Portland is a green, creative city of bridges, bikes, food carts, coffee, craft beer and bookstores, with Mount Hood on the eastern horizon and the Columbia River Gorge close by. It's famous for a "keep it weird" culture, independent shops, farm-to-table dining and a laid-back, outdoorsy attitude.

Come for the food, the neighborhoods and the nature, and plan for rain. The city is divided into quadrants and distinct neighborhoods, each easy to explore on foot or by bike.

Spring (April to May) is mild and rainy, with blooming gardens and the Rose Festival season starting late May to June.

Summer (June to September) is dry, sunny and warm, with occasional heat waves. Best weather, with festivals, farmers' markets and outdoor dining. Late summer can bring wildfire smoke.

Fall (October to November) brings color, cozy cafes and rain returning. Good value.

Winter (December to February) is cool, wet and gray, with occasional snow or ice. Quietest and cheapest.

Check the events calendar. Big festivals, conventions and summer weekends raise prices.

2 days covers downtown, a food-cart pod and a neighborhood.

3 days (recommended) adds Washington Park, a big bookstore visit and a brewery or coffee tour.

4 to 5 days adds the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, Willamette Valley wine country or the Oregon Coast.

Day 1, downtown and the Pearl: morning at Powell's City of Books, then the Pearl District's shops and cafes. Afternoon along the Waterfront and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, plus a food-cart lunch. Evening dinner downtown or in the Pearl.

Day 2, parks and neighborhoods: morning in Washington Park (the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum). Afternoon exploring Forest Park or Northwest 23rd Avenue. Evening in the Alberta Arts District or Mississippi Avenue for dinner and a local bar.

Day 3, choose your own: the Columbia River Gorge and its waterfalls (including Multnomah Falls; check permit or timed-entry rules), or the Oregon Coast at Cannon Beach, or wine country in the Willamette Valley. All need a car or tour. A slower option: Southeast Portland (Hawthorne and Division) for food, shops and a doughnut stop.

Downtown suits first-timers and no-car trips: central, close to MAX, busier and more urban.

The Pearl District suits boutiques, galleries and restaurants: polished and walkable.

Northwest (NW 23rd) suits a residential and shopping feel, close to Forest Park.

Southeast (Hawthorne, Division, Clinton) suits food, bars and a local vibe: bike-friendly, needs rideshare or a bus.

Northeast (Alberta, Mississippi) suits creative scenes and indie shops: lively and a bit farther out.

TriMet runs the MAX light rail, buses and the WES line. The Red Line connects the airport and downtown. The Portland Streetcar loops through the Pearl, downtown and the Southeast. Check current fares and use the Hop card or contactless payment.

Portland is flat and bike-friendly in many areas, and walking works well in the core. Rideshare and scooters are available.

You need a car for the Gorge, Mount Hood, the coast and wine country. Many tours depart from downtown. Oregon has no sales tax, so what you see is the price.

Rain: drizzle is common from fall to spring. A waterproof jacket beats an umbrella.

Food carts: Portland's food-cart pods are a signature experience. Many take cards, but some are cash only.

Cannabis is legal for adults 21 and over. Don't consume in public or drive impaired.

Gas: Oregon now permits self-serve fueling at many stations, but attendants may still be available at some. Follow local signage.

Last call is 2:30 a.m. Tipping 18 to 20% is standard.

Portland's visitor areas are mostly safe, but parts of downtown and Old Town have visible street issues and property crime, especially at night. Stay in busy areas, use rideshare late, and keep valuables secure.

Car break-ins are common at trailheads and in parking lots: never leave valuables visible. In the Gorge and mountains, check conditions and fire closures, and carry water. Wildfire smoke can affect air quality in late summer.

Emergencies: dial 911. Portland has major hospital systems and urgent-care clinics in most neighborhoods. If you take prescription medications, bring a buffer supply.

A waterproof jacket, layers, comfortable walking shoes with grip, sunglasses and sunscreen for summer, a warm hat in winter, and a reusable water bottle. A small day pack for hikes and a bag for bookstore finds.