48 Hours | Portland, Oregon

Portland is Oregon’s Rose City. It sits at the top of the state, separated from Washington state by the mighty Columbia River. An average of 154 rainy days per year keep the area fresh and green. From the waterfront to the suburbs, there is a lot to see. Here’s a 48-hour itinerary to get you started.

08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
There’s one great way to start a trip – with a full belly. Enjoy a great breakfast at every Best Western hotel.

09:00 – Walk the waterfront
The Portland waterfront is a classic walk along the Willamette River, which divides the city in half to create an east and west side.

10:00 – Portland Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday Market is the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the United States. Shop for handmade art, sculptures, jewelry and more. Lunch won’t be hard to find either, with dozens of freshly-made meals served throughout the grounds.

14:30 – Explore and learn at OMSI
If you are traveling with kids or if you are just a curious adult, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has dozens of award-winning exhibits. Learn about space, physics and engineering. Then take in an OMNIMAX film for a truly immersive experience.

18:00 – Dinner and a beer
There are more than 50 breweries in Portland alone, and it’s estimated that more than half of draft beer consumed in Oregon is brewed in the state. Pick any local bar. They’re all good!

21:00 – Relax at the hotel
You’ve earned a good night’s rest. Use the free high-speed internet to touch base with family and friends before you hit the pillow.

31:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
Another great breakfast starts your second day off with plenty of energy. You’re gonna need it.

32:00 – Browse the shelves at Powell’s Books
This legendary bookstore claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, and we’ve found no reason to argue. Avid readers dream of places like this.

35:00 – Get a doughnut
Portland is known for its wacky personality and this is best illustrated by some of the city’s creative bakers. VooDoo Doughnuts is the original, but more bakeries are popping up every day.

36:00 – Grab a sandwich at Lovejoy Bakers
Visit the Pearl District, and eat a delicious sandwich with fresh bread and ingredients at Lovejoy. You may have noticed by now that many of Portland’s streets share the names of key characters on the Simpsons. Coincidence? We think not.

37:00 – See Multnomah Falls
You’ve probably seen it in a million calendars, but there is nothing like seeing it in person. Explore the Columbia River Gorge’s dense forest as you hike from the base to the top of this iconic waterfall.

41:00 – See a Portland Timbers Game
Few cities have embraced MLS soccer as readily as Portland. With only an NBA basketball team to contribute to the major U.S. sports, the Timbers have quickly become a keystone in the city’s culture. Enjoy a hotdog and a local brew at the stadium for dinner.

45:00 – Go back the hotel and rest up after an unforgettable trip
As you’re scrolling through the pictures on your phone, you’ll realize that Instagram filters won’t be necessary. You’ve just experienced one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and you can’t wait to plan your next visit.

There are 55 Best Western hotels in Oregon, including several in the Portland Metro area. Plan your next trip and book direct at bestwestern.com.