Explore
International Rose Test Garden
Located across from the Japanese Garden - June is the best time to see the roses!
Multnomah Falls
This iconic waterfall is one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the US and connects to several hiking trails that lead to smaller waterfalls around the area.
Oregon Zoo
Elizabeth loves the variety of animals here, but we have yet to see the Red Panda! Let us know if you spot Moshu.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Central to downtown Portland - It's a great starting point for your tour of downtown!
Portland Art Museum
Check out the current special exhibitions before you go! They've previously shown Monet's Waterlilies. We got to see their Future Now Sneaker Exhibit.
Portland Japanese Garden
Max really likes the bonsai here! It's surprising to find such a serene spot only minutes away from downtown Portland.
Portland Saturday Market
This is a Portland favorite at the waterfront with tons of artsy vendors and food carts!
Powell's City of Books
This is the world's largest independent bookstore with 4 floors!
Portland Farmers Market at PSU
We personally prefer this market over the Portland Saturday Market (if you're more interested in food and drinks)! Max bought a beautiful dried flower bouquet for Valentine's Day from Hav Paj Garden here for just $15.
Adidas Employee Store Portland
Download the Adidas app to book your visit and get most items 50% off with no sales tax!
Kiriko Made
This shop sells Japanese street fashion - most of them made in-house with a "no thread wasted" philosophy! Two years ago, they launched their sister store, Kokoro.
Kokoro PDX
This local shop offers imported Japanese goods and recently expanded their space to include more Japanese teas, sakes, and kitchen supplies!
MUJI Portland
Our friends and family love this small Japanese department store. One of our friends spent 3 hours here!
Pioneer Place
If you're into luxury brands, take a peek at the items here and snag it sales tax-free! This is where Max and his mom bought Elizabeth's first luxury bag.
Woodburn Premium Outlets
This large outlet is located about 40 minutes away from Portland and includes brands like Nike, Columbia, and Levi's - all without sales tax!
Eem - Thai BBQ & Cocktails
Just about everyone loves Eem. They offer delicious Thai BBQ and cocktails - try their White Curry with Brisket Burnt-Ends!
Hamono Sushi
Offers AYCE omakase, including Bluefin Tuna Toro, Wagyu, and King Salmon for $95. They also serve interesting sakes that are more sweet and fruity!
Han Oak Restaurant LLC
Tucked away in a cute backyard, this prix fixe Korean spot offers great food and service!
Kalé
Max likes this casual Japanese restaurant for their Doria Katsu Curry and matcha ice cream!
Midtown Beer Garden by Expensify
This is a great spot downtown to try more of Portland's infamous food carts!
Mucca Osteria
An upscale Italian spot that offers a delicious course meal and wine pairing - this might be Elizabeth's favorite birthday meal.
Queen Mama's Kitchen
A bit embarrassing to share but you can tell what we think about this place from Elizabeth's review:
Sa Bai Thai Cuisine
One of the first restaurants Elizabeth tried after moving to Portland - this was Max's sister's recommendation and is a consistently delicious Thai restaurant.
Screen Door
Awesome for brunch if you're craving Chicken & Waffles or Praline Bacon! There's another location downtown in the Pearl District.
Sushi Village
This is our favorite conveyor belt sushi spot in the area. Their salmon slices are large and fresh, and everything is always priced 50% (even items ordered from the menu)!
Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant
This authentic Chinese restaurant has an impressive menu! Our personal favorites are the Ma Po Tofu (which had the perfect level of mala) and Honey Walnut Prawn (extremely crispy and juicy).
TastyPot
Perfect if you want personal hotpot and boba - they recently opened this location, making it the first in Portland! There's also one in Vancouver, WA but avoid the one in Beaverton.
Cheese & Crack Snack Shop
Come here for soft serve ice cream and cheese platters!
Lauretta Jean's
Known for their delicious homemade pies, this bakery also sells cookies, cakes, and other pastries! Elizabeth's favorite is the Red Velvet Cake.
Premium Matcha Cafe Maiko
If you love matcha and soft serve ice cream, you must visit this Japanese dessert cafe!
Salt & Straw
Home to Portland, this expanding ice cream shop is known for unique, seasonal flavors. Max really likes their Honey Lavender and has also tried their Creepy Crawly Critters (a Halloween special with crunchy crickets and mealworms)!
SORO SORO Coffee & Dessert
A small, cutesy cafe with Korean-inspired coffee and desserts - they also sell adorable home decor, plushies, and trinkets!
Behind The Museum Cafe
Located right behind the Portland Art Museum, this cafe specializes in Japanese teas and snacks!
Case Study Coffee Roasters
With several locations throughout Portland, this is one of Elizabeth's favorite coffee shops (which is saying a lot for someone who doesn't drink coffee). This is also a favorite among friends and family that have visited, and they serve a delicious Jasmine Matcha Latte too!
Electrica Coffee
This vibey cafe offers Mexican coffee and Japanese teas. Elizabeth's brother really enjoyed this coffee shop!
Less and more coffee
Located in an old bus stop, this coffee kiosk serves Korean and Chinese-inspired drinks. Elizabeth loves their Ssuk Latte!
Smith Teamaker
Also located in NW Portland - this Portland tea company was founded by Steven Smith, the teamaker who is best known for founding Tazo and co-founding Stash Tea Company. We love Smith Teamaker's Portland Breakfast, Rose City Genmaicha, and Peppermint Leaves. Go in for a tea flight if you get the chance!
