Wondering where to stay in Portland? The answer depends on your travel style. In this guide we’ll break down the best neighborhoods to stay in Portland, Oregon. Plus we’re sharing insider tips and our top recommendations for hotels and Airbnbs.
Choosing where to stay in Portland can make a big difference in your trip, as each neighborhood has its own distinct personality.
The best choice is going to vary from person to person based on your interests, itinerary, and if you have a car. Whether you want to be in the heart of the action, surrounded by hip cafés and breweries, or tucked away in a quieter, more scenic area, Portland has a spot for you.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best neighborhoods to stay in, from the walkable and trendy Pearl District to the quirky and artsy Alberta Arts District. Plus, we’ll share our top hotel recommendations and insider tips to help you find the perfect base for your Portland adventure!
And remember, no matter which neighborhood you choose, you’ll find something uniquely Portland about each one.
Quick answers: Where to stay in Portland?
The answer to this will vary depending on your personal travel style. Here are some of our thoughts…
Our recommendation:
- For first time visitors, the Pearl District is well-located near lots of attractions.
- For those seeking a cool neighborhood vibe, Mississippi is a good choice.
- And for those who want something in between, Central Eastside is a good choice.
Best Portland neighborhoods
If you’re looking for an overview, here are the best neighborhoods in Portland to stay in. If you want more info and the lowdown on each neighborhood, click on the ‘hood to jump to that section of the article, or just keep reading.
- Pearl District: Ideal if you don’t have a car, this neighborhood is north of downtown Portland (and has a better atmosphere).
- Northwest District: A bit more residential, this neighborhood isn’t far from the Pearl District, and there are lots of great options for eating.
- Mississippi Neighborhood: Our personal favorite place to stay, this neighborhood is eclectic and fun. With lots of breweries and restaurants, you certainly won’t go hungry (or thirsty!) here.
- Alberta Arts District: This neighborhood is quirky and fun with lots of boutiques and cute cafes. It’s a bit further from some of the city’s main attractions, so it would be convenient to have a car if you are staying here.
- Central Eastside: Just beside the river, this is perhaps the best of both worlds. Near downtown, but more of a “neighborhood vibe”.
Other article contents
- Breakdown of Portland neighborhoods
- Getting around Portland
- More Portland resources
- Oregon travel resources
Pearl District
If it’s your first time in the city, or you’re visiting Portland without a car, the Pearl District would be our top suggestion for where to stay.
Just north of downtown, this former warehouse district has transformed into a trendy, upscale neighborhood filled with chic boutiques, art galleries, and some of the city’s best restaurants.
The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, making it a great home base for exploring the city by walking or biking.
Highlights:
- Easy access to public transportation and walkable streets
- Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world
- Tons of great restaurants, coffee shops, and bars
- Beautiful parks like Tanner Springs Park and Jamison Square
- High-end shopping and local boutiques
Best stays in Pearl District
- Sentinel Hotel (luxury hotel): Right in the heart of the city center, this classic exterior yet modern design, 5-star hotel has all the bells and whistles to make your stay in Portland fantastic. Perfect for the business convention traveler or a honeymoon couple.
- Mark Spencer Hotel (good value): Ideally-located for a first-time visitor, this boutique hotel is a great value. We stayed here on one visit to Portland, and while it’s not anything super special, it was one of the most affordable options in the area (especially when it comes to parking, which can be very expensive!). Plus, the staff was very nice and the location made a great base for exploring.
- Hotel Zags (affordable boutique hotel): A stylish yet budget-friendly boutique hotel in downtown Portland. The artsy decor, cozy courtyard with fire pits, and free gear rentals (bikes, skateboards, etc.) make it a fun and practical choice.
Northwest District (Nob Hill & Slabtown)
A bit more residential but still close to the action, the Northwest District (sometimes called Nob Hill or Slabtown) offers a charming mix of historic homes, tree-lined streets, and a fantastic dining scene.
It’s within walking distance of the Pearl District but has a more relaxed, neighborhood feel.
Highlights:
- NW 23rd Avenue, packed with great restaurants, bars, and shops
- Easy access to Forest Park for hiking (to the witch’s castle! – a top activity of ours) and nature
- Trendy but laid-back atmosphere with a mix of locals and visitors
- Great brunch spots and cozy cafés
- Beautiful historic architecture and charming streets
Best stays in Northwest District
- The Inn at Northrup Station (quirky couples stay): Keeping it weird in Portland, this quirky hotel is colorful, cute and the perfect stay for couples. It’s smack dab in the middle of Nob Hill district, so you know it’s walking distance to everything.
- Silver Cloud Hotel (good value): A comfortable and affordable stay in the Northwest District, with spacious rooms and free parking—a huge perk in Portland! Close to great restaurants and shops but quieter than downtown.
- Northwest Portland Hostel (social atmosphere): A charming, budget-friendly hostel in a historic building. Perfect for solo travelers or anyone looking to meet people, with communal spaces, group activities, and a welcoming vibe.
Mississippi Neighborhood
Our personal favorite when deciding where to stay in Portland, the Mississippi Neighborhood is eclectic, fun, and full of energy.
Known for its lively music scene, creative shops, and excellent breweries, this is the perfect place to stay if you love good food, great beer, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a bit further from downtown (so it’s nice when we visit with our car) but that’s part of its charm!
Highlights:
- A fantastic selection of breweries and bars
- Mississippi Avenue, lined with unique shops and eateries
- Lively nightlife and frequent live music performances
- Eclectic mix of vintage stores, food carts, and indie boutiques
- A fun, artsy vibe that feels distinctly Portland
Best stays in Mississippi Neighborhood
- Historic Mississippi (private holiday rental): This highly-rated holiday rental property is in an ideal location, steps from live music and local shops on Mississippi Ave. The one bedroom apartment has a full kitchen, living room and bathroom, plus it includes free parking!
- Pink House off Mississippi Ave (tiny home Airbnb): Here’s your chance to stay in a quirky tiny home with what we think may just be the best possible location in Portland. Self-check into this modern small house that is steps away from restaurants and bars. We would love to stay here next time.
Good to know: Here are the city regulations for rental properties in Portland.
→ Bonus! We have loads of info on how to book Airbnbs, red flags to watch out for when booking, and our favorite Airbnbs in our Airbnb article.
Alberta Arts District
For those who love a quirky, artsy atmosphere, the Alberta Arts District is definitely going to be your vibe. With colorful murals, boutique shops, and some of Portland’s best coffee spots, this neighborhood is a creative hub.
It’s a little farther from downtown, so having a car can be helpful (but not necessary – Portland has excellent public transit), but the unique charm makes it worth the extra distance.
Highlights:
- Alberta Street, a lively stretch full of boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops
- Street art and murals that give the neighborhood a creative energy
- A diverse food scene, from farm-to-table spots to international cuisine
- The monthly Last Thursday Art Walk, featuring local artists and live music
- Cozy, independently-owned accommodations and Airbnb options
Best stays in Alberta Arts District
- McMenamins Kennedy School (quintessential Portland quirky hotel): A converted elementary school turned hotel with bars, a brewery, a soaking pool, and a movie theater—all onsite! Every room has its own charm, making it a one-of-a-kind stay.
- This is one of our favorite things to do in Portland regardless of whether you’re staying here! We think it would be pretty cool to check out the hotel too.
- Portland Tiny House (Alberta Arts) (tiny home Airbnb): Featured in Airbnb Magazine, this light and open tiny house is hosted by kind and responsive owners. Plus it has access to unique amenities like a local pool and movie theater.
Central Eastside
Just across the river from downtown, the Central Eastside offers the best of both worlds—a convenient location with a more laid-back, local feel. This neighborhood is known for its craft breweries, industrial-chic vibe, and easy access to both the east and west sides of the city.
Highlights:
- Close to downtown but with a more local, less touristy feel
- A hotspot for craft breweries and cider houses
- Great coffee shops and breakfast spots to start your day
- Cartopia Food Truck Pod
- Easy access to the Eastbank Esplanade for scenic riverfront walks
Best stays in Central Eastside
- Jupiter NEXT (locally-owned boutique hotel): A sleek, modern boutique hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows and great city views. Perfect for nightlife lovers, with a stylish bar and great restaurants nearby.
- KEX Hotel (affordable hotel/hostel hybrid): A trendy European-style hotel/hostel hybrid with vintage decor and communal spaces. Keep in mind they have no onsite parking, but are within easy access of public transit. Plus the rooftop bar has amazing city views!
Best Portland Airbnbs
If you’re more of a vacation rental traveler, we’ve rounded up the best Portland Airbnbs and organized them by neighborhood all over the city.
How to get around Portland
Portland is a fairly easy city to navigate, with multiple transportation options depending on your travel style and itinerary. Whether you prefer to walk, bike, or ride, there’s a way to get around that suits your needs.
Rental Car
If you plan to explore beyond the city—like the Columbia River Gorge, the Oregon Coast, or Mt. Hood—a rental car is a good idea.
We usually reserve cars through Booking.com (formerly RentalCars.com) because we have used them before and they have the best deals for rental cars.
Street parking downtown can be limited and metered, but many hotels offer parking. If you’re staying in the city and mostly exploring urban areas, you likely won’t need a car.
Good to know: If you are staying in a hotel downtown, there will likely be a pretty large fee for using the parking garage (which you will definitely want to do). Be sure you factor in this cost.
Public Transit (TriMet)
Portland has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, the MAX Light Rail, and the Portland Streetcar.
The MAX Light Rail is useful for getting from Portland International Airport (PDX) to downtown and for visiting neighborhoods like the Pearl District or even heading out to Beaverton.
They make it super easy to pay using your phone or contactless credit card, or by downloading the Hop mobile app.
Biketown Bike Share
Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., and the Biketown bike share program makes cycling convenient for visitors. The city has plenty of bike lanes and scenic routes, making it easy to explore on two wheels.
Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Portland and are a convenient way to get around, especially after indulging in a few local brews.
Walking
Many of Portland’s best neighborhoods, like Downtown, the Pearl District, and the Alberta Arts District, are highly walkable, so you may find that your own two feet are the best way to explore!
Overall, if you’re sticking to the city, you can easily get around using a mix of public transit, rideshares, and bikes. But if you’re planning to take day trips, renting a car will give you the most flexibility.
First-Timer’s Guide to Portland
If this is your first time visiting Stumptown, you’ll want to read our First Timer’s guide which is packed with helpful information like when to visit and where to find the best eats.
Things to Do in Portland
If you’re looking for more ideas for things to do, we have an entire article of weirdly awesome things to do in Portland where we share details and tips for planning your visit.
One Day in Portland
Just have one day to spend in Portland? No problem! We did the legwork for you and came up with a bunch of recommendations for the perfect one day Portland itinerary based on your travel style and preferences.
Plan your trip to Oregon state
Being that Oregon is our home state, we have TONS of content to help you plan your trip. Start with our Oregon Homepage and be sure to check out the articles below. Leave us a comment if you have any more questions!
- If you need more ideas, here are some incredible places to visit in Oregon.
- You’ll want to keep this Oregon road trip itinerary close by.
- Read up on all the fun things to do in Bend, Oregon (our hometown!)
- If you’re headed west, here are all the cutest Oregon Coast towns.
- Plan your Oregon coast road trip with our insider tips & map.
- Don’t skip Cannon Beach, our favorite small town in Oregon.
- Keep this list of our favorite things to do in Oregon handy.
- This article will help you visit the 7 wonders of Oregon.
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