Shopping · Portland · United States
Shopping in Portland
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Adonelson, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
With no sales tax, Portland is a popular shopping stop for neighbouring states. Look for independent shops, outdoor gear, books, vintage and local makers. Best souvenirs: Books from Powell's, Oregon wine and Marionberry jam.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 4
- Markets
- 2
- Top souvenir
- Books from Powell's
Where to shop
Pearl District
Design shops, galleries, outdoor brands and Powell's City of Books.
NW 23rd Avenue
Boutiques, homeware and gift shops in Victorian houses.
Hawthorne Boulevard
Vintage clothing, records and second-hand shops.
Downtown
Department stores and big brands around Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Markets
Portland Saturday Market
Weekend arts and crafts market by the Burnside Bridge, open from spring to Christmas Eve.
Portland Farmers Market
Saturday market at Portland State University with Oregon produce and food stalls.
What to buy
Books from Powell's
Signed editions, local authors and Powell's own branded tote bags and gifts.
Oregon wine
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from wine shops or the wineries themselves.
Marionberry jam
Jams and preserves made with Oregon berries.
Local coffee beans
Bags of single-origin beans from Portland roasters, sold at their cafés.
Pendleton wool
Blankets and clothing from the Oregon-based woollen mill brand.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Landmark · Pearl District
Powell's City of Books
Powell's occupies a full city block on West Burnside with new and used books shelved side by side in colour-coded rooms.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Rainy day
- Shopping
Market · Downtown
Portland Saturday Market
One of the largest continuously operating outdoor arts and crafts markets in the US, running on weekends from spring until Christmas Eve in Tom McCall Waterfront Park by the Burnside Bridge.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- Art
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Street · Alberta Arts District
Alberta Street murals and galleries
About 20 blocks of Northeast Alberta Street are lined with murals, galleries, studios and food spots, making it a good walking street for an afternoon.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Food
- Shopping
Neighbourhood · Pearl District
Pearl District galleries and First Thursday
The Pearl's former warehouses hold contemporary art galleries, design studios and shops.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- After dark
- Shopping
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Craft doughnuts, Marionberry pie, Craft beer and Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Long-established doughnut shops downtown and on the east side; queues build on weekend mornings. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | $$$ | Hotels, Pioneer Courthouse Square and the riverfront park |
| Pearl District | $$$ | Converted warehouses, galleries, Powell's and the Jamison Square fountain |
| Northwest and Nob Hill | $$$ | Victorian houses, boutiques and cafés along NW 23rd Avenue |
| Hawthorne and Belmont | $$ | Vintage shops, food carts and old theatres in inner Southeast |
| Alberta Arts District | $$ | Murals, galleries and a monthly street art walk in Northeast |
| Mississippi and Williams | $$ | Brewpubs, music venues and food carts in North Portland |
| Central Eastside and Lloyd | $$ | Warehouse bars, distilleries and the convention centre across the river |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in USD. Tipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and rideshares; a small tip at food carts and coffee shops is common but optional.
- Oregon has no general sales tax, so shopping and dining cost less than the same price tag elsewhere.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January–February; the busiest months are July–August.
- February: Portland Winter Light Festival (usually February)
- March: Portland Saturday Market season opens (usually March)
- May: Portland Rose Festival events begin (usually late May)
- June: Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade (usually early June)
- July: Waterfront Blues Festival (usually around 4 July)
- November: Portland Book Festival (usually November)
Staying near the shops
$$$ · Best for first-timers, families and shopping
Downtown
Hotels, Pioneer Courthouse Square and the riverfront park
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Portland?
Books from Powell's, Oregon wine, Marionberry jam and Local coffee beans.
+Where is the best shopping in Portland?
Pearl District: Design shops, galleries, outdoor brands and Powell's City of Books.
+What are the best markets in Portland?
Portland Saturday Market and Portland Farmers Market.