Powell's City of Books Tours

Powell\'s City of Books which includes interior views
Powell\'s City of Books showing interior views as well as an individual male
Powell\'s City of Books featuring interior views
Powell\'s City of Books showing interior views as well as an individual male
Powell\'s City of Books showing interior views


Perfect for a rainy-day visit, this famous bookstore is a wonderful spot to visit any day. Browse for hours amid its 1 million books.

People around the world have heard of Powell’s City of Books in downtown Portland. Initially established in 1971, the store now covers a city block and may be the world’s largest new and used bookstore, with a million volumes. Come to purchase a specific book, wander through its many sections or meet a visiting author.

Powell’s can legitimately claim to have “something for everyone” in its 3,500 different sections. Books include out-of-print and hard-to-find titles as well as the top bestsellers in fiction and non-fiction. Make a list of topics you’re interested in before you arrive so you’re sure to visit the relevant sections.

Somewhat uniquely, Powell’s combines both new and used book sales in this large space. Bring your used books in good condition to the on-site counter to see if Powell’s will purchase them for resale. You can also buy greeting cards, souvenirs and games or have a cup of coffee.

In addition to shelf after shelf of books, the store includes several special spots. Go upstairs to the Pearl Room, which includes the Basil Hallward Gallery, for author readings and discussions. Check the schedule featuring dozens of diverse authors each month. Bring your children to the Saturday kids’ story time or join monthly discussion groups in genres such as classics, science fiction or detective mysteries.

Enter the Rare Book Room to see old and valuable books in a quiet, comfortable setting. Among the 9,000 volumes here are a Latin edition of The Jewish War published in Verona in 1480 and a two-volume history of the journey of Lewis and Clark valued at $350,000. This is not an average bookstore.

While you’re welcome to spend hours browsing on your own using the store map, consider arranging a private guided tour if you have a group of eight or more.

Powell’s City of Books has five locations in and around Portland. Be sure to visit the flagship store on West Burnside Street for the ultimate book shopping experience. The store is open from mid morning until late at night. Return for another bookstore experience after dinner in the Pearl District.

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Reviews of Powell's City of Books

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
262
5 - Excellent 82%
4 - Good
50
4 - Good 16%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Spend some time wandering around. There are so many books that you're bound to find one that'll catch your interest.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The rare book room was very disappointing. Nothing that is collector quality.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Can be very busy, especially weekends. Avoid the coffee shop, not very good and tough to find a place to sit.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Powell's City of Books

Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

3.5 out of 5
550 SW Oak Street, Portland, OR
Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
The Paramount Hotel
Mark Spencer Hotel

Mark Spencer Hotel

3 out of 5
409 Sw 11th Ave, Portland, OR
Mark Spencer Hotel
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
545 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel
Dossier Hotel

Dossier Hotel

4.5 out of 5
750 SW Alder Street, Portland, OR
Dossier Hotel
The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR
The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hampton Inn & Suites Portland-Pearl District

Hampton Inn & Suites Portland-Pearl District

3.5 out of 5
354 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR
Hampton Inn & Suites Portland-Pearl District
Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland

Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland

4 out of 5
601 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR
Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

4 out of 5
319 SW Pine St, Portland, OR
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Powell's City of Books

At Powell's City of Books in Portland, Oregon, immerse yourself in a vibrant literary haven while enjoying nearby activities like biking and exploring local art and theater. Don't miss guided book tours, unique city attractions, and diverse shopping options. Capture memorable moments with photo tours and experience the rich cultural offerings this iconic bookstore and its surroundings have to offer.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options include the Portland Saturday Market, just 0.6 miles away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with local goods. Lloyd Center, only 1 mile away, features a mix of entertainment and shopping. If you're up for a drive, explore Alberta Street, 3 miles away, for unique local shops.

Recreation

Explore the vibrant atmosphere at Moda Center, just 0.9 miles from Powell's City of Books, where you can catch a thrilling sports event. For live music and entertainment, head to McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, located 0.2 miles away, and immerse yourself in the lively ambiance.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Portland International Raceway, located 5 miles from Powell's City of Books. For a unique view of the city, ride the Portland Aerial Tram, only 2 miles away. Enjoy scenic hikes at the Waterfront Renaissance Trail Vancouver, 7 miles away, offering beautiful outdoor vistas.

Nightlife

In Portland, the Keller Auditorium offers a blend of culture and romance with captivating performances, just 0.8 miles from Powell's City of Books. For a fun adventure, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade is a vibrant spot only 0.3 miles away, while the Roseland Theater promises entertainment and family-friendly vibes nearby.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Powell's City of Books

When visiting Powell's City of Books in Portland, Oregon, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including urban parks, modern colleges, and private gardens. This vibrant area caters to culture enthusiasts and families alike, offering a rich city experience. Don't miss the chance to visit nearby attractions that enhance your adventure and immerse you in the local charm of Portland.

  • Oregon Convention Center: Located just 1 mile from Powell's City of Books, this bustling event and conference venue offers a vibrant atmosphere ideal for business meetings and conventions. Its modern architecture and spacious halls create a professional environment, perfect for networking and learning.
  • Oregon Health and Science University: About 2 miles away, this modern university blends education with innovation. With its state-of-the-art facilities and research initiatives, it embodies a dynamic city vibe, making it a fascinating place to explore the intersection of health and science.
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park: Just 0.7 miles from Powell's, this urban park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy scenic views of the river, walking paths, and gardens, all while soaking in the lively city atmosphere.

Best time to go to Powell's City of Books

The best time to visit Powell's City of Books is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June62.4°F (16.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July69.1°F (20.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August70.3°F (21.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.9°F (4.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Powell's City of Books

To save money on your trip to Powell's City of Books in Portland, consider visiting between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Booking on a Monday can also help you find cheaper options compared to Saturdays. Use Expedia's search tool to filter for budget-friendly hotels and explore package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Joining the One Key membership program can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future bookings. Don't forget to check out free activities around the city to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Powell's City of Books are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Powell's City of Books is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Powell's City of Books is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Powell's City of Books with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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