portland free city tour

"Best Tour Ever!

Our guide was amazing. perfect mix of history and humor", "a must-do in portland, entertaining, informative, and wonderfully fun. five stars", "the best walking tour i have ever taken", "unforgettable experience, the perfect introduction to portland's unique vibe", "loved every moment, you'll see portland in a whole new light. highly recommend".

Uncover Enchanting Secrets on Our Captivating Walking Tours!

At Secrets of Portlandia, we’re passionate about revealing the hidden gems and rich history of Portland, Oregon through unforgettable walking tours. Join us to explore the city’s enchanting secrets and create lasting memories. Walk with us and discover the heart and soul of Portlandia.

Our Guided Walking Tours Reveal the Best of the City

At Secrets of Portlandia, we take pride in our #1 rated free walking tours of Portland! Join our tour to experience the hidden wonders of the Rose City. Our experienced, passionate guides will lead you through the enchanting streets, revealing the best-kept secrets and captivating stories that have shaped this amazing city for nearly 200 years.

Immerse yourself in the rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking architecture that make Portland a true gem of the Pacific Northwest. From iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures, our carefully crafted tours offer a unique and unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors alike. Book a tour with us, and let us show you all the greatest places in Portland, one step at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last.

Our tour lasts about 2 hours, including a bathroom break in the middle of the tour.

Are the walking tours suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, our walking tours are designed to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels. While some tours may involve moderate walking, we offer options suitable for most participants. Please feel free to inform us about any specific mobility concerns, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

What should I bring with me on the tour?

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather, as most tours are conducted rain or shine. It’s also a good idea to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the unforgettable moments along the way.

What happens if it rains on the day of my scheduled tour?

Portland’s weather can be unpredictable, but our tours go ahead rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, we recommend bringing appropriate rain gear and umbrellas. Rest assured that exploring the city’s secrets in the rain can be a uniquely memorable experience. But we do try to lead our tour under the cover of buildings whenever we can to keep everybody dry!

Where does the tour start and end?

Our tour starts at Pioneer Courthouse on SW 6th Avenue. We’ll be just across the street from Pioneer Square.

The tour wraps up at Mill Ends Park, the smallest park in America! We’ll be at the intersection of SW Taylor St. & SW Naito Parkway.

If you have any questions about our free walking tours of Portland, please contact us by email or with this web form! We are excited to have you in Portland and we’d be happy to help you plan your trip any way we can.  assist you in exploring the hidden wonders and captivating stories of Portland, Oregon. Join us on this unforgettable journey as we reveal the city’s best-kept secrets, one step at a time. We can’t wait to welcome you to Portland!

Contact Form

Copyright © 2023 | Secrets of Portlandia | All Rights Reserved

Want to share your culture with travelers from all the world?

Free walking tour near portland, others cities to visit after portland, find other guruwalks in portland, where are you traveling to.

Welcome to our Urban Tour Group website!

We offer FREE walking tours of downtown and also classroom presentations of our walking tours for children in 3rd-5th grade.

This is a wonderful class activity where students will learn about the history, architecture and art of Portland. Our tours are a great way to actively introduce young people in the metro region to their history and urban environment.

In addition, we have created 27 mini lessons you can use with your students. See the page heading in the menu on the left. Please enjoy these and share with others. Hope to see you soon.

• Quick UTG: 27 Mini-Lessons from our Tours
• Walking Tours
• Request a Tour
• Teacher Information
• Tour Information

Portland, OR   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Photo by Matt Payne of Durango, Colorado | Getty Images

Free Things To Do in Portland, OR

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Washington Park Washington Park free

Many critics, travelers and locals agree that of all of Portland's parks (and they are numerous), Washington Park is perhaps the best. Washington Park is home to such notable landscaping feats as the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden , as well as the World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum and several memorials dedicated to pivotal points in Oregon's history.

There are also family-friendly attractions like the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Children's Museum, along with a large playground, soccer fields, tennis courts and an archery range. Just make sure you save plenty of time for a leisurely stroll down one of the many shady paths, which are often decorated with flower displays and fountains.

International Rose Test Garden International Rose Test Garden free

Not until you visit these sprawling gardens in Washington Park will you fully understand the reasoning behind one of Portland's nicknames, the City of Roses. Established in 1917 by Portlander Jesse A. Currey and city leaders, it began as a testing ground for roses from around the world. Today, it is still the oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States.

Home to more than 10,000 rose bushes, the site also boasts a special Shakespeare Garden, which is festooned with roses named after the characters in William Shakespeare's plays. Recently, garden staff have also planted some of the fruit trees that populate the Bard's plays – fig, olive and medlar. Award-winning roses are found in the aptly named Gold Medal Garden. The Test Garden is full of current trial programs that might include miniature roses, David Austin roses (they receive no fungicides or insecticides), and new varieties sent by rose companies for evaluation. If you have your heart set on seeing the roses in full bloom, plan a visit in mid-June.

Powell's City of Books Powell's City of Books free

Whether or not you're an avid reader, Powell's City of Books is worth checking out. Four floors high, it occupies a square city block; in fact, this bookstore is so large that exploring it actually requires a map.

While you wander through the stacks, keep in mind that you are tracing the footsteps of great writers, many of whom – like Ursula K. Le Guin and Neil Gaiman – have scrawled their signatures on the building's pillars. You might also schedule your visit to coincide with a reading, as the book shop hosts events nearly every day totaling more than 500 author visits a year.

Portland's Forest Park Portland's Forest Park free

If you're looking to spend some time outside, but you aren't willing to make the trek to Mount Hood , Forest Park is the place to go. Spanning 5,200 acres, it's one of the largest urban parks in America.

Among the park's features is the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, which is part of the region's 40-mile loop system connecting pedestrian and trail routes along the Columbia River to Gresham through southeast Portland along the Willamette Greenway and back to the Marquam Trail in southwest Portland. To find a trailhead, check out Forest Park Conservancy's online maps or buy a water-resistant trail map at Powell's or a New Seasons Market. If you're an avid bird-watcher, keep your eyes peeled: it's not unusual to spot barred owls, Cooper's hawks or pileated woodpeckers in the tall trees.

Multnomah Falls Multnomah Falls free

If you're willing to venture about 30 miles east of downtown Portland, you'll have access to the tallest waterfall in Oregon  – Multnomah Falls. Located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the falls are the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, according to the U.S. Forest Service. 

At 620 feet tall, the Multnomah Falls are not for the faint of heart. Visitors have the option of climbing a 1/4-mile trail to reach Benson Bridge, which gives them a closer look at the falls and is at the crux of the first tier. Another steep, 1.25-mile hike will take travelers to the top of the falls for incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge . The Multnomah Falls Lodge, located at the base of the falls, houses a gift shop, restrooms and a restaurant for patrons to enjoy before or after their hike.

Portland Saturday Market Portland Saturday Market free

Whether you're craving international foods or are in search of a unique souvenir, the Portland Saturday Market is the place to look. Running since 1974, the market is located on the northern side of Tom McCall Waterfront Park and features 150 booths filled with art, upcycled clothing, handmade toys, organic soaps, reclaimed wood cutting boards and jewelry – all made by local artisans .

After you've had your fill of shopping, satisfy your appetite at one of the many food booths, which serve everything from Nepalese and Uruguayan to North African and Polish cuisines. There's live music every Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Check the market's Instagram to find out who will be performing.) 

Hoyt Arboretum Hoyt Arboretum free

Founded in 1928, the 189-acre Hoyt Arboretum features over 170 different tree families and 6,000 individual trees. The species represented originate from every continent except Antarctica. Visitors can either explore the arboretum on their own via the park's 12 miles of trails or take a guided tour. Travelers with children will want to check out the family-friendly activities like seed paper workshops and "Tree Time" for preschoolers. There are also adult classes on everything from forest bathing to mushroom identification walks (prices range from $15 to $30).

Past visitors raved about the arboretum and many expressed their surprise that such a tranquil place exists within city limits. Travelers also encouraged future tourists to take their time when exploring the trails and advised planning a trip around one of the arboretum's weekend guided walks.

Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge free

U.S. News Insider Tip: After a morning hike in the gorge, stop for a late lunch and soft serve at Sugarpine Drive-In on your way back to Portland. Owned by former Portland/Brooklyn chefs Emily Cafazzo and Ryan Domingo, this Troutdale restuarant serves excellent, hearty sandwiches. – Hannah Wallace

The Columbia River flows 1,200 miles from British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean and forms a dramatic border between Washington and Oregon. Both sides offer spectacular views of the gorge – from some spots on the Washington side you can see clear views of Mount Hood . Multnomah Falls is probably the closest scenic attraction as you drive east from Portland. From there, stop in Hood River or White Salmon for lunch or dinner. Both cities have an array of eateries, breweries, ice cream shops and cafes. In White Salmon, make sure to visit the White Salmon Bakery , which makes delicious pastries and breakfast sandwiches (all on its freshly baked bread) and pop over to the owners' new wine shop, Soca , for a bottle of Oregon wine. In Hood River, head to one of a handful of breweries like pFriem Family Brewers, Ferment Brewing Co. or Double Mountain Brewery.

Portland Mercado Portland Mercado free

Both a community economic development project for Latino entrepreneurs and one of Portland's best food cart pods, Portland Mercado showcases cuisines from Columbia, Cuba, Peru, Oaxaca and the Yucatan.

Past visitors raved about the al pastor burrito at Fernando's Alegria and the chicken mole at the Oaxacan truck. Others were blown away by the patacones (twice-fried plantains) at Qué Bacano, the Columbian truck. Travelers love the vibe as well: colorful trucks, energetic live music and plentiful outdoor seating.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park Tom McCall Waterfront Park free

Named for a former Oregonian governor, this 30-acre park stretches alongside the Willamette River in downtown Portland and provides some of the best views of the city's skyline. Because of its prime location, it hosts many of Portland's special events – including the ever-popular Oregon Brewers Festival and the Portland Rose Festival.

But even when the city isn't celebrating, there's plenty to do here. Locals congregate for afternoon strolls or picnics and families cool off on hot days at the Salmon Street Springs fountain. The park is also home to some historic monuments like the Founders Stone, the Japanese American Historical Plaza and the Police Memorial. The Portland Saturday Market is held within the park every weekend from March to Christmas Eve. If you're in need of a bite to eat, head to Pine Street Market – a food hall with that sits at the northern end of the park at Second Avenue and Pine Street.

Mount Tabor Park Mount Tabor Park free

Mount Tabor is a dormant volcanic cinder cone located 5 miles east of downtown Portland. It may sound like a trek, but the scenery is well worth it. At its summit, Mount Tabor provides vistas of both downtown and Mount Hood . Travelers can choose one of three trails that takes them to the top of Mount Tabor and around the park. Along the trails, you'll see three reservoirs, which used to be the source of the city's drinking water. If views and hiking don't interest you, maybe this will: Mount Tabor Park is home to the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Each year on the third Saturday in August, racers in wacky cars zoom down the park's hills for a chance to win the top spot.

Past travelers relished the long walks they took through Mount Tabor Park. The breathtaking views are repeatedly mentioned by visitors, the sportier of whom run up the 293 stairs. Know that you'll do a lot of uphill walking before you reach that reward, however.

The Central Eastside The Central Eastside free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Food lovers in Portland get their olive oil, grains and Rancho Gordo beans at Wellspent Market , a locally-owned provisions store that also sells a great selection of natural wines, ciders and beer. – Hannah Wallace

Once an industrial neighborhood, the Central Eastside has been percolating over the past six to eight years with breweries, restaurants and even a few stylish boutique hotels. Even if you don't stay at Kex , an Icelandic youth hostel, you should make a visit to its horseshoe-shaped bar, Pacific Standard , which is now manned by respected bartender and author, Jeffrey Morgenthaler. Time your visit for happy hour (3 to 6 p.m.) to enjoy a $2 discount on all menu items, including food.

PSU Farmers Market PSU Farmers Market free

If you're in Portland on a Saturday, make a morning stop at the PSU Farmers Market. In addition to just-picked local produce, vendors peddle meat, beverages (including alcohol), dairy products, mushrooms, chocolate and more. Talented musicians typically busk for tips.

Past visitors said the market is worth walking through even if you don't plan on buying produce. Others were impressed with the smoked fish, excellent Jewish rye and beautiful flowers for sale. Travelers also raved about the prepared foods at the market, including tamales, breakfast burritos, cookies and more.

Things to Do in Portland, OR FAQs

Explore more of portland, or, best hotels.

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

The Top 11 Free Things To Do In Portland

Exploring Portland can absolutely be done for free! Portland is home to several amazing attractions that will not cost you a thing to experience. Explore all Portland has to offer even if you are on a strict budget.

You may have to think outside the box a bit to find all of the great free things to do in Portland. But there are plenty of fantastic to discover. Get up-close-and-personal with Portland as only a local can do by enjoying all the great free things the city has to offer.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the Willamette River is a lovely place to go for a walk and in spring, the cherry blossoms are incredible. This park is also the ideal place to view Burnside and Hawthorne Bridge s as well. Nearby, the Pioneer Courthouse Square occupies an entire city block! It's known as Portland's living room and when you go there, you'll know why. It's known as one of Portland's leading outdoor venues.

The Alberta Arts District is a great place to see fantastic street art and is a way to support the local creative community. If you'd like to see some of the outskirts of the city, head to Columbia River Gorge and admire the beautiful Multnomah Falls. An afternoon here will have you wanting to come back again!

While you are out exploring Portland, drop large bags and gear at a luggage locker for safekeeping. Enjoy your outing without being weighed down with extra belongings. There is so much to do!

Browse Multnomah County Central Library

Address: 801 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Pay a visit to the West Coast’s oldest public library. The Multnomah County Central Library was built in 1913 and has over 17 miles of bookshelves taking up three levels filled with the classics, children’s literature, and even several of the newest best sellers. Take the kids for storytime or a craft session and peruse the bookshelves for an hour or two.

Curl up in one of their comfortable chairs and crack open a book. The library follows a “Garden of Knowledge” theme throughout the library and the theme is carried into the children’s room with its 14-foot tree that is cast-bronze. The bark is sculpted into images that will grab children’s attention such as animals, letters, toys, storybook characters, ballet slippers, musical instruments, and vines.

Explore the Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Address: 2250 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214

Take a guided tour through the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and check out the intriguing exhibits and presentations. There are several events throughout the year that tell the full story of the Pacific Northwest railroads. Portland has more working steam locomotives than any other city in the United States and this is a must-visit for anyone who loves trains.

Visit during the holiday season and ride the Holiday Express trains which are decorated in festive lights. The museum is bordered by several rail lines including the MAX Light Rail, Portland Streetcar, Oregon Pacific, and Union Pacific. There are three vintage steam locomotives, two of them are still in great running condition.

The Southern Pacific Daylight Locomotive 4449 is on display. This engine was active in the 1940s when it traveled back and forth between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It is also the engine that pulled the American Freedom Train that traveled throughout the United States for the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations.

Visit an Art Gallery for Free

The Pearl District hosts free receptions from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., but each art gallery does have its own hours. You can stroll through the different galleries and see their regular exhibits for free. Any special events or exhibits will most likely not be free.

You can visit several of the galleries during these free receptions. Many even offer complimentary snacks and wine or soft drinks. As you stroll through the Pearl District, you will get to listen to live music being played on the street and check out the street food vendors that visit and booths where artisans showcase their goods.

Spend an evening at the Portland Art Museum

Address: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Check out the Oregon Historical Society to find out when they host free admission days. There are specific museums, especially in the Pearl District, that offer free admission once a month. The Portland Art Museum, for example, has free admission on the first Thursday of each month so visit between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. They also offer free admission for military personnel and children under 17 years.

Best known for its Native American art and Northwest art, it is one of the oldest art museums not just in the Pacific Northwest but in the entire United States. When you visit on their free admission Thursdays be sure to check out the plaster casts of Roman and Greek sculptures that have been with the museum since 1892. Visiting museums is a great way to spend some time in downtown Portland.

Get Outdoors in Forest Park

Address: 833 SW 11th Ave, Suite 800, Portland OR 97205

One of the biggest urban parks in the United States, Forest Park encompasses almost 5,000 acres and has miles of mountain biking trails as well as jogging and hiking trails, a total of about 70 miles of trails. It is a nature lover’s paradise right in Portland. There is always something fun and interesting happening during the warmer months.

During the cooler months, the park is not as crowded, making it a great place to hang out and stretch your legs. Pack a picnic or grab some takeout and enjoy the fresh air. Bring your dog, but keep them leashed, and spend the day exploring the park for free. You can even bring your horse and ride along some of the multi-use trails. Wildwood Trail is a favorite.

There are around 112 bird species and 62 mammal species that can be seen in Forest Park. You can pay a small fee and join a guided tour of the Pittock Mansion, located inside the park. It is free to hike along the Willamette River or you can climb the Cascade Range Mountains. Forest Park hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, check their schedule of events.

Enjoy the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother – The Grotto

Address: 8840 NE Skidmore, Portland, OR 97220 (at the corner of NE Sandy Blvd and 85th St)

The Grotto is one of the most visited attractions in Portland and sees over 300,000 visitors of all faiths each year. You can explore the lower level of the Grotto for free but if you want to go to the upper level you do have to pay for the elevator ride. Once you reach the upper level or top of the bluff you will have unparalleled views the Cascade Mountain Range, Columbia River Valley, and even Mount St. Helens.

This Catholic sanctuary covers 62 acres where you can meander through the woods and check out the splendid marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta which is carved into the base of a cliff that stands over 110 feet tall. There are several wonderful Catholic shrines on display along the tranquil paths that wind throughout the entire 62 acres.

Walk in the Hoyt Arboretum

Address: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221

This interesting public park was founded in 1928 and encompasses 185 acres of breathtaking plants that come from across the globe. With over 2,000 different species of trees, you can easily spend all day trying to identify each one. There are 12 miles of hiking trails where you can stretch your legs and learn more about the flora from around the world.

The interpretive center has modern restrooms, brochures, maps, and information packets on the different trees you will see. This living museum is open year-round from 5:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and is a great free family outing. Be sure to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the south side of the Hoyt Arboretum. There are great views of downtown Portland's distinctive skyline.

Admire the International Rose Test Garden

Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Head to Washington Park and spend time wandering through one of the oldest and biggest rose test gardens in the United States. The garden began in 1917 when hybridists in England began sending cuttings to the International Rose Test Garden to preserve the species in case they were destroyed in Europe during World War I.

With over 10,000 rose bushes from over 650 rose species, you will definitely spend hours strolling through looking at the magnificent blooms and learning about the history of not just the garden, but some of the more exotic species. Be sure to check out the gift shop for some unique gifts and souvenirs. Come during Portland's annual rose festivals for a fantastic experience.

You can even purchase several of the rose species that are on display in the garden. Each year, the International Rose Test Garden replaces between 10 to 20 different varieties with new hybrids that will be released in the commercial market. Sign up for one of the daily tours available at 1:00 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tours are free and a great way to learn more about the garden.

Explore the P.S.U. Portland Farmer’s Market

Address: 1803 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201

While Portland has numerous farmer’s markets, the P.S.U. is the biggest Portland Saturday market. It is hosted on the Portland State University campus and is a great place to hang out listening to live music, sampling great food such as pizza, breakfast burritos, pies, cookies, and fresh bagels. There is also plenty of fresh produce from local vendors.

You can find great souvenirs and homemade craft items that make nice gifts. Vendors even offer smoked salmon, chocolates, hazelnuts, wine from local wineries, and dried herbs and flowers. Plan to spend a few hours or even most of the morning browsing through the vendors then kick back and relax while listening to local live bands. What can be better than a Portland Farmers Market? Browsing (and maybe even sampling) for free is a marvelous way to see food carts, local crafts and so much more.

Marvel at Powell’s City of Books

Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

Check out the biggest independent bookstore and an excellent place for book lovers to visit. You can easily spend several hours browsing the shelves, sitting in their comfy chairs reading, or searching for great gift ideas for the book lovers in your family. This iconic store takes up a full city block located at the corner of West Burnside Street and 10th Street.

Order a cup of coffee, grab a pastry, and spend time soaking up the local flavor in the largest independent bookstore in the world. Powell’s also plays host to several wonderful readings from best-selling writers from around the United States and Europe. Check their calendar of events for special events.

Frank Kidd Toy Museum

Address: 1301 Grand Blvd, Portland, OR 97209

With over 10,000 toys and banks in its collections, the Frank Kidd Toy Museum is a great place to spend a nostalgic afternoon. Several of the toys on display date back to the mid-1800s. It really is not the best place for the easily offended as several of the pieces in the collection have fallen victim to the cancel culture movement.

Check out the collection of cast-iron banks that date back to the early 1900s as well as interesting German Steiff animals. The collection of trains and trucks will take you back in time. This family-run museum is truly a treasure trove of fantastic toys. Mr. Kidd’s daughter helps run the museum and loves to give tours and tell stories about how her dad started the museum.

Downtown Portland and Beyond

This list of free things to do in Portland is by no means complete! Take free brewery tours, attend the Waterfront blues festival or a Portland rose festival, or visit a thriving urban park when in Portland. You can take a free walking tour and check out the city's notable monuments or learn more about the Oregon Pacific railroad. There really are a number of fantastic free things to do in Portland once you land at Portland Airport . Grab your family or friends and spend time exploring Portland for free – you won't be disappointed!

Explore the world

Love discounts and traveling?

Sign up for our newsletter to get insider travel tips and a 10% discount delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam here, just the good stuff.

Get the Bounce app

Instantly find locations nearby to drop off your luggage wherever you go.

20 free things to do in Portland, Oregon

Feb 12, 2021 • 9 min read

July 2018: Visitors at the International Rose Test Garden in Portland.

Portland, Oregon keeps it low key – this is a place that's all about paperback books and beer, pinball machines and pretty urban hikes, street art and soapbox derby races down the side of a dormant volcano. So it's no surprise that it's easy to find plenty of free things to do in Portland, from trails accessible by public transit to community art projects, street fairs, and unusual museums. 

Here are twenty of the best free things to do in Portland, aka Rose City, Stumptown, Bridgetown, and PDX.

Editor's note: during COVID-19, there are restrictions on travel, and some of these free attractions may be temporarily closed or require pre-booking. Always check before departure, and be sure to follow local health guidance.

1. Forest Park

Stretching more than 5100 acres along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains is Forest Park , the largest wooded urban park in the US. Flanking Portland's West Hills, its 70-mile network of verdant trails are a great way to witness the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest's forestlands without having to leave the city limits, and is accessible by public transit.

2. Powell's City of Books

Occupying five floors and spanning an entire city block, the iconic retailer is the largest independent bookstore in the country. Its nine color-coded rooms house millions of books on every subject imaginable, and with throngs of individuals wandering the stacks each day, it's one of the best places in Portland for people-watching. Each month, dozens of authors, artists and thought-leaders visit Powell's for free readings, panels and other events in the Pearl Room's Basil Hallward Gallery. The store also hosts children's story hours (some led by drag queens), poetry slams, book clubs, writing workshops and game demonstrations.

3. Mill's End Park

Having the largest park (Forest Park) within city limits perhaps isn't an oddity, but having the smallest one might be. Mill Ends Park – located on the median strip at SW Naito Pkwy and Taylor St – is a circle of green 24in in diameter. It's the reputed home of leprechauns, and locals enjoy dressing the tiny park up for different holidays.

4. Saturday Market

The largest and longest-running open-air craft market in the US, Portland's  Saturday Market  is home to hundreds of vendors, which are all chosen by a jury. Despite the name, it's open on Sundays, too. You can easily while away hours as you wander through craft stalls selling everything from clothing, jewelry and handmade accessories to local art, knick-knacks and homewares. Grab a bite from the many food carts and take in the antics of street performers while you chow down – this is one of the best places in Portland for people-watching.

5. Last Thursday on Alberta 

Artists, musicians and buskers compete for attention among partying crowds on NE Alberta St during this iconic  street art event , which takes place on the last Thursday evening of each month. But the festivities aren't limited to the street – during this time, galleries will launch new exhibitions, and bars and restaurants hang new local artwork for sale. It's free to browse, but purchasing wares such as paintings, sculptures, handmade jewelry, and more is also a great way to support the local creative community. 

6. Tom McCall Waterfront Park 

On the west bank of the Willamette River,  Tom McCall Waterfront Park  spans a great stretch of downtown Portland and is home to many of the city's notable monuments and sights such as the Japanese American Historical Plaza and Salmon Street Springs . Its waterfront path is wonderful for strolling, jogging and cycling, and in springtime, you'll see an explosion of cherry blossoms from the trees lining the path. Named after the governor who established Oregon's urban growth boundary system to protect green spaces from development, the park hosts numerous festivals and events like the Waterfront Blues Festival and LGBTQ Pride.

7. Portland Street Art

In a city whose mantra is "Keep Portland Weird," you can expect plenty of creative street art. From towering murals of beautiful women with living foliage for their hair on Division Street to graffiti on the concrete walls of Portland's Central Eastside Industrial District, there's no shortage of color wherever you wander. "Produce Row" on the east side is an especially fun place to stroll, with a skate park tucked under one of the bridges and colorful bunting waving in the air. The Alberta Arts District is another neighborhood with a flush crop of spray paint masterpieces. 

8. Walking with Ramona Quimby

Ramona Quimby may be Portland's most famous fictional resident – the beloved children's character created by Oregonian Beverley Cleary has been charming readers of all ages since 1950. Cleary's realistic portrayal of childhood made Ramona a perennial favorite, but she was equally faithful to her books setting in Stumptown. You can visit numerous locations in the series that really exist, from Klickitat Street where Ramona's family lived to a statue of Ramona in Grant Park. The Multnomah County Library has a printable PDF map you can use for your own free walking tour.

9. Washington Park

Tame and well-tended Washington Park contains several key attractions within its 410 acres of greenery. The  International Rose Test Garden  is the centerpiece of Portland's famous rose blooms; there are more than 700 varieties on show here, plus great city views.  Hoyt Arboretum features twelve miles of trails wind through this 189-acre ridge-top garden above the city zoo. It's home to over 6000 native and exotic plants and trees representing 1100 different species, and it offers easy walks any time of year. You'll have easy access to the Japanese Garden from here, too. Take the MAX light-rail to Washington Park station.

10. The Pittock Mansion

This grand and beautiful 1914 mansion was built by pioneer-entrepreneur Henry Pittock, who revitalized the  Oregonian  newspaper; his wife, Georgiana, also a pioneer, started the earliest of Portland's annual Rose Festivals. Guided tours are available, but it's also worth visiting the grounds (free) simply to have a picnic while taking in the spectacular views. If you're up for a wander, the mansion lies along the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park, with dozens of miles of connecting trails branching off it.

11. Laurelhurst Park

A picturesque spring-fed pond is a favorite setting for locals to picnic. The gorgeous old trees and sprawling lawns of Laurelhurst Park were once part of a private farm, until the city of Portland bought the land and built a park in 1912 inspired by the landscape architecture Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in New York City. It's a fantastic spot for people-watching, saying hello to cute dogs, and soaking up the summer sunshine – and the surrounding neighborhood is full of Portland's famously fine residential architecture.

12. Pioneer Courthouse Square

For a breather between bouts of sightseeing and shopping, head to  Pioneer Courthouse Square . Grab a bite from one of the food carts here and settle onto the brick steps for grade-A people-watching, or bring a chess set and play at one of the square's painted or bronze chess boards.

13. Council Crest Park

At a peak perched in the Tualatin Mountains that form Portland's western edge, Council Crest Park offers stunning views of volcanoes on the distance, including Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson. An observation plaza indicates which peaks you're looking at in the distance as you turn to take in the 180 degree panorama. 

14. Stark's Vacuum Cleaner Museum

A small sample of historical models collected by this large local retailer hangs on one wall of the Southeast Portland location . Since moving from its original space in 2017 to occupy a smaller portion of the store, with a new timeline of vacuum cleaners throughout history, you could say the museum sucks a little less than it used to.

15. Chinatown and Old Town

The sights of Portland's oldest neighborhood include tranquil cultural gardens, reverent waterfront monuments and underground passages storied with local lore. The core of rambunctious 1890s Portland, once-seedy Old Town had a well-earned reputation as the lurking ground of unsavory characters. Now it's home to some lovely historic buildings, plus Waterfront Park, the Saturday Market and a few good pockets of nightlife. Old Town is generally lumped together with the city's historic Chinatown – no longer the heart of the Chinese community (that's moved to outer Southeast) but still home to the ornate Chinatown Gateway and the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

16. The Simpsons Streets

The Simpsons creator Matt Groening grew up in Portland, and included many of the city's street names in the long-running cartoon. Portland has embraced Groening's quirky creativity right back and the city is full of avid  Simpsons  fans. You can treat yourself to a free walking tour  of spots in the city that inspired Groening and use it as an opportunity to get oriented and experience some of the neighborhood's funky long-time neighborhoods. It's a perfectly cromulent way to spend an afternoon.

17. Mt. Tabor Park

Not many cities can say they have an extinct volcano in their midst, but that's exactly what Mt. Tabor is, despite the rows of pretty Craftsman Houses on its flanks and a popular park at its summit. There you'll find tennis courts, a rec center, trails for mountain biking trails, and plenty of places to stroll. Be sure to check out the large open water reservoirs surrounded by castle-like turrets, another 19th century example of the City Beautiful Movement, and Frederick Law Olmsted's influence.

18. The Eastbank Esplanade

The west bank of the Willamette River that runs through Portland has the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, but the east bank has the esplanade. This paved 1.5-mile path gives you a lovely panoramic view of downtown Portland's distinctive skyline, from the Burnside and Hawthorne Bridges to the Big Pink – what the locals affectionally call The U.S. Bancorp Tower. Dotted with sculptures and other artworks, the Eastbank Esplanade is a great spot to wander with a cup of coffee to-go or to experience by bicycle.

19. Lone Fir Cemetery

Dating back to the mid-19th century, Lone Fir Cemetery is a splendid garden-style resting place for some of the most influential figures in the last hundred and seventy years of Portland's history. With splendid mausoleums like that built by the MacLeay family, Lone Fir is a lovely place to walk, admire the ornate stonework monuments, and find a little peace and quiet in bustling Stumptown. 

20. Hunting for horse rings

Like many cities that date back to the horse and buggy era, Portland had a number of rings embedded in its sidewalks that once were used to hitch your ride. While many cities removed their horse rings once the age of the automobile made them obsolete, Portland residents not only insisted the city maintain them, but continue to use them for a kind of community-wide art project or happening. Keep your eyes on the pavement – particularly downtown – and you might just find tiny toy horses and other figurines hitched up to the horse rings. It's all part of what makes Portland weird and wonderful.

You might also like: The complete guide to cannabis tourism in Portland, Oregon Beyond the brew: Portland nightlife for non-beer drinkers People-powered Portland: car-free ways to explore the city

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Apr 19, 2024 • 6 min read

Want to experience Jamaica but have a limited budget? Follow this guide on how to make the most of your visit while spending less.

Apr 13, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 12, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 18, 2024 • 12 min read

Apr 16, 2024 • 13 min read

Apr 20, 2024 • 4 min read

Apr 20, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 20, 2024 • 9 min read

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to secondary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer
• Work With Us
• Our Network

Portland Living on the Cheap

Your local guide to the best of what's affordable in Portland, Oregon.

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Portland

Get Out and Explore the Rose City

Portland combines natural beauty, lush green parks, a historic old town and a progressive sensibility into a city that both residents and visitors love. You can explore so much of it without spending a lot of money.

Learn about ten free things to do in the Rose City, both indoor and out, that will give you a taste of what Portland is all about.

Walking Tour

Portland’s free walking tour, Secrets of Portlandia , casts an irreverent, but informative, look on Portland’s history and culture. The tour is offered from April through October. No reservations are required. Just show up. Afterwards, if you enjoyed the tour, you can give the guide a tip.

Forest Park

Forest Park is the nation’s largest urban park, encompassing almost 5,000 acres and 70 miles of walking trails. Walk, hike and run through the forest of firs, hemlock and western red cedar. You might see tracks from bobcats, chipmunks or even a black bear. Explore and learn from knowledgeable guides at the Forest Park Discovery Hikes Program . Each hike has a special focus and many are free.

Bring your child or your inner child to Kidd’s Toy Museum and explore the extensive collection of vintage playthings. The bulk of the collection is from 1869 to 1939, and includes an amazing variety of mechanical banks.

Brewery Tours

Breweries are a big hit in the city with 58 local breweries hopping up IPAs, Porters, Ales, Lagers and Stouts. A handful of these establishments offer free tours and tastings. Find out if you favorite brewery offers freebies .

The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother , a 62-acre Catholic shrine and gardens, is better known as “ The Grotto ” and is one of Portland’s most visited attractions. There’s a lot of free areas to explore, including the botanical gardens and a rock cave carved into the base of a 110-foot cliff with a life-size marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà in its center. For $8 (less for kids and seniors) ride the elevator to the top of the bluff and take in the spectacular panoramic views of the area.

Several Portland museums have free days . If you plan your visit to Portland carefully, you may get to explore several museums for free.  Portland Art Museum is free the fourth Thursday of the month, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Powell’s Books

No, the books aren’t free at Powell’s City of Books , but the experience is. Powell’s is the largest used bookstore in the world. It occupies a full city block. How big is Powell’s? Big enough that they host free tours every Sunday at 10 a.m. It also boasts a coffee shop, and yes, you can take books in there to read. 

Rose Garden

The International Rose Test Garden , which introduces and tests new varieties of roses, is the oldest and largest garden of its kind in the country. Each year the city of Portland awards one new variety the “Gold Medal,” and that rose is added to the Gold Medal Garden. Admission is always free, and free tours are offered several times a week.

You’ll find several monthly gallery walks in art districts around Portland. The longest-running of the gallery walks is First Thursday Street Gallery . Galleries often schedule exhibit openings and receptions during the walks. The First Friday Art Walk at the East side Arts District takes place on the first Friday evening of every month from 6-9 p.m.

Portland’s Living Room

Drawing the most visitors of any spot in Portland, Pioneer Courthouse Square is a central gathering spot. It hosts more than 300 events a year, is home to the visitor’s center, summer movies, a theater and a television studio.

Photo Credits:

Children’s Museum – photo by Torsten Kjellstrand/TravelPortland.com

Art Walk – photo by Rob Finch/TravelPortland.com

If you liked this article you may also enjoy:

Free Cooking Classes, Food Tours and Tastings

Ticket Discounts

Don't buy tickets without checking here first! Get half-price tickets for theater, comedy, sports, fine arts and more.

Half-Price Tickets

Free Events

Portland Free Events

Food & Drink

Find great Portland restaurant specials, coupons and deals , plus discounts on foodie events.

Portland Food & Drink Deals

Attractions

Find discounts on Portland-area attractions , museums , and parks , plus free days and special events .

Attractions & Museums

Entertainment

Have more fun for less money. Find free or discounted movies, concerts, entertainment, events and more.

Entertainment in Portland

Travel Deals

Do you love to travel but hate to pay full price? Make our getaways on the cheap page the first stop on your itinerary!

Find the best shopping in Portland with the latest great deals, discounts and special shopping events .

Portland Shopping

Sports & Rec

Sports & Recreation

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

• Privacy Policy

Secrets of Portlandia

• Erik’s Cooking Show
• No Reservation Necessary
• Private Tours
• Tour Meeting Point
• Tour Schedule, Summer 2015

The Tour Is Now Seasonally Closed- From Friday October 16th, 2015 to Sunday, May 1st, 2016.

Posted by secretsofportlandia on May 1, 2012 in Uncategorized .

• This tour is about 2hours long. Think of the tour as stand-up comedy about Portland's history and culture. You'll laugh your butt off AND learn about Portland's fascinating evolution into the culture capital that it is today. Plus, you'll get great insider tips on restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. The Tour is FREE in the sense that there is no reservation necessary, no payment up front- if you liked the tour you can leave a tip in your tour guide's hat at the end! Feel free to email us at [email protected] with questions.

Like Us On Facebook!

Your Tour Guide, Erik Kennon

Follow Us On Twitter 4 Insider Tips On Portland Culture!

• I've heard great things about @Ramys_LambShack . Gonna go in and see if it lives up to the hype! What should I order? #pdx 1 year ago
• I'm excited to try all the new food carts in Portland! @PDXfoodcarts #pdx one of my tried and true favorites will always be @KOifusionpdx 1 year ago
• I start my COMEDIC FREE WALKING TOUR season May 1st! I offer a FREE TOUR of #portland every day at 11am! #pdx #oregon #or 1 year ago
• I'm excited for 2015 @CityRepair Village Building Convergence, always one of PDX's most refreshing, original events. https://t.co/Rcy1yh44pe 1 year ago
• Gotta love that Portland is so pro ride-your-bike-to-work that we even have a special cycling forecast! #pdx https://t.co/prxrkfuBJO 1 year ago

Follow “Secrets of Portlandia”

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Request of Portland Advocates for Lead-free Drinking Water to address Council regarding Portland Water Bureau and failure to protect public health

A brief description of Communication: Portland Water Bureau update on failure to protect public health

Agenda Items

321 communications in april 24-25, 2024 council agenda, requested agenda type, date and time information.

See something we could improve on this page?  Give website feedback .

To stop fentanyl deaths, Philadelphia volunteers go door to door with free overdose kits

• Updated: Apr. 20, 2024, 10:00 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 20, 2024, 9:59 a.m.

Marsella Elie, a canvasser for the community organization Philly Counts, gives out Narcan, a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, to a North Philadelphia resident as part of Philadelphia’s door-knocking campaign in neighborhoods heavily affected by the opioid crisis. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY) Kimberly Paynter/WHYY

• Nicole Leonard, WHYY

On a narrow street lined with row houses and an auto body shop in the Kensington neighborhood of North Philadelphia, Marsella Elie climbs a home’s front steps and knocks hard on the door.

A middle-aged man appears with a wary look on his face.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

‘People are darn nice’: Longtime musician Freedy Johnston has settled in Portland after years of touring

Freedy Johnston plays guitar at the OPB studio in Portland, Ore., on March 26, 2024.

Nate Sjol / OPB

Portland has a long musical history, and the city remains a vibrant scene for emerging bands and artists. Across genres and decades, the Rose City can claim the likes of Pink Martini, The Kingsmen, Elliot Smith, The Decemberists, The Dandy Warhols, Blind Pilot, Everclear, Esperanza Spalding and many others among its musical exports.

But Portland has also become a popular destination for musicians who made their names in other cities or music scenes. REM’s Peter Buck, Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, and Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers are just a few names that have chosen Portland as home base, even as their musical roots lie elsewhere.

A new addition to that list is Freedy Johnston. The Kansas-born singer-songwriter has a musical resume spanning over three decades. Last summer, he and his partner, Kristi, moved to Portland from Joshua Tree, California.

“We wanted to go somewhere we could just enjoy life,” Johnston says. “And I said, ‘I really love Portland’. And she agreed. So, we just basically showed up here last June.”

Among the factors in that decision was Johnston’s familiarity with the city over his many years as a touring musician.

“I’d played many shows here,” he says. “The first show I played after COVID [lockdowns] was at the Alberta Street Pub.”

That venue’s former owner, Ezra Holbrook, is a long-time friend of Johnston. A musician himself (Holbrook was a founding member of The Decemberists), he now owns Havalina bar in the city’s St. Johns neighborhood.

“Ezzie is part of my musical life. I love the guy,” Johnston says of his friend.

Related: Portland musician Hannah Glavor performs new songs

Since his arrival, Johnston and Holbrook have paired up regularly for a series of Sunday evening performances at Havalina, playing songs from Johnston’s vast songbook and a variety of covers, ranging from iconic artists like Elton John and Glen Campbell to Johnston’s contemporaries like Matthew Sweet and Marshall Crenshaw.

“It’s two guys singing and having fun,” he says about the loose, informal feel of the Havalina shows.

He has also worked new songs into some of his sets, getting a chance to play them live before recording them for a future album. Johnston’s recorded discography dates back to the early ‘90s, when he released two albums on an indie label (1990′s The Trouble Tree and 1992′s Can You Fly? ) before signing with Elektra Records, a label with a history that includes The Doors, The Cure, Jackson Browne, and hundreds more. In 1994, that label released This Perfect World , led off by the single “Bad Reputation”. That song had what today might be called ‘a moment,’ with radio stations across the country playing it widely and it’s accompanying video in steady rotation on MTV.

Johnston recalls the first time he heard the song on the radio: “I was on tour with the Cowboy Junkies. And I walked in a 24-hour Kroger grocery store to get some water and my song was playing! Like, ‘Whoa! That’s what it’s like!’ I’ll never forget that. I’m like a little kid when it comes to that.”

Related: Finding the funk with Mz. Etta and The Dookie Jam

The song ultimately landed in the Billboard Hot 100, and This Perfect World (produced by Butch Vig of the band Garbage and renowned for his work with Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins, among others) received rave reviews, with critics comparing Johnston favorably to songwriters like Elvis Costello and Neil Young. Rolling Stone named him “Songwriter of the Year” for 1994. Thirty years removed from the experience, Johnston says he’ll always be grateful for that song and album taking off, but the overall experience was a lot to take in.

“At the time it was ridiculous and embarrassing in a way. I went from just being this guy playing Maxwell’s [a New York venue] to being on the TV, and it freaked me out,” he admits. “It was just not normal. Other people would have been better at it. Let’s say that.”

In the years since, Johnston has continued to tour and make several more albums, including his most recent, 2022′s Back On The Road To You. The release was his first new work after a longer than expected gap between albums.

“I know in the old days if I liked an artist and they didn’t make a record for seven years I’d just assume they were dead or retired,” he jokes. “And yet I’ve gotten away with it. People really responded well to the last album.”

Related: At this Portland music festival, many of the stars don’t come from too far

Johnston says he hopes to record a new album later this year.

“I am doing my job. Still writing songs,” he says. “I really love it. It is something my brain will not stop doing.”

In the meantime, he continues to play shows in other part of the U.S. and just as frequently around the Portland area. In addition to the near-weekly Havalina sets, he’s played recent shows with a full band comprised of Portland musicians at the Kenton Club and has dates booked in Troutdale and other locations in the months ahead.

He says the move to Portland has been great for him musically and personally. He’s made new friends in the musical community, including members of Portugal. The Man, and reconnected with old ones like Peter Buck, too. Playing shows in Portland regularly has let him connect with devoted fans and introduce his music to new ones.

“Cities have an atmosphere and a vibe,” he says. “But in this town? People are darn nice. I love it.”

OPB’s First Look newsletter

Streaming Now

Snap Judgment