Portland
Portland, Oregon’s largest city is situated in the shadow of the snow-capped Mount Hood. Portland is home to the largest authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan. The city is also known for its many coffeehouses, microbreweries, thriving art and music scene and Oregon Zoo.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 911
- Language: English
- Currency: American Dollar
- Country Code: US
- Travel Visa: ESTA Required (Click here)
- Population: 647,805
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 911 from any phone.
Tourist Offices
Click on the text to visit their website:
Travelling Around
The best way to get around Portland is public transportation, although you shouldn’t rule out your own two feet. This city is known for having one of the easiest and most tourist-friendly public transportation systems in the country, with extensive routes from TriMet buses and light rail trains.
Airports
Click on the airport to visit their website:
Train Stations
Union Station is the main transport link for trains within Portland.
TriMet’s MAX (Metropolitan Area Express)
Light Rail connects downtown Portland with the surrounding areas such as Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, North/Northeast Portland and Portland International Airport.
Portland Safety
What are the common scams in Portland?
There have been reports of scammers pretending their daughter is seriously injured, insisting they need a ride over the bridge to meet her and sometimes asking for money to pay for a taxi when he gets there.
If you suspect someone is a scammer, even if they are insisting that the situation is life-threatening – call 9-1-1. Do not let the individual into your vehicle.
For more information on Street Safety, visit portlandoregon.gov/police
Which areas should I take more care?
Some of the neighbourhoods that we recommend taking more care are:
– Centennial
– Powellhurst
– Old Town-Chinatown
– Mill Park
– Sunderland
– Lloyd
– Saintjohns
– Parkrose
How do I keep up with the news?
Portland has local media outlets. Click on the text to visit their website.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Events
Portland Pride returns every June with a two-day festival at downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park. With a massive parade through downtown Portland, followed by a celebration on the waterfront to finish off.
Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is the largest multicultural festival in the state of Oregon. The event is a great place to immerse yourself within the Latino culture, with great food stalls, art activities and live music to enjoy.
The Waterfront Blues Festival is the largest celebration of blues, soul, funk, and rhythm & blues west of the Mississippi River
Portland Highlights
Where can I taste great treats?
No trip to Portland is ever fully complete without bagging a few VooDoo Doughnuts – they’re not one to be missed!
A fantastic community ice cream shop with great, inventive flavours to leave you wanting more. Their menus are consistently changing each month to keep it fresh.
The Saturday Market by the waterfront is a great way to spend an afternoon, browsing all of the great foodie stalls from cultures across the globe.
What are the highlight attractions?
Powell’s City of Books is the largest used and new bookstore in the world, occupying an entire city block and housing approximately one million books. Powell’s also has a lovely cafe for customers to enjoy a coffee and read their new book – a great spot for a Sunday afternoon.
Founded in 1888, it is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River. Located in Washington Park and approximately 2 miles southwest of downtown, the zoo occupies 64-acres of land.
The garden is often named as the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan. Many styles of gardens showcased in 5.5-acre space with a waterfall, tea house and view of Mount Hood. The gardens are located just a 2 minute walk from the International Rose Test Garden.
