Things to do in Portland, Oregon (OR): The Best Walking Tours

March 8, 2022 Marlin Saiz

You’ll wonder why you don’t live in Portland after you’ve visited this laid-back and friendly city. With a reputation for manicured parks, eclectic nightlife, fine micro-breweries and distilleries, and nature that cuts right into the city, Portland’s a Pacific Northwest must-visit. Don’t miss the famous Japanese Garden, one of the largest and most beautiful of its kind outside of Japan.
Restaurants in Portland

1. Portland's Art District Food Tour

La Bonita | Food for the People, 2839 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, USA Eat Adventures Food Tours
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Explore delicious eats in one of Portland’s hippest neighborhoods! Known as “Alberta Arts District”, this colorful street is lined with locally owned shops, bars and restaurants. Alberta Arts District celebrates the creative individuality and vibrant diversity of Portland’s eclectic art scene. On this walking foodie tour, you’ll sample some of the best food and drink Portland has to offer, including internationally inspired food fusions, local brews, hip food carts, and farm-to-table bakeries, all while learning about the celebrated art, local craftsmen, and neighborhood history! The group maximum for this tour is 12. Dietary restrictions: we CAN provide substitutions for vegetarians and non-alcohol guests, but CANNOT provide substitutions for vegan, gluten free, or dairy allergies. All allergies and dietary restrictions must be indicated in advance at time of ticket purchase.

Inclusions: Food tastings from multiple unique food stops in the Alberta Arts District, Licenced Professional Portland local expert, Walking food tour, Alcoholic Beverages, History and stories about the neighborhood, In depth look at the local modern street art.

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities for guide, Beverages and food not included in tour.

Reviewed By rxmaster

My friend and I took a food tour with Alexis and were just thrilled with the experience! There were 3 things that really stood out: First of all, there were only 3 of us on the tour- but the tour was still provided! I didn't expect that to happen! The food was varied and delicious! Finally Alexis realized (yes- she was this awesome guide who listened!) that we liked history- so we learned a lot about the history of various buildings and even visited a couple of those as we were heading to the different restaurants. This was a great experience!

2. Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local

McMenamins Barley Mill Pub, 1629 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, USA Throw Snakes Tours
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

HEY. Do you want to see Portland through the eyes of its BIGGEST FAN? Are you curious about communities that prioritize PEOPLE, IMAGINATION, and CRAFT BEERS? Are you ready to embark on an ALL YOU CAN PORTLAND BUFFET through a walking tour featuring LOCAL HOTSPOTS and COOL STORIES? Then I’ve got the adventure for you: THIS TOUR. This walking tour explores where the locals go for Portland's nightlife! I show you the soul of the city by immersing you in its neighborhood culture. This means checking out a neighborhood district, drinking taps from neighborhood breweries, and getting the neighborhood perspective by interacting with someone who lives here! People who find this tour meaningful: 1. People who prefer a Drink, Eat, Drink night rather than a Drink, Drink, Drink night. 2. People who prefer to explore with welcoming friends rather than alone. 3. People who enjoy open-minded discussions and appreciate collecting new perspectives. LET'S GET WEIRD.

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide, Your First Drink of the Tour!

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By Kelly M

What a fun taste of the weird local flavor! Dresden was a very welcoming and knowledgeable host. He facilitated meaningful conversations amongst our group that created a level of human interaction that was above and beyond any expectations I had. When the night was over, I had an affinity for Portland that I caught by seeing it through Dresden's eyes.

3. The Mt St Helens Adventure Tour from Portland

Terran Travels
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

Travel to Mount Saint Helens and environs, from Portland, with a naturalist guide who will discuss the geology, ecology, climate, history, and legends of the area, as well as the history of US public lands. Your guide will lead you on hikes near waterfalls, through lava tubes, and within oldgrowth forests. You will see some of the most unique geological features in North America, including North America's longest continuous lava tube and a lava tree mold forest. Weather permitting, you will be driven to the closest viewpoint into the crater of the volcano, where you will be provided a picnic lunch, overlooking Spirit Lake. No matter how hot the weather, you'll enjoy natural air conditioning as you hike by dramatic waterfalls and through primeval forest. You'll have the option of a dinner/beer stop (own expense) on the way back to Portland.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, PA system to hear guide while driving, Snacks, Bottled water, Headlamps, If weather does not allow mountain visibility, a modified itinerary will take you to bonus stops., Professional naturalist guide, Hotel pickup/drop-off in Portland area

Exclusions: Gratuities (Always appreciated!), Hotel pickup/drop-off in Seattle area

Reviewed By ehalvo999

Chris was filling in for Marcus on our tour, and we had an amazing time! My parents were visiting Oregon from the East Coast for the first time, and I wanted them to see a different side of Oregon. Chris dazzled us with his impressive knowledge of the region, as well as the science and artistry involved in winemaking in the Willamette Valley. The drive was beautiful and we saw three wineries, each off the beaten track and each with their own unique personalities. The landscapes were breathtaking, and we became experts in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Lunch was from Elephants Delicatessen in Portland and really hit the spot - my boyfriend and I will definitely go there for ourselves sometime. It was a great way to relax, learn more about Willamette Valley, and spend time with family, all under the guidance of a friendly and approachable expert. A perfect way to convince my parents to move out West.

4. Portland's Best Chocolate and Coffee Walking Tour

Director Park, 815 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA Around Portland Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Portland's chocolate scene is overwhelming; let us navigate you through its origins, passionate makers, and diversity with this walking tour that delves into what some call "decadence" but we call "delight." And we couldn't cover chocolate without the roasted seed of our other favorite tropical berry: coffee! Portland is known as the heart of the craft coffee roasting world, with so many small roasters, coffee lovers that we are, we struggle to taste them all. Our tour hits both the well-known highlights and some of the secrets of the chocolate scene, with a few surprises we don't want to give away. The tour in total is about 2.0 miles (3.5km), mostly flat walking, with tastings of chocolate and coffee -- just the right amount so you'll have the opportunity to truly savor every sip and bite! We keep groups very small, so you'll have an intimate experience with your enthusiastic guides. (Contact us for larger groups or private experiences; we are happy to accommodate!)

Inclusions: Chocolate tastings, Locally roasted cappuccino or espresso

Exclusions: Tips (always appreciated)

Reviewed By Odyssey276497

First thing is first: you must have ridden a bicycle before before booking this trip. I myself am not a biker and neither are my wife and friend so we were all a little rusty but we did just fine. Biking around really is the best way to get to know a city and our tour guide, Ana, was so awesome! She had great local knowledge and was more than happy to talk with us and share tips for things to eat, drink, see and do around Portland. This was a lot of fun and I highly recommend!

5. Downtown Portland Coffee & Donut Tour

40 LBS Coffee Bar, 824 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA Lost Plate Food Tours
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Come walk around the bustling streets of Downtown Portland with your local guide and discover why Portland is the coffee and donut capital of the world! We'll visit several genuinely local craft coffee houses for an interactive look at different styles and flavors of coffee. Plus we’ll munch on a bunch of locally-made donuts from shops you can only find right here in Portland. We like to think this the perfect way to discover Downtown Portland, see where locals get their coffee and donuts fix, and have fun!

Inclusions: All coffee & donuts, 4-5 local coffee and/or donut shops , Small-group tour (less than 10 people)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By JamesC3596

Our sales team recently had the opportunity to meet face-to-face for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Michelle from Lost Plate Food Tours made the meeting an overwhelming success! She gave us a tour of the Portland food cart scene and provided VIP service along the way. She shared her knowledge of the history and culture of the food carts but also some fantastic mural artwork throughout the city. It was the perfect backdrop to allow our team to get to know each other and truly bond. Oh and the food was amazing too! I highly recommend booking a tour with Lost Plate the next time you are in Portland. I also recommend skipping breakfast in preparation.

6. Private Northern Oregon Coast Day Trip

4841 SE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, USA Terran Travels
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This day trip is a customized tour along a section of rugged coastline along Oregon's northern coast. There will be one or two town stops, and multiple stops at headlands and beaches. After your pickup in Portland, we'll discuss the interests of people in the group, and your guide will customize the itinerary to those interests. Regardless of interests, the trip will include driving the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway with a short hike through oldgrowth Sitka spruce forest, beach time, tide pools, sea stacks, viewpoint stops, and a lunch stop in a charming coastal town. If group interest allows, stops with a more technological history focus may be made, such as the Tillamook Air Museum, Tillamook Creamery (currently closed due to COVID-19), or Camp 18. - Please be prepared for whatever the weather may be when your tour runs (e.g. rain gear, sunglasses, hat, extra layers, sunscreen). - Wear shoes that you don't mind getting sandy and wet.

Inclusions: PA system, so those in the back can hear the guide., Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities (always appreciated), Lunch

Reviewed By ehalvo999

Chris was filling in for Marcus on our tour, and we had an amazing time! My parents were visiting Oregon from the East Coast for the first time, and I wanted them to see a different side of Oregon. Chris dazzled us with his impressive knowledge of the region, as well as the science and artistry involved in winemaking in the Willamette Valley. The drive was beautiful and we saw three wineries, each off the beaten track and each with their own unique personalities. The landscapes were breathtaking, and we became experts in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Lunch was from Elephants Delicatessen in Portland and really hit the spot - my boyfriend and I will definitely go there for ourselves sometime. It was a great way to relax, learn more about Willamette Valley, and spend time with family, all under the guidance of a friendly and approachable expert. A perfect way to convince my parents to move out West.

7. The Bustling Buckman Hood - Hawthorne, the Goat Blocks and more

Buckman Neighborhood, Portland, OR 97214, USA Portland by Mouth
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Come on and let’s explore the bustling streets of the Buckman neighborhood. All the while this Portland culinary tour will take us to some of Portland’s distinctive foodie offerings. This once exclusively industrial neighborhood has undergone a Renaissance in recent years. It has come into its own as a favorite place for hipsters to live, hang out and of course eat! A plethora of diverse and delicious eateries await you. Our several stops in this Portland epicurean walking tour will create a varied and scrumptious meal and whet your appetite for what the Buckman hood has to offer. Examples may include ethnic contributions such as the well renowned Nostrana and Kachka, as well as a visit to a local cidery, a vibrant food cart pod and Dutch waffles for dessert. You will not leave hungry! We will walk a total of 1.3 miles,checking out vintage homes, repurposed industrial spaces and hipster hangouts while we visit a handful foodie hot spots in the historic Buckman hood.

Inclusions: They'll be plenty of food - arrive hungry!, A Portlander loving local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities - not required, but always appreciated by your guide., because it may be hot as we walk

Reviewed By jnoutinen

My wife and I took a trip to visit Portland for the first time and were overwhelmed by the million and one great food options around the city. So we decided to let the experts guide us and we booked a food tour! Our guide, Sherri, was amazing and took us to some really amazing spots on her Mississippi Avenue brunch tour. We learned a bit of history about each place, the city, and the food. It was an eclectic (in a great way) mix of restaurants and bars that gave us a wide sampling of some of what Portland has to offer. We’re so glad we did it and definitely want to check the other tours next time we’re able to make it back to Portland!

8. Brunch on Mississippi Food Tour

Jinju Patisserie, 4063 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227, USA Portland by Mouth
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Let’s have fun strolling the delightful and historic Mississippi district, while eating brunch! This neighborhood is a perfect way to experience a food tour in Portland. The Mississippi district has been revived in recent years, while retaining its charm from yesteryear. Although there is a story tucked away in the past, and it will be told. These days however, it’s a Portland hotspot laden with music venues, quirky shops, cozy pubs, and eateries galore, ranging from casual to upscale and all things in between. You will not leave hungry! In this special brunch food tour, we will walk a total of .8 miles through the North Albina district and down Mississippi St, admiring vintage homes and historical brick buildings, all of which ooze charm., And of course, the hottest hipster hangouts, all while we visit six engaging foodie spots. All ages are welcome on this tour. The perfect tour for families!

Inclusions: you won't leave hungry!, a Portlander local, loving guide

Exclusions: Gratuities - not expected but always appreciated, Bottled water - because it may be hot as we walk

Reviewed By blmiddle

We had a great food tour with Sherri. Food was delicious, she was very knowledgeable and we had a great taste of many different types of foods. Would highly recommend!

9. The Vibrant Kerns Hood - East Burnside and more

Kerns, Portland, OR, USA Portland by Mouth
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

In this Portland food tour, we will explore the charming streets of the Kerns neighborhood where we will sample some of the tastiest bites that Portland has to offer. This once sleepy neighborhood has blossomed into a Portland bazaar for diverse and delicious treats. Our five stops will create a varied and scrumptious meal and whet your appetite for what the Kerns has to offer. Examples will include ethnic contributions such as Cuban & Israeli food, as well as a visit to an eclectic food cart pod, charcuterie, and dessert and an artisanal ice cream shop. You will not leave hungry! While the Kerns extends more broadly, its core is centered on Restaurant Row, on NE 28th between Burnside and Glisan St. We will walk a total of 1.2 miles through tree lined streets and hipster hangouts while we visit six foodie hot spots in the Kerns neighborhood. Along the way we will also talk about the history of the Kerns and take in some classical Portland residential architecture. All ages welcome.

Inclusions: you won't leave hungry!, A Portlander loving, local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities - not expected but always appreciated, because it may be hot as we walk

Reviewed By jnoutinen

My wife and I took a trip to visit Portland for the first time and were overwhelmed by the million and one great food options around the city. So we decided to let the experts guide us and we booked a food tour! Our guide, Sherri, was amazing and took us to some really amazing spots on her Mississippi Avenue brunch tour. We learned a bit of history about each place, the city, and the food. It was an eclectic (in a great way) mix of restaurants and bars that gave us a wide sampling of some of what Portland has to offer. We’re so glad we did it and definitely want to check the other tours next time we’re able to make it back to Portland!

10. The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls

Terran Travels
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Mt. Hood is the highest summit in Oregon, and the fourth highest in the Cascades. It features waterfalls, glaciers, and historic Timberline Lodge, built by local artisans during the Great Depression, and featuring the longest ski season in the US. To the north of Mt. Hood is the Hood River Valley. You will get intimate with this area through a visit to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, fruit stands in the Hood River Valley, downtown Hood River (your opportunity for lunch and/or alcoholic beverages), and breathtaking stops in the eastern and western Columbia River Gorge (Multnomah Falls included). Your expert guide, with formal background in ecology and natural resources, will teach you about the natural and cultural history of the area, as you drive the Mt. Hood and Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byways. Maximum group size of 11. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Parking Fees, PA system so the back row can hear the guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities (always appreciated)

Reviewed By ehalvo999

Chris was filling in for Marcus on our tour, and we had an amazing time! My parents were visiting Oregon from the East Coast for the first time, and I wanted them to see a different side of Oregon. Chris dazzled us with his impressive knowledge of the region, as well as the science and artistry involved in winemaking in the Willamette Valley. The drive was beautiful and we saw three wineries, each off the beaten track and each with their own unique personalities. The landscapes were breathtaking, and we became experts in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Lunch was from Elephants Delicatessen in Portland and really hit the spot - my boyfriend and I will definitely go there for ourselves sometime. It was a great way to relax, learn more about Willamette Valley, and spend time with family, all under the guidance of a friendly and approachable expert. A perfect way to convince my parents to move out West.

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