36 hours in Portland, Oregon

If life happens to take you to Portland for a 36-hour adventure, you’ll have to pick and choose from the city’s incredible array of offerings. With so much to see and do, it can be a challenge to narrow it down. But fear not, here’s an itinerary that will give you a taste of what Portland has to offer in just a weekend.

Day 1:

Start your culinary journey with a visit to Duck House for lunch, and don’t miss out on their famous Xiao Long Bao, a delicious dumpling with thin skin, tasty filling, and flavorful broth.

Next, take a stroll through the stunning Japanese Garden, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the natural surroundings.

For dinner, head over to Nostrana, an Italian restaurant by a James Beard Award winning chef. Take your pick from the list of fresh, wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas, all while enjoying a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Cap off the night with a visit to Salt and Straw ice cream joint and sample some of the city’s most decadent and creative ice cream flavors – try the olive oil flavor!

Day 2:

Start your morning off at Proud Mary Coffee for a brunch and artisanal coffee. There is usually a decent line so be prepared to wait for a while. I would recommend taking that chance to stroll along NE Alberta Street and explore the unique shops and art galleries in the area.

After brunch, spend some time shopping at New Seasons Market (Portland’s local supermarket) or checking out the latest gear at REI or Patagonia to take advantage of the zero tax! For book lovers, Powell’s Bookstore is a must-visit destination.

Next, head over to the Lan Su Chinese Garden, where you can explore the traditional Chinese architecture and gardens. Be sure to stop by the tea house and experience Chinese tea the way an emperor would – in a Gaiwan! I guarantee this would be a unique experience!

From Lan Su garden, take a scenic walk along the Columbia River’s Waterfront Park Trail and take in the stunning views of the river and the old town. If you visit during the March / April period, you’ll be treated with a view of cherry blossoms!

Finish off your weekend with a delicious bowl of Yuzu ramen from Afuri Izakaya.

While you won’t be able to see everything Portland has to offer in just 36 hours, this itinerary will give you a taste of the city’s unique culture, incredible food scene, and stunning natural surroundings.

If you have more time, here are more spots to check out!

Feel free to drop me a note should you have more recommendations about this amazing city!