Portland, Oregon, known as the 'City of Roses,' is filled with rose gardens throughout the city.

This city, where the Columbia River and Willamette River intersect, is a key travel destination in the western United States, attracting millions of visitors each year.

One of the must-visit spots in Portland is Powell's Books. Opened in 1971, this independent bookstore is famous for being the largest used and new book store in the world, occupying an entire city block. Walking through the stacks of books from the basement to the third floor can easily make hours fly by. A color-coded map is provided upon entry, which helps visitors easily find their desired genre sections.

Portland is also renowned for its coffee culture. Stumptown Coffee Roasters, which originated in Portland, has gained national fame as a specialty coffee brand, with locations throughout the city.

Additionally, unique local cafes like Heart Coffee Roasters and Coava Coffee Roasters are plentiful, making it a must-visit city for coffee lovers. Portlanders naturally enjoy the Third Wave coffee culture in their daily lives, placing great importance on the expertise of baristas and the quality of beans.

No discussion of Portland would be complete without mentioning food carts.

There are over 500 food trucks operating throughout Portland, with 'pods' of multiple trucks clustered together in both urban and residential areas.

The downtown pod near SW 10th Avenue and Alder Street, as well as pods in the SE Hawthorne district, are particularly popular. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines, including Mexican tacos, Thai food, Ethiopian curry, and Korean BBQ, all at affordable prices, making lunchtime bustling with office workers.

There are also several food trucks offering Korean cuisine, providing a welcome option for Korean visitors.

Portland is also known for being a bike-friendly city, boasting one of the best cycling infrastructures in the country.

Thanks to the extensive network of bike lanes throughout the city, the percentage of residents commuting by bike is among the highest in major U.S. cities.

Using the bike-sharing service BIKETOWN makes it easy to navigate between downtown and major attractions.

Cycling along the east bank of the Willamette River offers stunning views of the city skyline and the snow-capped Mt. Hood.

The natural scenery near Portland is also remarkable. About a 30-minute drive away, the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the U.S., with numerous waterfalls hidden throughout the gorge.

Multnomah Falls, the most famous of these, features a majestic waterfall that reaches about 189 meters in height, overwhelming visitors.

Additionally, about 1 hour and 30 minutes east of Portland, Mt. Hood, standing at 3,429 meters, is the highest peak in Oregon, serving as a hub for outdoor recreation year-round, including hiking and skiing. The culture of Portland residents strongly emphasizes weekend getaways into nature.

The restaurant scene in Portland is also a highlight for tourists. The brunch culture is particularly developed, with long lines forming outside popular restaurants on weekend mornings. Voodoo Doughnut, known for its quirky and creative doughnuts, always has tourists lined up in front of its pink building.

Willamette Valley wineries, famous for their Pinot Noir, are located just south of Portland, making it an excellent base camp for visitors looking to enjoy wine tours.

Portland's food culture is deeply rooted in the 'Farm to Table' philosophy, emphasizing local ingredients, allowing many restaurants to serve dishes made with fresh Oregon produce.

One of the main attractions is the International Rose Test Garden located in Washington Park. This garden, with over 7,000 rose bushes, has been a top free tourist destination in Portland since it opened in 1917, blooming beautifully every June.

Within the same park, the Portland Japanese Garden offers a serene space for relaxation amidst its meticulously designed Japanese landscaping. The Portland Art Museum, the largest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, boasts a wide-ranging collection from Native American art to contemporary works.

Public transportation is also well-developed. The MAX Light Rail connects downtown with the airport and surrounding cities, while the Portland Streetcar circulates between downtown and nearby residential areas. The TriMet bus system operates extensively, allowing easy travel throughout most of Portland without a car. Portland International Airport (PDX) has been recognized multiple times as one of the best airports in the U.S., with comfortable facilities and efficient layouts.

As the slogan 'Keep Portland Weird' suggests, Portland is a city proud of its unique character, artistic sensibility, and diversity. The atmosphere created by its progressive values and environmentally conscious citizens provides fresh stimulation and inspiration for first-time visitors.

If you're planning a trip to the western United States, Portland is a city that must be included in your itinerary.

I hope this serves as a helpful reference for your enjoyable journey.