Traveling to Portland doesn’t have to break the bank. The city offers dozens of free events and festivals all year long, plus access to free attractions and things to see and do around the city. They say that the best things in life are free, like learning something new, connecting with nature, or finding local artists. Here are the top free things to do in Portland.
Top Free Things To Do In Portland
The nicest thing about Portland is that you don’t have to spend much money to appreciate its distinctive enticement, stunning outdoor areas, and lively culture. The following free things to do in Portland will allow you to take advantage of the best that the city has to offer without going over budget:
1. Admire The Murals And Street Art
Graffiti and murals surround buildings all across Portland, which is renowned for its thriving street art scene. Southwest Portland, the Pearl District, and the Alberta Arts District are a few of the greatest places to view street art. Free self-guided tours are available for you to view the artwork.
Location: Every corner of Portland
Operating Hours: Open Everyday
2. Enjoy Washington Park
The huge urban park known as Washington Park provides free access to many kinds of natural beauty and attractions. Highlights consist of:
· Hiking Trails: The park features a structure of trails that wind through hills and woodlands, making it the ideal place for a relaxing stroll or a strenuous climb.
· International Rose Test Garden: Over 10,000 rose plants can be found in the lovely, well-kept International Rose Test Garden, which also provides a breathtaking view of Portland.
· Hoyt Arboretum: Discover a wide range of tree species and take in the serene environments, which include multiple free walking routes.
Location: 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, United States
Operating Hours: Sunday-Monday, 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
3. Trek at Forest Park
With more than 80 miles of routes, Forest Park is one of the biggest urban forests in the United States. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and simply taking in the scenery are all excellent here. It’s a terrific opportunity to get away from the bustle of the city and offers pathways for hikers of all skill levels.
Location: 4099 NW Thurman St, Portland, Oregon
Operating Hours: Sunday-Monday, 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
4. Stroll Along The Waterfront Of The Willamette River
For picturesque views of the city skyline and the Willamette River, take a stroll around the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. It’s a beautiful place to run, hike, or just unwind. You can also enjoy views of the bridges that span the river or observe kayakers.
Location: SW Harrison Street and NW Glisan Street, Portland, Oregon
Operating Hours: Sunday-Monday, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
5. Explore The Saturday Market In Portland
Although the Portland Saturday Market is a popular spot for shopping, you can also take advantage of the market’s vibrant ambiance, free street acts, and live music. Situated on the waterfront, it’s a great place to enjoy regional cuisine, music, and crafts.
Location: 2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Operating Hours: Saturday 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM; Sunday (March-24 Dec), 11:00 AM – 04:30 PM
6. Visit The Portland Farmers Market
There are many fantastic farmers’ markets in Portland that you may visit for free. Two well-known ones are the Hollywood Farmers Market on Sundays and the Portland State University Farmers Market on Saturdays. Even if you might want to purchase locally grown goods or fruit, it costs nothing to just look around and take in the lively environment!
Location & Operating Hours:
Saturday – SW Park & Montgomery; 9 am – 2 pm (until March 29, 2025), 8:30 am – 2 pm (April 5 – October 25, 2025)
Sunday – NE Wygant & 7th, 10 am – 2 pm (May 4 – November 23, 2025)
Wednesday – SW Park & Main; 10 am – 2 pm (May 7 – October 29, 2025)
7. Visit The Japanese Garden In Portland (Free On Some Days)
One of the most exquisite gardens in the United States is the Portland Japanese Garden, which features tranquil pathways and traditional Japanese planting. The garden usually charges admission, but on some days, like the first Thursday of the month, Portlanders can enter for free. To benefit from this, make sure to check the schedule beforehand.
Location: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10:00 AM – 03:30 PM
8. Take A Look At The Chinese Garden In Lan Su
With its lovely architecture, ponds, and verdant plant life, Lan Su Chinese Garden is a peaceful haven in the center of the city. Although there is an entry charge, there are periodically free events or community days where you can enter for free.
Location: 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10:00 AM – 04:30 PM
9. Go To The City Of Books In Powell
The world’s largest independent bookshop, Powell’s Books, is a Portland institution. It has a vast collection of books to peruse and is situated in the Pearl District. It’s free to explore, and you might spend hours exploring its many rooms in search of your next great book.
Location: 005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Operating Hours: Sunday-Monday, 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
10. Free Days At Portland Art Museum
On the first Thursday of each month, the Portland Art Museum opens its doors to the public for an evening of free art and culture, but normal admission to the museum requires a ticket. During this time, you can visit the galleries, go to special events, and take in the exhibits for free.
Location: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
11. Visit A Brewery For Free
Craft beer is well-known in Portland, and several breweries provide free tours. Some breweries, such as Deschutes Brewery and Widmer Brothers Brewing, occasionally provide free guided tours, but many charge for them. It’s usually free to stop by and take in the atmosphere of the local breweries, even if the tours aren’t.
Deschutes Brewery
Location: 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Operating Hours: Sunday-Monday, 11:30 AM – 09:00 PM
Widmer Brothers Brewing
Location: 929 N Russell St, Portland, OR 97227, United States
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
12. Explore Portland’s Green Spaces And Parks
Many lovely parks in Portland are open to the public for free. Among the noteworthy ones are:
· Irving Park is a sizable community park featuring walking trails, picnic spaces, and sports fields.
· With a lovely lake, tennis courts, and an abundance of green space, Laurelhurst Park is a well-liked location for a stroll.
· Mount Tabor Park is a distinctive park with paths, great views, and a tranquil atmosphere situated on an extinct volcanic cinder cone.
13. Enjoy Pittock Mansion’s Sunset View
The Pittock Mansion charges an admission fee, but you may explore the grounds and take in one of Portland’s greatest views for free. It is especially lovely at sunset when the metropolitan skyline is a riot of color.
Location: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210, United States
Operating Hours (Inside the Mansion): Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Conclusion
There are many free things to do in Portland to discover its culture, environment, and interesting environment. There are plenty of free ways to see Portland, whether you’re hiking in Forest Park, taking in the city’s well-known street art, exploring Washington Park, or attending one of the free events at the Portland Art Museum.
