Pearl District | The Official Guide to Portland

The chic Pearl District features galleries and cultural institutions, as well as stylish shops and acclaimed eateries.

In the Pearl, loading docks and cobblestone streets hint at this former warehouse district’s past, while stylish bars and gleaming lofts point toward the future. Read on for our favorite things to do and see in Northwest Portland’s Pearl District.

Where to Stay in the Pearl

A stay amid the condos and galleries of the Pearl District puts you in the heart of the city, with easy access to shopping, dining and cultural offerings, along with proximity to downtown, Old Town Chinatown and Northwest Portland.

Northwest Portland Hotels

Find a great sampling of the city’s cultural offerings, including fine dining, art and nature, while staying in Northwest Portland’s Pearl District and Old Town Chinatown.

Where to Eat and Drink in the Pearl District

Start your morning or midday with a sip of espresso from Barista tucked into a building lobby with outdoor seating on a charming wooden loading dock. Needing less caffeine? Find your way to Tea Bar and peruse their selection of tea lattes. For baked goods and quick bites, try Lovejoy Bakers, where you’ll enjoy pastries, creative sandwiches and sunny outdoor seating, or elevated deli fare from HG Provisions, like charcuterie, freshly shucked oysters and grab-and-go gourmet sandwiches.

Step into fine-dining spot Andina and enjoy live Latin-inspired music at adjoining Bar Mestizo before dining on cebiche, tamales, empanadas and other Novo-Andean tapas dishes at this celebrated Peruvian restaurant. Other Pearl favorites include Khao San, serving authentic Thai food in a Thai street setting. Pizza and Italian dishes made of fresh Northwest ingredients are on the menu at Piattino. Get your fill of sustainably sourced fish at Yama Sushi and Sake Bar. And for dessert, try Miss Oz Ice Cream.

Known for its Brewery Blocks, nightlife begins in the Pearl District. Sample some Northwest beers at Deschutes Brewery & Public House or enjoy limited edition brews in addition to their most popular beers at 10 Barrel Brewing. For a sample of Portland’s craft spirits scene, a mixologist at Teardrop Cocktail Lounge will serve up classic cocktails with house-made tonic water, bitters and specialty liqueurs. Or, for a no-frills, dive-bar try Low Brow Lounge.

  • Froelick Gallery

    Since 1995, Froelick Gallery has exhibited and represented contemporary artists with strong and independent voices.

  • Augen Gallery

    Founded in 1979, this Pearl District gallery showcases artwork by nationally and internationally known contemporary artists and printmakers.

  • ILY2

    This experimental gallery, ILY2 (an abbreviation of “I Love You Too”), was founded in 2020 by artist and philanthropist Allie Furlotti to support other creators with “radical generosity.”

  • Adams & Ollman

    This art gallery specializes in work by self-taught, 20th-century American artists and contemporary artists whose practices reflect an intuitive influence.

  • Blue Sky Gallery

    Founded as the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts in 1975, Blue Sky is a venue for local photography. The organization has expanded its offerings over the last 35 years to include national and international artists.

Things To Do in the Pearl District

The Pearl District was once the art mecca of Portland, though you can find incredible artists and makers all over Portland these days, the Pearl still boasts some of the best galleries and a time-old tradition, First Thursday, when the galleries open their doors after hours and local artists flock to the streets to showcase their work.

For an urban area in the central city, the Pearl District offers more parks and green spaces than you might expect. Tanner Springs Park is a full city block of wetlands, walkways, stairs and sitting areas, providing a glimpse of the neighborhood’s pre-industrial roots. Jamison Square, two blocks to the south, features a fountain that creates a wading pool during the warmer months; The Fields Park, one block north of Tanner Springs Park, is a green space where you can get in some quality time with your friends, family or dog — or just lie back and soak up some rays.

In addition to a pleasing blend of wetlands and walkways, the Pearl District’s Tanner Springs Park offers easy access to restaurants, bars, shopping and attractions.

Portland Center Stage at the Armory brings classic and contemporary theater in a beautifully transformed former armory, featuring a large stage and a smaller black box stage on the lower level. True to its origins, Portland Center Stage started as a mostly classical theater company, now commissioning its own plays from leading national playwrights and bringing the best new work to town from around the country, and offers its space to smaller Portland theater companies, like PETE.

Find Powell’s City of Books and Oblation Paper & Press, among blocks of big brand stores for all your shopping needs, from street and outdoor wear to shoes, dresses and jeans.

More Portland Events

Visit our events calendar to discover even more things to do in Portland. Search by date, event type and more.


Downtown and Central City Shopping

Downtown Portland boasts a wide array of shopping options, from major national and international retailers to locally owned boutiques and specialty stores.


Downtown Restaurants

From former food carts to fine international dining, you’re always just steps away from great restaurants in downtown Portland.

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