in about fifteen minutes. Note that from November to January it is not as beautiful as in summer; I think it is important to find it in full bloom to get the most out of the €18 entrance fee.