Are there Unique Shopping Destinations in Portland Oregon?

Portland, Oregon is a city known for its outdoorsy and eccentric vibes along with its hipster culture — why wouldn’t it have some amazing shopping destinations, too? With Oregon’s light sales tax and special tax-free days for shoppers, the city is full of great bargains and unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking for some unique shopping destinations in Portland, Oregon, you’ve come to the right place.

The awesome thing about shopping in Portland is that you’ll find something to fit everyone’s taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for vintage finds, handmade items, locally-made crafts, or luxury goods, you’ll be certain to find it in Portland. You can spend your time perusing one of the many hip thrift shops for cool vintage finds at a great price, or splurge on a designer item at one of the luxe boutiques. Here are some of the must-visit shops you’ll want to hit up during your shopping spree:

Vintage & Thrift Shops

• Red Light Clothing Exchange – Offering everything from preppy to punk, Red Lighted Clothing Exchange is the perfect spot for thrifters of all types. The two-level shop is stocked to the brim with secondhand merchandise, so be prepared to dig!
• Lose the Label – This vintage shop on the east side of Portland is packed with pieces from the “50s through the “90s, ranging from clothes to shoes and accessories for both men and women.
• Labels Resale – Labels Resale is part of a vintage shop chain that carries name brands like Pendleton and Vuitton — but at a fraction of the cost. Find clothing and accessories from top designers at just a fraction of the price.

Handmade & Crafts

• Holthaus Hall – Holthaus Hall is a quirky shop located in Portland’s historic Chinatown that carries handmade craft and curious artifacts sourced from around the world. Browse jewelry, housewares, books, clothing and more.}
• Lou Lou & Company – This quirky shop specializes in vintage home goods and handmade art — making it one of Portland’s most charming stores. Shop for jewelry, decor and more at their store in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
• Condition – This shop is all about nostalgia with a portfolio of new and vintage toys, board games, books, magic items and other retro treasures that are sure to call us back to a simpler time.

Luxury Boutiques

• Rio – Rio is a sleek boutique where you can find everything from lingerie to ready-to-wear pieces that are perfect for work and evening wear.
• Mr. Wonderful – Mr. Wonderful is an upscale boutique with designer fashion from local loving labels like Paloma Wool to international favorites like Isabel Marant.
• Union Rose – Union Rose is the perfect spot for accessories like handbags and jewelry from up-and-coming designers like Larkspur & Hawk. You’ll be sure to find that perfect accent piece here.

As you can see, there are plenty of unique shopping destinations in Portland, Oregon — no matter your price range or style preference. From smaller thrift shops to upmarket boutiques carrying designer goods, you’ll certainly be able to find something special here! So no matter when you visit Portland don’t forget to leave some extra room in your suitcase to take your new treasures home.

An Insider’s Guide to Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon is a city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The city is famously known as the “City of Roses” and is known for its lush parks, nature trails, and vibrant downtown vibes. Portland is also a popular destination for its unique shopping destinations. In this insider’s guide, we will explore the best shopping districts, local attractions, dining spots, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for tourists visiting Portland.

Exploring Portland’s Shopping Districts

Portland is home to a variety of shopping districts, each with its unique charm and offerings. Here are some of the best shopping districts worth exploring:

Pearl District

The Pearl District is Portland’s most fashionable neighborhood and is home to high-end boutiques, art galleries, and trendy shops. Visitors should explore the North Park Blocks, which is a four-block park with fountains, sculptures, and greenery. The Pearl District is also famous for its galleries, including the Portland Art Museum and the Jamison Square Fountain.

Hawthorne District

The Hawthorne District is a street lined with indie boutiques, vintage stores, and unique markets. The district has a laid-back, bohemian vibe and is known for its thrift stores. Visitors should check out the House of Vintage, which is a large vintage emporium that sells clothing, furniture, and accessories.

Alberta Arts District

The Alberta Arts District boasts a vibrant creative community and is home to unique art galleries, design studios, and quirky shops. Visitors should not miss the Alberta Street Fair, which is a bi-annual street festival that celebrates local artists and musicians.

Local Attractions in Portland

Portland is known for its breathtaking nature and iconic landmarks. Here are some of the must-visit local attractions:

Powell’s City of Books

Powell’s City of Books is a must-visit landmark that spans an entire city block and is the largest independent bookstore in the world. The store has over a million books, including rare and out-of-print titles. Visitors can easily spend an entire day browsing the aisles.

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene oasis in the middle of the city. The garden features authentic Japanese landscapes, waterfalls, and a traditional tea house. Visitors should not miss the Spring or Fall, when the garden is at its most spectacular.

International Rose Test Garden

Portland’s International Rose Test Garden is a must-see for flower lovers. The garden has over 10,000 roses of 650 varieties and is the oldest continuously operated rose test garden in the United States. Visitors should take a leisurely stroll through the garden and learn about the different varieties of roses.

Dining in Portland

Portland is known for its diverse food scene, with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, food trucks, and coffee shops. Here are some dining spots worth exploring:

Screen Door

Screen Door is a beloved southern-style restaurant that serves hearty breakfast and comfort food. Visitors should try the famous fried chicken and waffles or the Cajun-grilled catfish.

Food carts in downtown Portland

Portland is home to over 600 food carts that serve an array of international cuisine. Visitors should not miss the Alder Street Food Cart Pod, which features over 60 food carts serving everything from Thai food to BBQ.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a Portland institution that has been crafting specialty coffee since 1999. Visitors should visit the downtown location to taste one of the world’s best coffee, and watch the roasting process while enjoying a warm pastry.

Cultural Experiences in Portland

Portland is a city rich with cultural experiences, from museums to art galleries. Here are some worth exploring:

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a popular museum that features interactive exhibits on science, technology, and environmental issues. Visitors of all ages can learn about the wonders of science through hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations.

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum is a great place to experience local and international art exhibits. The museum hosts over 40,000 works of art, including classical and contemporary art. Visitors should not miss the Native American art exhibition and the Northwest art exhibition.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

The Lan Su Chinese Garden is an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden that features Chinese architecture, landscapes, and cultural activities. Visitors can take a tour of the garden and participate in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For visitors looking for unique experiences in Portland, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

Pedal Bike Tours

Pedal Bike Tours is an eco-friendly way to explore Portland’s landmarks, parks, and secret spots. Visitors can take a guided tour of the city via bicycle and see the hidden gems of Portland.

Forest Park Hike

Forest Park is a 5,200-acre forested park that provides a nature escape from the bustling city. Visitors can hike the various trails or join a free guided hike to learn about the flora and fauna of the park.

Powell’s Rare Books Room

Powell’s Rare Books Room is a little-known gem inside the vast bookstore. The room features rare and valuable books, manuscripts, and autographs. Visitors should ask the staff for a tour of the hidden vault.

Conclusion

Portland is a fantastic destination for tourists looking for unique shopping, local attractions, dining, and cultural experiences. From exploring the various shopping districts to hiking the trails in Forest Park to discovering rare books in Powell’s City of Books, visitors can find something to do in this vibrant city.