Curator’s statement
Portland's blend of culture, nature, and culinary excellence makes it a compelling destination. The things I love most about Portland are its abundant green spaces, including Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the US; its proximity to the coast, which also offers an absolutely stunning drive; and the fact that Portland is a leader in sustainability and environmentalism. Many residents prioritize eco-friendly practices, which is reflected in the city’s public transportation and urban planning.
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Lan Su Chinese Garden. Photo: Michelle Gonzales
Washington Park gardens
Tucked into Oregon's iconic Washington Park, these gardens provide a tranquil urban oasis for locals and travelers alike. They are truly magnificent and breathtaking!
Portland Japanese Garden
Designed in 1963, these traditional Japanese gardens encompass 12 acres and include eight separate garden styles, meandering streams, intimate walkways, a spectacular view of Mt. Hood, and an authentic Japanese Tea House.
I highly recommend stopping at the tea house and the gift shop while visiting the gardens. The shop has some beautiful tea glasses and sets for tea lovers.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
It is said that the Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland's greatest treasures, and after visiting, it is easy to see why. Thanks to the collaboration of Portland and Suzhou, the garden's sister city in China's Jiangsu province, this garden is the most authentic Chinese garden outside China. Suzhou is famous for its beautiful Ming Dynasty gardens, evident in its architecture.
Besides the architecture, I love the garden's overall feel. When you enter the grounds of Lan Su, you immediately feel as if you have been transported right into the heart of China and its culture. Even though these gardens are in the middle of the city, surrounded by skyscrapers, it's very peaceful and quiet, and you barely notice the skyline right next to you. Honestly, you forget you're even in a city.
Lan Su Chinese Garden also has an authentic Chinese tea house called The Tao of Tea. I highly recommend stopping in and grabbing some of their delicious teas and snacks.
Nong's Khao Man Gai
I highly recommend Nong's Khao Man Gai. As per Thai tradition, it’s normal for restaurants to focus on one dish. Nong, who came to Portland from Thailand, applied the same tradition to his restaurant, Khao Man Gai, which means "chicken and rice." Not only is this dish delicious, but it's also comforting and healthy!
Powell's City of Books
Are you a bookstore lover? Then you're going to love this! Powell's is located in downtown Portland, Oregon, within the Pearl District, occupying an entire city block. There are 10 rooms of books, all color-coded, spread across 3,500 sections, housing approximately one million books, making Powell's the largest used and new bookstore in the world. Can you say impressive?
Need to know
The best time to visit Portland is any time from spring to summer. If you prefer to go during the summer to avoid the rainy season, don't worry! It never gets too hot in Portland, and you’ll enjoy some cool, breezy days. However, remember to dress appropriately because most Portland buildings don’t have air conditioning.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Portland, Oregon, page.
Travel Advisor
Michelle Gonzales
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