Most Instagrammable places in Portland, Oregon

(Last Updated On: May 22, 2023)

I donut know how Portland managed to carve such a big spot in my heart. Maybe it was the rainy weather, or its close proximity to great outdoors or its hippy and crunchy environment. Wait or was it, their yummy food truck pods. We had indeed been drinking(Oregon is known for fine wine and drinking establishments).

So here I am, rewinding a little and sharing with you folks 10 MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN PORTLAND, OREGON that made me fall in love with this city.

1. VOODOO DOUGHNUT

Portland is undoubtedly the destination city for donut lovers and one of the iconic donut shops is the VooDoo Doughnut. They have 2 branches in Portland; We went to the one close to Davis St. On Friday morning in 40 degree Fahrenheit, the line was out the door and all the tables inside the store were taken.

We tried the Voodoo doll, Maple cream and the Dirt. The Voodoo Doll filled with raspberry jelly and topped off with chocolate and a pretzel stake quickly topped my favorites. They have a cute pink mural and pink painted truck on the side of the store which are great photo op with those delicious donuts. You can check out a full list of Voodoo Doughnuts here.

Address: 1501 NE Davis St, Portland, OR 97232

2. PORTLAND SIGN OUTSIDE OF ARLENE SCHNITZER

The “Portland” sign lights up the Broadway outside the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall since 1984.

The 65-foot-high “Portland” sign first went up in 1928, when it was opened as the Portland Publix Theatre. In 1930, the sign was changed to say “Paramount,” as the theater was contracted with that studio to show Paramount films. When the theater opened as the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in 1984, the sign was changed back to “Portland.”

Address: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205

3. POWELL’S BOOKS

The largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, is right here, in the heart of Downtown Portland. This legendary book store takes up an entire block in pearl district and houses nine color-coded rooms and over 3,500 different sections of books. They have a chain of bookstores all around Portland selling new, used and out of prints books. Remind me again if this is not the coolest bookstore ever!!!

Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

4. PRESSO COFFEE

I was here for the floral mural. That and also my husband and I wanted to chat over coffee, on a romantic rainy evening, while in Portland. They have beautiful floral mural both inside and outside of the coffee shop which attracts a lot of crowd. Their coffee was also very creamy and smooth. Great place for the 21st century romantics.

Address: 2020 N McClellan St, Portland, OR 97217

5. MULTONOMAH FALLS

Just a 30 min drive, outside of Portland you can visit the magnificent Multnomah Falls. This 611-foot-tall roaring, cascade of icy water fall is one of best natural awe near Portland. You can drive into the parking area off of I-84, and take a 5-minute walk under the highway to experience an exhilarating spray at the base of the falls.

Although you can see the top portion of the falls from the highway, to view both tiers you have to walk to the viewing area. I was mind boggled by the magnitude of the falls as my eyes trailed to the top of the falls from the viewpoint.

For an even closer view, you can walk up-to the Benson Bridge, which spans the falls at the first tier’s misty base.

6. PITTOCK MANSION

A French Renaissance-style château in the West Hills of Portland, which is now famed as Portland’s finest historic house museum.

The mansion was originally built in 1914 as a private home for London-born Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock and his wife, Georgiana Burton Pittock. The interiors of this 46-room estate built of Tenino Sandstone showcases an eclectic collection of styles, including Jacobean, Edwardian, Turkish, and French Renaissance architecture . And, the expansive view of downtown Portland from here, stole my heart.

You can also visit the Portlands International Rose Test Garden while you are here.

7. PORTLAND WOMEN’S FORUM | STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT

Hands down the best view of Columbia River Gorge. A little west off of Crown Point on the Old Historic Hwy 30, it is a great place to take some scenic shots of Vista House set with mountains.

Address: 39210 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019

8. SIZZLE PIE PIZZA MURAL

In the battle between Sizzle Pie pizza vs Ruby’s Jewel Ice cream, I am pleased to say, both won.

We enjoyed some of the best east coast style slices with a west coast style twist at Sizzle Pie after wandering around the Pearl district. You can also take a photo in front of the pizza mural! Sizzle Pie offers vegan, veggie, and meat pizzas.

Address: 926 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97205

9. CATHEDRAL PARK (AND THE ST. JOHNS BRIDGE)

One of the most beautiful steel suspension bridge in Oregon, the St John’s Bridge spans the city’s Willamette River. Some of the best views, are from under the bridge; from Cathedral Park.

10. BLUE STAR DONUTS

You’ll have to try all the famous donut shops of Portland and decide for yourself which is the best. For me, I ended up preferring the taste of Blue Star over Voodoo – the concept of dense, brioche donuts ranging from simple old fashioneds to Mexican chocolate, lemon/poppyseed, and creme brulee with a shot of Cointreau syrup was freshly new to my senses. My absolute favorite was the blueberry bourbon basil, quite tasty yet a unique combination for a donut.

Address: 921 NW 23rd Ave. Portland, OR 97205