Spending 48 hours in Portland offers a whirlwind adventure of must-see sights and hidden gems. Famous for its stunning outdoors, funky culture, unique neighborhoods and vibrant food scene, it’s no secret why the Rose City is such a popular travel destination.

Nestled between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland is surprisingly easy to traverse thanks to its public transportation system, walkability and centrally located attractions. So let’s take a walk around Portland; we can check out the highlights, along with a few hidden gems!

Day 1

Begin your trip with a donut. Obviously. Pick up a gourmet donut from the legendary Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland’s Old Town. Known for their unique flavors and crazy creations, Voodoo's donuts are always worth waiting in the line that stretches out the door. Pair your donut with a locally roasted coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters. This iconic roastery first opened in Portland in 1999, and today, it’s a staple of the city. Voodoo not your jam? Have a Blue Star donut, instead! The shops are immaculate, the ingredients all of the highest quality and also, yum!

Once you secure your coffee and sweet treat, continue your walk over to Chinatown, Portland’s oldest neighborhood and the location of the original city downtown. Spend a morning exploring this iconic district, home to some of Portland’s most interesting landmarks, including the Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Portland Chinatown Museum, the Japanese American Historical Plaza and Portland’s Union Station. Don’t miss the “Shanghai Tunnels,” infamous catacombs that once connected old downtown to the waterfront.

Following your time beneath Chinatown, make your way back over to Pine Street Market for a late lunch. This food hall features local vendors serving everything from ramen to mini donuts. If you’re there on a weekend, head down to the Portland Saturday Market after lunch. Located in the Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza, this hub boasts local handcrafted goods, unique streetwear and live music. After perusing the booths, follow the Waterfront Park Trail along the Willamette River. There, you can check out the stunning views of Portland’s bridges and the downtown skyline as you walk a mile to the iconic Hawthorne Bridge. Then, head west into the hustle and bustle of Downtown Portland. Don’t forget to visit the Portland Art Museum, which houses a diverse collection of artwork from around the world.

End your first day in Portland with a night of entertainment in Goose Hollow. This Southwest Portland neighborhood blends historic buildings with modern residences and offers plenty of unique eateries to choose from. Perfect for sports fans and theater lovers alike, here you’ll find Providence Park, home to both the Portland Thorns and Portland Timbers soccer teams, and Artists Repertory Theatre in Goose Hollow.