Downtown Portland, Oregon, is a food-lover’s dream. Everywhere you look—on sidewalks, throughout parks, in parking lots, and on street corners—you will see both restaurants and food carts. The mobile dining phenomenon has taken hold in this city, which is home to more than 470 carts offering fare from Greek gyros to Czech goulash, from tacos to waffles. Some carts even have covered seating areas so that you can enjoy a low-cost meal even in wet weather.

There are also many affordable restaurants if you what you dig is a sit-down meal. Cafes and restaurants which use organic, locally sourced ingredients can be spotted just about everywhere.

After consuming a wonderful meal, you will be ready to hit the streets. The Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a popular area of downtown Portland; it attracts bikers, rollerbladers, and those who simply appreciate a stroll beneath the trees. Many large festivals are held here during the summer months, including some of the events on the Portland Rose Festival calendar.

Portland is a magnet for festivals, and more than 300 events a year take place in Pioneer Courthouse Square, the cultural hub of the city. Regardless of when you decide to visit, you are bound to be downtown for a festival, concert, or, in the summer, a free movie in the amphitheatre.

Downtown Portland is a shopper’s delight. From clothing staples like Ann Taylor to more eclectic shops like 360 Vinyl, there is a store for every taste. Visitors will find clothing, books, music, jewellery, health and beauty, home goods, and even a candy shop in the downtown area.

Major downtown attractions include the Portland Museum of Art and Powell’s City of Books. Powell’s covers an entire block and contains over one million titles at any one time. The events and attractions are always changing; visit Downtown Portland’s website for recommendations on where to eat, stay, and enjoy your time while in the area, as well as in-the-know information about up-and-coming locales.