Trip Planner:   USA  /  Oregon  /  Portland  /  Powell's City of Books

Powell's City of Books, Portland

4.8

#1 of 2,113 in Things to do in Oregon

Gift & Specialty Shop Shopping

• ©
• ©
• ©
• © +8
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©

Powell's City of Books fills an entire city block, where it sells new and used books. The company claims to be the largest independent bookstore in the U.S. It buys over 3,000 books every day to sells in its used and rare book sections. Be sure to stop by the rare book room where autographed copies and rare editions are displayed. Called "the coolest bookstore in the world" by CNN, the store hosts art exhibits and author events. Visit the website for a list of upcoming book signings. Plan to visit Powell's City of Books during your Portland vacation using our convenient Portland journey site.

more less

Create an itinerary including Powell's City of Books

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Powell's City of Books Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5,325 reviews

Google

4.8

facebook

5.0

10 likes

• By Alan K

  This is what a book store should be, full of great materials, a coffee shop, lots of knowledgeable folks to get you oriented and no lack of options both in terms of used and new books. Well worth the....  more »

• By TraciL149

  Powell’s is huge and amazing! Great selection, nice cafe, every genre imaginable. Plus the rare book room is sexy.  more »

See more on TripAdvisor »

Google

• By Diane Slack

  So much fun! Floors and floors of books, knickknacks, etc. There is something for everyone to love. Great for gift shopping. This store is a tourist attraction for anyone visiting Portland, Oregon or it's surrounds. The staff was happy and friendly and knowledgeable. Prices were reasonable. We had no trouble parking. Great outing. I could have purchased more but I was very satisfied with what I bought.

  more less
• By Luke Daniel Worle

  Stellar, unique and a literary universe unto itself, this famed bookstore more than warrants the kudos. You can find pretty much any book under the sun in all categories. The book staff is very knowledgeable and a great asset. You can scour pages galore here, spending hours in blissful solitude or just get a book (or 6) to go and read at home. It's also great to see bookstores still in vogue as Kindles inherit the earth. This store is also very Portland in the best way possible. It's a winding maze of layers and you can easily get lost here with so many vibrantly engaging options. You might even strike up some good conversation with some of the locals (and some of the famous ones at that) that frequent this deliciously trendy and gorgeous warehouse of books. A must for visitors to Portland and a must for residents as well. Great place! Believe the hype.

  more less

See more on Google »

Places to stay near Powell's City of Books

Plan your trip to Portland

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.