A Local's Perfect 24 Hours in Portland, Oregon

How I would spend a perfect one day in Portland, Oregon if I only had time for a day trip.

Portland Waterfront during cherry blossom season.

In 2024, I challenged myself to make the most of 24 hours in NYC (which you can read about here). This got me thinking of how I would recommend spending just one day in my own city: Portland, Oregon.

One big thing Portland has going for it is that it's geographically pretty small. Unlike NYC, where I had to intentionally stick to a relatively small area to best maximize limited time, this is not so much an issue in Portland. Of course, if we keep comparing NYC and Portland, there is also less to do.

With more time, check out my entire A Local's Guide to Portland, Oregon. I'm sure it makes sense that a lot of those recommendations will appear here as well.

24 Hours in Portland, Oregon

Morning

Brunch in Portland is a big deal, but admittedly, I am not a big brunch goer. That said, my perfect morning in Portland would start with a stuffed sourdough roll from The Brewer's Bread. My favorite is the bacon, egg, and cheese, but these come in a few different varieties.

I would then take the bus (line 15) downtown to Never Coffee Lab. Everything here is good, but my favorite is the Oregon, especially when enjoyed in one of their gorgeous ceramic mugs. It even contains hops!

From here, walk west and get a donut from Blue Star Donuts. The Blueberry Bourbon Basil and the Raspberry Rosemary Old-Fashioned are my two year round favorites, although I have a seasonal matcha donut pictured below.

Now that you are fed and caffeinated, take the MAX train right by Blue Star one stop to Washington Park. I really enjoy both the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Japanese Garden here, but I suggest taking the approximately 1.5 mile easy hike through the forest until you get to the free International Rose Test Garden. There's also a free shuttle if you want to save time or prefer not to walk. With 10,000 rose bushes and 650 different varieties, this is one of the most beautiful spots in Portland. Roses are typically in bloom from May through October.

Midday & Afternoon

Especially if you chose to hike, or visit any of the other attractions inside Washington Park, it's probably about time for lunch (and a beer). Portland has so much good food that you really can't go wrong, but with limited time, I like a spot where I can have phenomenal food and some of the best beer in town. My choice would be to visit Ruse Brewing Crust Collective in NW Portland. Get some of the best Detroit-style pizza and beer anywhere here. I am preferential to Ruse's IPAs, but they brew all styles well. I love Ruse so much that my cat is named Ruse!

If you aren't feeling pizza, I also recommend Afuri in Slabtown for authentic Japanese ramen (their original location is in Tokyo), just around the corner from Ruse. Don't feel like you have to choose, because I will also suggest a different Afuri location as a dinner option later.

Big beer nerds should walk to Brujos Brewing after lunch. I typically don't like drinking much earlier in the day, but with limited time, this is the most convenient chance to go here. I personally think it's worth the stop at least for a beer and some cans to go. Or, if this is a destination brewery for you, save it for later to really savor and experience it instead of visiting some of my other recommendations.

After Brujos, take the streetcar or walk to the Pearl District to Powell's Books, the world's largest independent bookstore. I could spend hours here -- it's my favorite place in Portland. Powell's also is a good place for souvenirs, but also check out Made Here right across the street. The entire shop is goods made by local vendors.

If you have good weather and some extra time, rent a BikeTown bike through the Lyft app (stations are all over the city) and bike around the waterfront. I really like doing a loop crossing at the Steel Bridge one way and coming back over the Tilikum Bridge for about 4 miles. This website here has this route mapped out for runners, but it would be the same route by bike. With more time, there's also an extended, 10 mile similar version of this route here, but this route be better with a non ride share bike from a rental shop. Nevertheless, Portland is an excellent bike city, so with limited time, I suggest even renting a BikeTown bike only to just cross the river for the next destinations.

Dinner

From here, I am going to give you two options, and it depends some on where you went to lunch:

Option 1

Whether you biked across the river, or took public transit, get to SE 7th Ave and Belmont in the Central Eastside. The order is your choice, but you're going to get a beer at Living Häus and dinner next door at Afuri Izakaya. Either way, check if there's a wait at Afuri, because it may make sense to put your name on the waitlist before getting a beer. Hat Yai across the street is also a great choice for dinner, especially if you're looking for something a little more laid back.

Option 2

Head up to northeast Portland for Thai BBQ at EEM. Get here early, or put your name on the waitlist and get a beer across the street at Commensal Fermentation while you wait. The white curry with brisket burnt ends (pictured above on the far right) is worth the wait.

Evening

If you skipped on Brujos Brewing earlier, go back to Northwest Portland and finish your night there and then walk to nearby Great Notion Brewing. They're absolutely two of Portland's best breweries and worth not being missed.

However, if you visited Brujos when I suggested it earlier, and you're up for more beer, I recommend ending the night with my favorite walking beer crawl that is a total distance of only 1000 feet. Visit all, or visit just one of these spots, because I know this itinerary overall has had a lot of beer!

You can go in any order, but I like to start at Baerlic Brewing and then walk to everywhere. You may know everywhere from southern California, but their Portland taproom has quickly become one of my favorite (and well-situated) spots. Then, end your night at The Beermongers, my favorite taproom and bottle shop in Portland. Even if you're done drinking by this point, stop in for cans and bottles to go. All cans are available as singles, and the prices are reasonable. Check out my article "How to Travel with Beer" for how to get your new cans and bottles safely home.

I hope when you do make it to Portland that you get more than just one day, but I believe my perfect Portland day makes your one and only day here memorable.