Portland is a city absolutely full of unique treasures waiting to be discovered, and walking tours are one of the most popular ways to experience it all. From the beautiful to the bizarre, there really is something here for everyone. The welcoming people, creative culture, colorful boutiques, artisan crafts, and dedication to local products and produce make for a vibrant destination with something waiting around every street corner. Food, bars, art, historical sites, and more — find the perfect Portland walking tour for you.
Sightseeing
Portland Introductory Walking Tour — GPSmyCity
GPSmyCity offers a wide variety of self-guided walking tours to help you explore Portland. We recommend the Portland Introductory Walking Tour, which starts seven blocks north and includes Downtown, Waterfront Park, and Chinatown, with stops at 10 of the city’s most famous landmarks. Use the GPSmyCity or download a PDF version of the itinerary, complete with a map and fascinating information about each location to enrich your tour.
Distance: 2.1 miles
Time: Approximately 2 hours
Sights: Pioneer Courthouse Square, Oregon Historical Society Museum, St. James Lutheran Church, Wells Fargo Museum, Portland Building, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Oregon Maritime Museum, Voodoo Doughnut, Old Town Chinatown Gateway, Lan Su Chinese Garden
Food
Downtown Portland Tour — Forktown Food Tours
Portland has plenty of culinary delights to savor, and no one knows them better than Forktown Food Tours — the city’s longest-operating food tour company. We recommend the Downtown Portland Tour, which features bites and beverages at four or five stops in the area, drawn from a list of some of Portland’s most celebrated eateries. The private tour is perfect for 2-4 people, and the guide will provide plenty of fascinating information about the city, its history, and its culinary scene. From casual to formal, appetizers to desserts, there’s a bit of everything on the menu. If you’re hungry for more check out Forktown’s Mississippi Avenue and Division Street tours as well.
Distance: Between 0.5 and 1.5 miles
Time: Between 2 and 2.5 hours
Possible stops: Lardo, Southpark Seafood, Verde Cocina, Saint Cupcake, Nong’s Khao Man, Gai, Grassa, Ruby Jewel, Q Restaurant, Addy’s Sandwich Bar
Underground Donut Tour
Perhaps Portland’s most popular walking tour, the Underground Donut Tour celebrates one of the Rose City’s favorite culinary creations. The tour starts at Sesame Donuts (just three blocks from the hotel) and passes by the city’s most famous donut destinations. At each one, you’ll be able to try a curated sample of that location’s best varieties. Vega, gluten, and nut-free options are available if you notify the tour organizer ahead of time.
Time: 2 hours
Sights: Coco Donuts, Blue Star Donuts, Nola Doughnuts, Voodoo Doughnuts, and more
Nature
Downtown to the Forest — Around Portland Tours
One of Portland’s greatest features is its natural beauty, and a startling amount of forests and green spaces can be found within the city limits themselves. Around Portland Tours invites you to experience it for yourself on one of their two walking tours. The afternoon tour, Downtown to the Forest, starts in Goose Hollow (just a 15-minute walk from the hotel) and winds through hidden pathways up into Washington Park, where you’ll discover the park’s most picturesque sights.
Time: 4 hours
Sights: International Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden, Forest Park Trail, Pittock Mansion, Witch’s Castle
Culture
Explore Portland Street Art
Portland’s creativity isn’t confined to museums and galleries — much of the city’s most celebrated art is woven into the fabric of everyday life. This popular walking tour starts in East Portland (about a 20-minute walk from the hotel) and showcases some of the city’s finest murals and graffiti. You’ll learn about the history of Portland’s street art and how it’s made, as well as watch a live demonstration that covers the basics.
Time: 3 hours
Plan Your Visit
Ready to see the city by foot? Take a look at the special offers from The Hotel Zags and enjoy the best rates and extras.