Top Portland Cultural Tours

This tour goes above and beyond your average city tour. Accompanied by an expert local guide who has deep insight into the history and culture of each district, this tour of Portland allows guests to stop at iconic Portland destinations and venture off the beaten path to discover exciting hidden gems of the city.

Head out to the Columbia River Gorge for half a day of visiting cascading waterfalls and scenic overlooks with this tour from Portland. You'll visit Multnomah Falls, the highest waterfall in the state, as well as lesser-known falls throughout the region. You'll also have the chance to take mini-hikes in the area to get better views of waterfalls and the surrounding scenery.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to explore the city's sights, this tour promises an enjoyable overview of Portland's unique charm. As you drive through historic districts, your guide will provide fascinating commentary on Portland's evolution from a dense forest, to rugged pioneer "Stumptown," to the lively tourist destination it is today. One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the historic Pittock Acres, where you can admire the beautiful landscape and catch a magnificent view of Mt. Hood. Another not-to-be-missed stop is the International Rose Test Garden, home to over 300 colorful varieties of roses, offering a sensory experience unlike any other. We will cross the Willamette River on an iconic bridge, then explore unique east side locations beloved by locals. No matter the route, you'll witness both historic and emerging neighborhoods, a testament to Portland's rich heritage, architectural diversity, and continual evolution.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the day on this guided tour to Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls. Travel along the historic Columbia River Highway National Scenic Byway and stop at the magnificent falls of Multnomah, Latourell, and Bridal Veil.

Explore Portland’s dark side on this thrilling outdoor walking ghost tour through the city’s most haunted historic sites. Led by expert local guides, you’ll uncover chilling tales of restless spirits, eerie legends, and true crime events that still haunt the streets today. Visit infamous locations like the Shanghai Tunnels, Old Town Pizza, and the Roseland Theater while hearing spine-tingling stories of Portland’s shadowy past. This tour is fully outdoors and runs nightly year-round—perfect for history buffs, ghost hunters, and anyone who loves a good scare. Walk the haunted streets of Portland—if you dare.

Visit many of Portland's prettiest parks and neighborhoods with this small-group tour of the city. Your local guide will tell you all about local history and culture while you visit downtown attractions such as Waterfront Park, Pioneer Square, and the South Park Blocks. You’ll also head up to Washington Park, site of the International Rose Garden, and to the historic Pittock Mansion for fantastic city views.

Escape the city for an afternoon exploring some of greater Portland's most scenic falls. Travel along the Columbia River Gorge, home to the largest concentration of waterfalls in the country, stopping at the epic Latourell Falls and Multnomah Falls. Enjoy panoramic views from the Crown Point Vista House and hear about the local legends and natural history of the area from your guide.

There’s nothing better than exploring Astoria at your own pace, with a flexible itinerary tailored to your preferences. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Astoria, Oregon's oldest American settlement. From its roots as a vital port city to its iconic landmarks, Astoria offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and coastal charm. Discover its significant role in American exploration and maritime history, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. This full-day tour takes you through the highlights of Astoria, offering a memorable journey through Oregon’s coastal heritage.

Experience the best of Portland's chocolate and coffee scenes with this small-group walking tour, departing from downtown Portland. On this roughly 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) walk, you’ll visit popular coffee shops and lesser-known spots, learning about coffee and chocolate along the way. You'll also visit Azar Indulgences, where chocolate is paired with international wines.

See the best of Portland's street art as you cruise around the city on a bicycle with this group tour, limited to 16 participants. After getting you fitted with a bike and a helmet, your guide will take you through the city's inner eastside, where you'll see gargantuan murals, check out interesting shops, learn about street art, and get the chance to take lots of photos.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Columbia River Gorge on this full-day trip from Portland to Mount Hood! With your small group, take a guided tour of such iconic Oregon destinations as Multnomah Falls and the famous Timberline Lodge, and enjoy lunch in the charming city of Hood River. Your tour also includes pickup from over 60 hotels in Portland and a private or small-group option.

Our small group Eastside Coffee Roaster walking tour takes you to the makers who have called the neighborhood their home for decades, each with a different approach to coffee roasting and brewing. Across from downtown Portland, the industrial neighborhood has transformed from manufacturing and warehouses to the heart of passionate creators: artists, chocolate makers, food innovators, and every kind of free spirit. Portland has the most coffee roasters of any city in the world, and we would argue some of the most earnest and unique origins and barista artistry is happening right where Around Portland Tours makes its home. The tour in total is 1.5-3 miles (2-5 km) of walking, tasting and learning. You'll also discover a lot about Portland and how these artisans are nourished. We keep groups small, so you'll have an intimate experience with your passionate guides. Ask about larger private groups.

Travel through four of Portland’s quadrants, and explore 8 to 10 of the city’s unique districts by foot and our European-style streetcar. Stroll, taste, see and learn about what makes Portland so special, with accompaniment of a passionate local, and 2.5–4 miles of slow-paced walking (4–7 km). Starting at Director Park at the edge of the Cultural District in Portland, we will begin our exploration with short streetcar segments interspersed by leisurely walks through several districts. Learn about the Art Museum, visit the Pearl District, explore the historically industrial Slabtown. See the mural district and the space-age buildings in the South Waterfront and into the University District. Walk park blocks and fountains that made the name for Portland’s urban planning, and also brought us into conflict over racial and cultural ideals. Explore how Portland’s activist spirit has challenged its government and structures, before returning you to the center of the city, Pioneer Square.

See Portland like a local—by bicycle—with this guided tour. Your guide will take you on an eight- to 11-mile ride through town, past beautiful neighborhoods filled with flowers and across the river via the pedestrian- and bicycle-only Tilikum Bridge towards downtown, with a stop at a local donut shop for some sugary fuel along the way.

The Columbia River Gorge is known for its dramatic waterfalls and impressive vistas—but if you don't have car, planning a trip from Portland can be tricky. Instead, enjoy a hassle-free way to check off many top attractions in just half a day, all thanks to this small-group sightseeing tour. Visit the historic Vista House, admire Latourell Falls, stop at Multnomah Falls, and more, all while your guide shares insider stories.

Learn about Portland's history as you explore the city with a guide on this small-group tour. You'll meet your guide downtown and head up to the historic Pittock Mansion to take in the views. You'll then continue to the International Rose Test Gardens in Washington Park before heading back downtown to check out the cityscape and sample donuts.

Combine hiking and bicycling on this small-group tour of the Columbia River Gorge, ideal for active travelers. After a minivan ride from Portland to the Gorge, you'll hop on your bike and start exploring, stopping at the Vista House, Bridal Veil Falls, and Multnomah Falls along the way. You'll also visit Latourell Falls, where you'll take a hike al long a 2.1-mile loop trail up to the lower falls.

Get out of the big city and explore the stunning beaches and beautiful towns along Oregon’s northern coast on this full-day, small-group tour from Portland. Visit the charming towns of Manzanita and Cannon Beach—home of the famous Haystack Rock—browse antique shops and art galleries, and stop at several beaches to maximize your time at the Oregon Coast.

Combine two of Portland's quintessential experiences—cycling and food carts—with this small-group guided tour. You'll visit Portland's first major food cart pod, Cartopia, cycle through the flower-filled neighborhoods of Ladd's Addition and Hawthorne, and make a stop at the Scout Beer Tap House, all with a local guide to show you the way.

Solve a self-guided walking quest through Ladd's Addition, Portland's hidden architectural gem in the Southeast. Decode classic ciphers, hunt for landmarks, and explore a maze-like neighborhood with diagonal streets, five rose gardens, and over 100 historic homes. Use Questo app on your phone to follow 15 stops through Ladd's Addition: Seven Corners, Ladd Circle, the historic Hat Museum house, the East and West Rose Gardens, and hidden alleys. Solve riddles, decode A-to-Z ciphers, and find architectural details most visitors miss. Each chapter has its own puzzle and a real piece of Portland history, from the 1891 diagonal street plan to the bungalow and Craftsman homes that define Southeast Portland. Start anytime, pause whenever, and pick up where you left off. Bike-friendly: works on two wheels too. Perfect for architecture fans, repeat Portland visitors looking off the beaten path, families with curious kids, or anyone who wants to keep Portland weird.

Eat and drink your way through downtown Portland with this tour, which focuses on two of the city's most lauded treats: coffee and donuts. Your guide will take you to craft coffee houses to give you an insider view on different approaches to coffee and lead you to a variety of donut shops, many offering tasty treats not found anywhere else in the country.

Explore Oregon’s rocky northern coastline, dotted with beaches and sea cliffs, on a scenic full-day trip from Portland. Travel the picturesque US Highway 101 through quaint beach towns, stopping in Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, and Oswald West State Park. Enjoy panoramic coastal views, geological wonders, and wind-swept beaches without the hassle of self-driving, and learn more from your guide than you would going alone.

See the highlights of Portland in just one afternoon, without having to sort out transportation on this tour. Learn about local history, culture, and everyday life while exploring downtown and its surrounds. Peruse the revamped Pearl District and visit Pioneer Square. Experience what makes Portland and the surrounding area unique with stops at the International Rose Test Garden (seasonally), Pioneer Courthouse Square, NW 23rd Avenue, and more.