Eccentric, eclectic and unashamedly unconventional, Portland proudly wears its oddball badge on its very hipster elbow-patch tweed jackets.

In fact, “Keep Portland Weird” is the unofficial motto of Oregon’s most populous city. And the informal mantra of the locals who call it home. Unsurprisingly, proud Portlanders have applied this creative, quirky and crafty approach to life beyond a bumper sticker - and constructed a community that truly encompasses everything “Weirdly Wonderful.”

The city is full of special sites and superlative stats - including, but not limited to: the Guinness Book of Records smallest park, top five greenest city in the world, and largest weekly outdoor art and craft market in America. But, of course, Portland is better explored offline.

The Rose City’s wild natural beauty lends itself to unique outdoor adventures. In Portland, you can experience everything from exploring the city on two wheels (Portland is consistently ranked as the most bike-friendly city in the US) to hiking up the third most climbed mountain on earth (Mt. Hood may not technically be in Portland but it does perfectly frame the city).

Earthly wonders aside, it ’s the contributions of Portland’s residents that have helped it acquire its achingly cool status. From craft beers (the first breweries of this kind were in Portland) to hip cafes, the world’s largest independent bookstore and a bevvy of cart-based food vendors dishing up innovative edible inventions, Portland will have you believe that it truly is a “weirdly wonderful world”.

ABOUT

The land of milk and honey may lie somewhere in the Middle East, but the Millennial metropolis of Voodoo Doughnuts, artisanal chocolate and interesting ice cream (try the olive oil scoop from Salt and Straw!) can be found in the culinary capital of Oregon. Put simply, Portland is a gourmand’s paradise. Fine dining is among the world’s, well, finest, easy access to fresh produce markets dictates the menus of many farm-to-fork restaurants, and a famed food carts revolution continues to bring mobile dining to the masses.

FINE DINING FARM TO TABLE

FOOD CARTS

BeastGuests who secure a seat at this James Beard Award-winning dining room will experience a night of culinary theatre, with a show-stopping display of innovative yet elegant dishes.

AvivThis restaurant acknowledges Portland’s famed paddock-to-plate prestige, with chef Tal Caspi creating a completely vegan Middle Eastern menu that minimises ingredients and maximises flavour.

Matt’s BBQThe South comes to the NorthWest through Matt ’s. A pioneer of Portland’s BBQ scene, Matt Vicedomini has made Texas-style ribs and brisket almost as popular as hipster grilled cheese.

NodoguroThe 25-course meal features the eccentric creations of a Japanese-taught, Spanish-inspired chef (and his Russian wife!), and is well worth the challenge of trying to secure a reservation.

Paley’s Place One of the pioneers of the ’90s locavore movement, Paley ’s Place celebrates the abundant, seasonal offerings of the Pacific Northwest, and now serves them with a Slavic spin. Try the duck pierogi.

Fried Egg I’m In LoveAs well as a full-service restaurant, the food cart branch of Fried Egg (in the Pioneer Courthouse Square pod) features perfectly cooked breakfast sandwiches. The vegan sausage burrito is also popular.

Le Pigeon If you can think of anything better than upscale French food, by the finest Portland chef “of his generation” let us know. We’ll just dream of Gabriel Rucker’s foie gras profiteroles while we wait.

Farm SpiritThis reservations-required restaurant validates the vegan ethos that vegetables can be a magical meal. Try the Cascadian tasting menu which only features ingredients grown within a 168-kilometre radius.

Aybla Grill This Greek-Med chain is reputedly among Portland’s first food carts, and certainly one of the best. A creator of the city ’s #1 gyro, its menu is local, organic and delicious.

EAT

Plant-based dining may be having a moment, but pioneering Portlanders knew they were onto something when they opened the world’s first completely vegan shopping centre in 2007. Located in Buckman, Vegan Mini Mall is home to a number of stores including: Sweetpea Bakery, Scapegoat Tattoo parlour, Food Fight grocery store and Herbivore - the eco-friendly clothing company.

WEIRDLY WONDERFUL: PLANT POWER

ABOUT

Portland is an intoxicating mix for thirsty travellers. Independent and occasionally outlandish, the craft-beer scene ticks all the hipster boxes. In fact, there are more brewpubs per capita in “Beervana” than any other US city! And, while breweries may be boss, award-winning wineries also feature in every classic Portland pub crawl. Away from alcohol, a strong caffeine culture has filtered through too, with Bridge City ’s many coffee bars (and baristas) ready to spill the beans.

CRAFT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINE BARS

COFFEE SHOPS

Hopworks Urban BreweryThis certified social enterprise (B Corp.) is an eco-friendly, sustainable, zero energy facility. And the on-tap craft beer - spanning styles and seasons - is 100% organic certified (naturally).

South East Wine CollectiveOregon is home to over 700 wineries and one of the best is South East Wine Collective. As well as a comprehensive list of 60+ local and imported wines, guests at this bar/urban winery love Cassidy - the maître-dog.

Coava Coffee While the decor at this small-batch roaster is undeniably urban, staff add a little something special to transform coava (unroasted green beans) from around the world into some of PDX’s best sips.

CulminationAn award-winning brewery that is equal parts industrial and intimate. The warehouse space is minimal, but a rotating roster of collaborations with rising small-batch brewers keep things real.

Bar VivantHidden within Oregon’s most popular patisserie (Pix), is one of America’s best wine bars. Vivant offers over 65 pages of affordable drinks and a delicious dessert selection to accompany them.

Proud Mary Homesick coffee-connoisseurs craving a “decent cuppa” will love Proud Mary. As the only American outpost of the popular Melbourne chain, the drinks here are predictably delicious.

Westward WhiskeyA leader within Portland’s renowned maker community, this craft distillery is known for producing award winning spirits from scratch. Pop into the tasting rooms to sample for yourself!

Pairings PortlandPairings is raising the bar by matching wine offerings with food ... as well as musicians, TV shows, or your star sign! Local wines reign, with a focus on fermented, biodynamic varieties.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters The first of this chain’s five flagship cafes can be found on SE Division St. Check it out for an insight into the espresso bar generally credited with inspiring the Third Wave micro-roast trend.

DRINK

A number of Portland businesses have launched “Bike and Brew” businesses. Exactly as the name suggests, these services combine two quintessential experiences from the city of cycling and craft beer. One of the best is BrewCycle where participants ride a 16-seater cycle from one brewery to the next on a pedal-powered pub crawl.

WEIRDLY WONDERFUL: PEDALS & PINTS

ABOUT

In a city renowned for its love of craft (everything from beer to coffee beans), the presence of a thriving Portland art scene barely registers on the surprise spectrum. Portland’s arts and culture are a natural reflection of the individualism and eclectic expressionism of its residents. And while PDX’s streets and sidewalks serve double-duty as a living showcase for creative locals - official galleries, museums and historical sites are also worth a visit.

GALLERIES MUSEUMS

HISTORICAL SITES

Portland Art Museum The oldest art museum on the west coast houses a permanent collection of 42,000+ pieces. It is known for Native American, Asian, European and American works - including Jackson Pollock.

The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and MuseumThe credentials of this quirky museum also include an art gallery, ice cream parlour and gift shop. Its exhibits and interactive displays are fun but creepy - so definitely one for the big kids.

Oregon Historical Society This society maintains a vast and interactive collection of Beaver State artefacts, including the Portland Penny - the copper coin tossed by founders and used in naming the city.

Ampersand Gallery & Fine BooksA multi-talented establishment presenting exhibitions of contemporary art, anonymous photographs and prints by emerging artists, it is also a specialty bookstore and retail archive.

Kidd’s Toy Museum Little travellers (and adults who never quite grew up) will feel like a kid in a toy store at this gigantic museum featuring a private collection of mechanical trains, teddys and dolls.

Pittock Mansion Originally built as a private home for a local Oregonian family, this French Renaissance-style château tells the story of Portland’s transformation from pioneer town to modern, industrial city.

PDX Contemporary Art Minimal and conceptual, PDX is Portland to a P. The gallery represents upcoming artists and showcases their work at art fairs across the US, where they can be spotted by major museums.

Land Part eclectic art show/part gift shop, Land - situated near a church-turned-live music venue - is the perfect place to stock up on kitsch hipster souvenirs like cat mugs and indie colouring books.

Shanghai TunnelsLocated beneath Old Town Chinatown, local legend holds that this labyrinth of secret passages and low-ceilinged tunnels was used to sneak illegal goods between shore and ship in the 1850s.

ARTS & CULTURE

Take the first step towards falling in love with Portland’s art culture with a walking gallery tour on the first Thursday of every month. Most galleries open late and offer guests drinks, snacks and the chance to meet local artists. The streets of downtown also buzz with creatives selling their work. Inside tip: Elizabeth Leach Gallery is one of the most popular stops.

WEIRDLY WONDERFUL: FIRST THURSDAY

ABOUT

Influential and independent, Portland dances to the beat of its own drum. And its contribution to entertainment and events showcases everything the city is famous for. With thriving live music venues, bars that have become local institutions, and offbeat festivals all-year-round, Portland easily rivals other cities which claim to never sleep. But in this case, there’s always a selection of on-tap craft beers, to help you celebrate a night out!

LIVE MUSIC VENUES BARS

EVENTS

Crystal BallroomAt 100-years old, the mural-covered walls of this Portland live-music venue are steeped in history. It ’s also home to one of the only remaining ‘floating floors’ in the USA.

Bit House SaloonThis sprawling space survived the prohibition era and continues to serve a diverse menu of exclusive spirits and playful cocktails. Rumour has it that frosé originated here!

PDX Pop Now!Portland’s best-emerging musicians are showcased at this free festival. Guests can also catch a game of Rigsketball - a 3-on-3 basketball tournament played by 32 Portland bands.

Aladdin TheatreThe storied past of this charismatic theatre has seen it transformed from a vaudeville house into a pornographic cinema and now a popular music venue.

Multnomah Whiskey LibraryYou’ll be spoilt for choice at this bar, which serves the largest selection of whiskey in Portland. Bartenders mix drinks tableside, so you don’t even have to leave your seat to order.

Portland Fashion Week If anywhere on earth were to host the “world’s only comprehensively sustainable fashion week” Portland would be it. PFW is a showcase of eco-couture by independent designers.

Doug Fir LoungeFrom up-and-comers to under-the-radar performances from big-name artists, you’re guaranteed a great evening of live music at this laidback, wooden space.

Angel FaceInstead of a drinks list (it doesn’t exist!), Angel Face relies on experienced mixologists to create any cocktail to suit your tastes from the list of quality spirits available.

Portland Book FestivalIt ’s only fitting that a city that loves literature (see: Powell ’s City of Books) would celebrate it with an annual festival. This one features an impressive lineup of authors, as well as a book fair.

ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS

Held annually at Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley, Pickathon is an alternative musical and conscientious bubble that is unapologetically Portland. Known for promoting an ecologically aware, sustainable ethos, the 3-day festival is a lively and colourful celebration of music, expression, movement, art and food that is unlike anything else you’ll experience!

WEIRDLY WONDERFUL: PICKATHON

ABOUT

Portland city ’s easy access to hikes, parks and outdoor activities is a true breath of fresh air for travellers looking for a quick escape from everything urban. These options are perfect for families that are not quite old enough to appreciate craft beer, energetic visitors looking to burn off overindulgences of the food-truck type, or earnest explorers who want to take in the famed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.

PARKS AND GARDENS HIKES

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Forest ParkThe largest urban forest in America supports more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species. While this peaceful oasis feels like a rural retreat, downtown Portland remains mere minutes away.

Marquam TrailIf you only have time for one hike, make it Marquam. This single trail connects 8-kilometres of Portland parks and streets and offers a safe path past some of the city ’s most iconic attractions.

Mountain climbing in Mount Tabor ParkHome to a 192-metre-high extinct volcano that gives the park its name, Mt Tabor Park provides summit views of the Portland skyline, as well as three lush reservoirs.

Washington ParkThis popular public park includes a zoo, children’s museum and an arboretum - where more than 2,300 species of trees and plants fill the 21 trails and sweetly fragrance the air.

Lower Macleay TrailheadLess than 1.5 kilometres in length, this trail is popular with pedestrians of all fitness levels. Lower Macleay follows Balch Creek - and the lush hills and canyons along which it flows.

Water activities on the Willamette River From stand up paddleboarding to salmon fishing, a plethora of activities can be enjoyed on the aquatic playground that bisects Portland, all easily accessible from downtown.

Portland Japanese Garden Osaka is transported to Oregon, via Portland’s Japanese Garden. This tranquil space features an authentic ceremonial tea house, cherry trees and uninterrupted views of Mount Hood.

Pittock Mansion HikeBegin in Macleay Park and follow this path for scenery that includes Portland’s tallest tree, the Victorian-era home that gave this park its name and spectacular views over downtown Portland.

Fruit picking at Portland farmsTake Portland’s locavore approach to food into your own hands with an excursion to a pick-and-pack-your-own-produce farm. Pacific Northwest apples are particularly popular.

OUTDOOR

Portland is home to the largest urban forest in America (5,200-acre Forest Park) and the smallest one in the world! According to the Guinness Book of Records, Mill Ends Park (located in the median strip of the heavily trafficked Naito Parkway) holds this title by virtue of its size - a grand total area of 452 sq inches! According to legend, it’s also the only colony for leprechauns west of Ireland.

WEIRDLY WONDERFUL: BALLPARK FIGURES

Wine Tour of Willamette Valley with a Personal Sommelier Guided Hike in Portland’s Forest Park

Portland Brewery Tour

Half-Day Small-Group Columbia Gorge Experience

Downtown Portland Helicopter Tour, Portland

ACTIVITIES

Essential Portland Bike Tour

Hotel Lucia Jupiter NEXT

Embassy Suites Portland - Downtown

Sentinel A Provenance Hotel

Benson

ACCOMMODATION

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland