According to forum posts, some of Portland's top attractions include the Japanese Gardens, known as some of the best outside of Japan, and Washington Park, which houses the Pittock Mansion and Rose Garden. The Portland Art Museum also comes highly recommended for those interested in cultural experiences.

Forum users have highlighted Portland's vibrant food scene, with a focus on vegan and vegetarian options like Blossoming Lotus. The Pearl District is noted for its art galleries and boutiques, offering both shopping and visual arts experiences.

For nature enthusiasts, posts suggest visiting Forest Park and the nearby Columbia River Gorge for outdoor activities. The waterfront area and the Saturday Market are also popular for leisurely outdoor activities and experiencing local crafts and foods.

According to forum posts, The Nines is highly recommended, especially the Club Level, for its dining options such as Departure and Urban Farmer. The Benson, the Heathman, and the Inn at Northrup Station are also frequently suggested for their good reputation and central location.

Some travelers have highlighted that The Nines offers a luxurious stay with preferable amenities. The Inn at Northrup Station is noted for its vibrant ambiance and proximity to local attractions, making it a favorite for both short and longer stays.

Travelers have called out the Pearl District and the Nob Hill area as desirable locations for hotel stays due to their access to restaurants, bars, and shops. The McMenamins properties, including the Crystal Hotel and the Kennedy School, offer a unique, more local experience with a reasonable price point.

For many users, factors such as proximity to public transportation, ease of access to local attractions like Powell's Books, and the availability of parking are important. These criteria often influence their hotel choice in Portland.

According to forum posts, travelers exploring downtown Portland have a few parking options. SmartPark garages are highlighted as affordable choices with rates like $5-$6 overnight or a maximum of $12 daily. These garages do not offer in/out privileges, which means you'll need to pay each time you exit.

Some travelers mentioned that metered parking in the Downtown District operates from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, costing about $2.00 per hour. Outside these hours, street parking is free, though early morning meter feeding is necessary.

For those looking for possibly cheaper or different parking options, users suggested considering parking at the airport economy lots and taking public transit downtown. This could be a more economical choice if the plan includes leaving the car parked for extended periods without needing access.

According to forum posts, Portland offers a robust public transportation system, primarily managed by TriMet. Travelers have called out the helpfulness of the TriMet website for planning trips around the city. Additionally, Google Maps is recommended for real-time bus, streetcar, and light rail stop information.

For intercity travel, some travelers mentioned the availability of the Amtrak service and various bus services like Bolt Bus for trips between Portland and Seattle. The Amtrak Cascades is noted for scenic routes along Puget Sound and the Columbia River, although delays can occur due to track sharing with freight trains.

Several users discussed the utility of ride-sharing services like Uber for trips outside the city, such as to Newberg for winery visits, although availability can be limited in remote areas. For airport transfers, services like Groome Transportation are available for direct routes to cities like Corvallis and Albany.

According to forum posts, several areas in Portland are highlighted as family-friendly. The Mississippi/Williams, Alberta, Hawthorne, Division/Clinton, and NW 23rd/21st areas are recommended for their lively commercial strips filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. These neighborhoods are described as fun, clean, and safe, making them suitable for families looking to explore the city's charm.

Travelers have called out specific attractions suitable for families with children. The Oregon Zoo, OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), and the aerial tram are popular for family outings. For outdoor activities, the International Rose Test Garden and various city parks like the Westmoreland Nature Play area provide ample space for children to play and explore.

For accommodations, the Inn @ Northrup Station is mentioned for its family-friendly amenities like full kitchen suites and free passes for the historic streetcar. This hotel is located in the walkable 23rd/21st Street neighborhood, which is rich in dining and shopping options, making it an ideal choice for families staying in Portland.

According to forum posts, several tour options are available in the Columbia River Gorge, including boat-based tours, waterfall tours by bicycle, e-bike, or van, and potentially a Mt. Hood Fruit Loop tour. Some travelers mentioned using Around Portland Tours, which covers Multnomah Falls and other lesser-known falls.

Travelers have discussed specific tour experiences such as a day cruise on the Columbia River offered through Portland Spirit, which also provides dinner cruises. For those interested in more active pursuits, bike tours along the waterfall route are popular, providing an intimate experience of the area's natural beauty.

For visitors looking for a comprehensive experience, it was suggested that they visit the official Portland tourism website for more detailed information on available tours and to help in planning their visit to the Columbia River Gorge.

According to forum posts, the Pearl District offers several accommodation options including the Hampton Inn & Suites, which is noted for being pricey but provides a central location near 9th and Everett. The Canopy by Hilton is also in the Pearl and is often mentioned for its proximity to local shops and restaurants.

Some travelers suggested looking outside the Pearl District for more unique stays. The Inn at Northrup Station, located near the Pearl District, is frequently recommended for its quirky Portland vibe and proximity to dining and shopping areas on NW 21st & NW 23rd. It's noted for offering good value with amenities like a full kitchen and a balcony in its rooms.

Travelers have called out other hotels such as the McMenamins Crystal Hotel for those seeking a funkier stay, and the Residence Inn, which is closer to the river but still within reach of the Pearl District's attractions.

According to forum posts, several hotels near PDX offer amenities suited for travelers with varying needs. The Country Inn & Suites and The Sheraton are highlighted for their proximity to the airport and on-site restaurants. The Radisson Hotel Portland Airport is praised for its spacious rooms and excellent food, and it offers a 24/7 shuttle service that requires a pre-arranged ticket.

Travelers have called out Cascade Station as a preferable area to stay due to its cleanliness, safety, and proximity to dining options like Buffalo Wild Wings and Dave's BBQ. Hotels like the Holiday Inn Express, Aloft, and Hyatt Place are recommended for their central location in this area.

Some users suggest the Kennedy School for a unique stay; it's a renovated school with bars, restaurants, and a movie theater, located a short distance from the airport. For those prioritizing budget, the Best Western Pony Soldier Inn offers breakfast and is near a moderate restaurant, Elmer's.