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Powell's City of Books

1005 W Burnside St · Portland, OR

Why you should go…

Powell's City of Books occupies an entire block in Portland's Pearl District and is widely considered the largest independent bookstore in the world. Nine color-coded rooms sprawl across multiple floors, mixing new releases with used copies shelved side by side.

  • #bookstore
  • #independent
  • #pearl district
  • #browsing

Good to know

General shopping guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Vendor hours are their own thing

    Market stalls and independent sellers keep shorter hours than the building around them, and quiet days end early.

  • Bring a tote and a little cash

    Smaller sellers do not all take cards, and bags are rarely free.

  • Weekdays browse, weekends buzz

    Pick the weekday for a proper look at the shelves and the weekend for the atmosphere.

  • Ask about shipping

    If something will not survive the suitcase, plenty of sellers will send it home for you.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Powell's City of Books, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education

    Under $25

    Portland's Jewish history museum and Holocaust education center, the only Jewish museum in the Pacific Northwest.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Portland Food Cart Pods

    Under $25

    Downtown blocks packed with dozens of independent food carts serving everything from Thai to Halal to Georgian khachapuri.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Gray Line of Portland

    $25–$50

    Hop-on hop-off pink trolley tours of Portland plus seasonal day trips along the Columbia River Gorge waterfall corridor.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Portland Saturday Market

    Free

    A sprawling open-air arts and crafts market under the Burnside Bridge, running weekends since 1974.

    0.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Betsy & Iya

    Free

    A Portland jewelry studio and shop making ethically sourced wedding rings and handcrafted fine jewelry.

    1.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Fiber Rhythm Craft & Design

    Free

    Shop a friendly Portland yarn and fiber arts store stocked for knitting, weaving, and felting.

    1.8 mi awayMore like this