4 reasons to explore Portland, Oregon, from tax-free shopping to mountain views and an award-winning food scene

01.03.2024 - 16:31 / insider.com / Louis Vuitton

Nestled in a verdant temperate rainforest and bursting with culinary treasures and vintage finds, it's no wonder Forbes named Portland one of the best US cities to travel to in 2023.

There's something for everyone in Portland. Its diverse cultural offerings and proximity to stunning nature make it an ideal destination not only for casual tourists but also for business travelers looking for a unique blend of work and leisure.

Here are four things you'll experience when in Portland that make it well worth a trip — or many.

Portland's lack of city sales taxes makes it a shopper's paradise. The city is home to several eclectic, independent businesses selling vintage clothing, records, comic books, and even global luxury goods and streetwear. 

Bookworms should definitely visit Powell's City of Books — it's the world's largest independent bookstore, stretching an entire city block near downtown Portland and boasting an inventory of approximately one million books, a rare books room, and a Princess Bride-themed café. 

Artisan shoppers will enjoy checking out places like Mexican-owned Orox Leather Co., specializing in fine leather wares made to last generations, or Kiriko, a "no fabric waste" brand  of hand-crafted Japanese textiles and home goods.

For a taste of upscale shopping without the tax, The Nines boutique hotel offers a private shopping experience with vendors like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany's. 

Portland's food scene is a true standout, rich in both quantity and quality. In 2023, the city won seven James Beard Awards — the most out of any other competing city in the country. Notably, Kann, a wood-fired Haitian restaurant, led by local chef Gregory Gourdet, won the 2023 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in the country.

To no surprise, 11 more restaurants are already up for a James Beard Award in 2024. If you plan to dine at any of these spots, be sure to book well in advance. 

In addition to acclaimed restaurants, Portland boasts more than 500 food trucks, known locally as food carts within food cart pods, some even complete with breweries, fire pits, covered seating areas, and enough culinary options to satisfy any craving. Those with a sweet tooth are in for a treat as Portland is famous for ice cream and donut shops like Blue Star Donuts and Fifty Licks, both of which specialize in unique flavor combinations, quality ingredients, and dietary restrictions.   

For lovers of art, farmers markets, and community-based festivals, Portland has you covered. There's the occasional night market on select Fridays and Saturdays, the year-round Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University with over 100 local vendors, and the lively Portland Saturday market on the riverfront showcasing