Portland Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Embarking on a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) walk through the heart of downtown Portland offers an immersive exploration into the city's rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation.
Portland unfolds its stories through a series of iconic landmarks, bustling public squares, and artistic expressions that color its streets. You'll encounter not just the narrative of its past, but the living, breathing essence of what makes Portland beloved.

Admire vibrant murals and sculptures that punctuate the cityscape. Witness the symbiosis between architecture and environment. Even the smallest park in America claims its fame among the city's green spaces.

We'll share how Portland changed from a forest, to the wild-west "stumptown," to the vibrant "little" city it has become. This walk isn't just a physical journey but a passage through time, revealing how Portland's innovative spirit has shaped its identity from historic times to the present day.

Each tour may vary, depending on your guide.

Meeting Point

Pioneer Courthouse Square

701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA

Your tour guide will meet you at "the milepost sign" (see our picture) directly across the street from the Pioneer Courthouse building, on the east side of Pioneer Courthouse Square.

What's included:

• Experienced local guide

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Pioneer Courthouse

555 SW Yamhill St, , Portland, 97204-1336, Oregon

We’ll kick off our journey just steps from a true Portland treasure—the oldest federal building in the Pacific Northwest! From there, we’ll set out on foot to explore the heart of downtown, where every block reveals a new layer of the city’s rich history, quirky charm, and vibrant culture.

5 minutes

Pioneer Courthouse Square

701 SW 6th Ave, Broadway between Morrison and Yamhill, Portland, 97204-1410, Oregon

Pioneer Courthouse Square is steeped in history and civic pride. This vibrant award-winning public plaza spans an entire 40,000-square-foot city block at the heart of downtown, serving as a gathering place for locals, visitors, protests, parades, and spontaneous performances alike.

10 minutes

South Park Blocks

Southwest Park Avenue, , Portland, 97201, Oregon

A park that stretches twelve blocks through the heart of the city, forming the Portland Cultural District, where you find the museum, historical society, and home of the Portland Opera. It serves as the central greenspace for Portland State University. Stroll beneath towering elms, oaks, and maples as you pass thought-provoking sculptures along this urban oasis.

20 minutes

Oregon Historical Society

1200 SW Park Ave, , Portland, 97205-2483, Oregon

The Oregon Historical Society was created in 1898 and receives about 44,000 visitors annually.
There is a large two-part mural on this nine-story building called Oregon History, painted by Richard Haas.

Pass by without stopping

Portland Art Museum

1219 SW Park Ave, , Portland, 97205-2430, Oregon

The oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, museum was designed by Pietro Belluschi. It is renown for its simple but effective design and use of materials.

Pass by without stopping

Portland'5 Centers for the Arts

1111 SW Broadway, Portland, 97205-2913, Oregon

At the heart of Portland’s performing arts scene stands the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts—home to five world-class venues that host everything from Broadway shows to symphony performances. The lobby has a striking glass dome.

15 minutes

Animals in Pools

555 SW Yamhill St, , Portland, 97204-1336, Oregon

Whimsical sculptures in downtown Portland

Pass by without stopping

The Portland Building

1150 Southwest Fifth Ave, , Portland, 97204, Oregon

Behold the Portland Building, one of the city’s most iconic—and controversial—landmarks.

10 minutes

Portlandia

1120 SW 5th Ave, Portland Building, Portland, 97204-1912, Oregon

Adorning the front of the Portland Building is Portlandia—a massive hammered copper statue that commands attention. Ask your guide why you won't see it on a postcard.

10 minutes

Mill Ends Park

Southwest Front Avenue and Taylor Street, median strip of SW Naito Parkway, Portland, 97204, Oregon

The tiniest park in America! Often decorated by citizens with tiny animals. You never know what you might see there!

Pass by without stopping

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Front Avenue, , Portland, 97205, Oregon

A 36.59-acre park located in downtown Portland, Oregon, along the Willamette River. Gleefully visited in the summer for it's fountains and bridge views.

10 minutes

Salmon Street Springs

Salmon Street and Front Ave., , Portland, 97205, Oregon

A vibrant, outdoor fountain, running seasonally

Pass by without stopping

Hawthorne Bridge

Main to Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard, , Portland, 97204, Oregon

View the oldest truss bridge in operation in America. They don't call us Bridge City for nothing!

Pass by without stopping

Morrison Bridge

Connects Southeast Morrison and Belmont streets to Southwest Alder and Washington streets, , Portland, 97204, Oregon

One of the most heavily used bridges in Portland, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. Welcome to Bridge City!

Pass by without stopping