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Powell's City of Books


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 342 attractions in Portland
Traveler Description: Powells City of Books Over 30 years ago, Walter Powell decided to stock all editions of books, whether they were hardback, paperback, new or used... more »
Know about Powell's City of Books? Share your expertise with other travelers. Add to this description now.
Attraction type: Specialty shop
Activities: Shopping
Address: 1005 W Burnside Portland, OR
Tel: 503 228 4651

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
misskittylv   17 contributions
Las Vegas
Oct 26, 2009

WOW! What a neat store. Powell's is an experience in itself! It takes up an entire city block and is stuffed to the gills with every kind of book imaginable! My husband and I spent hours here, just browsing through the shelves. it's overwhelming, really. I was looking for a specific book that has been out of print for about... more

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5 of 5 stars
indiestace   12 contributions
Napa, CA
Aug 30, 2009

First let me say, I'm a writer. That said, I wasn't super interested in going to a massive bookstore, however famous. Although, when I thought about it, I realized how much I enjoy an hour or two in just a good Barnes & Noble, not to mention a local spot. A Portland native friend of mine told me I HAD... more

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5 of 5 stars
iloveloveseaotters   43 contributions
Mill Creek, Washington
Aug 17, 2009
2/2 found this review helpful

Powells is my favorite store in the whole world! I am a major book worm and if you can't find what you are looking for at Powell's, chances are you'll never find it! The store is so huge that you can literally (pun intended) get lost in here. Luckily the store is color-coded and there are even store maps available.... more

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5 of 5 stars
HawaiiRita   5 contributions
hawaii
Aug 8, 2009

Powells has several locations in Portland,we only went to this one. Three floors and many rooms of books, could spend the day or days there. Staff is very helpful and knows where everything is immediately. Great time, nice coffe shop. Gotta go there!!!! Parking lot across the street...have to pay but it's for the whole day, $8.95. Can catch bus... more

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5 of 5 stars
natalieangela2001   2 contributions
natalieangela2001
Jul 2, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

There's an overwhelming selection of books and staff is so friendly. It's so nice I'd hug the building <3 more

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5 of 5 stars
trusomus   9 contributions
Yakima, WA
Apr 25, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

There really isn't much to say about Powell's, but if you love books, great bargins, and need to find a hard to find book, then this is your place. Simply stated, this place is huge and has more books than I could believe. Not only were there great deals on on many of the tables, but when I went to... more

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5 of 5 stars
iammahler   4 contributions
Vancouver, Canada
Apr 13, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

From my description, the main bookstore is a library. Powell has a huge collection of various interests, some that the big name stores don't usually carry. If you are lucky, you may be able to find very good deal on used or older edition books. The only regret that I had is not having enough time there. On the good... more

Heaven
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5 of 5 stars
WI_Traveller   66 contributions
Beloit, Wisconsin
Apr 13, 2009

I absolutely loved this place. Great atmosphere, awesome selection, and friendly staff. Located right downtown, you could easily spend all day in here looking at books. more

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4 of 5 stars
rowboat07   3 contributions
Pittsburgh, PA
Nov 18, 2008

I was recently in Portland and made a stop to Powell's. My only regret is that I did not give myself enough time to shop! They have about 7 different rooms full of books (get the map or else you might get lost). There are books you see in an everyday bookstore, but a lot of the books are gently... more

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4 of 5 stars
alf9386   3 contributions
Upland, California
Sep 16, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

I liked it! I'm not a huge reader but it was fun to go and look around. The store is cool because it take up so much interior space that you forget you are in a city! more

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Powell's City of Books Address

1005 W Burnside, Portland, OR
Tel: 503 228 4651