My "one day I wish I had at least two" tourist review of Portland (sales)

[eskercurve]

Hi all! I had the pleasure of visiting Portland yesterday and most of today. I wish I had at least one more day to at least see everything, maybe a few more to take it in. Good news is I live only a few hours away so any long weekend is fine to check out stuff.

This was my first time to explore Portland instead of it being a sort of midway point for a fabulous road trip. I, in general, enjoyed everything there was to offer.

I checked out the OHSU gondola and the fabuluos view point, rode the MAX (extensively), checked out the OMSI, ate at a food stand at 10th & Alder, walked through the chinese garden and walked through the old district. Pretty cool.

So, the things I liked:

1. No sales tax. I realize that your income tax subsidizes my purchases, so THANK YOU!

2. Free rides in the ride free zone. I know Seattle has the same thing but call it "never take advantage of where you live" syndrome, but having the MAX really was a big benefit. And, once again, your income tax subsidizes that operation, so THANK YOU!

3. Generally nice people. Even the bums weren't really aggressive. Though I was sort of disturbed that the bums in Portland were even more in plain sight. Only San Francisco is rivaling it in my opinion.

4. A waterfront that isn't cheese'd out with touristy crap and an eyesore of a highway on it, like Seattle's. It reminds me of my hometown (Chicago) more. No touristy BS, no "unique" things, no audacious plans. Just the water, a walkway, and some parks. THAT'S IT. I like it like that.

5. The old town seemed more intact and in better condition than Seattle's. Though that's not saying much ...

6. The food stands were f-ing awesome.

The only complaints I had were the bums urinating in absolutely every corner they could find, smelling up the MAX, and cursing and yelling in front of kids; the old district, especially near the Greyhound and Amtrak stations, seemed run down; and a totally useless location for a tourist information (Pioneer central square). It would make more sense for information booths in the Amtrak or Greyhound stations (or at least advertise it a bit more, it may be there, but I totally missed it).

I'll be coming back! Take care!

[Leisesturm]

Talk about damnation with faint praise...

[Minervah]

Pioneer Square is the best place for tourist information. It is in the heart of downtown. Many tourists do not get to the Greyhound or Amtrak Stations. And this location also serves residents of Portland for whom a straight shot to downtown is easier to get to than going to the outskirts of downtown.

[cosmicjoke]

Originally Posted by eskercurve

The only complaints I had were the bums urinating in absolutely every corner they could find, smelling up the MAX, and cursing and yelling in front of kids

I'll be coming back! Take care!

i've got the solution... each time you visit, take a few bums back to seattle with you

[Yankeemama]

I saw a lot of homeless kids in Seattle's downtown last year, as well as in PDX. I do love Seattle and enjoy visiting though we usually stay in Bellvue and drive to the city. You should check out our Rose Garden, Zoo and walk around the surrounding park. This s a smaller city than Seattle but we have very defined, walkable and charming neighborhoods!