11 Hidden Gems In Portland Most People Don't Know Even Exist
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Vanessa Du Pree
Author
There are components of Portland that are always brought up in conversation: the food, the gorgeous natural surroundings, the coffee, and the list goes on and on. Little do people know that there are places that make this city so great, and aren’t brought up as a predominant Portland perk. Here’s a list of some of our favorite Portland hidden gems:
1. Multnomah Whiskey Library
Multnomah Whiskey Library, 1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205, USA
With over 1,500 different spirits and an array of tasty small plates, this treasure is one of many reasons to love the City of Roses.
Let's take a look inside the Multnomah Whiskey Library in this video from PeteSwitch:
Let's take a look inside the Multnomah Whiskey Library in this video from PeteSwitch:
2. Academy Theater
The Academy Theater, 7818 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215, USA
These days many movie theaters are extremely expensive and overrated. The Academy Theater brings back the joy of going to a movie, by offering a wide range of genres at an unbeatable price.
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3. Red Light Clothing Exchange
Red Light Clothing Exchange, 3590 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Portland has tons of clothing exchange stores, but none quite like Red Light. It has an electric atmosphere and a selection of clothing ranging from all sorts of decades.
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4. World Foods
World Foods, 830 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, USA
Inspired by countries all over the world, World Foods market explores all sorts of traditional foods. They offer fresh produce high-quality meats, and grocery items that you just can't get anywhere else in the city.
5. Swift Lounge
Swift Lounge, 1932 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232, USA
With delicious bar food and creative cocktails, Swift Lounge is a dive bar that is a must-visit for anyone new to Portland. They even feature a rotating seasonal mason jar cocktail! Get your dancing shoes polished up and grab yourself a Topless Robin while you enjoy some floor-shaking base from a live DJ.
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6. The Grotto
The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220, USA
Tucked away in NE Portland, The Grotto has been serving as one of Portland's largest and most majestic Catholic sanctuaries for almost 100 years. With botanical gardens and shrines topped with mossy cliffs, this is one of the most gorgeous places in the city.
Head to The Grotto in this video from CelS BelA:
Head to The Grotto in this video from CelS BelA:
7. The Green Microgym
The Green Microgym-Belmont, 828 SE 34th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA
What would be better than energizing a building's electricity by working out? Nothing! That's why The Green Microgym is so awesome; it does its best to emit significantly less emissions than any other gym in the city by using the workout equipment as its generator.
8. Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House, 707 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Opened in 1980, this dimly lit cafe attracts people of all kinds. Each of its tables is named after a different composer and does strange things like disappear into a slit in the wall or shake when a button in the kitchen is pressed. Even if you don't think the Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is truly haunted, it sure is an interesting place to have a meal.
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Note: Unfortunately Longfellow's Books in downtown Portland has closed down permanently. There is one in Portland, Maine, but that might be a bit of a drive.
Everyone knows that Powell's Bookstore is our beloved staple, but when you're looking for something more specialized or rare, you'll want to check out Longfellow Books. Located on the corner of Division and Orange Street, the quality of books from this gem shouldn't be easily forgotten.
Everyone knows that Powell's Bookstore is our beloved staple, but when you're looking for something more specialized or rare, you'll want to check out Longfellow Books. Located on the corner of Division and Orange Street, the quality of books from this gem shouldn't be easily forgotten.
10. Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park, Portland, OR, USA
Taking a stroll in Cathedral Park is beautiful for reasons other than its luscious greenery. If you walk directly under the St. John’s Bridge and look west, you can catch the surreal view of some of Oregon’s dreamlike forestry, which makes this view one of Portland’s true hidden treasures.
11. Glowing Greens
Glowing Greens PDX, 509 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97204, USA
Glowing Greens is an indoor, black light miniature golf course. With rooms themed with pirates and aliens, this place is sure to be something that cannot be missed. You'll also be able to try your hand at a blacklight escape room or some feisty axe throwing.
Here's another hidden gem in Portland - Glowing Greens. If you are looking for fun things to do in Portland, learn more about Glowing Greens in this video from Dill Ward:
Here's another hidden gem in Portland - Glowing Greens. If you are looking for fun things to do in Portland, learn more about Glowing Greens in this video from Dill Ward:
Are we missing anything? What are some of your favorite Portland hidden gems? Portland is a wonderful walkable city with numerous places to explore. Check out some of the best places to go for a walk in Portland.
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More to Explore
More Hidden Gems Of Portland
What are some fun things to do in Portland OR?
Portland is a fascinating city with a strong cultural history and a vibrant welcoming community. Here are some fun things to do in Portland, OR that you may not have been aware of:
- Make your own Chocolate: Creo Chocolate is a small-batch chocolatier in the Lloyd District of Portland. They have won over 100 awards for their hand-crafted chocolate. You can try your hand at it too. Take a tour of the chocolate factory and make a bar of your own. Can you think of a more perfect date night for chocolate lovers?
- Have tea at the Lan Su Chinese Garden: In Portland's Old Town Chinatown, there is a very special place for fans of this ancient calming beverage. The Lan Su Chinese Garden is an authentic Chinese garden with beautiful koi ponds and a 50-seat classical teahouse. Tao of Tea brings you an authentic tea experience that is both refreshing and delicious.
- Tour the Shanghai Tunnels: The Shanghai Tunnels are an iconic and nefarious part of Oregon's history. They were originally built to load cargo on ships that used the Willamette River as a shipping route. The use of the tunnels quickly became more sinister when men were kidnapped to work as slaves in the ship trade. Now, you can tour these perhaps haunted tunnels on a fascinating tunnel and brewery tour.