America on Foot — Portland Preliminaries and Itinerary
I was in Portland for two and a half days and spent two days sightseeing. Portland has quite a number of scenic spots, museums and historical venues to offer if one has a car. Since I didn’t have a car, I will be discussing places that I could get to by walking, or otherwise by public transportation. This is a very relaxed itinerary and it suited all my purposes in this trip.
Accommodation
Staying in Downtown Portland has the advantage of having ready access to the City’s public transportation network, including light rail and buses. A walk in downtown offers some really nice views of 19th century buildings. I stayed in Hotel Lucia, which is itself a heritage building.
From PDX to Downtown
If you don’t have to fuss with large pieces of luggage, I highly recommend you getting a HOP card at the airport and board the light rail into the city from Portland International Airport. Opt for the 2-hour pass and you will be in Downtown in about 45 minutes. There is a little bit of walk from the airport to the Red Line stop, follow signs.
For general navigation, Google Map suffices. It will guide you through any means of public transportation, with accurate times of bus and light rail arrivals and departures.
Itinerary for 2.5 days in Portland
Day 1 Downtown Portland (Morning)
| Site | Significance | Transportation | Nature of Scenery |
| Downtown Portland | Steeped with historic vibes, Portland’s downtown features many historical buildings. Just take a look and breathe in the atmosphere of easy sophistication. | By walk | History, culture and architecture |
| Powells City of Books | A four-story bookstore with everything you ever need to nurture your soul.
Address: 1005 W Burside Street, Portland OR 97209 |
By walk | Culture |
| The First Presbyterian Church | One of the oldest and largest churches in Portland, the Church’s sanctuary was a structure of 1890.
Address: 1200 SW Alder Street, Portland, OR 97205 |
By walk | Religious architecture |
| The Pioneer Courthouse Square | A public square with coffee shops and food trucks. I saw Christmas decorations there in December and it’s very cozy there.
Address: 701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204 |
By walk | Urban infrastructure |
| Lunch at Pleasure Burger | Delightful smashed burgers with parmesan critter fries, budget price but high quality food and hospitality. Hip atmosphere as well.
Address: 606 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205 |
By walk | Restaurant |
Day 1 Downtown Portland (Afternoon)
| Site | Significance | Transportation | Nature of Scenery |
| Old Town (Chinatown) | If possible, join a private tour that will introduce the Shanghai tunnels within the old buildings of Old Town to learn about an urban legend. | By walk | Culture, urban landscape |
| The Japanese American Museum (at Naito Center) | A small museum featuring the narrative of generations of Japanese Americans and their experience being interned during WWII, with wonderful tales of survival and resilience.
Address: 411 NW Flanders St (entrance on 4th Avenue), OR 97204 |
By walk | History, museum |
| Xin Ding Dumpling House | Authentic both in terms of being Chinese food and Chinese American food. Interesting as a sports bar restaurant.
Address: 71 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204 |
By walk | Restaurant |
Day 2 Multnomah Falls (Half Day)
| Site | Significance | Transportation | Nature of Scenery |
| Multnomah Falls | Very easy to get to Multnomah Falls from Downtown Portland. | Light rail to the Gateway Transit Center, then take the bus to Multnomah Falls, inquire at the station. | Natural scenery |
| Food Cart Pod on SW Harvey Milk Street, Downtown Portland | Located on SW Harvey Milk Street and SW 5th Avenue, this food cart pod features a large, firelit dining space with a host of food carts featuring all kinds of cuisines to choose from. | By walk | Dining |
Day 3 Pittock Mansion (Half Day)
| Site | Significance | Transportation | Nature of Scenery |
| Pittock Mansion | A stately mansion with beautiful interior, especially the holiday décor. A show of the Portland elite’s glamorous lifestyle.
Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr., Portland, OR 97210 |
Trimet Bus Route 20, get off at W Burnside & NW Barnes, and walk about 20 minutes up a gentle slope to reach the Mansion. | Historic, culture, architecture |
| St Honore Bakery | A French style bakery and café, serving pretty good sandwiches that can be reheated.
Address: 501 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205 |
By walk | Dining |
