Portland is such a vibrant and amazing city and there is so much to explore! But like most large cities, each neighborhood is specific and has certain quirks. Visitors to Portland might like to know more about each area before visiting, so here, from my own perspective as a Portland local, is my guide to Portland’s neighborhoods (most of them anyway), both on the West and East sides of the River.
NW
I lived in this neighborhood for a long while and it’s still one of my favorites. NW Portland is basically anything North of Burnside and West of the 405 freeway. It encompasses a bunch of tiny smaller NW neighborhoods like Nob Hill and Slab Town but overall you’ll find old historic homes and small local shops and restaurants in this area.
Don’t miss: A wander through the old Victorian houses scattered around Nob Hill and NW 23rd.
Goose Hollow
The neighborhood where Nick and I lived for 10 years in SW Portland is hilly and very green with old trees. Goose Hollow is where the Timbers play, so game days can be hectic up there but it’s the perfect place to see old homes and views of the city.
Don’t miss: A Timbers game!
Downtown
Downtown really encompasses the main financial and shopping hubs of the cities, as well as Portland State University. Here you’ll find high rises, great views and a city vibe.
Don’t miss: The Farmer’s Market in the PSU Park Blocks on Saturdays!
South Waterfront
Since OHSU added a bunch of buildings to the South Waterfront, it’s really boomed down in this neighborhood. This area is a little South of downtown but right on the Willamette River and has great public transport to connect you to Downtown. Here is where to go if you want beautiful glass high rises overlooking the River with a small village type vibe.
Don’t miss: A stroll along the Willamette River!
Pearl
The Pearl District is one of Portland’s most famed neighborhoods and while once it’s claim to fame was that it was mostly renovated old warehouses turned into swanky lofts (a la our version of Brooklyn), now it’s morphed just into more high rises unfortunately. The district is still one of the most expensive to live in Portland but does house some of the best restaurants and shops in the city.
Don’t miss: Ice cream from Cool Moon and a stroll through Tanner Springs Park!
Hawthorne + Belmont + Division
Hawthorne, Belmont, and Division are three main roads on the East Side of Portland that house most of the shops and restaurants in that area of SE Portland. This area feels neighborhood-y without feeling suburban. You’ll find old Portland bungalows here and some of the best food in Portland!
Don’t miss: Lunch at a food truck pod!
Williams
This road in North Portland has grown up a lot in the past few years! You’ll find a lot of new building going on here, the streets are wider, there are less trees than SE and it’s a younger vibe overall.
Don’t miss: Dumplings and dim sum at XLB.
Mississippi
The Mississippi area is known as an artsy center of Portland, a long road that stretches North and South, Mississippi is where you’ll still find the grungier side of Portland along with some amazing art and shops and restaurants.
Don’t miss: A stroll along Mississippi on a warm Summer evening as the neighborhood comes alive.
Sellwood
Sellwood is a gem. Feeling like a little village but still only 15 minutes from downtown, Sellwood offers an old world charm with amazing selections of shops and restaurants. It’s also a hub for antique stores so you’ll find plenty of those in Sellwood too. Think old tree lined streets with historic homes in this area.
Don’t miss: Antique shopping at the many little local antique stores!