Portland Oregon City Tour

SERVICE WITHIN THE PORTLAND CITY LIMITS STATUS: CLICK HERE.
STATUS OF THIS TOUR: NOT ACTIVE

PRIVATE Tour Experience

Highlights

Immerse yourselves in Portland's history on this guided tour
Walk in the footsteps of Portland's original residents
Learn about Portland's light & dark history and hear about the city's colorful characters
Explore these streets and neighborhood's, as you uncover the stories of how it used to be, in the city alongside the river.
Complete your experience with a stop in the "Sailors' Hotel" café, or old-town brewery at Old Town Pizza, located in the lobby of Portland's notorious former Merchant Hotel.

For the Driving Tour Option, see below.

For the Walking Tour Option, go HERE.

You'll be starting your tour at Portland's Living Room, just a stone's throw from the Northwest's oldest public building, Pioneer Courthouse. You can take a quick trip up to the top if you're looking for a good view of the city, but let's not mess around. Let's hop aboard the "number four".

‘Whitechapel" (above). After heading north through the middle of the Skidmore District, you'll find yourself approaching Whitechapel. The hipsters who are too cool for trendy hipster paradise SoHo in central Old Town are all here, hiding behind a coffee mug or a pair of sunglasses. This is a good place for a stop. Grab a coffee in one of the funky cafés, do some people watching, and have a little stroll by the waterside. Wear an ironic hat to fit in. The area called SoHo, "South of Hoyt" is the heart of it. It is a pun driven from SoHo in NY, as the area is transforming into a hub of Portland Culture.
*Here's Rebecca's Hipster things to do: “Wiz Bang Bar, Cheese and Crack Snack Shop, Voodoo Doughnuts, Blue Star Doughnuts, Screen Door or Canard for dinner, Khao Man Gai for lunch, Basecamp Brewing, Funhouse Lounge, Coava, Courier, or Stumptown coffee, or Third Wave Coffee Tours, Wildfang, Powell's Books, Hollywood Theater, Kennedy School Theater, The Jupiter, Jackalope Custom Tattoo, Doug Fir Lounge and Darth Vader in a Kilt.” I might also recommend Old Town Brewing, and the old “Mariner’s Hotel” for a coffee and look around, or Anna Bannana's up on 21st for raw, cutting edge rough and tumble coffee.

Next up is the Waterfront (seen here in summer - yes, it does exist in Oregon). This is another good option for a stop-off. The land next to the river has everything a tourist or local could want, from views of the city, good walks, "beaches"... and it used to play host to a hospital, the Oregon Insane Asylum. It's no wonder the makers of "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest", chose to film it at this Oregon State Hospital. This is your best chance to stretch your legs, so take it while you can.

West Hills. This isn't a stop - rather an experience. You'll be heading west at this point so make sure you're sitting on the right hand side of the bus so you can get a stunning view of the Old Weinhard's Brewery and the Pearl District across Burnside. Pittock Mansion, the old home of Henry Pittock stretching over (30 rooms?), gives perhaps the best panoramic view you can enjoy in the whole city, besides Council Crest, one of our optional stops. But be ready with the camera, the traffic is fast up there.

From here, you'll zoom through the Park Blocks which is great for a spot of shopping and cultural activities and cop-spotting (police HQ and scary remand centre for the crimos around the corner), but once you've passed into the Portland State area, be prepared for the starkly beautiful Old Church, a good reminder that behind Portlanders' hedonistic façade is a long history of spirituality. A few hundred meters down the road, you could pop into the History museum on Park Ave.

Architect A.E Doyle was behind this masterpiece - the City Library, just under Mt. Hood to the right of the steeples in the picture. And it'll be right outside your window. Right outside your left window, in fact, as you travel down 10th Ave. Pop in for a quick spot of Stringberg, or else just enjoy the scene from the comfort of your bus. You can probably download the book later anyway. Oh, and try to change to the left hand side from now on.

The bus will turn left onto Burnside, where you'll spy Civic Stadium (Providence Park). While this picture shows the minor league's Portland Beavers, the arena is known for the women's major league soccer (The Thorns), and for hosting two women's World Cups in 1999 and 2003, and the MLS all-star game in 2014. The arena is most famous for being the oldest facility (1926) to be configured as a soccer-specific stadium for use by the MLS. Nowadays, apart from being a beautiful postcard from the past, it houses the men's major league soccer team (the Timbers).

The Rosa Garden, and Japanese Garden, better known as 日本庭園. is another sprawling view on the tour. Gardens have never looked so majestic. Founded in 1924 and 1963 respectively, the 2 gardens play host to over a million visitors a year, so make sure you've got yourself a ticket by this point or you probably will miss out.

And right at the end of the line we have, mmmm... some commie architecture... well, kinda. Portland's version of a landmark of Post-Modernism is actually the Portland Building (with the Portlandia Statue) for the city administrators while their power-loving colleagues hang out next door. When the barbarian hordes attack, the military will use the windows as archery slits, and lock this complex down toute de suite because the show must go on. Incidentally, the tour and the history lesson end here (unless you prefer to end it elsewhere). But your day is far from over...

You see, from the Portland Building you're about five minutes' walk to both, the world's smallest park, Mill Ends Park, at Taylor and Naito Parkway (Look in the middle of Naito), and the entrance to the oldest vertical lift bridge in North America, the Hawthorne Bridge, well worth a walk across... Or you could just treat yourself to a nice stroll along the S Waterfront.

Learn More.

PRICE QUOTE

3-6 hour DRIVING tour options (4 or 5 hours being the standard)
(Special offers in Jan., Feb., May, Oct., & Dec.)
PortlandCityTour.com

Portland City Experience

A Driving and/or Walking Tour

The bus leaves at 9AM sharp, unless you prefer to leave at some other time.

9AM or 2PM DAILY (DRIVING) - Custom departure times on request or with 5+ hour tours. Walking tours are on request. Half-Day to Full-Day Public or Private Driving Tour

Authentic Portland (& FOOD) Experience

Coffee Drinks + Snacks Are Available - Tailored to your taste

From the massive urban forest to the tiniest park in the world, PORTLAND offers a huge variety of destinations within a surprisingly compact area. Organic coffee shops line the streets of ancient volcanoes and historic buildings nestle up against food-cart pods. Famous for its great beer and wine, the city also has become a center for serious dining on a reasonable budget.

DRIVING TOUR DEPARTURE (MEETING) LOCATION @ 9AM or 2PM or Custom Time
YOUR HOTEL OR DESIRED LOCATION

FINAL ENDING LOCATION:
OLD-TOWN, YOUR HOTEL OR DESIRED LOCATION

WALKING/ GUIDED TOUR -
Walk the Pearl District and/or Downtown/ Old-town for about 3 hours.
AS LOW AS $12.50 EACH.
The Introductory cost on this walking tour is:
$75 for 1
$125 for 2-10 ppl.
$12.50pp for 11-20 ppl.
$75 minimum chg requirement... An additional $1.25-$2.50/person would apply, in case we take the bus to one of our destinations.
CALL US at 503-969-4370 the day before or the day of your desired tour date. Custom rates may apply to Pre-book more than 24 hours. Please Inquire.
This tour is offered DAILY. Start time is anywhere between 9AM and 3 to 4PM, In the middle of winter, we like to start by 1:30PM, and end before it's dark.
This tour option does not include drinks or snacks/meals cost.
Each adult participant must sign the Liability Waiver at the meeting location.
On this walking tour, we will point out some sights and give some history of the Pearl District, Old-town and downtown, while walking from Place to Place.
SPECIAL NOTES: This tour is PRE-PAID, before the start of your tour. Pre-payment required.
If it looks like it's raining, bring boots and your umbrella!
This tour may be open to other participants (i.e. public tour)
Please inquire about this NEW exciting walking City tour.
This tour option is subject to availability, restrictions may apply.
WALKING TOUR DETAILS

ENTER CODE: walkingcitytour

DRIVING OR DRIVING/ WALKING* GUIDED TOUR -
(*Note: You May Request A Driving And Walking Option* If Desired)

DRIVING/ GUIDED TOUR -

3 to 8 HOUR OPTIONS:
Call 503-969-4370 for PRICE QUOTE, or Request it HERE, or
go to $PRICING.

On this driving tour, we will point out some sights and give some history of the district we are in, and the different locations, while going from Place to Place.

PRICE QUOTE

CALL 503-969-4370 OR BOOK ONLINE BELOW.

SEE BELOW FOR TOUR DETAILS

*For the driving and walking option, we recommend an additional 1-2 hours tour time, otherwise we will fit in as many sights as we can within the allotted time.

CLICK FOR DETAILS

THIS PRIVATE OR PUBLIC TOUR INCLUDES:

Guide Phil Colby guiding urban adventurers along 2-3 city quadrants highlighting the City of Rose's many charms, from iconic, idyllic city fountains to the more obscure and out-of-the-way pockets of cool. Why we're the City of Roses
Discovering hidden gems and gardens, historic landmarks, award winning restaurants, old-school hotels and taverns, oddball shops and warehouse galleries in some of the Pacific Northwest's most exciting neighborhoods.
Crossing bridges and time, wandering a Smithsonian-honored boulevard and be regaled with stories of Portland's storied past.
Dropping a few quarters into a vintage arcade, taking 5 in a classic diner or lounge, reveling in the views from the West Hills or opt for all of the above.
A warm welcome from the publican and locals, snack paired with a coffee at one of our stops.
Tailored suggestions of the best restaurants, pubs, events, and attractions for the rest of your trip
Masks are requested inside our vehicles.

ON THIS TOUR, we offer 3 options:

Driving Only (Default; Downtown/ Old-Town; Pearl District; Washington Park and/or Pittock Mansion and special requests, as time allows) - 4 hours*
Driving & Walking (We will see (#1 above), + walking throughout downtown/old-town.) Recommended 1-2 hours extra, otherwise, we will see as much as we can in the allotted time.) - 4-6 hours*
Walking Only (Downtown/ Old-Town or Downtown/ Up-Town (Pearl) Only**) - About 3 hours*. For the Walking Tour, see HERE.

*Standard tour length. Other than standard tour lengths are available, and if you include 2 adjacent tours. Please inquire.
**We will branch-off before we hit the old-town (if time allows) and take a short bus ride the affluent Up-Town to the Pearl District, if desired. Even though the old-town is somewhat down-trodden with homeless around (prepare for it), we recommend the old-town area for its historical aspects.

Whether you're looking for our classic driving tour (with 2-3 get out and walk around stops for UP TO 4 hours), a combination driving/walking tour or a leisurely walking tour for about 3 hours, tread we a measure with My Chauffeur and see Portland!

Please inquire about our tour inclusions.
Note: Items listed above are potential items on our itinerary and are either included or potentially included. We welcome pre-trip requests for items of interest--to be certain they are included. All meals, snacks and beverages are additional cost, unless indicated otherwise.

Click for Zoom & Pano

Photo: Author: Cacophony

Itinerary (Old Town & Chinatown)

What is “Portland”?
How was Portland named, how was Oregon named. See the Portland Penny, and hear the history of DT/Old-town Portland and why it has always been – and will always be – at the heart of Portland culture. Get the inside knowledge from your local expert guide on what makes it Portland.
Enjoy the Mighty Craic
Sit down with the locals in a coffeehouse or pub, enjoy drinks & learn what the “Mighty craic” is, do some crazy stuff and then turn the craic all the way up to 90!
Be Welcomed by Landlords at Family-Owned Locals
Visit Chinatown, the old North End and Burnside street, Portland's own Skid Road. Explore hidden gems frequented by in-the-know locals and take in the story of Portland & Portland's seedy past, discussing such subjects as 'blood money', 'white slavery', gambling & drug dens and Portland's notorious Crimping & Shanghaiing Trade & the infamous Portland Underground that survived from 1850-1941. And discover why many a story, song, or poem has been dreamt up in these eerie recesses with ‘more dark corners than any medieval dungeon’.
Explore the Birthplace of Culture in Portland
Drive or walk through the historic area of Old Chinatown, Old Town, the Skidmore and Yamhill historic districts and hear why the town started in this area. Marvel at beautiful Victorian-era & industrial architecture.
Relax in a Proper Mariner Hotel
Sit down with the locals and finish the tour in a classic hotel from 1881 as a 'safe haven' for sailor's. And try a coffee with a recipe that dates back as well. Sample a secret snack and learn why the scouser Bunco Kelly made this area his usual stomping ground.
Advice and Support for the Rest of Your Trip
We like to stay in touch, so if there are any questions, big or small, for the rest of your trip, we’ll provide them over a coffee and we welcome you to message us post tour.

Please inquire about our tour inclusions.
Note: Items listed above are potential items on our itinerary and are either included or potentially included. We welcome pre-trip requests for items of interest--to be certain they are included. All snacks and beverages are additional cost, unless indicated otherwise.

Learn More.

Questions? Ask PHIL!

PRICE QUOTE & BOOK IT

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Details - Driving Tour

3-8 HOURS (+ OPTIONS)

Median Pricing (Private Tour)

PRICING*
(includes vehicle & driver/ guide)

3 to 4 HOURS:
$60 PER PERSON ESTIMATED
Click HERE for QUOTE.

5+ HOURS:
Click HERE for QUOTE.

If persons are added to your tour (i.e. requested public tour) , pricing will reflect the reduced rate for the person # above. Children are welcome to join the tour, see below*.
For groups of over 21 attendees or any other requests, please email [email protected]

TIME

9AM or 2PM Rain or Shine- Custom departure time available on request, please inquire.

MEETING POINT

YOUR HOTEL OR DESIRED LOCATION (Pickup location costs may apply outside of DT Portland)

AVAILABILITY

DAILY, year-round. Except Dec 25 & Jan 1

INCLUDED*

tour + transportation + driver/guide

NOT INCLUDED

Lunch or Dinner; potential admission fees

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Pricing is based on 3-8 hours. Restrictions may apply. Above pricing is in the median range and is estimated, and may not be accurate--Confirm Pricing HERE.
This is a sedan or van/shuttle bus transport tour. Please inquire about other tour options and rates/availability for our walking tour option and tour bus options for LG groups. Bring umbrellas and walking/rain shoes.

* Pricing is subject to change without notice. The following discounts may apply: Seniors - 20% off, after minimum tour requirement is met, Children 6-17 years - 50% off; Children 5 & under & Birthday person (Only valid once during week of Birthday) are FREE, after minimum tour requirement is met. For discounted or free services: vehicle minimum person costs (or a reduced discount) & maximum person capacity for your scheduled vehicle (if applicable) may apply, please inquire. Other restrictions may apply. Code: Under18discount or B-daypersonfree). Seniors and anyone receiving a discounted or the free B-day service may be required to show their I.D. to receive the discount.

PRICE QUOTE & BOOK DRIVING TOUR