30+ Free Things to Do in Portland, Oregon (+ Budget Activities!)

Visiting the Rose Garden is a great free thing to do in portland

Whether you’re a first time visitor (welcome!) or a long-time local – this list of free, cheap and weird things to do in Portland is sure to make you feel like a life-long Portlander during your visit.

As a Portland local, I’ve had my fair share of fun before I had a steady paycheck in hand.

I’m living proof that you can have a pretty great time in Portland even on a budget.

So today I’m going to share my personal list of my favorite inexpensive and weird things to do in Portland, Oregon. I hope you enjoy!

Free Things to Do in Portland

Click for a handy Table of Contents

Table of Contents: Portland’s Free Activities

Free Things to Do in Portland
Cheap Things to Do in Portland
Free Things to do in Portland (Helpful Information)
Map of free things to do in Portland

1. Go on a self-guided Simpsons Tour

“Howdily-doodily, neighborino!”

Few people know that the creator of The Simpsons, Matt Groening, grew up in Portland, Oregon.

As such, you may notice that a lot of the streets in NW Portland seem familiar. The reason? A handful of Simpsons characters are named after Portland streets!

So if you’re looking for unique things to do in Portland, why not go on a self-guided tour and search for all the streets that the Simpsons characters are named after? I wrote all about where to find the Simpsons Portland connections for anyone interested.

2. Take a photo with the famous White Stag

Ah, I’m sure you’ve seen photos of this iconic sign a hundred times by now, but it’s pretty cool regardless. Over the years the sign has gone through several iterations until 2010, when the City of Portland took ownership of the sign.

You might be asking yourself what the stag has to do with Portland. Well, this sign was once owned by a sportswear company called White Stag (the stag was its mascot). The script has been replaced since then but the stag remains.

Nowadays the white stag sign is one of the most iconic views of Portland and one of the most heavily photographed spots in the city. In terms of free things to do in Portland this is a great one. Just pop up onto the Burnside bridge from the west side and walk as far as you think looks good for the shot!

Heads up: If you’re visiting Portland during the holiday season you’ll notice a red nose on the stag. The red nose has been a Portland tradition since 1959. It’s lit the day before Thanksgiving and stays on throughout the holiday season. It’s the little things.

Best time to visit: Sunrise and sunset for a spectacular sky.

visiting the portland rose garden is a great free activity

3. Visit the beloved Portland Rose Garden

Portland is often referred to as the City of Roses because the local climate creates the perfect conditions for growing roses and nowhere is this more evident than at the exceptional Portland Rose Garden within Washington Park, which is usually in bloom from May to October.

Portland’s beloved rose garden is both the largest rose garden in America and the oldest. Home to an impressive 650+ varieties of roses and more than 10,000+ bushes, it’s easily one of the best free things to do in Portland.

The history of the rose garden is equally as fascinating. Originally started in 1915 by Jesse Currey, (an Oregon Journal editor and rose hobbyist), the rose garden was created in an effort to preserve roses susceptible to eradication during World War I.

You don’t have to be a rose-enthusiast to appreciate this beautiful garden. Living in Northwest Portland I pop up here all the time for a morning or evening stroll.

Location: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Further Reading: Visiting the Portland Rose Garden (Local’s Guide)

4. Take a photo with the Keep Portland Weird sign

The Keep Portland Weird sign has become synonymous with the city’s lifestyle and even feels like a call to action for some folks. You’ll see the slogan on bumper stickers, t-shirts, posters, you name it.

Everyone that comes to Portland heads to this mural for a reason, it’s an iconic free thing to do in Portland! So you won’t want to miss it during your visit.

Apparently the motto was originally borrowed from Austin, Texas (how one “borrows” a motto is beyond be, but I digress). It was brought to Portland in 2003 by Music Millennium owner terry Currier with the intention of supporting local businesses.

Where is the Keep Portland Weird sign? 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Further Reading: The 20 BEST Murals in Portland

5. Find the Witch’s Castle

If you’ve heard the rumors, you might be asking yourself what can be so haunting about an abandoned structure in the middle of a forest?

Two stories converge at the center of this place – the story of an angry father accused of murder and the story of a love-stricken daughter paralleling Romeo and Juliet.

And this age-old tale of murder and haunt makes a visit to the Witch’s Castle all the more interesting (as well as a great free thing to do in Portland).

Ask any Portlander and they will tell you that hiking to the Witch’s Castle feels like a rite of passage because it feels as much a part of the city as the the Keep Portland Weird motto, which is why it’s a great addition to a visit to Portland.

Location: Lower Macleay Trail, Portland, OR 97210

Further Reading: Visiting the Witch’s Castle in Portland, Oregon

6. Catch sunset at Pittock Mansion

The overlook at Pittock Mansion is unparalleled and offers the best views of downtown Portland. Visit during sunset for a breathtaking view and you’ll see why this area is so beloved for locals and visitors alike!

The overlook is situated on the west side of Portland and makes visible most of the most iconic sites in Portland including the big pink building, the Timbers Stadium, the new Ritz Carlton, Mount Tabor, and of course the mighty Mount Hood.

Those look for a budget activity should add this to their list of free things to do in Portland.

Further Reading: If helpful, I spent a month searching for the best views in Portland.

7. Stroll Down Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Tom McCall Waterfront Park sits on the Willamette River and is located a stone’s throw from the busiest section of the downtown core. The park swells with employees during the lunch hour and it’s a great people-watching spot to rest tired legs.

One popular attraction along the waterfront is the Oregon Maritime Museum, this is a great stop for anyone with kids (although admission is not free).

And if you’re looking for inexpensive things to do in Portland on a Saturday, swing by the Portland Saturday Market where local merchants sell unique crafts, it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs!

Try to time your visit to the waterfront with the spring season because this is the best spot in Portland for cherry blossoms. The 100 Akebono cherry trees that line the waterfront were gifted by the Japanese Grain Importers Association in 1990.

Location: 8 SW Naito Pkwy. Portland, Oregon 97204

8. Visit Powell’s Books

The bookworm in me invites the bookworm in you to visit Powell’s Books, the ultimate Portland experience.

Located in the trendy Pearl District and spanning a full city block, Powell’s Books is the largest independent bookstore in the entire world.

The local bookstore houses approximately one million books and spans 4 floors. Pop into the Gold Room to see the rarest and most expensive books at this incredible book shop.

While visiting this bookstore visiting is a free thing to do in Portland, I find that rarely does a trip to Powell’s end up being free for me – the books are too tempting!

One thing to note is that Powell’s has a book buy-back program which at least makes the trip potentially inexpensive for those who take advantage of this perk.

Fun fact: The most expensive book at Powell’s is an 1814 copy of the Lewis & Clark Journal which includes Captain Lewis’ map safely tucked between the pages. The price? $350,000.

Location: 1005 W. Burnside, Portland, OR

Read: Local’s Guide to Powell’s Books

9. Meander down NW 23rd Avenue

Northwest 23rd Ave is often referred to as Trendy-Third. It’s a walkable and charming tree-lined street full of quaint shops, unique restaurants, and charming cafes. It reminds me of a European city!

While the walk is free Portland activity and wonderful on it’s own, the smells from the eateries and enticing window displays make you have to clutch that pocketbook extra tight to keep from swiping that card!

If you’re looking for specific things to do on 23rd, make sure to read: Local’s Guide to NW Portland

I recommend starting your morning at Ken’s Bakery on NW 21st Avenue (my favorite bakery in Portland) and then taking a leisurely stroll towards 23rd Avenue to walk the length of it.

Make sure to swing by The Meadow (for chocolate, salts, souvenirs) and Salt & Straw Ice Cream (because I’m telling you it lives up to the hype as one of the best ice cream shops in Portland).

10. Take a hike at Washington Park

With more than 279 parks within city limits, it’s fair to say that Portlanders love green spaces and nature. None shine brighter than Washington Park, it’s a true Portland Gem. The park gets 3.5 million visitors annually, which is quite impressive considering Portland’s population is 650,000.

Even though I’ve lived in Portland my entire adult life, I only recently discovered all the trails at Washington Park, specifically at Hoyt Arboretum, which are some of the best hikes in Portland. Try your hand at the Redwood Loop trail — it’s peppered with massive redwoods and ends at the Redwood deck.

Hiking through Washington Park is easily one of the best free things to do in Portland!

Address: 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon

11. Marvel at the Vaux’s Swifts (September)

Like clockwork, every September, Portland’s Chapman Elementary is swarmed with locals eager to catch a glimpse of migrating Vaux’s Swifts as they fly into the school’s chimney by the thousands to nest for the night.

This is one of the largest roosts of Vaux Swifts in the world! See video here.

Portlanders make an entire event out of this incredible sight because it’s such a great free thing to do in Portland. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs and enjoy an evening of wander surrounded by friends (both avian and human)!

Further Reading: How to see the famous swifts in Portland

12. Explore the Portland Farmers Market

Is there anything more Portland than local produce and supporting small business?

Thankfully there’s plenty of quaint farmers markets peppered throughout Portland combine the best of those two worlds.

My favorite way to start a Saturday morning is by heading straight to a farmers market.

Pick up some fresh fruits and veggies, stroll around aimlessly, or grab breakfast at the PSU Farmers Market (the Pine State Biscuit stand has a line a mile long for good reason). If nothing else, just go to explore.

This is yet another free-ish thing to do in Portland that reminds me of living a European lifestyle — picking up fresh, local, and seasonal fruits and veggies to kick start the week!

Impress your family and friends by whipping up an interesting meal using a recipe from this award-winning cookbook (written by a Portland chef) and combining your meal with the perfect glass of wine, as recommended by this charming wine-pairing cookbook (written by two fabulous Portland locals).

13. Picnic at Mt. Tabor

Here’s a cool fact, Portland is one of only four US cities with an extinct volcano within city limits. That mountain? Mount Tabor.

And trust me when I tell you that you can get some pretty spectacular high-vantage views when you reach the top of Mt. Tabor. This is a very popular spot that swells with locals during the warm summer months.

Tons of picnickers, bikers, and friendly conversations await you here around sunset. Plus, the view of downtown Portland is incredible, one of the best views of Portland in the entire city.

So grab some friends and bike over to Mt. Tabor for a picnic for a free Portland activity!

14. Visit the Portland Saturday Market

Think crafty locals selling everything from birdhouses to paintings, food, jewelry and musical instruments. Visiting the Saturday Market is on most peoples to-do lists because it’s quintessential artsy Portland.

Address: 2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204. The Saturday Market is open Saturdays from 10 to 5 and Sundays from 11am to 4:30pm.

15. Search for the best murals in Portland

Street art is a real thing in Portland, which is no surprise because it’s such an artsy city, you’re sure to find some colorful stunners. So much so that my coworkers and I debate the best murals the city has to offer.

To prove my point, I spent an entire Saturday morning driving around in search of the best murals in Portland.

I took my niece recently on a mural hunt and she loved it! I even brought some colored pencils and big pieces of butcher paper for her to try to draw her own murals. Huge hit and another great free activity in Portland.

16. Visit Pioneer Courthouse Square

Referred to as Portland’s living room, I often find myself eating lunch at Pioneer Square because I enjoy the people watching opportunities so much.

There always seems to be something interesting going on at Pioneer Square and its central location makes it an easy addition to any list of free things to do in Portland.

What’s more, if you’re visiting during the Christmas season, make sure to catch the MASSIVE tree in the square – it’s incredible!

17. Hike Forest Park

Spanning more than 5,200 acres and offering 70+ blissful miles of trails, Portland’s beloved Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country and it is ripe for exploration.

If you’re looking for active and free things to do in Portland, take a hike in Forest Park.

Forest Park swallows you up and makes you forget you’re anywhere near a city because of the towering old-trees, making it a great stop for anyone that gets overwhelmed by cities.

I especially like small portions of the Wildwood Trail (which connects Washington Park and Forest Park), the Ridge Trail and Lower MacLeay to Stone House (“Witch’s Castle”).

Further Reading: 17+ Epic Hikes in Portland

18. Walk the Tilikum Bridge

Unofficially called “Bridge of the People,” The bridge is exclusive to pedestrians, cyclists and mass transit. It was built in 2015 and has a really cool future-esque design.

What makes this a weird thing to do in Portland? A local launched a kickstarter campaign to raise $5,000 in hopes of changing the name of this bridge after a Star Trek character (excuse me, Captain) — Jean Luc Picard Wunder Crossing.

19. Visit the smallest park in the world

In 1971, Guinness World Records confirmed what most Portlanders already knew — Mill Ends Park is the smallest park in the world.

Clocking in at a mere two square feet, Mill Ends Park is officially recognized as the smallest park in the world. It wouldn’t Portland if it wasn’t weird, right?

Here’s a fun fact – someone once stole the sole tree from the park and felt guilty enough to return it a week later.

Regardless, this little park is a beloved Portland treasure and visiting it is one of the quirkiest things to do in Portland.

And sure, this is a quick pop over best coupled with other more interesting things to do in Portland but I’d be remiss to leave this off the list! This is a photo opportunity with a world-record, who can pass that up!

Location: 56 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97204

20. Picnic at the St. Johns Bridge

Located a few minutes from the heart of downtown, the St. Johns Bridge is quite a spectacle to behold. Wander around the park and admire the underbelly of the bridge or, better yet, have a picnic.

It’s like the Seine in Paris, but different. 😉

Also, if you’re looking for free things to do in Portland during summer, I suggest checking out the epic Jazz Festival at Cathedral Park.

The popular festival is open to all ages and brings together a community of jazz lovers in an easy-going setting. Bring a picnic blanket or camping chairs and allow yourself to enjoy the pure bliss of music and nothing else.

Address: 8600 NW Bridge Ave, Portland, OR 97203

21. Bike around the bike friendliest city in America

With more than 350+ miles of bike lanes, Portland is considered the most bike-friendly city in the country.

I can tell you from first hand experience that biking around Portland is enjoyable, safe and a great way to explore the town (this is coming from someone that scares easily!).

In fact, biking is so popular in Portland that on average 5.3% of residents commute to work by bike, far exceeding the national average of .5%.

Hop on the local BIKETOWN bikes and take a lovely ride along the Willamette River to see exactly why Portland is called Bridge City. And whatever you do, don’t miss an opportunity to bike across the Tilikum Crossing bridge!

22. See Portlandia

If you find yourself downtown, be sure to swing by the Portlandia Statue. A lot of folks (even Portlanders) don’t realize that it’s actually the second largest copper statue in America, right behind the statue of Liberty.

This a quick stop, but worth the visit if you’re downtown, and a great free thing to do in Portland.

Cheap Things to Do in Portland

23. Eat from a food cart

Chances are good that you’ve heard Portland called a foodie city and trust me when I tell you it lives up to the hype. My favorite thing about Portland’s food scene is that it lacks pretension, turns out you can have a great meal without a white table cloth, what a novel idea.

Nowhere is this more evident than at the various food cart pods throughout the city.

Food trucks aren’t just for tourists. Most of my coworkers eat from food trucks during lunch so you’ll be acting more like a local than a tourist with this inexpensive Portland activity.

Here’s a list of my favorite Portland food cart pods:

Hawthorne Asylum
Cartopia
Prost Marketplace
Fifth Avenue Pods
Third Avenue Pods

24. Go for a beer tasting you won’t soon forget

Of all the things Portland is known for, perhaps the most notable is Portland’s beer scene. In fact, Portland is often rated as the best beer city in America.

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Portland then sipping a pint at a local brewery should be near the top of your list.

Our area of expertise? Craft beers and plenty of them.

It’s almost impossible to be disappointed at most Portland breweries but there are some clear standouts you can’t afford to miss.

Breakside Brewing: Breakside opened with a bang in NW Portland and has become so well-loved it’s hard to remember what we did before they came to town.
10 Barrel Brewing (from Bend, Oregon): Their sours are worth writing home about and the seasonal salad is dream-worthy, especially if salmon is involved.
Deschutes Brewery: The interior alone is worth the visit, so charming and rustic. This brewery is very popular and gets very busy very quickly because it’s the brewery everyone wants to visit. It’s not uncommon for folks to wait in line for an hour or more before being seated. Come early or have snacks to tide you over, the experience is worth it.

24. Ride the Portland Aerial Tram

In 2007 the City of Portland celebrated the opening of the Portland Aerial Tram to great fanfare from excited locals and hospital employees.

Originally built as a vital connection between the Oregon Health & Science University’s (OHSU) main campus on Marquam Hill and the south waterfront, the Tram is a creative solution to a problem that was difficult to solve for a while.

On a typical day, up to 20,000 people visit OHSU (the largest employer in Portland) so it was not uncommon for the hilly 2-lane road leading to the main campus to get severely congested, posing challenges for ambulances and never-ending headaches for the surrounding neighborhood.

Upon reviewing various options to help alleviate the demand on road infrastructure, the City and key stakeholders agreed to take on the momentous task of constructing a tram — joining a (very) short list of American cities with aerial trams.

The Tram was custom-designed in Switzerland and is held to strict Swiss aerial tramway standards.

I consider this a fun cheap thing to do in Portland because the views are breathtaking, especially at sunset.

You’ll get sweeping views of the south waterfront with Mt. Hood looming in the background.

25. Grab brews at the Kennedy School

The Kennedy School was an actual school that has been converted into a millennial’s playground.

Old classrooms were reconstructed into hotel rooms, the detention room is now a bar, and the Boiler Room a restaurant. Oh, what’s more, the gymnasium was converted to a cozy movie theater that plays re-runs.

This is all thanks to the genius of the McMenamins brothers, founders of McMenamins, a beloved Oregon institution. Thanks to them many of the state’s iconic buildings have been spared the wrecking ball and beautifully repurposed into community pillars.

Address: 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211

26. Drive out to Multnomah Falls

We can’t talk about the best cheap things to do in Portland without mentioning a trip to the breathtaking Multnomah Falls.

Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, which is America’s largest National Scenic Area, it won’t take long to realize why this waterfall is so beloved.

Dropping a staggering 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the tallest as well as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon. Visitors are able to hike up to an overlook bridge for a better vantage point of the towering falls.

Being able to get so close really shows you how powerful and impressive this force of nature is.

27. Drink ALL the Coffee!

Portland consistently ranks as one of the top 3 best coffee cities in America (our neighbors Seattle and San Francisco are always in the mix, too).

I can tell you from firsthand experience that Portlanders are downright spoiled with excellent coffee options.

It’s hard to accept a mediocre cup of joe when you live in a place like Portland which is why I highly recommend drinking as much coffee as you can while you’re visiting the city — and whatever you do, DON’T go to Starbucks (their coffee is subpar at best compared to Portland cafes).

In fact, one of my favorite cheap things to do in Portland with out of town guests is to start each morning at a different cafe and have them rank them.

So far, these are the top five favorite coffee shops: Coava, Heart Coffee, Stumptown, Good Coffee, and Sisters.

28. Visit Pittock Mansion

Visiting Pittock Mansion is one of the coolest free things to do in Portland for history buffs.

The stunning French-Renaissance mansion sits atop the West Hills and spans 16,000 square feet, boasts 46 elaborate rooms and is open to the public. It house was so well built that the original elevator is operational to this day.

Visiting the grounds is free but touring costs $13/adult. The tours are really cool because you can see the original furniture from the time period and learn more about the lives of the family that built it.

The Christmas season is especially remarkable because the mansion is decorated in the most elaborate manner with tons of Christmas trees.

Address: 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, OR 97210

29. Go tea tasting at Smith Tea

We made a date out of this even by visiting for a quiet evening. I love drinking tea, especially good quality tea where I can see the full leaves in the tea bag. We got a tasting flight and were not disappointed. Tasting flights average $10.

30. Visit Stark’s Vacuum Museum

There’s an iconic and beloved vacuum store in Portland by the name of Stark’s Vacuum. The best part? A vacuum museum fully displaying 300 vacuums throughout the years, tucked into the back corner of the store.

31. Check out the Portland Historical Museum

The Portland Historical Museum is known for surprising visitors by surpassing expectations. They host artifacts such as items used by Lewis & Clark and share a plethora of stories about immigrants that settled in Oregon.

Plus, you can see the coin that gave Portland its name!

Address: 1200 SW Park Ave. Portland, Oregon

Free Things to do in Portland (Helpful Information)

Best time to visit Portland

By and large, Portland tends to have mild weather year round. The one season I would avoid is winter because the colder temperatures make exploring less enjoyable (although there’s plenty of cozy Portland coffee shops and bars to take cover in!).

To that end, the best time to visit Portland is between May and October. The weather is comfortable (even during summer because there’s practically no humidity) and chance of rainfall is minimal.

If you can, try to time your visit with the vibrant spring season so that you can experience the cherry blossoms in full bloom or the breathtaking fall season when the city is ablaze with deep shades of orange, red and yellow.

Personally, my favorite seasons in Portland are fall (September/October) and Summer (June/July). For what it’s worth!

Getting around Portland

Biking is the number one way to get around Portland. In fact, Portland is rated the most bike-able city in America year after year. So grab a BIKETOWN bike to explore town.
Driving in the city is fairly easy (especially if you’re comfortable driving in cities) and parking is reasonable at $2/hour in the downtown metered area.
- For longer stays, the City of Portland has 5 parking garages that charge the same rates as on-street parking ($2.20/hour or $13-$16 all day).
Public Transportation is easy to use and fairly inexpensive ($2.50 for two hours/$5 all day). In addition to the bus, Portland offers the MAX and Portland Streetcar.
Uber/Lyft/Taxi are operational in Portland and (based on personal experience) reasonably priced.

If driving in Portland, it’s important to know that pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way — even if sidewalks are unmarked.

Where to eat in Portland

Bakeries

Ken’s Bakery (for their chocolate croissant) and BAKESHOP (for everything, but especially their almond croissant). Both bakeries are owned by James Beard Foundation award winners — a big deal in the culinary world.

Brunch

Tasty n Alder (my favorite): I would go out of my way to eat at Tasty & Alder. It’s really good and very popular so lines start forming quickly. Don’t leave without trying the steak and eggs — seriously.
Pine State Biscuits: Super famous biscuit joint in Portland, try the Reggie.
Besaws: A classic establishment that recently relocated to a hipper setting. Try their dreamcakes and thank me later.
Maurice (my other favorite): Scandinavian/French cuisine in the cutest (and tiniest) restaurant you will ever see! Get their smorrebrod and please take me with you!
Screen Door: Best fried chicken in Portland, no argument about it and the long lines prove it. Have their chicken and waffles for brunch, it’s a huge portion better split between two.

Lunch/Dinner

Pine Street Market: A bustling food hall with gourmet vendors and communal seating.
Luc Lac: Try their signature Luc Lac plate, and the Vietnamese coffee – both delicious.
Por Que No: Best tacos and guacamole in Portland.
Lardo: The king of the sandwich! Although, I consider these burgers. Try the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
Apizza Scholls: Arguably best pizza in Portland, think chewy, thin crust with the perfect ratio of toppings to dough.

Fancy Dinner

Paley’s Place: Pacific Northwest bistro fare/french cuisine served in a beautiful victorian home. We go to Paley’s for special occasions like our wedding anniversary.
Jaqueline: Delicious seafood curated into beautiful and creative dishes. Get the tasting menu here, it runs $60 per person for 8 courses. In the world of tasting menus, it’s not a bad deal. I came here twice in one month after discovering it.
Ava Genes: Fresh, farm to table Italian-inspired cuisine. The chef, Joshua McFadden authored a James Beard Award winning cookbook titled Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables. A book I cannot recommend enough, especially the mushroom recipes.
Le Pigeon: French-inspired cuisine serving delightful dishes at communal tables. Reservations required and often book out weeks, sometimes months, in advance.
Coquine: Casual cafe by day and farm to table American cuisine by night. Make sure to cap your meal with their famous chocolate chip cookie.

Map of free things to do in Portland

Portland has SO much to offer both visitors and locals alike, yet somehow maintains a homey “small town” feel. I think that’s a big reason why folks come to Portland. But hey — hard to blame ’em!

And there you have it my friends, these are the best FREE, cheap and weird things to do in Portland. Hope you enjoy!

Until next time,
Antonina