[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Portland

Shopping in Portland offers a unique experience as it has no sales tax. There are many places to explore to find the perfect souvenir. The city’s vibrant maker scene has many unique items to choose from. Thrift stores and vintage clothing shops are also great places to find a special item if you are looking for something more modern, plenty of specialty stores carry iconic brands from the area. 

Along with the larger national chain stores, Portland has many independent shops and boutiques offering unique items. For example, in Mississippi Records, visitors can browse through vintage vinyl, Powell’s City of Books offers books, and Lush on NW 23rd Ave has luxurious bath bombs.

Portland also has three main malls for those who prefer a more traditional shopping experience. Bridgeport Village is an outdoor mall, Washington Square Mall is an indoor mall, and Pioneer Place is a shopping and entertainment center.

The Best Places to Go Shopping in Portland

1. Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland was designed with pedestrian comfort in mind. Its city blocks are only 200 feet per side, providing a compact area with wide sidewalks, perfect for a stroll. From Waterfront Park to Pioneer Square and the Cultural District, one can traverse the entire Downtown area in less than an hour, enjoying plenty of time to window shop. Much of Portland’s finest dining, lodging, and cultural life can be found in the Downtown area.

A transit mall runs through 5th and 6th Avenues for easy access to Portland’s outer communities. Moreover, the Portland Streetcar makes getting around the Downtown area a breeze. Adding to the city’s appeal is its abundance of public art, including the famed Portlandia, the second-largest copper statue in the nation (after the Statue of Liberty).

Downtown Portland is particularly renowned for its shopping opportunities. It has everything from local shops to Pioneer Place, a massive downtown mall. For these reasons, it is widely recommended as the best place for shopping in Portland.

2. Pioneer Place

Pioneer Place is located in the center of downtown Portland, right near Pioneer Courthouse Square. This mall spans four city blocks and features designer name brands and top-quality dining and entertainment options. Some of the most high-end stores in Portland can be found at Pioneer Place, including Tiffany & Co., Ann Taylor, Coach, Eddie Bauer, J. Crew, Francesca’s, Forever 21, Loccitane, Kate Spade, and Nine West. An Apple Store and a new Microsoft store are also featured in this mall. 

Unfortunately, Pioneer Place does not offer free parking. Visitors must park in a nearby parking garage. However, the mall offers some services, such as strollers, wheelchairs, visitor information centers, and an on-site ATM. Due to its impressive collection of stores, Pioneer Place is recommended for the best shopping in Denver.

3. NORTHWEST 23RD DISTRICT –NOB HILL

NW 23rd and 21st avenues offer a unique shopping experience. Located in the West Hills, these streets are lined with trendy shops ranging from fashionable chains like Francesca’s to small independent stores. There’s a little bit of something for everyone, from knick-knacks to shoes. This area is particularly popular with shoppers due to its high foot traffic and a wide variety of dining choices. Coffee shops, pubs, and small eateries are all easily accessible.

The area is also visually appealing, with Edwardian architecture and mature landscaping. This combination of shopping, dining, and aesthetics makes NW 23rd and 21st avenues a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. It has earned its reputation as one of the best shopping areas in the city and is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a unique shopping experience.

4. PEARL DISTRICT –NORTHWEST

The Pearl District is a trendy, urban neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. It is well-known for its high-end lofts, art galleries, and fancy boutiques. The area used to be a center of the industry with numerous factories and warehouses, but most of these moved to the outer reaches of Portland. For years the buildings in the Pearl District were under-utilized, and the neighborhood was deteriorating. 

In the 1990s, the area was revitalized when industrial space was rezoned as residential and creative, mixed-use lofts and condominiums drew in new residents. The neighborhood now has thriving shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. One of its most popular events is the Art Walk, held on the first Thursday of every month. During this event, galleries stay open late, and people can enjoy wine and cheese receptions, live music, and explore the many works of art.

The Pearl District is recommended for best shopping in Portland as it is adorable, easily walkable, and has many items to buy.

5. NORTH MISSISSIPPI

North Mississippi Avenue has become one of Portland’s coolest shopping destinations. The historic buildings that line the street now house an eclectic array of independent shops, offering an alternative style of clothing, furniture, and home décor. One of the most well-known stores is Mississippi Records, an iconic music store. Additionally, the ReBuilding Center, a DIY home-project shop, is a great place to find what you need for your next project.

The street also has a variety of restaurants and nightlife options. Pizza, music venues, pubs, and small unique international restaurants are all available for a night of entertainment. This edgy and artistic area embodies the quintessence of Portland’s historic urban neighborhoods.

For that reason, North Mississippi Avenue is highly recommended for some of the best shopping in Portland. It offers a variety of cool shops and great food, making it a great place to go for a day of shopping and entertainment.

6. HAWTHORNE DISTRICT –SOUTHEAST

Hawthorn is one of Portland’s most diverse and inclusive neighborhoods. It has an alternative, hippy, gay-friendly atmosphere reflected in vintage clothing stores, boutiques, and independent cafes. Powell’s Books, the largest bookstore on Portland’s East Side, is here. McMenimin’s Bagdad Theater is also a popular destination, and several pubs offer nightly live music.

The laid-back atmosphere of Hawthorn makes it a great place to spend a day. Visitors can browse through the stores, have lunch at one of the local favorites like The Cup and Saucer Cafe, and then grab dessert at Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. Because of its unique stores and relaxed atmosphere, Hawthorn has been recommended for some of the best shopping in Portland.

7. ALBERTA ARTS DISTRICT

Northeast Alberta Street in Portland is a vibrant and creative neighborhood. It has shops selling handcrafted items, artsy boutiques, and imported goods. There are also various food choices, from trendy pubs and hip cafes to traditional taquerias. Visitors will also find plenty of art, much of it being of the outsider variety, with most shops and restaurants having rotating shows of local artists. Last Thursday is a special occasion as the neighborhood celebrates with an art walk that is also a raucous street fair, starkly contrasting to the more traditional First Thursday Art Walk in the Pearl District.

The area is consistently expanding and adding new shops each month, making it a great destination for shopping. This is why it has been recommended as one of the best shopping spots in Portland.

8. Lloyd Center

Lloyd Center is located in Northeast Portland near the Oregon Convention Center. It is easily accessed from downtown via the MAX light rail. It is known for being the largest mall in the Pacific Northwest. Around 60 local and national shops and restaurants, a 10-screen movie theater, and an indoor ice rink. 

The mall offers a variety of activities and entertainment, making it a great destination for shopping, dining, and leisure. Visitors can take advantage of the convenient location and enjoy the variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment Lloyd Center offers.

9. 811 Shops

If you’re looking for a new shopping experience, 811 E. Burnside St. in the Central Eastside is the perfect place. This indie mall is full of unique local apparel shops, accessory designers, and a great selection of vintage clothing. You can find something to fit any style or budget. 

The stores here offer everything, from trendy streetwear to classic pieces. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a timeless classic, you’ll find the perfect item in this mall. You can also find gifts for friends or family, from jewelry to accessories. 

The atmosphere in the mall is relaxed and friendly, with helpful staff on hand to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Shopping here is an enjoyable experience, so come check it out and find something special.

10. WASHINGTON SQUARE MALL

Washington Square Mall is a landmark mall located in Portland, Oregon. It features four large department stores, including the state’s largest, Nordstrom. This mall also houses over 170 specialty stores, making it an ideal shopping destination. Among these are some of the only Brighton jewelry stores in Portland and the only Cheesecake Factory. Kids can enjoy the Lego store, and moms can browse through stores like Pottery Barn, Abercrombie & Fitch, and J. Crew.

To make shopping even more convenient, Washington Square Mall has a large food court and an expansive parking structure with a sky bridge leading to Nordstrom and Sears. All of these features make Washington Square Mall a great option for shopping, and it is recommended for some of the best shopping in Portland because it offers stores to suit all needs.

11. BRIDGEPORT SQUARE MALL

Bridgeport Village is an expansive outdoor mall located in Portland. It features both local stores and popular nationwide retailers. Guests should wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of ground to cover. Popular stores include Anthropologie, BCBG, lulumon athletic, J. Crew, The Apple Store, Urban Outfitters, Crate and Barrel, the Container Store, and White House Black Market. The mall is also home to popular restaurants like the California Pizza Kitchen and PF Changs and Koi Fusion, a permanent location of one of Portland’s most popular food carts. Additionally, Bridgeport Village has a large theater. 

It is recommended for the best shopping in Portland because it is an awesome outdoor mall with many great stores.

12. MULTNOMAH VILLAGE

Multnomah Village stands out from its suburban surroundings, located in the hills of Southwest Portland. It is easy to miss this quaint and artsy business district, but there are plenty of reasons to visit. Whether you are shopping for a unique gift or looking for a place to dine after a day of exploration, Multnomah Village has a lot to offer.

The independent shops in Multnomah Village provide something for every taste. Thinker’s Toys is a great place for children of all ages, while Annie Bloom’s Books is one of the best small bookstores in Portland. The Geezer Gallery is also worth visiting, as it is the only art establishment in Portland committed to developing artistic talent among seniors.

In addition to the diverse shopping options, various cafes and pubs provide ample choices for dining.

For these reasons, Multnomah Village is recommended as one of the best shopping areas in Portland.

Shopping in Portland FAQ

What is the main shopping street in Portland?

The main shopping street in Portland is North Mississippi Avenue, one of the city’s hippest areas to shop in. It is home to many independent boutiques and stores, making it a unique and appealing shopping experience that cannot be found in a typical mall.

Is shopping in Portland tax-free?

Yes, shopping in Portland is tax-free! Oregon does not have a sales tax, which is one of the primary reasons visitors enjoy the shopping experience here.

Where to shop around in Portland?

Suppose you are looking for places to shop around Portland. In that case, consider Pioneer Place, Lloyd Center, Downtown Portland, Washington Square Mall, Portland Saturday Market, Pearl District, Portland Farmers Market – PSU, and Nob Hill. These are the top ten places to go shopping in Portland.