free things to do in portland

Portland, Oregon, is known for its eclectic vibe, food trucks, and numerous free activities to enjoy. Here are some free things to do in Portland:

1. Explore the Japanese Garden: While not entirely free, the Japanese Garden offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month.
2. Walk through Forest Park: As one of the largest urban forests in the United States, Forest Park offers over 80 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Wildwood Trail.
3. Visit the Portland Art Museum’s Free Gallery: The Portland Art Museum offers free admission to its outdoor sculpture garden and the adjacent Free Gallery, which features rotating exhibits.
4. Check out the Saturday Market: Every Saturday from March to December, the Portland Saturday Market takes over the city’s Old Town, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and live music.
5. Take a stroll along the Willamette River Waterfront: The Tom McCall Waterfront Park offers beautiful views of the Willamette River and the city skyline, as well as public art installations and walking paths.
6. Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden: While not entirely free, the Lan Su Chinese Garden offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month.
7. Explore the city’s many neighborhoods: Portland is known for its unique neighborhoods, such as the Pearl District, Hawthorne, and Alberta Arts District, which offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and street art to explore.
8. Attend a free outdoor concert or movie: During the summer months, Portland hosts a variety of free outdoor concerts and movie screenings in its parks and public spaces.
9. Visit the Portland Farmers Market: Every Saturday from March to December, the Portland Farmers Market takes over the city’s PSU campus, featuring local produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods.
10. Take a hike at Mt. Tabor Park: This scenic park offers hiking trails, stunning views of the city, and a beautiful reservoir.
11. Explore the city’s many murals and street art: Portland is known for its vibrant street art scene, with many murals and graffiti adorning the city’s buildings and walls.
12. Visit the Oregon Historical Society Museum’s free exhibits: The Oregon Historical Society Museum offers free admission to its permanent exhibits, which explore the state’s history and culture.
13. Attend a free lecture or event at Powell’s City of Books: Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world, hosts a variety of free lectures and events throughout the year.
14. Take a walk through the Hoyt Arboretum: This beautiful arboretum features over 2,000 species of trees and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
15. Visit the Portland Rose Garden: This beautiful garden features over 10,000 roses and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

These are just a few of the many free things to do in Portland. The city offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are free or low-cost, making it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers.