Portland Picks
Spend some time exploring Portland and experience one or more of these
highlights.
Get the Most out of the MAX —
FREE Ride to the Convention Center
Portland has long been known as a clean, green and friendly metropolis, with lots to do and even more to see. At the heart of the city’s livability (and visit-ability) is a world-class public transportation system.
Instead of shuttles, AIHce is using Portland’s world-class public
transportation system to transport registrants FREE to the Oregon
Convention Center. The MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) light rail system offers
door-to-door access to a rich collection of attractions, including AIHce. All
AIHce hotels are conveniently located just steps from a light rail stop. You can
ride MAX as much as you want at no cost within the Free Rail Zone, which
includes the Oregon Convention Center and AIHce.
The MAX Red Line train also runs from Portland
International Airport to downtown. The one-way fare
costs just $2.35 and takes 40 minutes — eliminating
traffic, parking and way-finding woes.
What You Read is What You Pay
Portland offers everything you would expect in world-class shopping — except the sales tax. What you read is what you get! Since there’s no sales tax in Oregon, the price you see on an item is the price you pay at the register. Which only begs the question – isn’t shopping a whole lot more fun without taxes taking a bite out of your travel budget?
Sweetening the deal, the year-round Portland Perks package offers great discounts at some of Portland's top retailers. All this said, the savings are but one reason to shop ‘til you drop in Portland. Here, you can fill your closet with finds from a unique mix of national and international retailers such as Nordstrom, Macy’s, Apple, Louis Vuitton, Pendleton, and Nike, as well as expertly fashioned independent boutiques and local designers.
Alternative Travel – Hike, Bike, Ride
A Pedestrian Paradise
Portland's short blocks and street-level attractions make the city a pedestrian's delight. Named the “Best Walking Town in America” by Prevention Magazine, Portland is full of architectural landmarks both old and new.
The Visitor Information Center, located in the heart of downtown at Pioneer Courthouse Square, offers maps, brochures, itinerary-planning assistance and advice on restaurants and local events.
For a perfectly lovely stroll — or ride — along Portland's downtown waterfront, follow the promenade in Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park to the historic Steel Bridge. On the lower deck of the bridge, a bicycle/pedestrian crossing links the downtown side of the Willamette River to the Eastbank Esplanade. This 1.5-mile trail offers a great view of the city skyline and features a 1,200-foot floating walkway, as well as easy access to four of the bridges that cross the Willamette River.
Put Rubber to the Road
Portland has more than 300 miles of bike lanes, paths and low-traffic streets designated as “bike boulevards,” making cycling one of the best ways to see the city. Many of these bikeways run right through the heart of downtown and past popular attractions, shops and restaurants.
Experience the city on a guided tour or rent a bike and explore on your own. One of the most popular bikeways in Portland includes the downtown Waterfront Loop. This three-mile route hugs both sides of the Willamette River and is extremely bike-friendly.
See the Sights by Streetcar
You can easily travel between the cultural attractions of downtown, Powell’s City of Books, the galleries and restaurants of the Pearl District and the boutiques of Northwest Portland — all on the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar. The streetcar line also serves Portland State University, the RiverPlace neighborhood and the Portland Aerial Tram.
An all-day adult streetcar pass costs $2 and can be purchased onboard any streetcar. Streetcar fares are the same as those charged for buses and there is no charge for streetcar rides within the central city’s Free Rail Zone.
A Mecca of Farmers Market
Visitors can get to the heart of Portland’s food scene at the Portland Farmers Market. Among artfully displayed produce and aromatic food stands, shoppers can visit with the farmers, many of whom harvested their wares only hours before. Feel free to ask about that dark green curly stuff next to the beets, or those funny-looking mushrooms you don’t recognize. Growers love to talk about their products and you will undoubtedly learn something new. Since these are the same farmers who supply Portland’s restaurants, you can also pick up great tips on the best places to dine. And the market offers plenty of souvenirs, including lavender jelly, dried cherries, smoked salmon and artisan cheeses.
The flagship market is held on Saturdays in the South Park Blocks at Portland State University (PSU). Wednesday’s market is held in the South Park Blocks of the Cultural District.
Meals on Wheels
Some of Portland’s best dishes come in to-go containers. Just blocks from the hotels, you’ll find a staggering selection of lunch items that are as appealing to your wallet as they are to your taste buds. The best way to sample Portland’s cart culture is to visit one of the five collections of downtown food carts. And you don’t have to scarf your street food on the street. Many carts offer limited sidewalk seating, and most of the pods are near parks with benches and shade. So, follow the locals to the food carts, and help yourself to some of the best dining deals in town.