The Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Portland

No matter where you stay in Portland, you'll experience the eccentric culture of this PNW hub. We're here to immerse you in Portland's diverse subcultures, from the OG hippies to sneaker-head heaven. There's a lot of information out there, so we've pulled together everything you need to know about Portland's best neighborhoods from the travel mavens we all know and trust.

An image of a light-up sign on top of a building in the shape of the state of Oregon that says "Portland, Oregon." In the background, the Portland skyline is seen against a cloudy pink sunset.

Old Town Chinatown

Old Town Chinatown is home to businesses, shopping, and great food.

"Portland’s Old Town encompasses the city’s Chinatown, originally a Japantown; the neighborhood consists of a small concentration of restaurants and businesses marked by a decorative gate flanked by fu dogs on Burnside." -

Eater

"As the corporate headquarters of a slew of athletic brands, including Nike and Adidas, it’s no surprise that Portland is dubbed America’s sneaker capital. The city even hosts a “SneakerWeek” festival each August. But let’s zoom in further, to Old Town Chinatown: the official sneakerhead stomping ground. Whether you’re a collector or not, this is where to go for boutiques selling cool kicks." -

Conde Nast Traveler

Hawthorne

Hawthorne is a hip area, great for foodies and shoppers.

"Set on the east side of the Willamette River in the Southeast quadrant, Hawthorne is a nearly three-mile commercial stretch of eclectic shops and dining options. Here, you'll find bookstores, vintage thrift stores, restaurants, and theaters, and on the far east end is Mount Tabor Park, which is filled with great walking trails and even better views of the city." -

Travel + Leisure

"Oregonians have long known Hawthorne to be a sanctuary for the eccentric, the misfit, the hippie. Long-time residents might speak of this district fondly, remembering a time when the Northwest was not a well-known national destination... Now, Hawthorne is an example of the balance between mainstream and counterculture..." -

Thrillist

Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland is home to businesses, shopping, and a great food scene.

"Downtown Portland bustles as the city’s commercial center, its streets lined with familiar logos of national banks, retail brands, and soaring office towers—but that in no way means it empties out once the clock strikes five. Downtown thrives as Portland’s beating heart and geographical core, a launchpad to explore a mosaic of indie boutiques, architectural splendors, trendy hotels, and a bevy of cultural attractions." -

Conde Nast Traveler

"Set in the historic section of the city's downtown, the West End is where to go for fashion, nightlife, and plenty of shopping. You'll find a good mix of luxe hotels, cafés, design shops, and boutiques that showcase both local and international products." -

Travel + Leisure

The Pearl District

The Pearl District is a hip area with great food and shopping and a lowkey nightlife scene.

"The Pearl, aka the Land of Restored Brick. Walk down NW 13th and bask in the charm of old deep-red buildings refurbished to their former glory. As long as you’re OK hanging with yogis originally from every state but Oregon, this part of town is a great date spot with no shortage of intimate atmospheres and well-prepared food." -

Thrillist

"A former industrial neighborhood located between Nob Hill and Downtown Portland, this trendy district has transformed into one of the city's prime shopping areas. Reclaimed warehouses are filled with the area's bars and restaurants, including breweries, quaint coffee shops, and trendy restaurants. And the many Indie boutiques and galleries showcase work by local artists." -

Travel + Leisure

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is a hip, upscale residential area with great food.

"Decorative Victorians and lush greenery make the Nob Hill neighborhood one of the city's most stunning. Many of the homes have been converted into businesses that house casual eateries, boutiques, and refined restaurants, making the area a great spot to grab a bite and take in the city's beautiful architecture." -

Travel + Leisure

"While some east-siders disparage this part of town as a microcosm of all they don’t like about the changing Portland -- on a Friday night when the suburbanites take over, you might agree -- but we can’t deny the great restaurants peppered throughout these undeniably attractive streets." -

Thrillist