Top Portland Cultural Tours

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.

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.

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.

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 a side of Portland many people miss with this haunted evening walking tour. In addition to visiting many of the city's most haunted historic sites, including the Shanghai Tunnels and Roseland Theater, hear creepy tales from your guide that bring each attraction to life. A walking tour also lets you see each spot up close.

Immerse yourself in the scenery and story of Portland on this small-group sightseeing tour. With your naturalist guide, visit verdant urban parks, eclectic neighborhoods, and some of the city’s most treasured landmarks including the famous Powell’s Books. Enjoy a breakfast of tea and pastries as you traverse the city in style.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Portland with our self-guided tour, exploring the quirky, creative, and fiercely independent city nestled between the snow-capped peaks of Mount Hood and the rugged Oregon coast. Begin at Pioneer Courthouse Square and wander into Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world, filling an entire city block with over a million volumes. Stroll the warehouses of the Pearl District, then ascend into the West Hills to experience the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden with 10,000 rose bushes blooming beneath Cascade Range views. Cross the Willamette River on the Hawthorne Bridge to discover the murals and vintage shops of the Alberta Arts District. Explore the Lan Su Chinese Garden, taste legendary doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnut, and marvel at the Gothic arches of St. Johns Bridge in Cathedral Park. Beyond the city, visit Multnomah Falls — Oregon's tallest waterfall plunging 189 meters down a basalt cliff in the Columbia River Gorge.

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.

Visit the Museum of the Oregon Territory, in Oregon City (just south of Portland), to explore the rich history of Clackamas County and the Willamette Valley. Discover captivating exhibits, including the latest on Jennings Lodge Camp and the cultural narratives shaped by the river. Learn about the lives of early Oregonians through engaging displays that highlight both everyday life and significant events. This admission ticket grants access to all exhibits, making it a perfect outing for history enthusiasts and families alike.

Experience the best of Portland's chocolate and coffee scenes with this small-group walking tour, departing from downtown Portland. On this roughly 2.0-mile (3.5-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.

Step into the shadows of Portland's past on a journey through the city's most haunted and historic locations. Explore the streets of Old Town and Chinatown as your guide uncovers tales of restless spirits, unsolved mysteries, true crime, and the dark history hidden beneath the modern city. Stand along the waterfront where victims of the infamous Shanghaiing trade were once forced aboard ships bound for distant shores. Visit haunted landmarks including Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, the Roseland Theater, and Old Town Pizza & Brewing, where reports of apparitions, phantom voices, and unexplained encounters continue to this day. Discover how Portland's underground tunnel network helped shape the city's haunted reputation. This family-friendly walking tour blends authentic history with chilling ghost stories, offering an unforgettable evening of mystery, hauntings, and local legends.

A vivid walk through Portland's rough-and-rowdy beginnings. Follow the Willamette from docks to depots, uncovering how river trade, lumber wealth, railroads, immigration, and vice built the city between 1845 and the early 1900s. Expect steamships, saloons, Shanghaiing legends, and plenty of frontier swagger. Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.

The Stevens-Crawford Heritage House in Oregon City, just south of Portland, offers a unique glimpse into early 20th-century life in Oregon. Explore this beautifully restored Edwardian-era residence, originally built in 1908, and learn about the significant contributions of the Stevens family to the local community. This ticket not only grants access to the house, showcasing period furnishings and historical artifacts but also includes admission to the nearby Museum of the Oregon Territory within 30 days of your visit. A journey through time awaits you in this distinctive historical site.

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.

See the highlights of Portland in just half a day on this private tour of Portland. You'll explore downtown Portland and the nearby NW 23rd shopping district, take in city views from the International Rose Test Garden and stroll through Lan Su Chinese Garden. If you come on a Saturday, you’ll visit the PSU Farmer’s Market.

Winery hop through the Willamette Valley, known for its Pinots, with this small-group tour. You will visit three different tasting rooms where you’ll get the chance to sample wine safely, without having to worry about driving. You’ll also stop for lunch along the way, included in the price of the tour.

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.

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.

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.