Intro to Portland Small Group Walking Tour

Portland , United States

Intro to Portland Small Group Walking Tour

Active

(296 reviews)

2h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m.

Start at DIRECTOR PARK

Our downtown Portland, Oregon walking tours are engaging, well-paced and colorful: the Best of the City! It’s a weird city, but there are stories in every building, park and brick. We’ve organized our city’s best things -- and of course, it’s most complicated and conflicted, as well. In an ever-changing world we continuously change the story of the city. We walk about 2 miles/3 km.

Much of Portland’s history can be told through the buildings and street layouts including the prioritization of parks in the city center. It’s not a dry history: full of back-room deals, early deaths and greed; and then there were hippies!

How did Portland become the 1st city on the West Coast with a fine art museum? How did the city's early cultural reputation influence its mid-20th century; and how did it become such a lightning rod for racial justice protests? We'll discuss what was, is, and will be the soul of the city.

Must be able to walk 1-2 miles

Available options

The soul of the city

Urban art and Pearl District

Urban art, Pearl District

What's included

Certified Guide

Detailed itinerary

All tours start at DIRECTOR PARK. We'll meet you in the southeast corner of this urban hardscape park, near the intersection of SW Taylor and SW Park Ave. Our meeting spot is across the street from entrance to the Regal Fox Tower.

Parking is available on the streets nearby or in lots in the adjacent building. The MAX light rail comes just a block away, at the Pioneer Square stop.

Stop 2

Much of Portland’s history can be told through the buildings and street layouts; most importantly, the prioritization of parks throughout the city center. We'll walk through the park blocks and learn why they were laid out this way; and what the park blocks' designer didn't do before he died.

From cast iron-fronted buildings to the grandly disastrous post-modern Portland Building, we trace our history through architectural choices our city planners made.

Stop 4 Pass by

We will walk by the exterior of the museum and talk about the history of art in Portland.

Stop 5

No tour of downtown Portland, or history of the city's relationships with hippies, would be complete without a visit to Pioneer Courthouse Square. From its past as the center of education to the drive to keep out the "dirty hippies," we'll learn how and why this square has never been far from the minds of Portlanders and the city's visitors.

What's not included

Gratuities (always appreciated)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

182 reviews

5★

158

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

114 reviews

5★

100

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

DIRECTOR PARK, 815 SW Park Ave, diagonally across Yamhill Street from Nordstrom and across from the Elephants Deli.

We'll meet you near the paved fountain on the north end of the park, the NE corner of the park.

Important notes

You only need to provide the traveler’s name upon meeting your guide. Please note that we cannot wait more than five minutes for late arrivals and we cannot contact the guide after they depart from the tour start location.

About Portland

Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city known for its eco-friendliness, craft breweries, and thriving arts scene. Nestled between the Pacific Northwest's rugged coast and the Cascade Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban living and outdoor adventure.

Top Attractions

Washington Park

Washington Park is a 460-acre park that features beautiful gardens, museums, and recreational facilities. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and families.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have admission fees)

Powell's City of Books

Powell's City of Books is the world's largest independent bookstore, spanning an entire city block. It is a paradise for book lovers.

Cultural 1-3 hours Free to browse (cost of books varies)

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum is the largest art museum in Oregon, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.

Museum 1-3 hours $25 (adults), $20 (seniors), Free (under 18)

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, located just a short drive from Portland.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene and beautiful garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city. It is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

Cultural 1-2 hours $19.95 (adults), $17.95 (seniors), $14.95 (students), Free (under 5)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Food Cart Pods

Portland is famous for its food carts, offering a wide variety of cuisines. These pods are a great way to sample different dishes in one place.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available

Craft Beer

Portland is known as 'Beervana' for its numerous craft breweries. Be sure to try a local brew or two.

Drink Non-alcoholic options available

Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut is a famous doughnut shop in Portland, known for its creative and unique doughnut flavors.

Dessert Vegetarian options available

Marionberry Pie

Marionberry pie is a local favorite, made with Oregon's famous marionberries. It is a must-try for dessert lovers.

Dessert Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Wind sports Spa treatments Yoga classes Scenic drives Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

June to September

Summer is the most popular time to visit Portland, with warm weather and a variety of outdoor festivals and activities. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, and outdoor recreation is at its peak.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT) - GMT-8 (Standard Time), GMT-7 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Portland is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it has its share of crime and safety concerns. Visitors should take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Portland International Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from downtown

By train

Union Station

By bus

Portland Union Station, Portland Greyhound Station

Getting around

Public transport

The MAX Light Rail system is efficient, affordable, and covers most of the city. It is a convenient way to get around Portland.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Pearl District Alberta Arts District Hawthorne District Mississippi Avenue

Day trips

Mount Hood

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Mount Hood is a majestic mountain located just a short drive from Portland. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and scenic drives.

Columbia River Gorge

30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day

The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning natural area located just a short drive from Portland. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives.

Willamette Valley

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

The Willamette Valley is a renowned wine region located just a short drive from Portland. It is home to numerous wineries and vineyards, offering wine tastings and tours.

Festivals

Portland Rose Festival • June Oregon Brewers Festival • July Portland Christmas Market • November-December

Pro tips

Visit Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore, and get lost in the vast selection of books.
Explore Portland's food cart scene, which offers a wide variety of cuisines at affordable prices.
Take a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge, where you can hike, waterfall view, and enjoy scenic drives.
Visit the Portland Japanese Garden, a serene and beautiful garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Try a local craft beer at one of Portland's many breweries, which are known for their innovative and unique brews.