There are components of Portland that are always brought up in conversation: the food, the gorgeous natural surroundings, the coffee, and the list goes on and on. Little do people know that there are places that make this city so great, and aren’t brought up as a predominant Portland perk. Here’s a list of 11 hidden gems in Portland:
- Multnomah Whiskey Library
Flickr/Justin Li With over 1,500 different spirits and an array of tasty small plates, this treasure is like nothing else in the City of Roses.
- The Grotto
Flickr/InSapphoWeTrust Tucked away in NE Portland, The Grotto has been serving as one of Portland’s largest and most majestic Catholic sanctuaries for almost 100 years. With botanical gardens and shrines topped with mossy cliffs, this is one of the most gorgeous places in the city.
- Academy Theater
Flickr/Chris[tmas] K These days movie theaters are extremely expensive and overrated. The Academy Theater brings back the joy in going to a movie, by offering a wide range of genres at an unbeatable price.
- Red Light Clothing Exchange
Facebook/Red Light Clothing Exchange Portland has tons of clothing exchange stores, but none quite like Red Light. It has an electric atmosphere and a selection of clothing ranging from all sorts of decades.
- World Foods
Facebook/World Foods Inspired by countries all over the world, this market explores all sorts of traditional foods. They offer fresh produce and high-quality meats, and grocery items that you just can’t get anywhere else in the city.
- Swift Lounge
Facebook/Swift Lounge With delicious bar food and creative mason jar cocktails, Swift Lounge is a dive bar that is a must. They even feature a rotating seasonal mason jar cocktail! Did I mention that you can get a 32oz for only $8?
- The Green Microgym
Flcikr/Danielle Henderson What would be better than energizing a building’s electricity by working out? Nothing! That’s why The Green Microgym is so awesome; it does its best to emit significantly less emissions than any other gym in the city by using the workout equipment as their generator.
- Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Flickr/Marie Opened in 1980, this dimly lit cafe attracts people of all kinds. Each of its tables are named after a different composer, and do strange things like disappear into a slit in the wall or shakes when a button in the kitchen is pressed.
- Glowing Greens
Flickr/Jeff Bernheisel Glowing Greens is an indoor, black light miniature golf course. With rooms themed with pirates and aliens, this place is sure to be something that cannot be missed.
- Longfellow’s Books
Yelp/Longfellow’s Books Everyone knows that Powell’s Bookstore is our beloved staple, but when you’re looking for something more specialized or rare, you’ll want to check out Longfellow Books. Located on the corner of Division and Orange Street, the quality of books from this gem shouldn’t be easily forgotten.
- Cathedral Park
Flickr/ Noël Taking a stroll in Cathedral Park is beautiful for reasons other than its luscious greenery. If you walk directly under the St. John’s Bridge and look west, you can catch the surreal view of some of Oregon’s dreamlike forestry, which makes this view one of Portland’s true hidden treasures.
Are we missing anything? What are other hidden gems in Portland?
Flickr/Justin Li
With over 1,500 different spirits and an array of tasty small plates, this treasure is like nothing else in the City of Roses.
Flickr/InSapphoWeTrust
Tucked away in NE Portland, The Grotto has been serving as one of Portland’s largest and most majestic Catholic sanctuaries for almost 100 years. With botanical gardens and shrines topped with mossy cliffs, this is one of the most gorgeous places in the city.
Flickr/Chris[tmas] K
These days movie theaters are extremely expensive and overrated. The Academy Theater brings back the joy in going to a movie, by offering a wide range of genres at an unbeatable price.
Facebook/Red Light Clothing Exchange
Portland has tons of clothing exchange stores, but none quite like Red Light. It has an electric atmosphere and a selection of clothing ranging from all sorts of decades.
Facebook/World Foods
Inspired by countries all over the world, this market explores all sorts of traditional foods. They offer fresh produce and high-quality meats, and grocery items that you just can’t get anywhere else in the city.
Facebook/Swift Lounge
With delicious bar food and creative mason jar cocktails, Swift Lounge is a dive bar that is a must. They even feature a rotating seasonal mason jar cocktail! Did I mention that you can get a 32oz for only $8?
Flcikr/Danielle Henderson
What would be better than energizing a building’s electricity by working out? Nothing! That’s why The Green Microgym is so awesome; it does its best to emit significantly less emissions than any other gym in the city by using the workout equipment as their generator.
Flickr/Marie
Opened in 1980, this dimly lit cafe attracts people of all kinds. Each of its tables are named after a different composer, and do strange things like disappear into a slit in the wall or shakes when a button in the kitchen is pressed.
Flickr/Jeff Bernheisel
Glowing Greens is an indoor, black light miniature golf course. With rooms themed with pirates and aliens, this place is sure to be something that cannot be missed.
Yelp/Longfellow’s Books
Everyone knows that Powell’s Bookstore is our beloved staple, but when you’re looking for something more specialized or rare, you’ll want to check out Longfellow Books. Located on the corner of Division and Orange Street, the quality of books from this gem shouldn’t be easily forgotten.
Flickr/ Noël
Taking a stroll in Cathedral Park is beautiful for reasons other than its luscious greenery. If you walk directly under the St. John’s Bridge and look west, you can catch the surreal view of some of Oregon’s dreamlike forestry, which makes this view one of Portland’s true hidden treasures.
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